Just Quit....

[cindil]

It doesn't look like this board is very active but if anyone out there is looking for a quitting buddy, I sure could use one.
I haven't smoked for 1day, 19 hours, 23 minutes....I was really sick yesterday, which is how this journey started for me. Today is turning out to be rougher because I am feeling better. I keep telling myself that I may get sick like that if I try smoking again but it is getting tough....I don't really have any support around me at home so I am hoping to find some here to help me get through the next several hard days....

[Bkindsm]

Good for you Cindy, you can do it. The first few days (weeks) are the worst, but after that it does get easier. I have been quit for 2 and half years now. But I am a smoker and could very easily go back, even if I only have one. So I keep that in my mind, that I can't have one, not even one puff. Find other things to keep you satisfied, lots and lots of gum, which I still chew tons of. Chew on straws, hard candy, veggies. Drink tons of water, more than your 6-8 glasses a day. Go for a walk when you want a cig, until that moment passes. You can do this and you will feel so much better for it.

[cindil]

Thanks Becky. I too quit for 2 1/2 years, then had a huge fight with MIL and used that as an excuse to start back up. I want this to work. I want this to be my final quit. It is so hard though. I figure I'll just take it one day at a time. I plan on making dinner, cleaning up alittle, taking a long bubble bath with ds, and going to bed early. That way, I have one more day under my belt. I hope each day gets easier but if I remember right from last time...it never got extremely easy. I remember back then feeling like any day I could relapse. I am going to try really hard to be a winner this time!!! :)

[Bkindsm]

Cindy, remember You Can Do This. Oh, yes there are those days, but the get fewer and far in between. I still have them once in a while, but Not One Puff, you hear me. It does get easier, your just not remembering it, but trust me it does. You are now a ex smoker and you can stay that way.

[cindil]

AWWWW, thanks Becky. I am really trying! :)
It sure is nice having someone to talk to that has been through it!!! Luckily, no one around me has so they have no clue. I hope to God that they never do get a clue!!!
Thanks again!!!!

[cindil]

Well right now I am at 2 days, 14 hours, 50 minutes....but I did relapse and have a few puffs a few hours ago :ugh: . I probaly should reset my stats but that may depress me more.:sobbing:
I destroyed the rest of the cigs I had left and WILL NOT buy anymore.
I just wish there was an easy way of doing this but there isn't. Just like weight loss, it is a struggle.

[pooder]

OK Cindy... from one quitter to another. I have been quit now for three years. I smoked for 41 years and really enjoyed it. I did not quit for any medical reasons or anything like that. I read a post on this board that asked if anyone was interested in quiting smoking. The rest is history. I must admit I thought I would die a few times, but guess what? I am still here.

My sister gave me a used treadmill and everytime I wanted a cig., I would walk on it. I sometimes would walk 10 min, sometimes more. I usually walked six miles a day at first. Oh, and the cut off straw. I would take a big drag off of it and pretend. Oh what the mind can do. Then, of course I would post here and on the quitnet.net site.

Has is been easy? No! It is doable. A quit buddy told me to stay focused and positive. It does help.

Good luck to you and remember not another puff. You can do it.

Hugs to you,
Clara

[Anzito]

Congrats on quitting!! - 1 big step in the right direction. I too quit 7yrs 9mo ago and have never regretted it. I smoked for over 15 and one day just decided I wanted to see how long I could go without a smoke. I still had cigarettes left in the freezer but I was tired of smelling like smoke, wondering where my lighter was, did I have enough to get me thru the night because I really didnt want to run to the store, etc etc. Not to say the money I was burning away. I'm not saying that I never wanted another cigarette because I did. I did have one 7mo after I had quit and I have to tell you it was the WORST tasting thing I had ever had - It tasted like I had just licked the bottom of an ashtray or the whole US Army just walked through my mouth. Find something else to do, keep your hands & mind busy with something else. When you get an urge go for a walk, drink some water, chew some gum, do almost anything but eat empty calories. I'm not saying that you will never have a craving again because I sometimes wish I could have a smoke but then I just remember that taste & smell all over again :crazy: ick! So just think how much better you will feel in a few months after your lungs have started to repair themselves. No more coughing, getting short of breath, no more smelly clothes, Nicotene film on windshield of car - all kinds of things. Just take it one day at a time and before you know it you will be counting months and then years too. Good Luck - Anzito

