My Quitting Smoking Diary - yours too!

dundeedoll_2

Hiya, just a quick post from me to say I'm still a non-smoker

I shall ALWAYS be so very grateful to the Giving up smoking thread - it was the wonderful support from the people on there that kept me going.

Definitely been the best thing I could have done

Once you get over the first couple of weeks it gets so much easier.

Ask yourself what the advantages of NOT smoking are........and then try to think of an advantage of carrying on smoking

get_over_it

WhichI know is contradictory, but I remember reading the book previously and itdeals allot with the 'mental' side of smoking... which helps.

Havelurked around this forum (as in the whole forum!) for years, but never felt theneed to post... but now I need to rant a bit.

Istarted smoking at about 13/14. I didn't really think about it at all until Iwas 23 and getting a mortgage, when I realised that I had to pay more for lifeinsurance / cover (or whatever it was!) because I smoked. Never thought muchmore about it, and always swore I'd give up when I had kids...

Rollon another 17 years and I've never had kids so never had the 'reason' to giveup! I've always kept relatively fit, never overweight and never worried aboutit. Recently, however, not being able tosmoke has been annoying me. Waiting forthings to finish so I can smoke is becoming a bug bear. O/H gave up in January last year, for hisboy. He’s coped ok, a bit of slip inSeptember, but is back off them now.

Wewent to see a play in March and I had to fit in smoking from train to tube,then tube to pub, then pub to theatre and then one in half time. I didn’t ‘enjoy’ any of them as they were allrushed. So thought of a date to give up.

Withholidays already booked, the jubilee etc I thought I’d leave it until 12thJune. As it was, after the date was set,I had to go in for a small ‘procedure’ on the 11th. I am pleased to say that all went well andthe cigarette I had before and after made no change to how the procedure went –didn’t make it any easier or harder, didn’t make me feel any better either (ifanything, it made me feel worse!). So I wasin good stead.

Thefirst couple of days were ok. I feltlike I was getting somewhere. By thefourth day, I wasn’t even starring at butts on the floor thinking ‘none left onthat one, they have left at least three lugs on that one – their not tryinghard enough etc etc’.

Butfor the last few days, I’ve been miserable. I don't feel elated, like I shouldabout giving up for 8 days.. Which is unlike me. I am one of those people thatburst into a badly sung song whenever they feel like it. Teases o/h by pullingthe hair out of his legs when he’s watching tv. When I smoked, I felt so fullof life. Now I don’t. So much so I bought some cigarettes lunchtime. Had acouple of puffs on one and it just felt so alien. Now, sitting at work I feel abit sick. Although in my mind I feel allot more determined to give up (post cighigh perhaps? Letting Mr Nic win?).

I know Ishould feel really proud of what I’m doing, but I don’t.

O/h whoquit last year said it could be that I’m on the patches as I’m still gettingthe nicotine, but not when my bodies used to it(or something – I wasn’tlistening if truth be told). It sounds plausible. Maybe cold turkey would bebetter?

smileytiger

get_over_it wrote: »

WhichI know is contradictory, but I remember reading the book previously and itdeals allot with the 'mental' side of smoking... which helps.

Havelurked around this forum (as in the whole forum!) for years, but never felt theneed to post... but now I need to rant a bit.

Istarted smoking at about 13/14. I didn't really think about it at all until Iwas 23 and getting a mortgage, when I realised that I had to pay more for lifeinsurance / cover (or whatever it was!) because I smoked. Never thought muchmore about it, and always swore I'd give up when I had kids...

Rollon another 17 years and I've never had kids so never had the 'reason' to giveup! I've always kept relatively fit, never overweight and never worried aboutit. Recently, however, not being able tosmoke has been annoying me. Waiting forthings to finish so I can smoke is becoming a bug bear. O/H gave up in January last year, for hisboy. He’s coped ok, a bit of slip inSeptember, but is back off them now.

Wewent to see a play in March and I had to fit in smoking from train to tube,then tube to pub, then pub to theatre and then one in half time. I didn’t ‘enjoy’ any of them as they were allrushed. So thought of a date to give up.

Withholidays already booked, the jubilee etc I thought I’d leave it until 12thJune. As it was, after the date was set,I had to go in for a small ‘procedure’ on the 11th. I am pleased to say that all went well andthe cigarette I had before and after made no change to how the procedure went –didn’t make it any easier or harder, didn’t make me feel any better either (ifanything, it made me feel worse!). So I wasin good stead.

Thefirst couple of days were ok. I feltlike I was getting somewhere. By thefourth day, I wasn’t even starring at butts on the floor thinking ‘none left onthat one, they have left at least three lugs on that one – their not tryinghard enough etc etc’.

Butfor the last few days, I’ve been miserable. I don't feel elated, like I shouldabout giving up for 8 days.. Which is unlike me. I am one of those people thatburst into a badly sung song whenever they feel like it. Teases o/h by pullingthe hair out of his legs when he’s watching tv. When I smoked, I felt so fullof life. Now I don’t. So much so I bought some cigarettes lunchtime. Had acouple of puffs on one and it just felt so alien. Now, sitting at work I feel abit sick. Although in my mind I feel allot more determined to give up (post cighigh perhaps? Letting Mr Nic win?).

I know Ishould feel really proud of what I’m doing, but I don’t.

O/h whoquit last year said it could be that I’m on the patches as I’m still gettingthe nicotine, but not when my bodies used to it(or something – I wasn’tlistening if truth be told). It sounds plausible. Maybe cold turkey would bebetter?

Hi and welcome - rant away!

Lots of people report that they get really tired and moody at first so you're not alone. It doesn't last though so once you get through the first couple of weeks you should start to feel better.
Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but i'm sure that smoking is a stimulant and makes you more awake - so even if you're using patches you're probably not getting as much so you feel low.

Please try and persevere a bit - try to break your usual routine and go for a walk or occupy yourself when you feel a bit mardy.
It does get easier and any of us will tell you that - so hang in there - you have made the best decision to quit the fags so remind yourself why you are doing it when it feels like it's not worth it.

Most of all - keep posting and ranting/moaning it helps and no one minds cos we've all done it!

Hugs & good luck
Chrissie .xx

jammy_dodger

hi "getoverit" and a warm welcome here

i hope you have managed to throw the rest of the fags you bought away so you are not tempted..it really isnt worth it

you have done one of the hardest bits and thats to decide to quit, magic you have your OH for suport too

a line from your post is one to remember

get_over_it wrote: »

Wewent to see a play in March and I had to fit in smoking from train to tube,then tube to pub, then pub to theatre and then one in half time. I didn’t ‘enjoy’ any of them as they were allrushed

most of us have our light bulb moment when fags stop becoming that pleasure we thought they were and when we realise they dominate and dictate out lives

put yourself back in control and bear in mind how fags make you feel,

reward / pamper yourself to for staying stopped, whether it be at end of day, after a meal , end of a week ..whatever but give yourself that treat....you no longer smell like an ash tray so maybe a spa treatment , massage or buble bath

you need to get that good feeling back and exercise can you give you that rush and lift your mood, and take your mind of the routine of smoking

drink plenty of water too to flush out all those nasty chemicals your body has been consuming

we know exactly what you are going through so please stick wwith it, if having a hard time please post before reaching for that fag

we will do our best to suport you through it

best of luck
JD xx

get_over_it

Getting ahead of myself here! That should be 1 week, two days :-)

Thanks Chrissie & JD for your words yesterday...
The evening was allot better. O/H was in when I got in and asked how my day was. He didn't ask if I'd smoked, so I didn't tell him:(
I actually went for a run! I used to run 3-4 times a week before I moved in with O/H, but that kinda went out the window with 'other stuff' taking over. I was quite pleased with my time / distance and how it felt.
Then I took the dog to work after dinner! An active evening indeed.

