The Giving Up Smoking Thread - Part 3

Little_bit_dizzy

Sue-UU wrote: »

Quitters Pledge

"I'm NOT going to smoke any cigarettes today, but if I wish, I may smoke tomorrow" Then repeat the pledge every day until it's lodged in your brain and mind.

Sue-UU, this is great and I'm going to hang onto this. Thanks

Fundamental wrote: »

Two months, five days, 20 hours, 5 minutes and 37 seconds. 1002 cigarettes not smoked, saving £333.35. Life saved: 3 days, 11 hours, 30 minutes.

Wow. This is amazing information. I've only just given up but I think this is really helpful, thank you.

Erme

NickJW wrote: »

Thank you Sue-UU - that was such an inspirational post. I keep thinking about it when I feel down.

Day 5 and still staying strong.

I'm on stage 1 of the 21g patches, and maybe it's psychological but I don't think I can do cold turkey - I feel that I need the patches. Nicotine isn't great but at least I don't have the tar to accompany it right? :T

AND for the first time EVER since I have tried to quit, I've not cheated with a quick ciggie after having a drink. I've had drinks on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (stressful after work). Okay - maybe I'm bad for having a quick pint or two most days but I need some fun . The fact that I drank and didn't feel tempted by a smoke makes me feel a bit proud of myself. It certainly helps that none of my friends smoke anymore, so I can stay 'in' the conversation, rather than having to go for a cigarette after each drink! Lol

Please don't beat yourself up if you are on NRT and on this thread ....Take it you're getting the NRT on prescription so it's cheap/free? I don't know. If not try ebay....Always lots of cheap NRT on ebay

NRT is not so addictive as the other junk in cigs (as I found coming off the nasal spray after 3 months)..I'm still on the e-cig for exactly the same reason as you. So no worries there. And I am going NOWHERE!!!...and quite happy on my e-cig and my gradual nic reduction (more gradual than the NRT prescription)...the slow horse

jacflash wrote: »

Just approaching the 72 hour mark! Yay :j

Didn't sleep much last night and have been hanging today. First non-smoking day at work and it went ok. The inhalator is really working for me when cravings get going. Knitting is also a big help

alibob - happy birthday for this week and stay strong on Friday! Remember that you are an ex-smoker now - no going back, y'hear?

Yeah like I said...the inhalator - in fact any NRT (I don't know about the gum) is not as addictive as people think....it's more the other nasties that are in cigs...

I know this. I gave up the nasal spray with barely any probs after 3 months and I thought I'd never give that up. Took me a few weeks but I gave it up

So yeah you can do it....and like I said I don't want anyone beating themselves up cos they're using NRT rather than cold turkey. Cold turkey isn't for everyone at this particular time......it's great for some but not for others.

E

alibob_1986

RainbowDreamer wrote: »

Well.. last night I stupidly met up with relatives for a pint. That pint turned into everyone getting drunk.
So this morning I'm feeling dreadful and have to force myself up and get a shower before my Asda order comes. And I need to find my energy and motivation before the kids are back.

Has anyone else experienced the mocking yet? It seems when smokers realise you've quit they get enjoyment from asking you if you want a cig and making out your missing something awesome

Well I didn't give in to them. Told them I don't smoke anymore. I'm now starting day 9 and still cold turkey.
The money I save is being saved up so I can see bigger results.

We can do this we are strong and we smell lovely!

Yep, I know all about that!!! Although not so much now, but I know on previous attempts people have been like "oooh I'm just off to have a looovely cigarette, ooh it feels nice..." etc. What annoys me the most, which I have to say is my mother more than anyone, is the "Sure you don't want one?" Especially cos in the early stages, of course you bloody want one!!!! I hate when people offer them when they know you're trying to quit, it's not cool at all.

I'm on day 10 now, seems a bit mad actually! I have been 227 hours without a cigarette now!!!! 141 cigs not smoked. Still staying strong. Not even that bothered tbh. My bf smokes and he came round yesterday and it was the first time I realised how much it stinks. On his clothes, hair and breath. Nasty!!! I have also noticed my breath is much fresher which is nice I am STILL shattered though, it's not like it's something that would make me go back to smoking though, but I hope it gets better soon. It's not even lunchtime and I could quite happily sleep right now. big yawns, but still fag free

Fundamental_2

Little_bit_dizzy wrote: »

Sue-UU, this is great and I'm going to hang onto this. Thanks




Wow. This is amazing information. I've only just given up but I think this is really helpful, thank you.

Hi

Here is the address for the meter that I used:

http://www.silkquit.org/stop-smoking/quit-meter.aspx

Kindly provided by Sue!