[cindil]

Thanks to both of you. I know I made the right choice. I made it through day 3 :crazy: ...hoping day 4 will be easier but I will take it one day at a time. After quitting for 2 1/2 years I started back up. I don't want to do that again. I also don't want to relapse again now...I just keep reminding myself how hard these last 3 days have been...I dont want to have to redo them again!!!!:eek:
I remember from my last quit being disgusted by the smell of cigarettes and what freedom I felt when I was a non smoker...like you said [tired of smelling like smoke, wondering where my lighter was, did I have enough to get me thru the night because I really didnt want to run to the store, etc] Also for me...going outside in the pouring rain or freezing cold to smoke, rushing through a parking lot with DH puffing as quick as I could before getting in the car, only to be told how bad I stunk!!!! Oh it feels so much better already!!!! :D
Again, thanks. I am hoping someone wanting to quit joins me on this thread soon so we can help each other through each day, maybe there are no more smokers left in this group????? That would be nice.

[Anzito]

Cindi you're doing just great. Pretty soon you will start thinking less and less about those little white cancer sticks. I can relate to what you said about having to smoke outside in the rain or freezing cold. Here in New York this last year they passed a law where you can't smoke in any public place. Restaurants, bars, clubs, workplace, nowhere. It sure has brought up alot of controversy. I know when I quit I could smoke at work and anywhere for that matter. but I too like you quit for almost 2 years and started up again and think I only smoked for just under 2 years the 2nd time. You will do this and just keep popping in and letting us know how its going. If you're typing then your fingers are busy and they don't have ahold of a cigarette.:exercise2 Maybe that would work too. Everytime you get an urge for a smoke send a post here instead. We'll get you thru this one day at a time. Be strong :strong:

[cindil]

Yahoo!!!! I made it through day 4!!!!! :headover: I love waking up each morning and looking at my quit meter and seeing another day under my belt. Won't be long before I can put a week in front of each day!!!!
Anzito, thank you so much for your support. It helps so much.
Today we celebrate DH's 40th birthday, one of my smoking friends will be here...that could be a little stressful but I CAN DO IT!:D

[pooder]

Cindy... don't feel bad about asking your friends to smoke outside. Explain that you ARE quitting and aren't ready to handle the smoke. If they are true friends, they will be glad to smoke outside. I use to go out with my friends at work with my cut-off straw (didn't want to be excluded from my normal group of friends). When I couldn't handle the smoking on a bad day, I simply explained that I was having a bad day and didn't go out with them. They were very supportive.

Keep up the good work and remember to stay focused and stay positive.

Hugs to you,
Clara

[Anzito]

Way to go Cindi :jump_jack I know you can do it!

Yes and like Clara said - Please don't be afraid to ask
your friends to smoke outside. I'm sure they will understand when you tell them that you quit and who knows maybe that will inspire them to quit also. Ya never know........ Stay Strong :strong:

[cindil]

Oh, they know they don't smoke in my house. I never have smoked in my house either. I just thought it would be hard seeing them keep going outside :help: and then having to smell that gross after smoking smell. :odear:
It ended up being fine. None of them were really here long enough to need to smoke, unless I just didn't notice that they had gone out!!! :)
I got through the day pretty well. I still have cravings really bad but I think they are getting milder! Let's hope!!
I do feel bad about how crabby I have been. Now that it is slightly easier I am trying really, really hard not to be so miserable.
Well, thanks for the support!!! :buddysmoo

[Anzito]

Way to go Cindi - another day under your belt. :headover: Keep marching forward :work_out:

[Bkindsm]

Good for you Cindi, you are doing fantastic. ANother day to add to your quit The days will add up to weeks, weeks to months, etc. Take it one minute at a time and you will get through this.
Keep us posted with your successes.

[pooder]

Cindi... just a little humor about being cranky. When I quit, I didn't think my mood was to bad. My husband said he was afraid to ask me how I was doing. If he asked I was mad and if he didn't ask I was mad. One day I told him that I wanted to smoke really bad. I ranted and raved for a bit (probably a little longer than that). Fortunately, he didn't say a word. I finally jumped up from my chair and said if I feel this bad tomorrow I am going to smoke. Now I am going for a walk. He said "good choice". I finally used that as my motto. If I feel this bad tomorrow, I am going to smoke. Just not today. I now have made is over three years.

