The Giving Up Smoking Thread!! Part 2

sar050680

I feel for all you new guys trying to stop smoking, I probably 'gave up' about 10 times before this time and I am about 10 months smoke-free now, so you guys can do it, try a day at a time and good luck to all old and new.

Paul.

choille

I don't live near a shop so like you Femme you know the feelings pass.

I wouldn't walk to the shop for fags but I will/do have to watch when out for the shop - whatever.
I don't want to smoke again.

ameliarate

Well I am into week four and I should be thrilled and proud but I feel really flat today.

Everyday is still a struggle and it doesn't seem to be getting any easier, if it is it is by miniscule amounts. The inside of my cheek is sore from chewing so much gum.

I have put £5 each day into a jar as a motivator and it's great to see it adding up, but I just wish it wasn't such constant hard work. I'm sure it shouldn't be this hard.

I'm not suggesting that I am going to go out and buy ciggies, just that it's almost as it the novelty has worn off and now it's just hard work.

choille

Hi Ameliarate,

I had half a tablet last night & another half today & feel really rough but I did have a better sleep.
I've found that I am not near shops & not near smokers so I'm able to avoid those triggers. I am not having cravings as such too badly but I have an almost hungover type headache.
When I get a craving it doesn't last long & they are less & less each day & I can manage them.
I think you have to see when you get them & try & do something when they happen such as stand up, go & brush your teeth - whatever.
I was told to have a buiscuit instead of a fag break but although not fat I don't want to go there so I've bought some sugar free gum.
Hope the cravings pass soon & remember that you've come this far & you won't always be thinking about ciggies.

Emma133

Hi all, hope everyone is feeling ok

Well I went to my smoke free appointment this morning and have come back home feeling utterley deflated. I told the councilor I had a terrible week last week and smoked over the weekend, but picked myself back up and stopped again Sunday. She was really not very impressed and basically told me that this would be the last time she gave me the NRT and I should have a good think whether this is the right time or not, if it isn't give her a ring and she will close my file!

I am utterly shocked this is the first time I have sought advice/help and one slip up and you are out!! I may not go back now, I might as well do it by myself for all the good this is doing. I only went to these sessions because I thought they would be helpful and that it would be supportive - all I got today basically was go away and smoke!

Emma x

graemecarter

Emma133 wrote: »

Hi all, hope everyone is feeling ok

Well I went to my smoke free appointment this morning and have come back home feeling utterley deflated. I told the councilor I had a terrible week last week and smoked over the weekend, but picked myself back up and stopped again Sunday. She was really not very impressed and basically told me that this would be the last time she gave me the NRT and I should have a good think whether this is the right time or not, if it isn't give her a ring and she will close my file!

I am utterly shocked this is the first time I have sought advice/help and one slip up and you are out!! I may not go back now, I might as well do it by myself for all the good this is doing. I only went to these sessions because I thought they would be helpful and that it would be supportive - all I got today basically was go away and smoke!

Emma x

I don't read it like that. While there was a lack of compassion from the counsellor, they are busy and want to see people who have a huge desire to stop smoking. The resources are so precious
The time may not be right, but the fact you are on this thread indicates you do really want to stop smoking.
The counsellor may have a better success rate when she is the bad cop in the good cop, bad cop, scenario.
She never said go and smoke, so please don't.

ameliarate

Emma133 wrote: »

Hi all, hope everyone is feeling ok

Well I went to my smoke free appointment this morning and have come back home feeling utterley deflated. I told the councilor I had a terrible week last week and smoked over the weekend, but picked myself back up and stopped again Sunday. She was really not very impressed and basically told me that this would be the last time she gave me the NRT and I should have a good think whether this is the right time or not, if it isn't give her a ring and she will close my file!

I am utterly shocked this is the first time I have sought advice/help and one slip up and you are out!! I may not go back now, I might as well do it by myself for all the good this is doing. I only went to these sessions because I thought they would be helpful and that it would be supportive - all I got today basically was go away and smoke!

Emma x

I honestly think some of these people are just really carp at their jobs. I know the nurse I see has no real empathy or understanding of how difficult it is to stop smoking. When I told mine I was finding it hard she said "well it is hard", not, it is hard but try this, this or this. :mad:

Take no notice of the silly witch. You are doing great.

Is she at your GP surgery? If not you can always go there for your NRT instead.

choille

Hi Emma -

I don't read it like that. While there was a lack of compassion from the counsellor, they are busy and want to see people who have a huge desire to stop smoking. The resources are so precious
I agree with what graemecarter above says.
They are there to be firm with us smokers. I have only seen one once & she is going to phone me on the 15th. I had to travel 70 miles to see her.

You need to stop smoking so you have to want to stop. Come on here for the sympathy with all the cravings & how hard it is & stuff but it is all down to you in the end. Are you sure that you are not trying to blame her for 'making you smoke'?

It can take a person a few attempts to actually stop but why go through all the withdrawals again & again & again.

All the best.

It is hard & she is telling you to get a grip - last chance for you.

Emma133

I am not blaming anyone but myself for smoking. However I had an extremely difficult week last week - which she knows as I was in there crying last week and was early days so we all know how hard that is, I was also feeling very sick. I know we have to learn to deal with stress but this is part of the learning curve - I was severley upset and stressed last week I smoked and guess what nothing changed so lesson learned there. BUT these people are paid to help us, and I do not think it should be go away and think about it and if its not the right time continue to smoke, let me know and i'll take you off the file - which is what was said is not very supportive. They maybe busy but it is their job and I was the only person in there today.

I see myself as having a huge desire to stop otherwise I wouldn't be trying again after two days back on the fags, so far 4 days smoke free.

Half of these people have never smoked so can't even comprehend the addiction...and I never went to the sessions because of the "free NRT" as when I stopped before I bought them myself, I went purely for the support which is NIL

ameliarate

Emma133 wrote: »

I am not blaming anyone but myself for smoking. However I had an extremely difficult week last week - which she knows as I was in there crying last week and was early days so we all know how hard that is, I was also feeling very sick. I know we have to learn to deal with stress but this is part of the learning curve - I was severley upset and stressed last week I smoked and guess what nothing changed so lesson learned there. BUT these people are paid to help us, and I do not think it should be go away and think about it and if its not the right time continue to smoke, let me know and i'll take you off the file - which is what was said is not very supportive. They maybe busy but it is their job and I was the only person in there today.

I see myself as having a huge desire to stop otherwise I wouldn't be trying again after two days back on the fags, so far 4 days smoke free.

Half of these people have never smoked so can't even comprehend the addiction...and I never went to the sessions because of the "free NRT" as when I stopped before I bought them myself, I went purely for the support which is NIL

Well thank goodness you have us then . Don't let her get you down, has probably never smoked a cigarette in her life and if she did is was Menthol :eek:

Just let us know how you are feeling and we will support you then all you have to do is go there for the free NRT and say yes and no and nod in the right places.