This morning wasn't very good, but I always struggle with the mornings. I was fine until I went to make my lunch as there was no bread. O/H hadn't told me he'd eaten the last couple of slices. So there I was, in the kitchen, crying. 'Get over it' I thought. 'Would having a cig make bread appear? Would having a cig make O/H think to tell me about bread?'. No. Telling myself off didn't help so I got a small ice lolly (holds about 40ml juice!) and stood outside in the rain eating it till I'd calmed down.
I know I was just worried about having to go somewhere to get a sandwich, but I went to the supermarket and went to a till away from the cig counter.

Got to work fine. :T. Start of another day.

Sue-UU

get_over_it wrote: »

O/H was in when I got in and asked how my day was. He didn't ask if I'd smoked, so I didn't tell him:( Well done OH and you!

I actually went for a run! I used to run 3-4 times a week before I moved in with O/H, but that kinda went out the window with 'other stuff' taking over. I was quite pleased with my time / distance and how it felt.

Then I took the dog to work after dinner! An active evening indeed.

This morning wasn't very good, but I always struggle with the mornings. I was fine until I went to make my lunch as there was no bread. O/H hadn't told me he'd eaten the last couple of slices. So there I was, in the kitchen, crying. 'Get over it' I thought. 'Would having a cig make bread appear? Would having a cig make O/H think to tell me about bread?'. No. Telling myself off didn't help so I got a small ice lolly (holds about 40ml juice!) and stood outside in the rain eating it till I'd calmed down.

Got to work fine. :T. Start of another day.

Hi there get over it and a very warm welcome to the thread from me!!! I've just read both your posts and the 2nd is marvellous, you're starting to take control of it all rather than the way it's been for so long...it taking control of you!

Your OH and you handled the "hiya, how's your day" brilliantly - well done both!!

Next, you had a problem which reduced you to tears - that's ok - let the tears come..it'll do you the world of good as it's the natural occurrence at such times, especially this happening. If ever you feel like screaming - pop a pillow over your face and SCREAM into it - only the pillow will hear you.

Then you did a great thing with the lolly...you reached for something (similar to those other horrible things of the past :mad:) and chilled out on the doorstep; in short you handled it amazingly!! :T

The runs will really be great for you and release the endorphins into the brain so keep them up...the doggie workouts too!

Change your morning routine around just a bit and you'll soon be over those times, doing things in a different order alone can be such an advantage with no one getting rattled.

Keep going as you are now and you'll be seeing a whole new side of you, and a super successful one! Very well done indeed.

Sue xx

Sterling work, JD and Chrissie, great advice.

BTW Chrissie, marvellous news about your 7 month mark! :T:T:T I found it marvellous to get past the 1/2 year stage, it really gave me a great high.

Sue x

GREAT NEWS on that 2 lb weight loss, Kiwi! :j See....things just keep on getting better!

Sue x

dundeedoll wrote:

Ask yourself what the advantages of NOT smoking are........and then try to think of an advantage of carrying on smoking

Hi there DD!!! How very close you're getting to 2 years!!!! :eek: :T:T:T It's really good to see you here willing folk along too, don't be a stranger mind!

Sue x

Keep strong all you lurkers who are out there going it alone! To all lurkers still thinking about it...do it just as soon as you're able...you'll never regret it.

Sue x

SaLoGo

Well I have recently discovered another benefit to giving up (and the reason I haven't been on here much)

I had to have 2 teeth out last week (probably not helped by the fact I smoked for 20 years) and I've noticed that my recovery seemed a lot quicker and easier than the last time I had a tooth out.

The pain wasn't half as bad which I found strange seeing as I'd had 2 out this time! And, my gum stopped bleeding after 10-15 minutes compared to 12 hours last time.

