Quitting Smoking - help and support

Sue-UU

Hello to all those wishing to quit smoking, and to all those who at least wish to try! Whether you choose to stop via cold turkey or by NRT patches, Niquitin, Champix etc this is the thread for you!

Set your date to stop, introduce yourself on the thread, then, day by day, or whenever you wish, post your achievements. Give vent to all your feelings as often as you wish, we've heard it all before on previous threads, I promise you. After getting over the tougher times then come and shout about how delighted you are! :grinheart

Please always add the amount of time quit for and the means used on the Title Bar of each post as it helps you, me...and all others who wish to choose what's best for them! ie, on mine I would currently put 13 years 4 months, cold turkey. Many thanks.

Most of the links below were added by Jo1972 who quit smoking in 2007!!! I quit on Christmas Day 1998 and many on our previous quitting threads here on MSE have quit for at least 3 years, many for 2 - so far! We've had in excess of 30 people who have quit...why not add your name to the growing list?!!!

Here are a few links to web sites that you might find useful for info on various types of NRT, support groups etc. Plus a couple of books that you might find helpful. :T

If you would like to add any links or ideas to this list that you think are useful for other members then feel free to leave a message on here or PM me and I'll add it so that it's all kept in one place and easy to find. Thanks

Link to Silk Quit meter to keep check on your savings, amount not smoked and life saved etc http://www.silkquit.org/sqmmiv/meter.aspx

Link to quit smoking website http://www.whyquit.com/

Niquitin website http://www.click2quit.co.uk/

Free niquitin twister http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....html?t=462895

Link to info on new drug for quitting smoking http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6705667.stm

Link to info in champix drug http://www.theonlineclinic.co.uk/champix.asp

Link to ASH http://www.ash.org.uk/

Link to Max Kirsten's stopping smoking site (watch the smoking vid!) - thanks to TNG for this link http://www.maxkirsten.com/resources/...view.asp?id=13

Recommended books:

The Nicotine Trick by Neil Casey
"Easyway to quit smoking" by Allen Carr


There are so many reasons to give up smoking, so many benefits from stopping, not least of all our health and pockets!

Below is a list of reasons that make all fellow quitters so pleased they stopped smoking. I sincerely hope this gives everyone encouragement along the way and that fellow posters give you all the help and support you need in either going ahead and stopping, or continuing your quest to be smoke-free.

Not having to go outside to smoke when the weather is awful.

Having lovely smelling hair, body and clothes and no brown stains on your fingers!

Coming home to a nice smelling house

No more sore throat and burnt feeling tongue, though initially you may have a sore throat and/or cold after first stopping. Don't worry, it's all part of the process of your body beginning to get rid of all the rubbish, but it doesn't happen to everyone.

Not worrying about whether you've got cash for ciggies all the time...or concerns about where to go to stock up!

Not getting evil looks from passers by when you have a ciggie break on the pavement, at work or anywhere else, especially if the smoke goes near them!

Smelling smoke from other people and thinking that actually it smells foul and realising you might be able to actually give up.....worth a try surely...nothing to lose so why not?!

Having a £2,000 + a year tax-free pay rise :j

Being able to concentrate on what you're doing without thinking about going and having a ciggie as soon as you've finished eating, cleaning, working, shopping - most things!

OH saying how much better the house/flat smells now

No nasty clearing of your throat all the time

No hacking cough that can be so embarrassing and wakes OH up as well as you!

Taking deep breaths of clean, fresh air.

Being quite a bit richer - quickly!

Having a pink tongue not a brown, mucky one!

Your lungs getting rid of rubbish (always cough it up and out!)

Paintwork will stay whiter as will ceilings.

Windows won't have that awful brown when you clean them that's left from smoking indoors.

Lovely clean teeth instead of gradually brown, rotting ones!

More energy and being able to go up hills/stairs easier. :j

Arteries becoming un-clogged.

A longer lifespan. :heart2:

Not having to go outside the pub for one.....and pitying those who do!

Moaning about all the butts they leave outside!

Setting a great example to your kiddies/youngsters and not being terrified they too may take it up!


