Topic : Trying to Quit Smoking?

I have smoked for 32 years. I started when I was 13. I quit when I got pregnant with my first child and didnt smoke for 2 years  I started again because of a divorce. So I guess I can say 30 years.  As for using the inhaler, I don't want to subsitute. The book I read and am reading for the second time says It messes with the reprograming of your brain when you subsitute.  I have worked on eating healthier too . Eating only at meals and no snacks.  The book suggests this. not even have a diet cola or coffee or anything but water in between meals. That is a bit difficult cuz I have an addiction to diet soda too. But i have been doing good in that department. just drinking the diet soda at meals. Last week I lost 5 pounds. It has to do with the acid production. keep the production down to 3 times a day.  well got to go to the store will post later.

   Hi Tray, 

I have used the gum, wellbutrin, patches and herbal remedies in the past. But not all at the same time of course!  I found none of them worked, other than the wellbutrin.  I guess it didn't help that well though, because I was back smoking within months.  This is one tough habit to break, but I do find drinking tons of cold ice water with lemon and breathing very heavily for 10 deep breaths with your eyes closed helps alot.  It's almost like a feeling of getting that first nicotine blast after you haven't smoked in a few days...that light headed feeling.  Anyways, so far so good.  I also logged on Google.ca.  Type in Barb Tarbox's story and view her video.  It's called a life cut short by Barb Tarbox.  If you have kids, and friends and family that love and adore you, it's pretty hard to pick up that next cigarette after seeing this.  In a nutshell, her message  to all of us smokers before she died  was this.  "There is no pain in quitting smoking... not compared to the pain of saying goodbye to the ones you love".   

If you can get to see this video, I highly would highly recommend watching it over and over again to get the message locked into the brain.    You can also try AADAC.ca and follow the links. 

I'm so glad I found this site.  Looking forward to getting to know all of you.  I hate this habit..I have tried to stop so many times it's become a habit quitting.   

Take care, NOPE.... not one puff ever.  Thanks Linda!!! 

Hi Sara, 

Welcome, it seems that you are familiar with the tools in quitting. I so believe in the deep breathing, that has helped me soooo much, especially when you want one soooo bad. 

 I typed in Barb Tarbox's story,  it was a video to buy. I so much wanted to view it.  

It does seem all though a person quits smoking, you never forget your connection with the cigarette. So when you say you have quit so many times, it has been at least that much time your lungs have been smoke free. I keep reminding myself that I am just one cigarette away from smoking, it helps me stay on the narrow road. 

Keep posting, here to help you. 

  

Linda 

Eleven months, one week, three days, 19 minutes and 49 seconds. 8328 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,574.05. Life saved: 4 weeks, 22 hours, 0 minutes.
 

  

It's been 11 whole days, & 9 hours!!!!  It feels so good!!!!  I can breath easier, I will have fewer lung infections, I no longer have the horrible chest pains I did before... My teeth will get whiter!!!!  I save about $10/day.  I smoked a pack and a half towards the end.  But I also include the gas expenses, health care costs due to increased infections, cleaning expenses from smoke, having extra laundry to do due to having smoke smelled clothes, etc.  I'm saving $10/day by not smoking!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yeah!!!! 

  

273 hours smoke-free!!!!!!! 

  

: ) 

 Thanks for the great reply!! I'm surprised you couldn't view the video though... 

Maybe it is just easier to access  here in Canada since she was an albertan... not sure. 

This is the time of day where I want a cigarette the most. (between 3pm and 6:30pm) when my kids are home, and the after school chaos.  My son is like having 3 kids tied into one, and when he gets home it's craziness around here.  So, I usually go to my garage and have a couple of smokes to help me cope with the upcoming hecticness in my house.  The thing I'm finding though, it is just an illusion I create in my head.  The cigarette won't help me deal with stress, I'm creating more stress by having that smoke.  I'm also making myself more miserable by constantly thinking about how I have to quit constantly.  If  feel really good.  It's only been a few days, but I've been drinking water, deep breathing and running to this site and other smoke free sites for support.   If you or anyone else is interested, there is an amazing book out called Allen Carr's easy way to quit smoking.  It really is great.  Also, the Canadian Cancer Society has great tips and ideas, but I'm sure it's alot like the American Lung Association.  Anyways, Linda, how do you calculate life saved?  I'm curious! 

Looking forward to your reply! 

Sara 

 Wow.... good for  you!  It's only been 3 days for me.  So far, I've only had a few really strong temptations, but it's going well.  I hear you when you say you breathe easier, smell nicer, have whiter teeth, etc.  I am even noticing people who walk into the office after a smoke and I want to fall over... they are so smelly.  I was a bit of a closet smoker... but smoked for 24  years. (started when I was 15).  In my teenage years, I smoked freely everywhere, in my car, at home, restaraunts, etc.  After I had my children I stopped then started again (How stupid!!!)  and smoke only in my garage. 

Anyways, I'm trying to avoid my garage like the plague, as it reminds me of smoking and getting away from the hectic house I live in.   

I just had my 39th birthday, and I said to myself... that's it.  I'm done.   I am never going to poison myself again with smoking. Ever.  Ok, it's only been 3 days, but I'm determined not to let those butts control my life, or those around me.   

Well, I better run now.  Thanks for listening... Keep up the Good Work Everyone! 

P.S.  Linda: You're my hero!  Please tell me this gets easier. 

Sara 

Hi Sara, 

Wow, what a compliment, you are too kind. I will say that is a first for me, you made my day and many more to come, thank you. 

Before I forget,:here is the link for the meter:
www.silkquit.org/meter.html
click on the download silkquit 02.60 for windows. Save to your desktop and then install the software. The first time you run it, it will ask for your quit date, how many cigs a day you smoked and the price of a pack of cigs. Good Luck. 

This meter has been such an incentive. I was a pack a day for 34 years, I know at times I smoked more, we all did especially when stress arises. 

I thought too I was a pro at quitting, but I would only be fooling myself for a few hours. When I first came to the board and was learning about all the tools, (gum, patches, inhaler, and the wellbrutrin and Zyban) and finally realized this is an addiction not just a habit, that helped me deal a little better with it. Mainly talking about the urges that come and go and what triggers a "I want a drag now"!!!! It was the support also, for I was a closet smoker the last year, if that isn't a pain to hide !! Air fresheners, I should have bought stock in, and perfume, I never left the house without being doused in perfume, and that's not cheap either. 

But your question "does it get easier"? Yes,,,,,,,, and it is sooooo worth it. Your desire has to come from deep inside not that "someone wants you to quit". 

Enough of me rattling on.  You are doing great, you know what pushes you to want one, change that scenery. Post often, I care. 

Linda 

Eleven months, one week, four days, 12 hours, 28 minutes and 9 seconds. 8364 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,580.88. Life saved: 4 weeks, 1 day, 1 hour, 0 minutes.

 

You are doing great!!!! You are very aware of all the costs that go with smoking. Smoked for years and never gave thought to all of that, just concerned when the price went up on the pack. Good for you!!!!!  Keep us informed daily of your progress. I'm sure you feel like sunshine walking around, smoke free. Great job!!!! 

  

Linda 

Eleven months, one week, four days, 13 hours, 0 minutes and 12 seconds. 8365 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,580.98. Life saved: 4 weeks, 1 day, 1 hour, 5 minutes.
 

Hi again... 

This message board is great.  Instead of going to my garage and smoking filthy cigarettes, I bypass the garage and into my computer room where I can get away from the everyday routine I usually have.  Thanks for the strong words of wisdom Linda!  Please know that you are being so strong for not only yourself, but for all of us too.   

I must run now... I have to help my twins with their homework... ugh!  I'll write longer next time. 

Still smoke free. Day four.  You can do the math Linda LOL!!! 

Sara 

Hi Newjewells, 

Haven't heard from you in a few days, how's everything going? It sounds like you have a diet plan down, leaving off the diet drinks in between meals.  If you have any other diet tidbit's, love to hear them. As for the smoking, lets us know where you are in dealing with it. 

Linda 

Eleven months, one week, five days, 10 hours, 0 minutes and 57 seconds. 8386 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,584.95. Life saved: 4 weeks, 1 day, 2 hours, 50 minutes.