Once you have downloaded it to your computer and entered your quit day/time, it will sit on your desktop and every time you turn on your computer the increasing figures will be there to see- this has been a good motivator for me so I would recommend it- give it a go.

Good luck

FDM

daveys_2

I had a bizarre experience yesterday...

I've been suffering with a cold over the weekend, and on Sunday it went to my throat, and I was coughing and barking like a dog.

I was so uncomfortable, and felt so grim, but then I realised that this was exactly how I felt all the time while I was coughing from the cigarettes - and I did cough a lot.

For me it's another milestone in road to being completly smoke free

RainbowDreamer: If your 'friends' are taunting you over giving up smoking, they can't be very good friends. I would suggest that you avoid them, as well as identifying and avoiding any other potentially damaging situations. I know this is easier said than done, but this has to be important to you.

Little bit dizzy: Have you signed up to the Quitnet.com site? It's really good for keeping track of your savings and how long 'you've been quit'

My cold's almost gone, and I'm starting to feel a lot better than I've done in months (if not years). This is looking like a gereat start to a god year, I hope everything else is as good.

Fundamental_2

RainbowDreamer wrote: »

Has anyone else experienced the mocking yet? It seems when smokers realise you've quit they get enjoyment from asking you if you want a cig and making out your missing something awesome

Well I didn't give in to them. Told them I don't smoke anymore. I'm now starting day 9 and still cold turkey.

Hi RD

I have experienced this from family, friends and co-workers; not during this time but on previous attempts it seemed like they all wanted me to fail. I think it was a bit of a laugh as you say but also I don't think they really want you to quit because that is a harsh and real reminder of:

Their own lack of willpower
Their addiction to a killer drug
The amount of money they waste daily
How they smell of an old ashtray.

In addition, I think they feel they are losing their 'smoking buddy'- their 'partner in crime' as it were!

I think you did amazing to avoid that temptation; in the past, I have fallen at that hurdle so congratulations are in order for your ability to stay strong- another milestone reached, and passed.

Well done and good luck

FDM

Sue-UU

RainbowDreamer wrote: »

Not sure if this is allowed (feel free to shout at me if its not), but I have various nrt products that I will not use.
Am I allowed to offer to post it to anyone who is using that nrt product to save them money?

I have the mini Mints, the lozengers, fruit gum, inhalators etc.

Hi RainbowDreamer, there are no problems at all about about offering your NRT products for other folk to make use of. So long as you do it by PMs then no trouble. Some folk have even sent Alan Carr books!

So, if anyone would like to contact RainbowDreamer for
Mini Mints
Lozengers
Fruit gum
Inhalators etc then please PM RainbowDreamer

BTW RainbowDreamer, other smokers mocking is just them being so envious. You're quitting, successfully too and they KNOW they should be, but won't/can't so they try to pull you back into their world. This is one of those times when ignorance really is bliss!

A very warm welcome to the thread, Little bit dizzy! No such thing as being only day 3!! Day 3 is HUGE and you're doing brilliantly!! :T Not long now until you're free of nicotine in your system! :j I'll be in touch by PM soon. Use the thread as somewhere to vent your feelings or to shout out how delighted you are with how you've done, we love hearing from you. I'm quite chuffed that you think the Quitters Pledge is good, it made perfect sense to me!

Sue x

NickJW wrote:

Thank you Sue-UU - that was such an inspirational post. I keep thinking about it when I feel down.

Day 5 and still staying strong.

I'm on stage 1 of the 21g patches, and maybe it's psychological but I don't think I can do cold turkey - I feel that I need the patches. Nicotine isn't great but at least I don't have the tar to accompany it right? :T

AND for the first time EVER since I have tried to quit, I've not cheated with a quick ciggie after having a drink. I've had drinks on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (stressful after work). Okay - maybe I'm bad for having a quick pint or two most days but I need some fun . The fact that I drank and didn't feel tempted by a smoke makes me feel a bit proud of myself. It certainly helps that none of my friends smoke anymore, so I can stay 'in' the conversation, rather than having to go for a cigarette after each drink! Lol

Fantastic news, Nick!!!! You're right about the patches NOT having the tar in. BTW, if you feel you need the nicotine for now then please stick to the patches! It's far better to stick to what you instinct is telling you. You may get to a stage where you feel you can do without them, if that happens then give it a try without, but make sure you keep some by just in case. You should be feeling hugely proud of not sneaking a puff, Nick..any first time event it HUGE so be really proud!!!! Please, don't ever be tempted with thoughts or offers of "just one puff/smoke" you'll be straight back to square 1 and hate yourself!!!