Maybe that will work for you. Keep up the good work, and keep a good outlook. You will make it this time.

Hugs,
Clara

[cindil]

Thanks for your supportive words. I really do think I will make it this time. :D Today is easier than yesterday...so that helps. i really don't want to smoke again. Sure I miss it. But I guess I just miss the habit now.

[Anzito]

Cindi Just wondering how are you doing? :confused: Are you still there?

[Bkindsm]

Yep me too, it's been a couple days Cindy, just wondering how things were going.

[cindil]

Becki and Peg,
Thanks for checking in on me!!!! :) I didn't realize that 3 days had gone by since I posted!!! Must be getting easier huh????
It is going great. I still have urges to smoke but I will tell you...I don't want to do those first few days over so I can overcome the urges!!!!
It feels GREAT to be a non smoker!!!!
Each day seems to get alittle easier...of course my weight may suffer but....

I will check back in in a day or two. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[pooder]

Good job Cindi... we are all rooting for you. Have a Merry Christmas.

Hugs,
Clara

[cindil]

Clara, thanks for the support!!! You have a merry Christmas too!!

[Anzito]

Becki and Peg,
Must be getting easier huh????
I still have urges to smoke but I will tell you...
I don't want to do those first few days over so I can overcome the urges!!!!
It feels GREAT to be a non smoker!!!!


Congratulations Cindi - that is fantastic!!! Now just think you won't have to use that as a New Years Resolution :)
Keep up the good work :strong:

[cindil]

Yes, that is true!!! I hadn't thought of that !!!! That usually is one of my broken resolutions!!! YIPPEE!!! Not this year!!

I hope you all had a Happy Holiday!!! Thanks again for your support!!

[bethsj]

Hello buddies - This is a very timely thread. I have been a bcb'r for about 2 1/2 years, although I don't post much anymore. I lost 60 pounds, but have managed to gain back about 15. I am not going to meetings anymore, but am starting at home again and weighing in with a friend weekly/ Anyway, that being said (blah, blah, blah) I am also going to quit smoking. I have a quit date for January 3rd. I have been online most of the day looking up "quitting smoking" info. Most all suggest choosing a day and working up to that day. I am a teacher and am off until January 3rd, and I knew it would be too difficult to stop while I am home all week. My husband lost his job 3 weeks ago and started another (lower paying) one this last week. Quitting smoking - both of us - is one way to cut our budget, plus we're both ready. I have already cut down, and I have about 3 packs left. When they are gone, I am done. I have figured out how many I can smoke each day and be finished by sometime next Sunday. I am getting excited about it and just started a journal of January 3 - the first day of my new life. I have included many weight-loss and quitting smoking quotes I have read today, and it is already soothing me.
Anyway - I am already inspired by what I have read from all of you, and I would like to come back here for more inspiration. This board has helped me lose weight, and I know it will help me quit.
Sorry for all the rambling. My, my, I'm a bit long in the tooth tonight. I hope there will be more people coming on - misery loves company.
Thanks in advance you great people!

[cindil]

:welcome: Beth!!!! Glad to see you here! Sounds like you know where you're headed and how to get there. It is a very hard battle but you can do it!!!! If I can, anyone can!!!!
I quit on December 14. Cold Turkey. No prep. I was really sick with the stomach flu that day and couldn't even think of smoking (which is quite unusual for me, I would usually smoke no matter!!!). The next morning I woke up, did my usual: made coffee, sat watching it brew....then got a cup and headed out to the porch for my cigarette. At the door I stopped. I thought: "Hmmm, It has been 36 hours since I last smoked...I already got through that first day...why not quit?" I turned around and put my cigarettes back down and got online. Between here and www.whyquit.com (http://www.whyquit.com) I have made it!!!
If you need someone to be your buddy, pm or email me. I would be happy to help you get through that first really tough week!!!!:buddysmoo
Cindy

[Anzito]

Cindi Way to Go Girl - 2 weeks :headover: and going strong!!!!!

