The Giving Up Smoking Thread!! Part 2

chevettehs

Thought I would drop in today.

As of 9 tonight it is a full year since of the demon weed.

When I look back it seems to have flown over.

One of the most positive things I have ever done with my life (although would have been more positive to have never started) as since then I have done a hell of a lot with clearing my debt. See signature below.

Still get the odd pang on very odd occasions but it find it easy to ignore it now (if that makes sense). Had my first night out when I actually had a drink (rather than just one pint) a couple of months ago and was offered one when we left the pub and refused it.

Took me 7 or 8 months before I actually felt better physically as a result of stopping but I do now. All I have to do now is lose some weight again which although it isn't good to have the weight health wise it's a hell of a lot healthier than still having the cigs. Finding the exercise easier because I can breathe a lot clearer.

The weight with me hasn't so much been because of replacing the cigs with food, more to do with the fact everything tastes so nice now, it's amazing the difference in how things taste to me, can't even describe it.

One odd thing I have noticed is that I have changed brands on some foods, i.e. I didn't like Sainsburys own brand chicken breadcumb fillet things but did like the Birds Eye ones. With the change in my taste I now like the Sainsburys ones but not the Birds Eye ones.

For all those still trying or thinking of trying to quit I can honestly say it has made such a difference to my life it's unreal.

Stick with it kids it is certainly worth it. I now have a PS3 and a better mobile and most of my debt gone, never find at the end of the month I am short of cash even though I now work a day less at work voluntarily (and believe me I'm not on a good wage) and it's all because I'm not trying to find the cash to pay for those stupid little fags that I stupidly allowed myself to become addicted too. I also now have spare cash which I can put into getting my own business working better which makes me earn more money. Again couldn't have done it if I was still on the fags.

As I probably said in my last post I was truly one of those "I love to smoke" smokers and if I can stop anyone can. In the dim and distant when I used to go out drinking (haven't drunk in terms of big nights out for 8 or 9 years now) I would be on nigh on 40 in a night then a load in the morning when I was hung over. Can't help looking back at it and just thinking what an idiot I was (idiot isn't the word I mean but I'm trying to remain polite).

Thanks all of you it's been great support just seeing what you lot all are doing with it.

My main advice to anyone is talk about it to people, I work with a guy who stopped 40 odd years ago and it helped a lot to lean on him as he had the same issues with it in the past.

Other than that, if you feel ill in general even a few weeks to months after stick with it it will pass, took me nearly 7 months to really stop feeling rough. Can only describe it as I just generally felt crap, tired and lethargic.

Good luck all!

larmy16

Chevettahs you have left me nearly speechless with delight! Amazing. Well done!:j:j:T:T

Payless_2

Catherine25 wrote: »

Morning all! Im gearing myself up to quit and im looking quite forward to it! I have a question i hope someone can help me with. Im planning to have my last cig on sunday nite and was wondering do I put the patch on after my last cig or wait until monday morning? they are the 24hr patches. hope someone can help, thanks xx

I would assume that Monday morning will be the best time o start them as they give you such odd dreams and you will aready have nicotine in your system from smoking on Sunday anyway.

Just be mentally prepared for the 1st thing in the morning craving on Monday.

Good luck . If you are looking forward to it you're already on your way there.

Payless_2

I think I'm going to have to get some decongestants. My post nasal drip is driving me mad. I feel like I'm going to choke to death on snot any minute - sorry for being so graphic . I've had it for about 7 years now and it's worsening was one of the reasons that an earlier attempt to quit failed.

I am getting my patches from Asda pharmacy. I think I'll pop in there tomorrow and have a chat with the smoking cessation advisor if she's there.

Sue-UU

Very many congratulations on now having a complete year behind you Chevettahs!!!! :T:T Fantastic newsand you've done it all so very well! :j

What some savings you've made ...already!!! I know you say you haven't felt better physically yet, but just wait until you shift the extra weight as well as the fags, it's then you really will find it! What you've written about getting the odd pang on odd occasions, but finding it easy to ignore makes perfect sense and I'd have described it in just the same way. You get used to missing them and therefore used to the pangs.

