Quitting Smoking

[scaredy_cat]

Ok, its almost time. I have chosen Sunday the 28th, to quit smoking as a birthday present to myself.

Wish me luck!

[Rebecca]

I wish you steadfastness in your determination to quit!

Three of my grandparents and two aunts died lingering, hacking, gasping deaths because they smoked. Smoking takes away so much more than it gives.

I truly admire everyone who has quit and wish nothing but the strength to do so for those who are trying.

To quit smoking is a wonderful gift not only to yourself but to everyone who cares about you.

:hug:

[StPeteMark]

I quit in October 1973, at age 23. It takes about 3 months for your body to fight and adjust living without smoke. During that 3 months, cravings and sleep patterns are affected. Eventually, your mind and body will function normally. Due to association, I stopped drinking coffee and ate popcorn when having a beer. I am still smoke free, hate coffee, and no longer need popcorn as a crutch.

Some of the good news is that, given enough time, your lungs will clean out all the black stuff that has built up over the years.

This is not a luck situation, it's a task of hard determination to succeed. So I wish you much strength to win this challenge!!!

Mark
.

[WillFlyToDisney]

You can do it!

[scaredy_cat]

That association thing is hard! When I quite before (for 6 days) I could barely get in my car without having a fit! I did it once, albeit for a short time, so I know I can do it again. I just let my flight be an excuse to start again, so I will be more careful this time not to let things like that be used for a reason not to quit (no matter how mad my boyfriend makes me :p

Thanks for your encouragement!

[Barb-SAN]

I too offer my encouragement in quitting smoking, and enjoying the health benefits and clean lungs that soon will be yours. Here in California all our restaurants are smoke-free now. Being very sensitive to second hand smoke, I'm ever so grateful. I do notice back in Michigan where many restaurants still have smoking and no-smoking sections...the whole restaurant still smells smoky to me. I'm sorry that the waitresses have to work in that poor air for 8 hrs. a day. So...you can think of not only your own health that you will be improving...but also that you are helping to improve the air quality for others around you, some of whom may have asthma or other lung problems.

How about a financial incentive....every time you have the urge to buy a pack of cigarettes, put the money into a "vacation kitty" or an "FoF DVD" kitty? Before you know it....the money will be there!
:)
Barb-SAN

Have you considered taking some yoga classes? Yoga helps with relaxation, and has a lot of emphasis on breathing...which helps to reduce anxiety. It's possible the instructor might also have some ideas for helping you through the first few weeks without cigarettes.

[scaredy_cat]

Today's the day. I know I said the 28th would be, but I decided it would be better to start when I'm working and will be busy most of the day.

Day 1 - I'm thinking about them, but not too bad yet. Its "break time" now so I'm considering just going down the hall and walking up and down a few flights of stairs or something instead. If its gets really bad I've got 17 floors worth to try! :lol: I'll check back later and keep you all posted though.

[Rebecca]

You need tools! Just discovered that May 31, 2006 is World No Tobacco Day!!!

Some good stuff here ... http://www.smokefree.gov/

If it gets really tough, gut up and take a look at the healthy lung vs. lung cancer in these photos. (http://www.presmark.com/htmlfile/pictures.htm)

Don't mess around with the perfect, pink, miraculous lung cells you were given at birth.

(Not to appoint myself the official nag! .... but .... :nag: .... this is important!!!)

[scaredy_cat]

Thanks for the links Rebecca. I didn't know it was today! I gave in and had one yesterday, but just one, and I threw them away so I couldn't give in today.

[Rebecca]

:whistle:twee, dee, dee ... oh, hi Paula! Just checking in ... encouragingly ...

[scaredy_cat]

It's on again, off again, all week. I'm not doing well, but I'm not giving up. So far so good today.

[scaredy_cat]

Well, I didn't do so good last week. It was on again, off again, over and over. But...

Today is Day 3 with no cigarettes! I'm about to have a breakdown :confused: and may have to take up drinking :cheers: lol, but so far so good.

[noflyingfan]

Paula,

Are you using any kind of aids, or are you quitting cold turkey?