Hi Katie and well done to you too!!!! :T We're all individuals and most of us aren't at all badly affected when quitting, but for some of us it's a real sock to the system, and I'm positive this is exactly what's happening with you. I've heard of people having terrible stomach problems(pain wise) and in a different way this is like you only with the nausea which although is horrible to experience, it's a normal process ~ BUT ~ should not last you much longer! In fact, now you've aired your concerns you may well find it will gradually fade away. :grinheart

For now, keep sipping gently at water. Are you eating ok? If not then please try to eat little and often as it WILL help! If you haven't eaten for a while then try a banana first as it settles an empty tum, some milk too if it's palatable to you (my DH detests it!). Try hard to do things to take your mind away from it, try things you LOVE doing...anything as long as you really enjoy it.

Keep strong and focused as quitting is about the best thing you'll ever do!!!

You're doing amazingly, keep at it, Katie.

Love and hugs, Sue x

Great news about you too jacflash!!!!! :T Everyone's going so strong, isn't it a GREAT place to be, and as an ex-smoker myself (13 years!) it's a joy to see others getting themselves back to goo health again!!!!!

Very well done, Ali!!!! Re the feeling tired since giving up smoking, Ali, please don't worry! Some people are affected by this whereas others feel completely the opposite and energised. It's just another side effect of your body adjusting to the lack of nicotine. Nicotine speeds up the metabolism to an unnaturally high level, which means that without the nicotine, your metabolism slows down to adjust. This causes your energy levels to drop, but it's only temporary and will soon return to normal.

For now, boost your energy levels by avoiding sugary and processed foods. I know I say it a lot - but drink plenty of water! Have snacks consisting of seeds, nuts and dried fruit, don't have too many at a time, but a few 3 or 4 times a day do help. Take a short, brisk walk when you're feeling tired and take a break from what you're doing, it honestly does help to divert the concentration to something totally different. Then relax and always make sure you eat a good healthy breakfast which will keep you going through the morning. Try a similar healthy lunch and so forth. Your body WILL right itself Ali, just give I chance.

Sue x


Great news about the cold and cough, Davey, it doesn't affect us all, but for those who are affected so it's a GREAT sign of their bodies chucking out all the muck and rubbish, especially from their lungs! Says it a;; for you, Davey and, as you say, is a huge milestone!!!!

Many congratulations on 9 weeks free FDM!!!!! :T:T You're doing wonderfully on the AC book and it would seem that his books are marvellous!

For all those wanting to download a SilQuit quit meter to keep account of all the fags you haven't smoked an all the money you've saved along with life you're holding on to, click here http://www.silkquit.org/stop-smoking/quit-meter.aspx

Sorry to keep you waiting folks, but you're all doing wonderfully well and helping each other too! Always an amazing sign. Martin added a piece about my SPC (See my signature) saving thread in his newsletter and we've been inundated!!!

Sue xx

alibob_1986

Fundamental wrote: »

Hi RD

I have experienced this from family, friends and co-workers; not during this time but on previous attempts it seemed like they all wanted me to fail. I think it was a bit of a laugh as you say but also I don't think they really want you to quit because that is a harsh and real reminder of:

Their own lack of willpower
Their addiction to a killer drug
The amount of money they waste daily
How they smell of an old ashtray.

In addition, I think they feel they are losing their 'smoking buddy'- their 'partner in crime' as it were!

I think you did amazing to avoid that temptation; in the past, I have fallen at that hurdle so congratulations are in order for your ability to stay strong- another milestone reached, and passed.

Well done and good luck

FDM

Agree with all of the above!!!
As I said in an earlier post, my friend was whinging cos she had to go and smoke on her own now, and how "I chose a bad time to quit cos the smoking shelter in the pub was really nice...." very strange reasoning there!!!

Sue-UU

alibob_1986 wrote: »

Agree with all of the above!!!
As I said in an earlier post, my friend was whinging cos she had to go and smoke on her own now, and how "I chose a bad time to quit cos the smoking shelter in the pub was really nice...." very strange reasoning there!!!

It's called emotional blackmail, Ali, she trying her best to pull you back to her world. Please don't let her and with luck she will come to yours.

Sue x

alibob_1986

Sue-UU wrote: »

It's called emotional blackmail, Ali, she trying her best to pull you back to her world. Please don't let her and with luck she will come to yours.

Sue x

ah don't worry, no way will i be giving up on quiiting because she has to stand on her own or because someone's smoking shelter is "nice", if you can class being surrounded by stinking smoke and fag ends as nice, that is!