All the very, very best, Chevettahs, please come back every so often as it's a real moral boost for those who are going through it. Keep right on saving and good luck with the business! :j

Hi Catherine and I'm glad Payless has been able to answer you, I have no knowledge of them at all, only what folk say. No doubt you'll soon start to 'feel your way with them'. I'm so pleased you're looking forward to it, that's half the battle! Don't forget to chat.

Oh dear, Payless, I can honestly sympathise with you about the dripping. It sounds as though you might have sinus problems, in which case I'd pop and see the Dr about it, far better in the long run. I've had quite a lot of troubles in that direction, though I'm sure it's all the result of having been a smoker. Give it a chance to lessen first though, as it may just get better itself after your system's got used to it's new way of life, after you've cleared out the nasal areas too. All the best, but in the meantime...you any good at sewing?? If so, try making a mini horse's nose-bag!!! You could hang it round your ears! :rotfl:

I'll finish off with Chevettahs good words of encouragement:
"For all those still trying or thinking of trying to quit I can honestly say it has made such a difference to my life it's unreal."

Enjoy your Sunday everyone.:)

Sue x

chevettehs

larmy16 wrote: »

Chevettahs you have left me nearly speechless with delight! Amazing. Well done!:j:j:T:T

Thanks Larmy. How are you doing with it are you still off them?

Sue-UU, it's definitely been worth the effort, thank you for the support and the help you have given to me and the others through this thread, it does really help.

larmy16

chevettehs wrote: »

Thanks Larmy. How are you doing with it are you still off them?

Sue-UU, it's definitely been worth the effort, thank you for the support and the help you have given to me and the others through this thread, it does really help.

Hi Chevettahs yes I am off them 1 year and 6 months. It is wonderful and I never want to forget that! I think this is why it is so important for people like you to check in now and again.

It helps any new quitters realise that if you can just persevere those early days, how much easier it gets.

mustkeephoping

Catherine25 wrote: »

Morning all! Im gearing myself up to quit and im looking quite forward to it! I have a question i hope someone can help me with. Im planning to have my last cig on sunday nite and was wondering do I put the patch on after my last cig or wait until monday morning? they are the 24hr patches. hope someone can help, thanks xx

Hi Catherine

I was advised to put mine on the night before for the first night, then have my shower and put a fresh one on every morning thereafter. Putting it on tonight will keep you fed with nicotine throughout the night and should help take the "urge" away tomorrow morning.

Personally, I never suffered with bad dreams just disturbed sleep and I no longer wear them overnight (started this at about 4 weeks though).

Hope this helps and very good luck to you - the first day or two are the hardest, but it really does get much much easier and even though I don't suffer from low self esteem, stopping smoking is the best feeling i've had about myself for a very long time it is so so worth it

XXX

Sue-UU

larmy16 wrote: »

I think this is why it is so important for people like you to check in now and again.

It helps any new quitters realise that if you can just persevere those early days, how much easier it gets.

I have to agree larmy, in fact I think it's vital as it really does let those who may be struggling, to know that for many others there really is light at the end of what seems to be, such a very long tunnel. It helps them see that it is something they too can conquer if they just hang on and stay strong.

You're most welcome, chevettehs! It's a real joy to see people like yourself come back and being so thrilled with having truly quit and with all they've achieved cash wise! At the end of the day though, it's YOU who did it!!! :T All we ask is for you to come back now and again - it's so important to all new(ish) quitters and helps them no end.

Ah mustkeephoping, I'm so pleased you've given that night time advice to Catherine. I obviously didn't know for sure, but it makes far more sense to me that she's 'ready' for the morning to follow. Thanks also for the advice you've given her..and to all those reading these posts, a little advice and some tips can go such a long way. Thank you mustkeephoping, you are doing wonderfully, helping now too which soon happens with those who put their heart and soul into quitting and intending staying QUIT.!!!

Again, I'm ending with mustkeephoping's wise words below:

"The first day or two are the hardest, but it really does get much much easier and even though I don't suffer from low self esteem, stopping smoking is the best feeling I've had about myself for a very long time it is so so worth it"

Sue x

larmy16

"The first day or two are the hardest, but it really does get much much easier and even though I don't suffer from low self esteem, stopping smoking is the best feeling I've had about myself for a very long time it is so so worth it"

Now if only someone could invent some self esteem patches!!