Tangent: When I was little, I used to think that "quitting cold turkey" meant that when you wanted a cigarette you'd eat turkey lunch meat, like there was something in it that quelled the cravings. :shakehead I know now that's not what it means, but since some people end up gaining weight when they quit because they eat to replace smoking, cold turkey probably isn't such a bad idea. It's good for you and low in calories.

[scaredy_cat]

I love turkey so I'll consider that! :lol: But to answer your question, I'm not using anything. I have tried everything before and it didn't help.

the bad news: I screwed up last night and had 2 when I got home from work :shakehead but I'm back in the saddle today and not giving up!

[noflyingfan]

You know, Paula, I'm wondering where you're getting all these cigarettes....

Throw those things away! Don't even give yourself the option of smoking them. Get them out of your life and forget that you ever smoked at all. :nag:

Actually, there's a quote I like from Robin Williams in the movie "Dead Again," which isn't exactly a life-changing movie, but it's a good quote nonetheless.

"A person is either a smoker or a non-smoker; there's no in-between. Figure out which one you are, and be that. That's it."

It might help you to have something to redirect your attention to when you want a cigarette. Do something else you enjoy. Eat a piece of cold turkey. :happyguy:

[scaredy_cat]

Well, last night I walked to 7-11 and bought a pack, smoked two, then threw the rest away. I don't know why I did it. I didn't even "need" one at the moment, I just decided I wanted one. :shakehead

All it did was make me want one worse today, so you can bet I'm not going to have one again today.

ugh, this is hard. I can do it though.

[EyesSkyward]

I don't know why I did it. I didn't even "need" one at the moment, I just decided I wanted one. :shakehead
A guy I used to work with ages ago, who was in the process of quitting, used to say (more as a reminder to himself than for anyone else's benefit) "I don't have to have a cigarette, even if I want one." I've always liked the sort of zen simplicity of that.

- Jeff

[Rebecca]

ugh, this is hard. I can do it though.

You can.

Check these photos (http://www.presmark.com/htmlfile/pictures.htm) in any weak moments.

:sunshine:Breathe. It's a precious gift.

[scaredy_cat]

A guy I used to work with ages ago, who was in the process of quitting, used to say (more as a reminder to himself than for anyone else's benefit) "I don't have to have a cigarette, even if I want one." I've always liked the sort of zen simplicity of that.

- Jeff
Thanks Jeff - I'll give that a try, kinda like having a repetitive saying for flying. I'm not sure which was harder, getting on those planes, or doing this!

[noflyingfan]

I'd say quitting smoking is probably harder. At least when you force yourself to get on an airplane, you get to go somewhere potentially fun. All quitting smoking does is give you stupid old good lungs. :rolleyes:

[scaredy_cat]

I'd say quitting smoking is probably harder. At least when you force yourself to get on an airplane, you get to go somewhere potentially fun. All quitting smoking does is give you stupid old good lungs. :rolleyes:

I think it IS harder than flying! And its so silly to feel so deprived and tormented, like I'm missing out on something good. :blush:

[scaredy_cat]

Ok, so I had a rough start last week, things were up and down, back and forth, but...

I'm now on Day 5 of no cigarettes.

I noticed a large increase in my road rage this morning on the way to work. I wanted to run half a dozen people off the road, lol.

I'm obsessing.

When does it get to the point where you don't actually want one? According to the 'experts' the nicotine addiction should be over and done with. Its just the "want" that I'm consumed with at the moment.

[noflyingfan]

Congratulations! You're doing great! :hug:

I've never been a smoker, so I don't know how long it is till you stop really wanting one, but they say it takes three weeks to form a habit. Maybe you'll stop wanting one after forming a habit of not smoking.

[Barb-SAN]

Congratulations, Paula, for making it this far! One day at a time....

I've never been a smoker either, but have quite a fondness for desserts. I've given them up from time to time, and found it took a few weeks for the cravings to go away. There are food temptations everywhere, especially sweets.