Beth Congratulations on your wise choice of quittin, I know you can do it. I'm sure you read my post earlier when Cindi originally signed on. Its been 7yrs 9mo for me and I don't ever regret quitting. I'm not saying I don't miss it every now and then but then I think of the smell & taste. :ugh: Just find something to do with your hands that is the hardest thing. The first time I quit 9yrs ago everytime I wanted a smoke I would take my dog and go for a walk. It did us both good and I actually lost about 40lbs total then. Its funny that I actually started gaining again after I started to smoke again because it was a vicious cycle. Eat something want a cigarette - eat something to get rid of the smoke taste - have a cigarette. Get in the car light one up even if I had just put one out - Its a habit that you have to break and you will. Good Luck to both you and your hubby :buddysmoo teamwork is a good thing. You will both feel so much better and I know you won't regret it.

[cindil]

Beth, how are you doing??? I have been thinking of you lately. I hope you are being successful!!!!!
Let me know how you are doing.

[pooder]

Hi ladies!

I know you can hang in there and quit. I smoked for 41 years and quit right here with the help of my buddies. I have been quit now for 3 plus years. I have maintained my WW goad (a little below), which I admit is a lifetime effort.

Get that cut off straw, lots of water, gum and maybe some sugar free candy. Tootsie roll pops are good too (they last a long time) and are only 1 point.

Good luck to you.

Post if you need more support

Clara

[cindil]

Beth, I hope you are doing good. I haven't heard from you.

Hope everyone had a Great New Years Eve. Mine was pretty low key but I am happy to report I am starting the new year as a non smoker!!!
RIGHT NOW IT IS 2 weeks, 3 days, 12 hours!!!!! It feels so good!!!
You ladies have helped keep me going more than you know!!!! THANK YOU!!!!:buddysmoo
Cindy

[bethsj]

Hi buddies! Thanks for thinking of me and asking about me. I have quit!!! On Thursday, I smoked in the morning and decided that was it. I had 5 cigarettes left, and decided that was the last time I would smoke in the house. I spent the rest of the day cleaning carpets, washing bedding, everything to get that terrible smell out of the house. I did smoke 2 outside that afternoon. Then I smoked one yesterday (outside) during the day while doing more cleaning, and one in the evening (outside) with friends who were over who were smokers. I have one cigarette left, and am getting ready to ceremoneously (sp?) go crush it up in a minute and throw it away. I am feeling great about the whole thing, although I will say it hasn't been easy. However, I am keeping busy, and even went downstairs and exercised earlier (I am not an exerciser, but figure what a better time to start??)
It's just a matter of keeping busy. Mints are my friend! I can't believe how much better my breath feels, my house smells, etc. I keep thinking "freedom." Freedom from everything. I feel so much better. Thanks for telling me about the "whyquit" website. That is a great one.
Thanks so much for the support, buddies. I will be back on over the next few days. You have been great help to me, and with your help I know I can do this! Thanks!

[bethsj]

Hey Girls! I did it!!! I just had to tell you that I went into the kitchen to clean up a few minutes ago, and DH said, "Where is that last cigarette?" (drooling) I told him I was going to crush it up. He didn't believe me, so I got it out, ran it under the water, crushed it up and threw it in the trash! I am so proud of myself! I guess that means I'm really doing it this time. Even tho this is my first full day of not smoking, I have only had 4 in the last 55 hours, and none since about 10:00 last night. I'm sure I'll be a joy to live with (haha), since I already snapped at my kids yesterday. That will subside soon. I'll just take it out on my students at school. LOL!
Anyway, TIA for all the help! And way to go Cindy - you are my inspiration!

[cindil]

Beth THAT IS GREAT!!! Hopefully, cutting back like you did will make it easier for you. I did the same thing with my last few cigarettes. I broke them into unfixable little pieces...that was the end.

I am glad that the website helped. Keep up the good work.:headover:
2 weeks, 4 days, 12 hours for me.:D

[Anzito]

Cindy & Beth Congrats to both of you for sticking it out.
Doesn't it feel great not to be dependant on that little smoke stick? It will get easier as time goes by.

[JanieA]

Hi, I also just quit. 2 days 6 hours. I sure could use a buddy to.
Janie

[bethsj]

Janie - AWESOME!!!! I am really proud of you!! I have gone 3 1/2 weeks now, and it gets easier every day. DON'T GO BACK!! You will feel so good the longer you go. Please PM me, I would love to be your buddie! I smoked pretty regularly for about 25 years - not a super heavy smoker, but consistent. It is such a good feeling to have quit. I have also started exercising to take the place of smoking, and can say I have exercised more in the last three and a half weeks than in the last 3 1/2 months. I won't say it is easy, and some times are harder than others. If you feel a craving, get up and do something else. I find I get more accomplished now, too. I am wondering if others have found this to be true as well.

