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well...this is it...DAY 1--need your help
Well...i knew somebody hooked on pain pills who used this website (a different forum) to quit. I've been a smoker since i was 17....i'm 43 now....it hurts to even do the math and say the number. Anyhow this is day 1. so far so good. I was also a 2 pot a day coffee drinker so far, i've had some OJ and an RC cola. I feel pretty good. Truth is...my life ***** for so many reasons. This is the worse its ever been. But...i suppose if i wait for times to be perfect...i'll never quit. Anyhow...i'd appreciate any support you guys can muster. At the moment I'm optimistic. I feel good so far. Have had some urges but the chantix seems to be helping. Fingers crossed. thanks--jp
Oh my JP, but you made me laugh. Your post on the 6th. Collection is bugging you to pay a credit card bill, but won't talk with you because it's not your account. Oh man, how absurd!!
Funny that Kathy Jo just mentioned starting a new post. I was just going to tell you how sorry I am because this post is so far down, I will admit, I forgot. : (
JP, you sound like you've really got a good mind set this time. Excellent!!!
Your doing just great! So happy to see you're still posting and still quit!
Definitely start a new thread.
Thinking of you : )
Funny that Kathy Jo just mentioned starting a new post. I was just going to tell you how sorry I am because this post is so far down, I will admit, I forgot. : (
JP, you sound like you've really got a good mind set this time. Excellent!!!
Your doing just great! So happy to see you're still posting and still quit!
Definitely start a new thread.
Thinking of you : )
one day at a time.....I won't smoke today and deal with tomorrow as it happens.
I'm sure most everyone felt the loss of their "best friend" and perhaps some do, but the more time under your belt, the less you think about it.
Today is 1 yr. 5 mths., 5 days..........I think about cigarette everyday because I post here, but I haven't wanted a smoke in a while.....I can go days, weeks without thinking about putting one in my mouth. I do dream about it from time to time, it used to be a lot more, but when I do dream about it, I subconciously know that I have quit so the dreams are quite enjoyable : ) In the beginning, when I smoked in a dream, I was ashamed and angry that I allowed myself.....only to wake up the next morning to begin another smoke free day : )
JP, why don't you post your question in a new query. I don't know if people are reading this thread as it is so very long. You might get a better response with a new heading : )
Again, you should be proud of yourself and everything you say makes perfect sense : )
I'm sure most everyone felt the loss of their "best friend" and perhaps some do, but the more time under your belt, the less you think about it.
Today is 1 yr. 5 mths., 5 days..........I think about cigarette everyday because I post here, but I haven't wanted a smoke in a while.....I can go days, weeks without thinking about putting one in my mouth. I do dream about it from time to time, it used to be a lot more, but when I do dream about it, I subconciously know that I have quit so the dreams are quite enjoyable : ) In the beginning, when I smoked in a dream, I was ashamed and angry that I allowed myself.....only to wake up the next morning to begin another smoke free day : )
JP, why don't you post your question in a new query. I don't know if people are reading this thread as it is so very long. You might get a better response with a new heading : )
Again, you should be proud of yourself and everything you say makes perfect sense : )
it sure does Kathy....it sure does.
sometimes....i can't help but feel like i've broken up with a GF and in the back of my mind I know it's the right reasons...but there are things i miss. It's not the same as leaving the door open...but i don't think i'm full convinced yet that i'll never smoke again. Make any sense or am i just rushing things and expecting too much too soon.....would love to hear from people who have stayed quit for over a year.
sometimes....i can't help but feel like i've broken up with a GF and in the back of my mind I know it's the right reasons...but there are things i miss. It's not the same as leaving the door open...but i don't think i'm full convinced yet that i'll never smoke again. Make any sense or am i just rushing things and expecting too much too soon.....would love to hear from people who have stayed quit for over a year.
YAY! Great reasons to give it up and stay quit : )
Wonderful JP.....give yourself an "atta boy" and keep on with the positive thinking : )
Doesn't it feel great to leave it all behind!
Wonderful JP.....give yourself an "atta boy" and keep on with the positive thinking : )
Doesn't it feel great to leave it all behind!
well...had my first "i smoked" dream last night. Wonder what took so long? It was nice waking up for a change and being glad it was just a dream.