I suppose it might be similar for a smoker...places where others are smoking, breathing second hand smoke is a reminder of smoking, etc. It might be good to stay away from those places for awhile so there's no temptation to have "just one, for socializing"....

Someone I knew years ago used to chew on cinnamon flavored toothpicks as a way to "pacify" himself after he quit smoking. Don't know if they still make those or not, but maybe they could be made by soaking toothpicks in flavored extracts? Gum-chewing also provides some oral satisfaction....:lol:

Barb-SAN

[scaredy_cat]

Thanks Monica and Barb

I'm hangin in there... day 6.

I have problems with gum sticking to my fillings, but I've been eating breath mints a lot, lol.

Managed not to kill anyone yesterday, although my boyfriend had a close call :lol:

[scaredy_cat]

stupid stupid stupid stupid!!

:loco: :deadhorse :cuss: :blech:

I went six days and then for some reason I went and got cigarettes this morning and smoked one. I have no idea why!!!!!

I didn't "need" one, and I didn't even really want one too much, I just... did it.

What's wrong with me? :sigh:

I just threw the rest of the pack in the trash though, because I really don't want to do it again.

[Barb-SAN]

I don't know the answer, but think it's probably the same reason that last week I went and bought a box of 36 oatmeal/raisin and chocolate chip cookies at Costco and ate them all in the course of two days....and then wondered why I'd gained two pounds!:angel: (And no, I'm not obese...but need to lose a few pounds and get more fit).

Barb-SAN

[noflyingfan]

Barb, eeeeewwww. Raisin? Really? That's just wrong! :tongue:

Paula, maybe smoking a cigarette when you don't really want or need one can be your wakeup call. Did you enjoy it THAT much? Was it worth how you feel right now? Remember that next time you're tempted.

[scaredy_cat]

Barb, eeeeewwww. Raisin? Really? That's just wrong! :tongue:

Paula, maybe smoking a cigarette when you don't really want or need one can be your wakeup call. Did you enjoy it THAT much? Was it worth how you feel right now? Remember that next time you're tempted.

No, I actually didn't enjoy it. It was icky and now I have a horrid taste in my mouth.

Barb - I hear ya. I'm going tonight to sign up for a 3 night a week exercise thing. Quitting smoking is easier than giving up my sweets!

I also agree about the raisins. eww.

Ok, just so I don't dig them out of the trash (yes, ive done it) , I ran water in my cigarette pack to ruin them.

Thanks for your support everyone. I think getting on that plane was easier!

[Barb-SAN]

Barb, eeeeewwww. Raisin? Really? That's just wrong! :tongue:

Actually, I counted it as a serving of "fruit" (just like pumpkin pie and carrot cake count as vegetables....:tongue: ), and the oatmeal is for fiber....and lowering cholesterol....

[noflyingfan]

Yeah, I refuse to eat fruit unless it's part of a pie.

[scaredy_cat]

Yeah, I refuse to eat fruit unless it's part of a pie.

You mean you can eat it just by itself?

:shocked:

[noflyingfan]

I've known people who do. It just seems weird to me though.

[scaredy_cat]

:shakehead some people will try anything.

[Rebecca]

What? Surely you jest! How could anyone not like plain ol' fresh FRUIT! In all its flavorful, sweet glory!!!

http://sluggo33.tripod.com/shake/IMG_3929.JPG

[noflyingfan]

Cover that bowl in chocolate, and we're in business. :nod:

[WillFlyToDisney]

I love fruit but hate it cooked unless we are talking about peaches - I LOVE peach cobbler!

I make a mean fruit salad! Anyone want my recipe?

[noflyingfan]

Nice, fresh whip cream would work too, with a little vanilla added. Maybe a hunk of sponge cake under it.

That might make it a little too crowded in that bowl. Better take out the fruit.

[WillFlyToDisney]

That might make it a little too crowded in that bowl. Better take out the fruit.

:lol: :rotflmao:

So now that I am craving peach cobbler I need to go take it out of the oven!