It is so, so nice not to have to worry about that awful smell any more. I can't believe I used to smell like that. I really notice it now on other people and am so glad I don't smell like that. YUK!

Keep it up and PM me if you want. It is so worth it. I don't feel right now like I'll ever go back.

[cindil]

Well, right now I am at 1 month, 1 week, 6 days and 22:37 hours.......

It has been a tough road. I don't understand....things were going pretty well. BUT for the last couple of weeks the cravings are back almost full force!!!!!! :rage: Why do you think that is?
I have been under alot of stress but it isn't only during stressful times that the cravings are strangling me.
I would have thought they'd be gone by now. The last time I don't remember them coming back like this!!!!
Don't worry. I won't give into them. It is just frustrating to be dealing with the cravings again.

[pooder]

Just wanted to tell you that I think craving at this point is the norm. I can remember many telling me that 30,60, 90 days etc. you go thru a rough spell. I too went thru them. Very frustrating I know, but if you stay focused and positive you will make it. Walk, drink that water, do whatever it takes. Do not smoke, you are doing awesome.

Hugs,
Clara

[bethsj]

Cindy - Come on, girl, we are in this together. Pooder made some good points. Get busy and do something. Divert your attention for a little while. Exercise - that always makes me feel better, although I'm not a big exerciser. I just realized that as of tonight I am at 1 month!!!!! I still have the cravings too. Sometimes more than others. I just keep thinking about all the positives since I quit and I DO NOT want to go back to that!! Think about it - your breath doesn't stink any more, YOU don't stink any more, your house or garage don't stink anymore. You have already saved a TON of money. Your lungs are getting cleaner every day, along with all your other organs. You are in control of those **** little sticks, not the other way around!! You are healthier than you have been in a long time. Do Not Give In!! WE CAN DO THIS!

When my best friend quit, she used deep breathing exercises (meditation for people quitting smoking). She said it helped her a lot. Also would make some tea when she felt like a smoke. I have been doing that a lot. Matter of fact, think I"ll go get some now...

Don't let me down, I'm counting on you. We can conquer this! DO IT!

[cindil]

Oh girls, like I said in my original post....I have no desire to start again. I just wondered why the cravings are back.

With all the medical problems I have had during the last few weeks...the last thing I would do now is jeopardize my baby's health and start smoking!

[Anzito]

Cindy - just checking in on you since I haven't been on in awhile. How are things going?? Did you get past those cravings that came back? I had a real tough month last month and trying to get things back to normal. My Brother in law had a stroke last month and was in the hospital 10 days before passing away. It was all very sudden and I still can't believe it happened. During that same time my cocker spaniel 12-1/2 yrs old got really bad and I had to have him put to sleep. He was such a good dog. He had cataracts when he was 5 so we had them removed and new lenses put in his eyes, then few years after that the came down with Glaucoma and had to have laser surgery in both eyes, last year he developed Congenitve Heart Failure so we had also been treating that. His hear just go too weak. So I just wanted to let you know why I haven't been around. I hope you didn't give in to those cravings and I'm sure you didn't. Take Care

[cindil]

oh, I am sorry to hear of all you have been through.

I still get th cravings...alot. BUT that is ok! I know they too will pass!!!!:)
When I get really stressed out they are the worse of course, but I have no intentions of smoking ever again!!! I have come too far for that!!! Besides that, soon I will be holding a brand new baby girl....she doesn't need smoke around her! :)
Hope everyone is doing well!!!!!

[elefntlvr83]

Hi
Im 21 years old, almost 22, been smoking for 4 years. ive quit more than 3 times but it seems like everytime i get good and quit for a few weeks, something devastating happens. the first time, my car got broke into and everything stolen, then my brother got into a freak car accident, wasnt wearing a seat belt, only 18, was in a coma for 4 days, then died:sobbing: on march 3rd , 2004 (year anniversary is coming up), then my husbands car got robbed from, everything stolen ( we dont live there anymore ) then quit my other job, then found one by the grace of God. So as i am now, im still smoking, not as much but still doing it. i just want to be able to quit and be strong enough if something was to happen, not to fall back on it. and my husband also smokes too.

Courtney