Had two dr. check ups this week (one PCP...the other my annual VA check up) in both cases it was nice to have a normal blood pressure and a normal pulse rate. I'm about 10lbs more than I'd like to be...well..ok 15-20 actually...but probably only a few of those are from not smoking...the other's are from sitting around all winter waiting for the sunshine.
Got to get cracking on that. not sure how much of this is due to medication or not...but i feel terrific. I mean...really good. No urges,....no anxiety or stress. Since i'm not really into medications...my first thought is to stop taking them. But...i think i'll give the chantix another week (still never sure how each pill will affect me).
I stopped smoking on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:02:00 UTC.
It has been 2 weeks, 3 days, 0 hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds since I quit.
I have saved $159.49 by choosing not to smoke 613 cigarettes.
More importantly, I saved 0 weeks, 4 days 16 hours 27 minutes of my life!
Had two dr. check ups this week (one PCP...the other my annual VA check up) in both cases it was nice to have a normal blood pressure and a normal pulse rate. I'm about 10lbs more than I'd like to be...well..ok 15-20 actually...but probably only a few of those are from not smoking...the other's are from sitting around all winter waiting for the sunshine.
Got to get cracking on that. not sure how much of this is due to medication or not...but i feel terrific. I mean...really good. No urges,....no anxiety or stress. Since i'm not really into medications...my first thought is to stop taking them. But...i think i'll give the chantix another week (still never sure how each pill will affect me).
I stopped smoking on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:02:00 UTC.
It has been 2 weeks, 3 days, 0 hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds since I quit.
I have saved $159.49 by choosing not to smoke 613 cigarettes.
More importantly, I saved 0 weeks, 4 days 16 hours 27 minutes of my life!
sad isn't....sorry for your loss. amazing how even seeing people suffer from the effects does't instantly break our addiction. like i said....my mother is 1000+ miles away...but my sister who had quit for over 15 years before taking it up again, smokes while caring for my ailing mother.
well....i'm in my third week now. i've quit many times before but this time i'm investing in the things other than just not smoking. i'm addressing other concerns and i'm fighting this battle a little differently. i feel like i should have done this a long time ago...that i'm smarter...more disciplined....etc. oh well...better late than never.
well....i'm in my third week now. i've quit many times before but this time i'm investing in the things other than just not smoking. i'm addressing other concerns and i'm fighting this battle a little differently. i feel like i should have done this a long time ago...that i'm smarter...more disciplined....etc. oh well...better late than never.
My parents also both died from smoking. We all smoked after the funerals but now my sister and I have quit and my younger brother just quit 2 weeks ago. Better late than never and well worth it.
Good for you and you are 100% right about suffering needlessly. Many have taken something in the first few months to help them deal with anxiety. You will be amazed at how it will gradually disappear after a few months.
Do you have any Planet Fitness nearby? I pay $10 a month and I can go as often as I like : ) I happen to live within walking distance.
Weather permitting then the bike is a wonderful alternative : )
Well JP you sure sound as if you have everything under control : ) Things can only get better for you now. Keep the positive outlook and move forward.....you are doing awesome : )
Do you have any Planet Fitness nearby? I pay $10 a month and I can go as often as I like : ) I happen to live within walking distance.
Weather permitting then the bike is a wonderful alternative : )
Well JP you sure sound as if you have everything under control : ) Things can only get better for you now. Keep the positive outlook and move forward.....you are doing awesome : )
hi kathy....i did indeed go to the drs yesterday and was perscribed a mild anxiety reliever. admitting i had a problem with stress and anxiety well....this was a bigger step than actually quitting smoking for me. I've recognized the need to quit for at least two decades but only recently realized that i was needlessly suffering something i need not. well....sure enough....that weight feels like it's being lifted and i'm only at half strength of the reccommended dose. it's a mild---older drug...but i feel a difference already. that anxious feeling i used to associate with smoking and would reach for a smoke to cure is lifting. compared to how i felt over the weekend and how i've felt after taking the first half pill...it's amazing.
now...if i could just get on the bike trail (weather permitting) or in the gym (finances permitting) then i am postive..i will have the final piece of the puzzle in place for me to truely put cigarettes behind me once and for all.
either way....i'm not gonna smoke ever again. the things i'm doing now aren't necessarily to quit..but more of a way to deal with my life and health in general. hope that makes sense.