Finally, but most importantly, here's the reason we're doing it (thanks to Adz for researching the info):

At 20 minutes after quitting:

• Blood pressure decreases
• Pulse rate drops
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases.

At 8 hours:

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to near normal
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

At 24 hours:

• Chance of a heart attack decreases

At 48 hours:

• Nerve endings begin grow again
• Ability to smell and taste improves

Between 2 weeks and 3 months:

• Circulation improves
• Walking becomes easier
• Lung function increases
• Smokers cough starts to cease

Between 1 to 9 months smoke-free:

Starting as early as a month after you quit smoking, and continuing for the next several months, you may notice significant improvements in these areas:

• Coughing
• Sinus congestion
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

At One Year Smoke-Free:

Your excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker after one year.

At Two years Smoke-Free:

Your chance of achieving long-term success with quitting tobacco increases significantly after two years.

At 5 years smoke-free:

• from 5 to 15 years after quitting tobacco, stroke risk is reduced to that of people who have never smoked.

At 10 years smoke-free:

• risk of lung cancer drops to as little as one-half that of continuing smokers
• risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases
• risk of ulcers decreases

At 15 years smoke-free:

• risk of coronary heart disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked
• risk of death returns to nearly the level of people who have never smoked

All the very best to everyone, may you achieve your dream!

Sue x

Money_maker

Shiny new thread - thanks Sue:beer:

Welcome to those looking to stop smoking, feel free to post questions or just how you're feeling.

Sue-UU

It's a great pleasure, Money maker and it's wonderful folk like yourself, who have travelled a fair way on your journey and know you can get by - with time, patience and willpower!

You are doing wonderfully, Mm and thank you so much.

Sue x

smileytiger

Hi guys

Fast approaching 6 months..eek!:D

Never ever thought i could do it after being a 30+ a day gal - but thanks to you lot keeping me sane i did it:j

Here's to lots more success stories and a happy place to hang out from now on

hugs
Chrissie .xx

Sue-UU

It is soooo good to see you here, Chrissie and NTC!!!!

I truly didn't realise the time had gone so fast for either of you, especially this last month!!! :eek: Just you wait until the 16th, Chrissie!!!!

Your too, NTC, was it really all that time ago that Eddie Mair brought you to such a terrific time of your life?! He's done you a power of good, that much I know!!!!

Very Many Congratulations, girls!!! :T:T:T

Isn't is great that you've both redecorated and started your lives afresh ~ inside and out!

Sue xx


To all those watching and wondering whether you too really could take this massive step ~ it's truly not quite so massive as it seems once you give it a go. Once you achieve that 1st hour you begin to feel sooo good...then half a day.....your first day.....then... that 1st WHOLE week! In the world of former smokers we know only too well that these are monstrous steps, but look above you at just a few successes and you'll know that it's all possible, for YOU too! Pick the way you wish to stop by and......

Why wait any longer?!

Best wishes, one and all, Sue xx

SaLoGo

I've done nothing but snack! Luckily I haven't put an ounce on (yet) and I'm starting work in 2 weeks so won't be able to snack.

I smoked for 20 years and this is the 3rd time I have tried to quit. This is the longest I've been without a cig so far, so hopefully I'll do it this time.

I have the biggest incentive to stop... I'm getting married next year and want to have stopped by then. I don't want to smell of smoke of my wedding day and I don't want anyone capturing a pic of me in my gorgeous dress with a fag in my hand!!

I had cut down from 20+ a day to 10 a day as I stopping smoking in the house when we moved last year. I think that really helped.

Only downside so far is I've had a constant sore throat since the week after stopping and this week have developed a full blown cold I feel worse than when I was smoking!!

Sue-UU

SaLoGo wrote: »

Only downside so far is I've had a constant sore throat since the week after stopping and this week have developed a full blown cold I feel worse than when I was smoking!!

Hello SaLoGo and a very warm welcome to the thread!

Fantastic news on having got so far, and especially further than ever before!!! :T You've every reason now to keep going and carry this through! What a terrific incentive you have!

I'm a firm believer in cutting down first ~ so long as folk don't then allow themselves to creep back up again, however, we're all different and what some find easier others don't.