Not sure if it's entirely down to not smoking this time, but they do tell you not to smoke after an extraction!

Been off the patches nearly 3 weeks now and am only craving 2-3 times a week. The 1st week off them were hard, but it soon got better.

I was at my dad's trying to sort his laptop out and my sister turned to me and said "you don't want a fag!" and I was about to say "well I didn't until you mentioned it" but realised that I still didn't even though she had mentioned it!

Each little step forward feels like a giant leap right now! I'm 2 days off 3 months since quitting and I feel great! And, I've finally got round to setting an ISA up and £120 a month (ex fag money) is going in it ready for my honeymoon next year

ETA: sorry if it's too much info... but I seemed to have stopped sweating as much since I quit! I used to sweat all the time and always wore black to hide it. I went to work in a red vest today and no sweat marks... fab!!!

smileytiger

Well done Sal:T
It's great you're discovering all the benefits and actually seeing them in action.
The more positive things you find about not smoking makes you wonder why you ever did in the first place - I've come to the conclusion i was just a silly 'xxxx' for 30 years (insert appropriate word;))

Keep it up and you'll be able to have a fab honeymoon & and an even better fag free wedding!

hugs
Chrissie .xx



PS - Welcome back Sue!!!!!!!!! - hope you had a fabulous time and are feeling ready to keep us all in order once more! .xxxxx

Sue-UU

SaLoGo wrote: »

Not sure if it's entirely down to not smoking this time, but they do tell you not to smoke after an extraction!

Been off the patches nearly 3 weeks now and am only craving 2-3 times a week. The 1st week off them were hard, but it soon got better.

Each little step forward feels like a giant leap right now! I'm 2 days off 3 months since quitting and I feel great! And, I've finally got round to setting an ISA up and £120 a month (ex fag money) is going in it ready for my honeymoon next year

ETA: sorry if it's too much info... but I seemed to have stopped sweating as much since I quit! I used to sweat all the time and always wore black to hide it. I went to work in a red vest today and no sweat marks... fab!!!

Wonderful news about how long you've gone for, Sal, you've done marvellously and have so much to be proud of and happy about!! :T:T:T You're right about the teeth, the recovery afterwards too, all used to be down to nicotine and all the rubbish in fags. Still, it won't affect you anymore!

The sweating (don't worry we can talk about anything like that here ), you're right though, it too was all down to smoking. Nicotine stimulated our bodies too much and made everything work harder than would normally be the case, hence it having affected your sweat glands. Another good reason, if you needed on, to keep away from the things!

You're quite right about each little step forward feeling like a giant leap and I'm sure that's what keeps us motivated as it is such a huge thing to do, but..here you are keeping up the terrific work!!!! :T I've been free for over 13 years now, yet still, it hits me so often that I really did do it and it still feels mammoth to me!!!! :j

Happy quitting Sal, happy saving too!!

Sue x

Hiya Chrissie and thanks a lot. We had a terrific time, great weather too!!! The day after we left it *iddled down here and wouldn't stop yet we were basking in it! Now we come home and the rain's turned on again! We saw no end of beautiful sights and it was soooo good to be back up their again. :j:j

I have no keeping in order to do, Chrissie, you're all just great on here, so exceptionally thoughtful and helpful too, a terrific atmosphere for all.

I hope you soon sell the house!

Sue x

get_over_it

Wow! I didnt realise there were so many side effects of smoking! But tbh Sologo, that 1 sounds like 1 I dont need to feel!

O/h treated me yesterday to tickets to 'taste London'. It was great to get on the train & go somewhere without worrying where I was gonna fit a fag in. Even at an outside event it was good not to worry.

Today has been a struggle though. Spent too long in bed this morning as dog was at the sitters so no reason to get up. Ended up craving & crying again! Poor o/h didnt know what to do! He ended up making tea :-)

I think I might come off the patches... I think the nic craving on them is making my mood swings worse? What do others think?