--jp
now...if i could just get on the bike trail (weather permitting) or in the gym (finances permitting) then i am postive..i will have the final piece of the puzzle in place for me to truely put cigarettes behind me once and for all.
either way....i'm not gonna smoke ever again. the things i'm doing now aren't necessarily to quit..but more of a way to deal with my life and health in general. hope that makes sense.
--jp
Ask your Dr. about prescribing something that will help you but remember that cigarettes are never and were never stress relievers. If you hold them in such high esteem then you might always Jones for them. You are giving them to much importance in your life and they don't deserve it (read "my cigarette, my friend").
I'm sorry to hear about your mom.....it's more difficult for those of us who grew up with smokers......both my parent's did as did all of my sibling, 4 of them. I think we were doomed to a life of smoking before we even realized the dangers. I did the very same thing to my kids, but I'm not going to dwell on it because that's sabatoge ; )
I joined the gym 2 years prior to my quit. I turned 50 and I promised myself a healthier me. I have been going for 3 1/2 years now and I can see a big difference in my stamina between then and now. While I was smoking I did 20 minutes on the treadmill. Now, I do 6 miles between the treadmill and eliptical daily and I can jog too! My cholestrol is in the normal range, I have dropped all of my "quit" weight and I feel better then I did when I was 30! I can't even begin to tell you how much of a difference quitting has made with me. Mentally/emotionally I wasn't in a good place....my kids being away and the normal, every day stresses, but the gym has put me back on track and, like I said, it is one of the best things that I have ever done.
In the end, we all need to be the very best we can be so stay focused on all of the positives and kick the negatives to the curb. You have come this far, 2 weeks!!
I'm sorry to hear about your mom.....it's more difficult for those of us who grew up with smokers......both my parent's did as did all of my sibling, 4 of them. I think we were doomed to a life of smoking before we even realized the dangers. I did the very same thing to my kids, but I'm not going to dwell on it because that's sabatoge ; )
I joined the gym 2 years prior to my quit. I turned 50 and I promised myself a healthier me. I have been going for 3 1/2 years now and I can see a big difference in my stamina between then and now. While I was smoking I did 20 minutes on the treadmill. Now, I do 6 miles between the treadmill and eliptical daily and I can jog too! My cholestrol is in the normal range, I have dropped all of my "quit" weight and I feel better then I did when I was 30! I can't even begin to tell you how much of a difference quitting has made with me. Mentally/emotionally I wasn't in a good place....my kids being away and the normal, every day stresses, but the gym has put me back on track and, like I said, it is one of the best things that I have ever done.
In the end, we all need to be the very best we can be so stay focused on all of the positives and kick the negatives to the curb. You have come this far, 2 weeks!!
thanks Kathy...I really needed to hear that. You know...i never even mentioned that I have a mother who is bed ridden in FL unable to really move. Her mind is sharp as a tack but her body is ravaged by a lifetime of smoking. She actually quit 8 months ago (while in a hospital). My sister and her husband are no help cause they continue to smoke...but she did quit. THat should be enough for anybody to see what it does to you...but its not. You would think my mother's health would be a motivator...but it's not. Just goes to show what a terrible addiction smoking really is...that one's own mother suffering isn't enough for one to quit. I'm doing it but for entirely different reasons. The only one i need is in FL...but that's not even strong enough. Oh well...today was a little better. I spent most of the day thinking about the urges from yesterday. I know---stupid. I told myself I'd get more active once i hit the two week mark ( i need my lungs to heal a bit). I've taken a few short walks...but i've got to start dealing with the stress inside me. Either exercise (which would be good) or I hate to say it....medication...but either way....the stress which has nothing to do with not smoking...nor is helped by it....is a reminder of me smoking. I always had the stress and never realized it. Thought i just needed a smoke. somehow...i replaced smoking with stress. Make sense? well...now...no smoking and i have this stress....it feels like a craving...but it's not...i gotta get rid of it...that should help not smoking. I've cut way way back on coffee....and other things that triggered a smoke. I need to start exercising. Get healthy....get my cholesterol down...lose some weight...get fit. I dunno...but i gotta lose the stress. SOON!
