Quit Smoking 4 Life
Information and Resources to Help you Quit Smoking!
Withdrawal from Cigarette SmokingMost people suffer from psychological and physical withdrawal symptom when they quit cigarette smoking. Withdrawal symptoms come from the physical addiction to nicotine as well as the psychological withdrawal symptoms related to the habit of cigarette smoking. Sometimes the habit of cigarette smoking is more difficult to overcome than the physical addiction to nicotine. Most people smoke when they have a coffee or sit down to talk with friends. The link between cigarette smoking and these activities is strengthened over the years, so that even when we no longer crave cigarettes in other situations we may feel like lighting up when getting together with friends - especially if those people are smoking. Physical Addiction to Cigarette SmokingBut let's not downplay the physical addiction to cigarette smoking. Nicotine is a powerful drug related to cocaine and morphine. Some studies have shown that nicotine is even more addictive than either of these drugs. The reason that nicotine is so addictive is that it affects the neurotransmitters of the brain. The brain becomes accustomed to the stimulation that nicotine provides. If nicotine is withheld for a period of time the brain sends out signals which are the cravings for a cigarette. If you ignore these cravings your brain will protest. You may experience fatigue, irritability, inability to concentrate, and insomnia. These strength of these symptoms are usually related to the length of time you've been a smoker, but you may also feel strong urges to smoke when you are in places and situations where you are accustomed to smoke. This is the psychological dependency which is feeding on the physical addiction. Overcoming Cigarette Smoking AddictionThe use of a nicotine substitute like gum or patches can reduce the physical cravings for cigarettes. These kinds of nicotine sources allow you to cut back on smoking while maintaining the nicotine levels that your body has become accustomed to. Once you have stopped smoking it is usually fairly easy to wean yourself from nicotine gum or patches. There are also some drugs which help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin are effective in overcoming nicotine withdrawal. It is not known how these medications work, and they must be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Withdrawal SymptomsNicotine withdrawal symptoms are not constant. You will experience many symptoms in your quest to give up cigarette smoking. Withdrawal symptoms include:
You may not experience all these symptoms, and some people are more affected by them than others. Remember! All of these symptoms will eventually pass as long as you refrain from cigarette smoking. If you give in to the urge to have a cigarette you will be back at ground zero. Also keep in mind that the urge to smoke comes in waves. The key to quitting smoking is to handle each of these waves in succession. They will gradually become weaker and less frequent. A good way to deal with these waves is to find some kind of distraction. Each time you feel like lighting up do something else like making a cup of tea or exercising. This will help to distract you from the thought of smoking a cigarette. As the urge to smoke becomes weaker and less frequent you will eventually have a day when you will not feel any desire to smoke. These urge-free days become more frequent until finally you have reached your goal - complete freedom from smoking cigarettes! Comments
Joy 06 Jan 2008, 02:43
It has been five days since quitting smoking. Everything is going great
except I can't sleep. I wake up every coulpe of hours. Tonight I just
couldn't sleep. Is this withdrawal or am I just experiencing an increase of
energy.
paul 06 Jan 2008, 15:48
Joy,
I'd say your insomnia is both a withdrawal symptom and having increased energy. If you can take a week or so off work, that might help until your sleep returns to normal. Don't get discouraged! Keep up the battle. The dividends are enormous!
Joy 11 Jan 2008, 08:38
Thanks Paul
It's been 1-1/2 weeks now and things seem a lot better. My sleeping pattern is back to normal. I do beleive it was a combination of withdrawal and energy increase. I think I am a little ADD at times. (lol) Now I go out walking in the evenings to help burn off the extra energy. It helps! Thanks again for the encouragement.
Paul 11 Jan 2008, 10:27
Joy - glad to hear you're sleeping now. Exercise is a great way to work out
the changes after quitting. I've been smoke-free for 14 months now and one
of the things that helped me get over the cravings was to go for a walk
whenever I felt like a cigarette. Now I exercise regularly and feel great -
so much more productive than before.
Tim 23 Feb 2008, 05:47
Just began to stop smoking
8 years of smoking and have been off for 5 days, smoking a cigarette max of 2 a day to ease the horrid headaches. Marijuana helps the sleep, loss of appetite, irritability, and headaches but is illegal so not the best suggestion.