Fingers crossed for the sore throat (so often this happens for a short while) to go now the cold has broken out, Sal, it certainly should do. Try some Streps!ls to help ease it, or Sooth!rs, they're both very good to soothe throats. You'll soon be so much better though with a huge smile on your face. :grinheart

Re the snacking, be careful and try drinking water when you're feeling peckish. Also try a few nuts (preferably Walnuts & Almonds) with some sultanas or raisins; not too many and just every now and again. Also try eating fruit, especially apples as they're long-lasing, so too are Ice Poles/Pops ~ lovely and refreshing too.

Thanks for telling us your story so far, Sal, please keep us updated as you go and ~ all the very best in achieving your goal!

Sue x

joedenise

I gave up smoking on 10 April as I was rushed into hospital with suspected Menengitis (sp). After various tests including a lumbar puncture it turned out to be a severe form on pneumonia.

Being in hospital I had no choice but to not smoke so had to go Cold Turkey!

I've smoked for nearly 50 years and have given up a couple of times before - the longest time being for about 10 months. I usually restart because my DH doesn't give up as well but I am hopeful this time that it will be the final time because DH has given up as well:D

Denise

Sue-UU

joedenise wrote: »

I usually restart because my DH doesn't give up as well but I am hopeful this time that it will be the final time because DH has given up as well:D

Hi Denise and a very warm welcome to the thread! WOW, this is a typical case of out of bad comes good!! I really do hope your DH will stay off ciggies, especially as men find it easier than us ladies (no hormone problems)!

After suffering such a severe form on pneumonia I wouldn't think you'd ever want to risk smoking again for fear of it rearing it's ugly head again!! :eek: Stay free from them whatever you do, Denise, and if you get any problems at all ~ PLEASE ~ come on here (or send a PM) and let us know!

Don't forget to keep us updated about your's and your DH's achievements and do know that we all want you to get through this and never, ever smoke again!

All the very best, Sue xx

RainbowDreamer

I have copied and pasted my post from the other thread -

"I haven't been back here in a long time. I managed 51 days smoke free and then caved when drunk

I know cannot get past 12 hours. I am now at a loss as to how to change that.
I have tried all NRT products, have read allen carrs book and have tried an e-cig.
I have realised its my mind that is preventing me from quitting.
Any ideas how I can change this? I am even considering hypnosis but at £50 it will be a struggle to find the money. Yet I seem to find the money for cigs even when I cannot afford to buy them.
I dislike smoking and it doesnt give me stress relief or benefit me in anyway... so why can I not get past 1 day? I am driving myself insane with the constant failure.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated."

Today once my cigs ran out I have tried hard not to buy more. I have only managed about 3 hours so far... cold turkey. I just need to get past a week.

Sue-UU

RainbowDreamer wrote: »

Today once my cigs ran out I have tried hard not to buy more. I have only managed about 3 hours so far... cold turkey. I just need to get past a week.

I am so very pleased to see you here, RainbowDreamer! A very warm welcome to our new thread!

You've gone for THREE hours which is great news!!!!! :T You know how hard it has been so far, but stick with us and come on here as often as you like. Talk through all your feelings, good and bad and lets see if we can get you past this negative first week.

We will do our very best, you do yours and lets push ahead for you.

Keep yourself very busy, it doesn't matter what you do, cleaning, jig-saw puzzles, crosswords, knitting, crochet, sewing, running, walking ~ absolutely anything so long as you're reasonably happy going it.

Don't forget right now that you can start each day (each hour, afternoon etc) with the Quitters Pledge remember?

Quitters Pledge

"Today I promise not to smoke any cigarettes, tomorrow - if I wish - I may do."

Renew the pledge every morning on waking. This helps in not making quitting feel as though you're planning something lifelong, it helps trick the mind in taking it all one day (or hour) at a time. The lifelong part you determine for yourself when you're ready.

You CAN do this, RainbowDreamer, I never thought I could, but I did just over 13 years ago!!!!!!! :j

Keep busy mind!

Love and {{{special hugs}}}, Sue xx