YIPEE!! Good for you JP!
It is always the emotional/mental addiction that is the worst and you will have to keep your guard up for a while. That's when reading the articles at whyquit come in handy. They really do have an article for every situation : ) If you go to a particular section "categories" in the "education" column you will find many articles. Try "Relapse Prevention". Try it, it really does help : )
I know this won't help you now, but in retrospect it will.... you will look back and see that is does get easier with time, and the more you do without a cigarette, the more natural it will become. You kicked butt this time and I know you will do it again until it just feels right, hang in there.
Give yourself an extra big pat on the back, you deserve it ; )
It is always the emotional/mental addiction that is the worst and you will have to keep your guard up for a while. That's when reading the articles at whyquit come in handy. They really do have an article for every situation : ) If you go to a particular section "categories" in the "education" column you will find many articles. Try "Relapse Prevention". Try it, it really does help : )
I know this won't help you now, but in retrospect it will.... you will look back and see that is does get easier with time, and the more you do without a cigarette, the more natural it will become. You kicked butt this time and I know you will do it again until it just feels right, hang in there.
Give yourself an extra big pat on the back, you deserve it ; )
wow...yesterday was really hard....i nearly cracked. Makes no sense...all mental really. I got fixated on an unpleasant anniversary and the next thing you know...i'm making all kinds of 'deals" with myself. For instance...hey i'm in WV so I'll just smoke in WV and quit when I get back to PA. I even stopped for a coffee and as I looked up...i see my favorite brand starring right back at me---ON SALE OF COURSE (already cheaper in WV than PA to begin with). Well...I'm happy to say...I didn't break. I stayed smoke free....but it was really hard yesterday. Physically I feel fine and have the strengeth to fight the physical urges...but the mental ones are really strong. Well...I definitely have my guard up now. Smoke free but guard is up.
I don't know how long you Dr. prescibed it for, but you are probably better off going for the full 3 months (generally suggested).
I had the same sour stomach but like you I realized it was a small price to pay. When it was time for me to stop, I weaned myself off it by gradually decreasing the pill back down to one. Maybe it was my time, but it seemed like I was pulling strength from every resource imaginable and I was "super human" when I needed to be : ) I can't begin to explain it, but I was so proud....with the exception of my kids, quitting is one of the best things I ever did.
Excercise......when you realize the increase in your stamina, then you are already benefiting. It only gets better so enjoy the new you.....it's awesome!
I had the same sour stomach but like you I realized it was a small price to pay. When it was time for me to stop, I weaned myself off it by gradually decreasing the pill back down to one. Maybe it was my time, but it seemed like I was pulling strength from every resource imaginable and I was "super human" when I needed to be : ) I can't begin to explain it, but I was so proud....with the exception of my kids, quitting is one of the best things I ever did.
Excercise......when you realize the increase in your stamina, then you are already benefiting. It only gets better so enjoy the new you.....it's awesome!
oh...i i did that...here's the irony...the original creditor won't talk to me about the account. Guess why? Cause it's not my account and by law they are forbidden to discuss somebody's else's account with me. These scummy collection agencies don't care. They figure if we harrass the right person with money he/she will pay just to get them off your back. Well....I don't have the money anyhow ---not $5600 for a bill that isn't mine.
As for the stress...well....maybe i'm used to it or maybe this chantix blocks that as well. I don't know...just know that I quit Feb 24th and as of today...i'm still smoke free.
Lately...I feel as though I can skip the chantix....but i've fallen for that trap before. I plan to take it up to and beyond the perscription. Yeah..there are some side effects...but they are minor compared to how crappy the cigarettes made me feel. That cold burning sensation i'd get in my windpipe when i'd take a deep breath seems to be gone. I've been able to exert myself phyically and not huff and puff for breath. No...i'm not ready to run a marathon...but i am ready for long walk or bike ride. So....the i'll deal with the side effects for now ---which is just mostly a sour burning stomach after i take it (unlike the projectile vomitting i used to do when I first took the medicine when it first came out).
well...thanks again kathy.....u have no idea how much ur replies mean to me.--jp
As for the stress...well....maybe i'm used to it or maybe this chantix blocks that as well. I don't know...just know that I quit Feb 24th and as of today...i'm still smoke free.
Lately...I feel as though I can skip the chantix....but i've fallen for that trap before. I plan to take it up to and beyond the perscription. Yeah..there are some side effects...but they are minor compared to how crappy the cigarettes made me feel. That cold burning sensation i'd get in my windpipe when i'd take a deep breath seems to be gone. I've been able to exert myself phyically and not huff and puff for breath. No...i'm not ready to run a marathon...but i am ready for long walk or bike ride. So....the i'll deal with the side effects for now ---which is just mostly a sour burning stomach after i take it (unlike the projectile vomitting i used to do when I first took the medicine when it first came out).
well...thanks again kathy.....u have no idea how much ur replies mean to me.--jp
Collection agencies are predators. I have a similar story, getting calls on an average 3X daily, and the debt isn't mine, it's my brother & sister-in-laws. It just so happens that years ago we shared a 2 family home, so at one time our addresses were the same. The collection agency actually told me that I would hav to contact via letter, the 3 agencies and explain theat even though are last name is the same and at one time we shared a home, that I am not them and they are not me. Why should I have to do that? Also, my mom had signed a contract for dental work and never went through with it and after 2 years they are still harrassing her. We went to the local councilman and he was able to help her out. Why don't you try it or find out who the original creditor and see if they can step in on your behalf.
I know how stress can be a breaker but it sounds as if you are strong in your resolve, good going!
Congrats on day 11.....on your way to two weeks : )
I know how stress can be a breaker but it sounds as if you are strong in your resolve, good going!
Congrats on day 11.....on your way to two weeks : )
well....it's been 11 days or since Feb 24th however you count that. I think the fact that i'm losing count and/or not needing to post everyday is signs that i'm progressing through this as well as i could have hoped for. I'm gonna say it's easy all the time...but i'm realizing that when the urges do come and they do from time to time....i know they will pass as long as i just don't smoke. I swear....never has there been so much drama in my life. If i had an entire timeline of my life in front of me--past and future....this time would have to be the worse time to quit. But...on the other hand....i'm sure if i could see my whole life on a timeline then this time (as any other) would be the BEST time. With that....i'm gonna carry on despite what seems like an endless amount of **** thats being dumped on me. I find myself embroiled in so many petty squabbles that literally come from nowhere. For example....yesterday out of the blue i get a letter from a collectin agency saying i owe them over $5400 for a credit card i never ever had with a company i never ever did business with. The only thing i can figure is ...i once lived at the same residence as the person who actually owes the money. I called the bank and they never heard of me...yet the collection agency says its mine. It's maddening to say the very least. The account is over 4 years old---and only recently went bad---and in all that time never ever did the bank ever report this account to my credit report. I checked today and sure enough...the bank never did...but the collection agency has UGGGGGHHH!!!!!!
Oh well..bottom line is----I'm SMOKE FREE!!!!!!
Oh well..bottom line is----I'm SMOKE FREE!!!!!!
Woooo Hooo ONE WEEK! Sorry...i'm not a braggart but felt I had to shout this one out. --JP
I had the "smoking" dream for quite a while....as a matter of fact, it just recently stopped. I don't know if this is just a girl thing but even in my dream I felt guilt for smoking, acknowledging my quit in my dream : ) Those were the best dreams ever though : ) I think its normal, certainly didn't lead to anything more for me. These dreams occurred after I stopped using chantix. I think it's a part of our emotional farewell to something that has been a part of our lives for so long. I certainly felt a loss. Perhaps you won't have that with this quit, but if it should happen, don't worry.
We are creatures of habit and that makes it more difficult to try and change something that has been a way of life for us. The inner struggle happens when, on some level, we simply miss it, or don't want to quit....or don't want to put forth the energy any longer that it takes to stay quit. I promise you that it won't last long.....it's the hold that addiction has over us and your struggle is probably not to severe because of the chantix. I hope I explained it okay. Remain strong my friend and you will kick butt(s).
Congrats on your first week of being smoke free : )
We are creatures of habit and that makes it more difficult to try and change something that has been a way of life for us. The inner struggle happens when, on some level, we simply miss it, or don't want to quit....or don't want to put forth the energy any longer that it takes to stay quit. I promise you that it won't last long.....it's the hold that addiction has over us and your struggle is probably not to severe because of the chantix. I hope I explained it okay. Remain strong my friend and you will kick butt(s).
Congrats on your first week of being smoke free : )
I stopped smoking on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:15:00 UTC.
It has been 0 weeks, 6 days, 15 hours, 11 minutes and 43 seconds since I quit.
I have saved $55.83 by choosing not to smoke 232 cigarettes.
More importantly, I saved 0 weeks, 1 days 18 hours 33 minutes of my life!
It has been 0 weeks, 6 days, 15 hours, 11 minutes and 43 seconds since I quit.
I have saved $55.83 by choosing not to smoke 232 cigarettes.
More importantly, I saved 0 weeks, 1 days 18 hours 33 minutes of my life!
thanks Kathy...great advice as usual. I don't really don't go out to bars much and I rarely drink. But...in the past when i quit...i remember hating going out and comming home wreeking of smoke (a smell i never ever noticed before). Now...it's funny but in my state....a safe place to go to avoid smokers is of all places a bar (it's illegal in almost all of them). Honestly...it would be nice to go to bar and not come home smelling like smoke and even better...it would be nice to go and not have sit there and jones for a cigarette i'm not allowed to smoke while i have a beer.
oh...hey..i have a question. When you first quit (or even now)....did you ever have dreams in which you smoked (especially on chantix). Everytime I ever quit...i used to dream about cigarettes...usually in my dream...i was aware that i was quitting but in the dream...i would be smoking despite my attempt at quitting. This time around...i'm having no such dreams. I'm taking that as a positive sign that my mind is right with this quit. Funny thing is....right now....it would be so easy to go buy a pack...but its just as easy not to. Does that make any sense? I'm having trouble with that for some reason.
oh...hey..i have a question. When you first quit (or even now)....did you ever have dreams in which you smoked (especially on chantix). Everytime I ever quit...i used to dream about cigarettes...usually in my dream...i was aware that i was quitting but in the dream...i would be smoking despite my attempt at quitting. This time around...i'm having no such dreams. I'm taking that as a positive sign that my mind is right with this quit. Funny thing is....right now....it would be so easy to go buy a pack...but its just as easy not to. Does that make any sense? I'm having trouble with that for some reason.
Wonderful! I remember that same accomplishment and how I couldn't wait for my first week, month, then year. Remember that you have to protect your quit though. Reading the materials on whyquitdotcom are a good way to make sure you stay strong in your resolve.
There is a sense of "loss" that comes with the quit and a specific article "my cigarette, my friend" seems to put things in perspective, or at least for me it did. There is also a section under "education" titled "relapse prevention" which has a bunch of great articles that truly help.
I have a few friends that still smoke and I used to find it very difficult to hang with them in the beginning, I was so afraid of my cravings. Now, I find it hard to hang with them because their smoke really bothers me! The last time I was with 2 smokers in a home, my eyes got infected from the smoke! I went home and my husband asked me if I had been smoking. My clothes reeked as did my hair. I surely don't miss those days : )
My personal advice is to try to distance yourself from the smokers until you have weaned off the Chantix. If that's impossible, then ask them to be a little more considerate of your quit.
WTG and keep it up : )
There is a sense of "loss" that comes with the quit and a specific article "my cigarette, my friend" seems to put things in perspective, or at least for me it did. There is also a section under "education" titled "relapse prevention" which has a bunch of great articles that truly help.
I have a few friends that still smoke and I used to find it very difficult to hang with them in the beginning, I was so afraid of my cravings. Now, I find it hard to hang with them because their smoke really bothers me! The last time I was with 2 smokers in a home, my eyes got infected from the smoke! I went home and my husband asked me if I had been smoking. My clothes reeked as did my hair. I surely don't miss those days : )
My personal advice is to try to distance yourself from the smokers until you have weaned off the Chantix. If that's impossible, then ask them to be a little more considerate of your quit.
WTG and keep it up : )
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