NOELEEN 26 Feb 2008, 19:20
I was fifty cigarette a day smoker for almost 25years, When I decided to
give up smoking after a bout of bronchitus,I went through a bad bout of
depression which lasted for approx two months. This depression started
exactly two weeks after giving up smoking. I got over it and it is many
months and I have not had a cigarettte.
could the depression be as a result of giving up cigarett6es?
Paul 01 Mar 2008, 12:26
Noeleen,
Sounds to me like the depression is linked to the nicotine withdrawal. I'm no doctor, but 50 cigs a day was giving you a a massive nicotine dose - there's sure to be all sorts of effects when you give that up.
Erica 19 Mar 2008, 01:41
I't has been about three days today (3/19/2008). I've been a smoker for
about two and a half-years, and smoked about 10 to 12 cigarettes per day.
And I'm feeling pretty anxious,I have bad headaches,little sleep, and
probaly most of what everyone else in the world feels when they quit cigs.I
know all of this will subside in short time, and am very happy I quit now
instead of years down the road, because I'm still very young(20).
Paul 19 Mar 2008, 12:15
Erica,
I know it's hard now, but keep the big picture in mind - a lifetime free of cigarettes. You'll feel much better in a day or two - keep it up!
tarun 27 Mar 2008, 07:44
been a smoker for 19 years,quit 2 months back but still have problrms with
sore throat and tongue,get some unexplained blood from my mouth too.any
suggestions pls reply.
Paul 27 Mar 2008, 09:54
Tarun,
I think you should check with your doctor. The sore throat and tongue are quite common, but not the blood.
Mar 02 Apr 2008, 11:16
I quit Feb 25th. This week I am having incredible withdrawals. I thought
by now it would be over. Been drinking lots of water and doing deep
breathing. Maybe I'll take a walk.
Hang in there everyone. Mar
Paul 02 Apr 2008, 23:16
Mar,
The first couple of weeks are the hardest. Going for walks is a really good idea. Do some exercise - read a book - anything to take your mind off smoking will help. Just keep it up and the withdrawal will get better everyday.
Andrew 09 Apr 2008, 11:33
I just quit for the second time in my smoking career - been off them for
just over a week now with the help of Chantix. Was the easiest quit I
could've hoped for.
I too have a sore tongue and throat, but I hear that goes away after a week or so - not sure what causes it though.
Carmen 13 Apr 2008, 23:09
I first quit from 2 packs a day by putting them down, walking and just
breathing.Although I wanted to smoke every day for one whole yr. Then it
stopped. That was when I was 18 and had smoked 4 yrs. 20 yrs later I took a
couple drags to show my teenager how silly he looked. I layed awake for 3
nites wanting one. For the last 10 yrs. I have smoked a pack a day for all
but 1 1/2 yrs. I quit 54 HOURS ago. I am actually sick. headache nausea
sweats irritability feel like i can't breath.How do you just not smoke when
you are really sick? Is it worth it? I have all the reasons not too but
whoo.
sam 14 Apr 2008, 07:27
quit for 3 weeks now.swollen gums and geographical tongue,blood from the
gums too.
Paul 14 Apr 2008, 08:33
Carmen
Maybe nicotine gum would help you. It sounds like your body became accustomed to nicotine at a very young age. It's very addictive, that's why you're going through the withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there - it's worth it.
Carmen 14 Apr 2008, 13:14
Paul,
Thankyou for responding. I have a large extended family, but their way of helping is to tell you what to or not to do. I appreciate the encouragement. Today is a little easier. Not as many pale clammy sweats. Who would of thought nicotine was this addictive. I'll keep hanging in...thank you for hanging and supporting many not only me....
Dannielle 15 Apr 2008, 20:20
hello, it is day 2 for me and i feel awful! Tired, weak, sore throat...but
it is sooo worth it! I'm 20 years old and i smoked my first cigarette when
i was 9. I tried chantix made me feel crazy now i'm on welbutrin it really
works. i will never smoke another cigarette again.
congratulations and good luck for everyone who has quit.
Josh 16 Apr 2008, 21:28
It is one week for me, I quit cold turkey. It hasn't been easy, lots of
irritability, muscle tension and coughing up tar like you wouldn't believe.
I smoked one pack a day for about 12 years. I read "The Easy Way to Stop
Smoking" by Allen Carr. I think it actually helped tremendously because
I've gone longer than ever before and I know that this is it! Good god is
the muscle tension driving me nuts though. Smoking marijuana does help A
LOT with the anxiety and irritability though. Too bad its so expensive...
Good luck everyone!
Stacey Baier 23 Apr 2008, 20:05
I have been smoke free since 4Pm on 4-20-08. I'm 42 year old female, smoked
for 9 years, I just quit cold turkey. This has been the hardest thing I
have ever done in my life! Today is a little better... I can think without
being to foggy (can't recall the last 2 days very well LOL!), hope this
feeling goes away QUICK!!! I have been sleeping pretty good, a little chest
tightness, no cough yet. I don't wish these feeling on no one. Good luck to
all... each day gets us all closer to feeling better and being so much
healther.
Josh 24 Apr 2008, 22:39
It is over two weeks, still hanging in there!
Nancy 26 Apr 2008, 11:50
Greetings. Today is day 10 of my quit. After a really lousy night's
sleep, I woke up with a sore tongue. It feels like it does after a burn.
So my quitting has thus far ruined sleeping and eating and I dare not drink
or I'll just end up buying a pack.
Thanks for letting me unload, and I hope everyone is successful in dropping this pernicious habit.
Alisha 27 Apr 2008, 00:12
hi all
it's been 7 days since i last smoked. The first three days were the hardest, although it has gotten a little easier i was wondering if anyone knew how long it would take for the cravings to go away.
Paul 27 Apr 2008, 07:24
Hi Alisha,
It depends on how long you smoked, but I would guess that the physical cravings should be gone after 2 - 4 weeks. The psychological cravings can last much longer - that was the hardest part for me, just getting over the habit of smoking, feeling stressed and wanting to pick up a cigarette just out of habit. You have to learn a new habit of not smoking.
Stacey 27 Apr 2008, 09:05
Alisha,
My doctor told me friday the 25th that the nicotine leaves your body in 3 to 4 days then the rest is habit that you have to overcome, to me this is the hardest part as I type I want a cig. really bad! I have been keeping busy, the hardest part so far is this weekend. I will never smoke again!!!
tarun 01 May 2008, 05:35
well for me i quit 4 months back,but too late , as im diagnosed with
cancer.
but the results of quitting smoking were immense.i could feel life as in i had more energy,better white eyes,i could smell food better,lots and lots of benefits. so people if you quit smoking stick to it and try to make all people who smoke --- QUIT before its too late. people NEVER SMOKE AGAIN IT KILLS . im an example. good luck.
Nancy 01 May 2008, 11:41
Tarun, I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. I certainly hope you don't mean
it's too late in the worst sense of the phrase and that you cancer is
beatable. All the best to you in the coming months.
Stacey 01 May 2008, 17:36
tarun
Stacey 01 May 2008, 17:42
tarun
Sorry it posted way to soon, laptop very picky tonight ;-) I don't know what type of cancer you have but a girl I work with beat cancer and they said she couldn't, so hang in there be strong! I know its easy to type those words for I am not walking in your shoes but I did have a TIA stroke in November from smoking. My fear of having another one is with me everyday!
Tracey 14 May 2008, 13:06
Hi.. I have been trying to quit for 10 weeks, I did fine until week 8, then
the odd cig struck. I lost my mum to cancer February 7th this year and my
quit day was March 13th. It seems as I go through this grieving (which is
killing me) the cigarette thing gets harder. Initially i was so paranoid
about cancer (my mum was 63, out shopping one week, a week later in
hospital, 13 days later died of cancer in 5 places that she never knew she
had) I have been paranoid i would die within a week etc, this made it
easier to not smoke.. now i am going through the depression phase.. sad all
the time and feelings of whats the point, lets just get death over with
kind of thing, then i get all out of control and reach for a cig.. then i
feel bad and want to cry cos i have had one ;o( I just feel like a out of
control yo yo. I have been to see a cancer councillor once, and am thinking
of going back.. do you think my reactions are cigarette quitting or grief
or both. what a cocktail.. dare I have a glass of wine as I am well worse
then! I am on step 3 patches (5mg) am fine all day.. its the night times
that get me, maybe as there is another smoker in my house? I was doing so
well, not sure how to get back in focus? any advise would be great ;o(
Paul 14 May 2008, 21:17
Tracey,
You've been hit with a lot all at once. I'm really sorry to hear about your Mom, but you've got to see her death as a real wakeup for you. You've got a good chance to quit the habit, but you've got a lot against you - a smoker in the house (not good!) dealing with your mother's death. I think you should definitely go back to the councilor you were seeing. You've got 10 weeks of non-smoking under your belt, don't give up that fantastic accomplishment. Just hang in there, go out with a non-smoking friend, keep yourself positive because there's a lot of good things to live for and being a non-smoker helps you enjoy them all the more.
