Quitting on 2002-02-25

[dizzyd]

I'm going to be attempting to quit smoking tomorrow morning. I'm going to allow myself my morning ciggie that I always have with morning coffee (tomorrow only), and then when I get out of the shower, on goes the patch!!

This will be my second ever attempt after smoking for almost 20 years. I tried about 6 months ago with the patch. Everyone told me that I would have NO cravings, and boy were they wrong. I had cravings. Not intense cravings, but more than I expected. I lasted a whopping 3 days, and on the third day, wolfed my dinner down so I could get to the store to buy a pack.

This time I have two things in my favor. I know what to expect from the patch, and the Government of BC (who I am not happy with to begin with) just raised taxes on cigarettes so that they are 6.50-7.00 per pack. I am really upset with the government at the moment, and don't feel inclined to give them any more of my money than I absolutely have to!!

So... I'll be visiting these boards in addition to the other ones that I frequent.

Just wanted to say :wave:

Talk to ya later!

[Atriana]

Well, let me be the first to wish you good luck!
This is not the generally accepted way to do things, but it was told to me by my doctor during a previous quit attempt. I was still having terrible cravings with the patch. He told me that when they were really intense, to use a piece of nicotine gum along with the patch. He said the only danger in this was overdosing on nicotine - but that I had been self medicating myself with nicotine for 20 years and wouldn't have any problems. He was right. I only did that for the first week or so, then just the patch was enough.

[dizzyd]

That's a great idea! I was thinking about putting the 10 or so I will have left in a ziplock bag in the freezer for an emergency. I think the gum may be a better idea!

Thanks for good wishes!

[Atriana]

Better idea - take those 10 or so with you in the shower. Trash them. There is no emergency that a cigarette will fix. Knowing that they are in the freezer will drive you nuts, plus how many non smokers do you know that keep cigarettes in their freezer? Ex-smokers shouldn't either! :D

[dizzyd]

Ya know, it hasn't been as bad as I expected so far. However, I recall from my first attempt that day 2 was harder than day 1. How's that for unfair!! I think I've gone into with more wide open eyes this time, so I know that the cravings will come. I also know that if I really want to, I can get past them.

Will check in again tomorrow!

Cheers!

[Atriana]

Sounds like you are doing great - did you trash or freeze those last 10?

[dizzyd]

And so far, so good! I can't believe how different this attempt has been from the last one. The last one, I psyched myself well ahead of time, and this time decided about 2 days before hand. Weird. :confused:

I've had two major cravings so far, and have beaten them both. The first was the after dinner smoke on Monday, which was day 1. I went to Steve's that night, and it's probably a good thing because he is very supportive. We went shopping instead! I bought a burner and scanner for my PC, hence the new avatar. I'll probably be changing it frequently till the newness wears off.

I've had one more naggish craving on what would be my normal morning smoke break at work, and that's really it.

Thank god for support (here and Steve, and of course the 20 nurses that I work with!) and for the patch!! Yahoo! The patch is giving me some really wild dreams, which is a bit of a trip really. :lol:

So, still hanging in there!!! :help: (Just kiddin, I'm okay!)

[starlite]

I am really upset with the government at the moment, and don't feel inclined to give them any more of my money than I absolutely have to!!


Boy, can I relate to that! And just when I couldn't stand it anymore, I found a web site selling Marlboro's for $15.00 a carton - and yes, I ordered some...


Heavy sigh.

[dizzyd]

Today will be a big test. I'm shopping and having lunch with my chain-smoking landlady! Ay-yi-yi-yi!! :(

I think if I can make it to the end of next week, I should be okay. I have today to deal with, then any day PMS should be settling in for a few days. If I can get through that, I think I can make it. (fingers crossed... :rolleyes: )

And just when I couldn't stand it anymore, I found a web site selling Marlboro's for $15.00 a carton - and yes, I ordered some...

I must admit that if I knew anyone that could get me black market ciggies, I probably wouldn't be here now. But, I think rather than skulking around the dark dingy alleys downtown at 2:00 a.m. in search of sketchy looking characters, I'll just hit WalMart today for another weeks worth of lovely nicotine patches! :lol:

Atriana: Notice I've avoided your question about the leftover 10? Well, they are still in my freezer. They can live there until March 11, then they go in the trash or down the loo. I haven't smoked one, and it kind of feels like a bigger test of my willingness to really quit if they're that accessable and I can just choose not have one. Know what I mean?

Anyway, keep thinking good thoughts for me! I need all the help I can get this weekend and coming week!!

Thanks everyone! Have a wonderful weekend!! :bhug:

[starlite]

PMS should be settling in for a few days. If I can get through that, I think I can make it. (fingers crossed...

Boy, I"ll say! Wow..lol. But you sound really geared up and ready - that is great and I sure wish you the best of luck! Truly.

A chain smoker, then PMS - wow, no kidding, you beat those two odds and you're going to be just fine as a non-smoker!!

[dizzyd]

My usual Sunday thing is to go visit my brother and sister in law. My ex-boyfriend hangs out there too, but we're still friends, so that's not as weird at it could be. We ALL smoke. All but me today. I had second thoughts about even going over today, but I feel like I have to stick as close to my normal routine as possible to make sure I can really do this. They were all smoking and when I first came in it smelled really good, but by them time I left (I only stayed about an hour) it just smelled. How strange!

I think my taste buds may be coming back to life too. I had sausages with my breakfast yesterday, like I usually do on W/E, and they were so salty I could barely eat them! I managed :lol:
I don't know if it was me or them, but still...

Thank you everyone for your support. I'll let you know how I manage with PMS. That's gonna be the biggest test of all. If I make it through that, I can make it through anything!! Right? Right!!!

[dizzyd]

Hi all!

Just thought that I would pop in and say:

7 days, 10 hours and 56 minutes!

Woohoo!!

Moving down to the next level in patch next Saturday. That could be tough...

I can do this, I'm like the little red engine...

I know I can, I know I can, I know I can, I know I can... :D

[starlite]

Good going - I think that is GREAT!! I never made it past 7 hours for pity's sakes...pathetic, I know.

This morning I felt a bit encouraged from hanging out here a while and really felt I could do it. I think that lasted about 4 hours today and well, I needn't tell you. There are now eight butts in my ashtray for the day - a little better than usual, but darn I just wish that "I can do it" feeling would stay with me!!!
Arg and sniff sniff!! I feel so weak (as in no will power..)! :mad:

[starlite]

I'll let you know how I manage with PMS. That's gonna be the biggest test of all.

Forgot to add - yes, I seriously think that will be your biggest test! And I sincerely wish you luck!

[dizzyd]

Whew that was a wild ride! Starlite, I couldn't do it without the patch. It's my new best friend right now! :lol:

I have had so much support it's been amazing! I have one friend who works at the cancer clinic, another who is a respitory specialist, and I work at a blood donor clinic with 20 nurses. So, needless to say I have had a lot of encouragement!

Today is 13 days, 3 hours and 6 minutes. I can't believe that I've made it this far. I went out and bought a new pair of sweats yesterday as a little 2 week reward (2 days early, but I know I won't be smoking again, so that's okay). I can't wait to tell my parents when I hit the two week mark. They are both so happy that I've quit. My mom has never smoked, but my Dad did when he was younger and they both hate that I smoke.

I have gained weight back, but I guess that's the lesser of the two evils at the moment. And I know that it'll come off again, so I can't worry about that too much. It's not a good enough reason to smoke anyway.

Give it another try and just keep trying. I've been told that everytime you try it gets a little easier. Eventually it's gonna happen for you, I just know it!

Thanks for checking in! :bhug:

[starlite]

Today is 13 days, 3 hours and 6 minutes.

That is AWESOME! Way to go dizzyd!!! I'm serious - I shamefully confess the longest I ever made it was 7 hours! :eek:

As for the weight - you're right, you'll get that off. I think that's bound to happen at first. My doctor once said your metabolism slows for a bit when you first quit, but it all works itself back out in time. Well, he explained it better and at greater length, but that was the basics.

I think you're doing great and you're so lucky to have all that support - and that patch! Keep us posted, okay? You've an inspiration - you truly are. :wave:

[dizzyd]

Well, today is day 2 of the level 2 patch, and I have to say honestly that I can't tell the difference of having this one and the stronger one at all. Weird... (Not that I'm complaining!)

So, two weeks of this one and I'll try the last one. I can't wait to see how that works out. I'm fully prepared to extend the length of time of any of these patches if I need to.

Thanks for the support guys, I appreciate it! :bhug:

[dizzyd]

Today is 3 weeks of not smoking, and week 2 of the level 2 patch. I am contemplating how long to stay on the level 2 patch. I was thinking about adding another week, but after the stress I've had this week, am not sure if it will be needed. So, my plan is to go to level 3 next week as planned, but be fully prepared to have to go back to level 2 if needed.

I'll keep ya posted!

[starlite]

Way to go, Dizzy- is it getting any easier???

[gwilson38]

Im am quitting as soon as TOM starts. Im worried about weight gain since I have worked so hard at getting and keeping it off. How much should I expect to gain? Is it due to metablosim or more so excess eating?

[dizzyd]

It's actually not getting any easier, but that's not as bad as it sounds. The only real problem I had was when I had a wicked ice cream craving, and I ended up giving in to it. (as a point of note, I'm suspecting now that I may have Candida, which would explain that more than anything.)

As for the nicotine cravings, I've not really had any bad ones. It's been remarkably easy this time around. I keep forgetting to put my patch on and have started carrying them with me because I've had to turn around on my way to work 3 times to go get it!

I haven't noticed any weight gain, but there hasn't been any loss either. However, that may again be Candida, if in fact I have that.

So, it's been pretty easy from the get-go for me, and just keeps being easy! I'm going to be using the last level of patch starting on Sunday, but I am prepare to go back up a level if I need it. I'll let you know how that works out.

I do miss smoking sometimes. I really enjoy it and wish I could be a smoker, but it's just not worth the health risks.

Hope this helps you GWilson. Good luck, and remember that you have all the support in the world, right here!

(A friend of mine used another web site as well, called quitnet.com. Lots of good advice and techniques there as well.)

[gwilson38]

By the way, my name is Gale. You seem like U R doing well! Rustpot posted on here for me that ,"he is a smoker, just that he hasnt had one in 17 yrs 3 months and 4 days,it was a tuesday" He cracks me up..lol I actually quit early...I figured why wait? Tom is due and stupid me weighed myself so of course Im up 3 pounds.....funny how I dont heed the same good advice I give out to others...I know, I know...stay off the scale its just water weight. Anyway Im almost thru day one...no real cravings just many thoughts ...like Ill have a smoke then clean the kitchen, Ill have a smoke then clean the bathroom...well ummm no I wont because I am a non-smoker!!! Yeah for me!!! Thanks so much for sharing and keep me psoted as to how U are doing.

[dizzyd]

Oh Gale!

Don't you wish you could just hang out with Rustpot! He's the greatest!

Well, I think that you've done the hardest part already (at least it was for me) and that's deciding to just do it! Are you using any aids like the patch or Zyban? Don't be afraid to try them if you feel the need. I absolutely never would have tried cold turkey. The only side effect I've had from the patch is the wildest dreams I've ever had! No insomnia or anything though.

Good luck, I'm thinking really good thoughts for you! Sending some loving karma your way!

:bhug:

[gwilson38]

Thanks for sending the good Karma my way..LOL Im gonna need it. Ya know I would have gone cold turkey..or maybe just chewed the nic gum, except my biggest concern is weight gain, so I am on the patch. It says its a 10 week program..Nat told me to stay on the full 10 weeks but I will see how I do. Its suppose to be 6 weeks on the step 1 but maybe I can go to step two after a month. Now of course TOM is late...LOL never has been since I started low-carbing...I know once its over I will feel better. How long were U on step one? oh ya...I went to bed early last night...fell asleep right away but woke up an hr later with heart palpatation so I took the patch off and 20 min later felt better. I will try sleeping with it tonight but I imagine same thing will happen. The only problem with taking it off of course is that 1st thing in the morning ya really want a smoke..lol but instead I was up at 530 and did the aerobic part of my workout. Thanks for being here for me..hopefully I will be able to help U out sometime.

[dizzyd]

Oh good for you!

I agree that the the best thing to do is judge for yourself when to move to the next patch. I was only on Step 1 for two weeks, but you know how it says if you smoke 10 cigarettes or more, start with Level 1 and if you smoke less start with Level 2? Well, I was right there on the cusp. Some days was 10 or 12, some days was only 6 or7. Depended on the day, you know how that is. I decided that since I was having not even an inkling of a craving, it was time to step down.

I'm rooting for ya honey! I know we can do this together!

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[gwilson38]

Im on day 5!!! I can honestly say I dont have any cravings BUT I feel like crap, Im achy and depressed..ewwww. I will get thru it tho. Im not sleeping much either, tend to toss and turn. I will contine U on both with low-carbing and being a non-smoker cause in the long run they will both benefit my health.

[dizzyd]

Oh Gale, you are doing so well!!!!

:cheer: :dazzle: :cheer: :dazzle: :cheer: :dazzle:

Today is 4 weeks for me! I can't believe it. I used to say I would never quit smoking because I love it so much. Who woulda thunk I would be saying "I'm a non-smoker"?!

Yay us! We rock!

[shallcg]

Hi guys, my name is chris..i joined the low-carb group last week, and today i've decided to join the rank of non-smokers..i just had my last smoke, so we'll see what happens..

what made me quit?..well, all my friends stopped, and i feel uncomfortable smoking around them..of course the health risks, and i thought of all the money i would be saving..you guys gave me the energy to try this...

wish me luck,

chris

[gwilson38]

WTG donna!!! :wave: :thup: :) That is excellent. I cant wait to say its been a month for me. And welcome Chris. Glad to hear U have joined us in the NON-smoking ranks. Are U quitting cold turkey? Im on the patch and I will say, I have NO cravings to smoke. I feel real yucky but I know that will disappear soon too. And when U talk about saving money for smokes.....Im in alberta canada and ours went up to at least $8.50 a PACK...yes U read that right....not a misprint..LOL talk about a huge incentive to quit.Keep us posted as to how U R doing Chris and thanks again Donna for your encouragement.

[dizzyd]

Hey Chris, the more the merrier! Climb on board the "I'm a quitter" express! I completely agree with Gale. If you are are able to quit cold turkey then you're a far stronger person than I. I love the patch, it's my new best friend! Not a craving in sight. Actually, today that's a lie. I've moved to the lowest strength patch as of yesterday and there have been a couple of little niggly cravings, but nothing that I can't ignore for 5 minutes and by then I forget that I've even had one. That's a pretty minor craving. And I've been around smokers since then, so that's pretty good!

I'm rooting for you, and Gale, we should celebrate when you get there. You know what, we in BC have always been jealoud of your cheap ciggies, but no more. I just about fell over when I heard your prices had gone up that much. I bet a lot of people are quitting now.

We can do this together! :cheer:

[dizzyd]

Okay, I went patch-free as of 2002-04-06. The first day was pretty good, but yesterday I could have smoked so easily! I was over at my brothers place, and his wife was having a smoke. I was watching the cherry flare up, I could feel the smoke going down my throat and filling my lungs, I could feel it as if I was actually doing it! I wanted to smoke soooo badly!!! I eventually told her that I had to go home and be where there were no cigarettes. She would have given me one had I asked.

Of course, on the way home I stopped and grabbed a bag of pork rinds which won't help the weight gain one iota, but whatever!!

How's everyone else doing????