[scaredy_cat]

Sometimes I make a nice fruit salad, then I take out everything but the apples, add a little cinnamon, some sugar, some butter, put it in a crust and bake it. Mmmmmmm. I love eating healthy.


:lol: :lol: :lol:


I could do the strawberries if it had cake and whipped cream, but even better if they were dipped in chocolate. mmmmmm

[scaredy_cat]

I went and joined an exercise thing last night. Starts Monday, three nights a week. Its a beginner thing for women, which is good, because I've never exercised before! I felt bad for smoking yesterday so wanted to do something positive. Now if I can only stay away from this....

[noflyingfan]

I got all excited because there were really nice looking strawberries in the grocery store last week, so I bought a bunch and made strawberry cheesecake and strawberry bread, and then my boyfriend took the leftover strawberries and covered them in chocolate. We had a veritable strawberry feast, but unfortunately, they were only nice on the outside, and the insides were all white. Guess maybe they need another few weeks.

I miss the days when I was little and lived in a rural area with a strawberry farm where I could go pick my own. Strawberries are actually one of the few fruits I'll eat just alone (I love all berries in general). My mother loves to tell the story of when I was five and ate a whole carton of them in one sitting.

[scaredy_cat]

I love strawberries too, but its impossible to find any in the stores that arent all white inside and yucky :shakehead

I miss grandma's garden!

[scaredy_cat]

Just an update...

I have given it another try and I'm now on Day 8 of no smoking :) I feel more positive this time, I think I may actually do it!

I still want one all the time though, and they still smell "good" to me if I walk by someone smoking, so I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but I'm getting there!

[noflyingfan]

Good for you! :pompoms:

Keep it up! You can do it!

Next time, smell the breath or clothes of someone who's been smoking. That'll turn you off right away.

[Lynda]

Paula,

Giving up smoking is the best thing you will ever do for your body. I gave up smoking nearly 30 years ago after being shown the lung of a smoker who had died from cancer. The thick yucky tar will live in my mind for ever.

You can do this, if you can manage one day you can manage another then another and so on.

Good luck
Lynda:)

[LeslieDEN]

I'm probably the last holdout smoker here, but I'm right behind you, Paula, now that Marriott has gone totally nonsmoking (http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-07-19T101536Z_01_WEN1308_RTRIDST_0_LEISURE-MARRIOTT-SMOKING-URGENT.XML&rpc=66):

NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - Marriott International Inc. on Wednesday said it will make all of its hotels in the United States and Canada entirely non-smoking, beginning in September. ...

Pfft. I no longer have a choice. Might as well join all the healthy people.

Or switch to Sheraton. :thinking:

[scaredy_cat]

I'm on day 12 now!

I don't "feel" like a non-smoker yet. I still feel like a smoker who is quitting.
I was very sick for most of the week, stomach problems, headaches, exhaustion, etc. and was told by some other "quitters" that its normal, due to withdrawals and detox. I'm starting to feel quite a bit better though, but one thing i've noticed is food. Everyone says you will be able to taste food better, and if that's the case, I don't want it, lol, because everything tastes, well, off. Things I like are tasting different but weird, not in a good way. Hopefully this too will pass.

good thing is: I haven't coughed in days and I don't wake up in the morning choking on sinus drainage! yay

[noflyingfan]

Congrats on making it to Day 12!

They say it takes three weeks to form a habit (or in your case, break one). You only have nine days left!

If you don't want to eat as much, you're lucky. Most people eat constantly when they quit and end up fat.

[scaredy_cat]

I ate like a fiend the first few days, lol, but then it slacked off, and since I'm already 25 pounds over, I definitely don't want to gain any more!

[scaredy_cat]

I'm on my 16th smoke free day now. Yes, I'm still counting, because I still want one, every day, and don't feel "safe" yet.

Food still tastes a little off, but not as bad as it did.

[Lynda]

Paula,

You are doing great, Hard isn't it!

Just live for one day, give up for another day and then another and soon you will only think of them occasionally then hardly ever. Promise.:)

[noflyingfan]

Yay, Paula! You're doing great! :pompoms: