Bev'sSister Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 OK..I have decided to stop smoking too. As of 1/1/2007..7pm, I became a non-smoker. Currently, I am using the patch to help me with the withdrawal symptoms. Does anyone have any good tips for getting through this? I have my Jolly Ranchers and gum, but still am struggling a little. I keep getting up from my desk to go smoke..and then I realize that I am not smoking anymore. Two of my friends were supposed to stop with me, but decided not to, so I am hoping others on this board are quitting also. Maybe we can form some sort of support group. I am almost desperate and I am not 24 hours into it yet. I asked a co-worker that smokes if I could just smell his clothes for a minute or two. Oh Well...Pray for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Soon, Bobby 777, you'll notice that your friend's smoky clothes don't smell very good at all. Hang in there, every few days it does get a little bit better. I think it takes about 2 weeks to lose your dependency on nicotine and then almost forever to lose the habit of having something in your hand, lighting a cigarette, etc. I used Wellbutrin (zyban)and it really did work. Haven't had a cigarette since June 10th 2003. The good thing about wellbutrin/zyban is that if you think you're going to go crazy without just 1 cig. you can have one, without it posing a health risk. Musn't smoke with patch. Good luck. It can be done! Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Stick with what you are doing, and if it works GREAT!!! Pfizer is also putting out a new drug called chantrix which is supposed to be pretty good. But you can do it with the current plan in place. Godspeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby, I was a 37 yr smokerand would panic if I was down to 1/2 a pack. Had never ever quit. On January 10, 2003 when the doc asked me if LC ran in my family, it scared the ***t out of me and I quit cold turkey. I wanted to live and had never even thought of LC. I even went to the casino that night. I have not smoked or had a desire to smoke ever again. I was blessed and didn't realize it then. I had a great helper. Just keep the faith and every time you want a smoke think about sis... Will keep you in my prayers,We're here for you Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Sorry, wish I could haelp, but i smoked my last cigarette in april 2003 before I walked into a Surgeons office with my wife. When we walked out 45 minutes later, She had been told she had Lung cnacer Inoperable Of course. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda661 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 I'm probably about to hook into Chantix myself, probably this week (or very soon) gonna' call my doctor to ask for an RX for it. I researched it over the last couple of days and talked with folks who know those who have used it......it appears to be better than anything out there (including Welbutrin/Zyban from two studies) for quitting from what I can find. I myself have tried cold turkey and the patch before and....well, I'm still smoking so those didn't work at the time for me (BUT those techniques DO work for many). Nicotine is out of the system in 3 days -- the rest is breaking the association habit of everything you have done while smoking; that can take awhile, but it's doable. You do get really sensitive on how bad the smoke smells pretty quick too -- I hit that one within a week of stopping. The psychological dependency seemed to be the worst for me on my prior tries. Every time I did a quit try, shortly thereafter, a major life event would happen that threw me for an emotional loop. That's what got me both times, not the nicotine addiction gig or what I used to do while smoking. Chantix is expensive -- I was told yesterday that a month's worth is around $180; not really bad when you consider the cost of smokes though. From what I found, you take Chantix for around 12 weeks -- you start the week before you are to quit smoking; Chantix operates on the receptor sites in the brain that produce dopamine....the pleasure/anxiety reducer response a person gets from smoking. If you "fall off the wagon" and smoke, it's not supposed to be a health risk either. I'm seriously thinking of trying it for try #3 at quitting, even though I can't say I'm particularly gung-ho about quitting right now: not sure there ever is a "right time" anymore....it's just not doing much for me anymore one way or the other, so it's as good a time as any I'd imagine. I heard about a fellow who smoked for years (2-3 packs a day), wasn't particularly inspired to quit, but had no desire to smoke after only a week on Chantix and no side effects like the dreaded weight gain, etc. Good luck in your efforts. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy-OK Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby ... quitting is difficult but can certainly be accomplished. There is a place on the internet called quitnet.com go there and you will have a lot of fellow quitters to either sympathize, empathize or kick your arse. Best of luck with your quit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby -- Go for it!! I'm happy to hear you've taken this great step (and wish I had some of your courage.) Zyban did help me years ago cut my smoking in half and I've stayed there since. Please remember that nicotene is more addictive than heroin -- and that is saying a lot. Try some online support groups and also just try holding something in your hand once you pass the nicotene withdrawal phase of quitting. It is a behavioral thing and you need to break the cycle of behavior associated with smoking (per my oldest son who successfully quit over three years ago.) CONGRATULATIONS for taking this step -- and if you stumble don't beat yourself up. Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 I'm really proud that you are doing this. I used to look at a cigarette and say "am I going to let this little white thing kill me??" "who is stronger"?. I was totally addicted, mentally and physically. One thing to remember is that you can NEVER have a puff again. That will put you right back into smoking. I would also try to stay away from temptations, like drinking, etc. The physical addiction I remember lasting 3 days. The first time I stopped I stayed home from work and slept about that long. After that it wasn't bad. That stop lasted for about 15 years or longer. Took that stupid puff, but by then there was the patch that for me made it much easier. Wishing you lots of luck with this. Can definitely be done. Joan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 I quit way long time ago (1984). I remember sitting in bars and focusing on all the people who WEREN'T smoking and still having a good time. A few times I sat with a paper napkin, folded it, and created snowflakes until the craving passed. Stick to your guns--you can do it. Prior to quitting, in the 10 years of my smoking I counted 5 days I hadn't smoked, and one of them was when I had major surgery . . . it's doable gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Zyban worked for John also... good luck, you will be so happy you did this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather_T Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 I used the patch and it helped with the cravings. The habit is another story. I LOVE to smoke and the habit of picking up that cig but it has been almost 3 months for me and I still want one every day but it does get easier. I wish you all the luck in the world and wish it was easier to put them down. Heather_T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Yes! Congratulations. I suggest that using one of the drugs - chantrex or wellbutrin is helpful. And most doctors are happy to prescribe them. I also agree - you have to be a never again smoker, one puff and the feeling is back. Besides all the other good things from quitting, think of the money you'll be saving. Start a vacation or buy me special fund. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Hi Bobby, I quit on August 15, 2005; the day I was diagnosed with cancer. My tips: lots and lots of water (I'm like a toddler again -- always walking around with a bottle), quitnet.com (24 hour support forum), and walking (gets those lungs working again). Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 One more tip, that might be easier than keep away from drinking. (LOL) When I stopped, 20 some odd years ago, I joined a gym. Working out made me feel so healthy I said "how could I smoke?" Walking or anything that will give you that healthy feeling should work. So much good luck aain. And remember, everyday gets easier. Joan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby i had tried quitting numerous time's and each time stressfull situation's brought back the smoking.But 5 hear bypasses and wallah i have had no problem wanting to smoke again. Of course that is a radical way to quit so stick with your plan and like some one else said just think of your SIS.....Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev'sSister Posted January 3, 2007 Author Share Posted January 3, 2007 Thank you all for your support. I sure need it. I could eat a cigarette right now...but I am in this going on 36 hours now and I don't want to have to start over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby, that's exactly how you need to feel. I want you to succeeed in this. I hate cigarettes almost as much as lung cancer. They cause it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby...I'm not a smoker so I don't really know what a tough thing this musat be for you to do. However, I do want to chime in here and wish you the best of luck and say congratulations on taking this major step. My secretary is also quitting. Today will be day number 2 for her not having a cigarette. Yesterday was a bit rough for her but she made it through. I will certainly share some of this great information with her. My hat's off to ya Bobby!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dihen Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Hi Bobby, I quit smoking on New Year's Day last year at 5pm (about 2 hours before you) and just celebrated my year anniversary. I wish I had some great words of advice but for me it all came down to 'will power', and making the choice not to smoke when the cravings came. I would not recommend this technique really but for me, I carried an unlit cigarette around for the first couple of weeks and would mimick the act of smoking whenever I got a craving. You don't need to have a cigarette, but just breating in like you would to take a drag and exhaling like you would to release the smoke will give you that same "relaxed" feeling you get from smoking. Another important thing during your quit is to 'quit' for the moment...not for tomorrow or next week! When the craving comes, wait it out for a few moments, and when waiting, remember that smoking will not fix a darn thing in your life or make it better! It is not an easy battle, but you can win it by taking it moment by moment ! I belong to Quitnet so if you need an ear, you can PM me at "Diane1964" or PM here! YOU CAN DO IT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharonjo Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby, I wish you great success in your endeavor. Quitting smoking for me was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I quit the day I went into the hospital and was subsequently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The week in the hospital made it easier for me to get started, and when I got out I used nicotine gum (the patch made me sick). I had cravings for awhile after I stopped, but I stuck it out and now I can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke. I hope it will be the same for you soon. Keep us posted on your progress. Good Luck and God Bless, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Bobby --- Maybe I should clarify what I meant! I was in no way advocating a puff or two when I mentioned beating yourself up. Sorry -- sometimes my mind is mush when I write. Everyone is right -- it only takes a puff or two to throw you right back into smoking full-time. Been there, done that myself. Mea Culpa's here. Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Is the plain word c***** considered an ad. News to me.. Thought it had to be a literal name and location. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda661 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Hang in there.......I want you to know that I called my doctor's office today about getting an Rx for Chantix like I mentioned in an earlier post here. What you are doing here actually inspired me to make that call today too. Haven't heard back yet today, but hopefully I will be joining you shortly on my own successful quit (#3 for me and this one WILL stick!). Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 (((Linda))) Wow! Congrats on your motivation and another Congrats to BOBBY for motivating you! (This could become a new wave here...) Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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