ana lascala 17 May 2008, 18:48
i have been trying to quit smoking after 50 or so years some days more than
others. i am now smoking maybe 1-4 cigs a day depending if i can buy them
from someone i pay 50 cents per cig.last night was the worst nigth for me
in a long time and i want to know if i can attribute how i felt to
withdrawal.i couldn't sleep, had pains here them there i was constipated,i
was freezing cold and i live in florida!!!!!!!! will you please let me know
what i can do to get rid of these side effects ?
thank you ana lascala
Paul 19 May 2008, 18:41
Ana:
The withdrawal symptoms are caused by nicotine, so i think you would benefit from a nicotine substitute - gum, patches etc. Good luck - keep going - it's well worth it.
Suellen 28 May 2008, 13:32
Well, today is day one of the quitting smoking process. I've tried many
times before and made it up to 1 month without a cig in the past. I'm 26
and have been smoking since I was 15..1/2 a pack to a full pack a day. I'm
using the patch this time..and I've never experienced anxiety like I am
today. Doesn't help that work is slow lately so I was taking quite a few
smoke breaks to pass the time. I can't wait for the cravings and the
withdrawals to subside. I'm sure everyone around me is tired of my
complaining :) I decided I had to quit. I'm on my second helping of
bronchitis in less than 2 months and last time it even went into pneumonia.
I was afraid if I didn't quit this time that my lungs would just give out.
Good luck to everyone!!
rohit 02 Jun 2008, 03:00
Tarun , dont be down pal , there is hope , tell me how old are you and what
cancer you have, i assure you i will give you a suggestion which will
lighten you up. trust me.
Jessie 24 Jun 2008, 11:14
I started smoking about 5 years ago, the last two years I've been smoking
cloves, perhaps 2-5 (more if I'm drinking) a day. I had one clove on
Sunday around 4 pm, 1 Monday (yesterday) around 8 am, and today I've hit
the 30 hr mark! Things aren't so bad because I'm not that heavy of a
smoker, but I just don't want to use that as a justification to buy ONE
MORE PACK. Good luck everyone.
Erin 05 Jul 2008, 02:45
Thank all of you for your testemonials. Day 3 for me, after about 2 and a
half years of smoking. Cant tell you how bad I just want to cry right now.
I feel like everyone around me hates me, most importantly my boyfriend.
My tongue hurts constantly, has taken on a strange color, and i always have
a fowl taste in my mouth. is this weird? Food never sounds good and if i
manage to get something down, i worry that the nausea will kick in. im so
stressed and tired but cant sleep. it doesnt help at all that i am a
bartender by profession and am around smoke constantly. anyway, good luck
to you all. we can do this.
Paul 05 Jul 2008, 07:32
Erin,
A lot of what you are experiencing is common for anyone who quits - not much of a comfort, I know, but remember that lot's of people have gotten through it. It gets better and easier every day, but if you're around smokers every day, the temptation to have "just one" is very strong. Can you take a week off work while you get over the worst of the withdrawal symptoms?
Barbara 12 Jul 2008, 16:28
I have quit smoking cigarettes with the aid of Chantix for approx. two
weeks. I have been getting sore throat pain which feels like razor blades
cutting the inside of my throat. I have also been depressed. Are these
symptoms common in withdrawal?
Thank you.
Paul 12 Jul 2008, 20:16
Barbara,
The withdrawal symptoms you are going through are quite common and will pass in a few days. Just keep on with what you're doing - it's worth it in the long run.
William Cherry 12 Jul 2008, 22:20
I'm 25yrs old. Two 1/2yrs ago I almost died from a spontaneous pneumothorax
with hemofelia, unexplained lung problem. I lost 2.3 liters of blood and a
3rd of my lung. I quit for 16 months, "No Cheating." A very stressfull
event happened and I was crazy to go back. I didn't go back to 2packs of
marlboros a day but cigars. I still have blebs on my right lung, and still
have post opt. paint. I'm quitting for good now and it's hard finding any
support. I know I just need to put it behind me it's crazy what i'm doing.
I just had a MRI and it's not good so I know my life is at the stake of my
own hands here. If there is anywhere to talk and get support pls e-mail me.
Thanks
frank 15 Jul 2008, 16:17
I have smoked for about 30 years. Hard to tell how much I actually smoked
because I only smoked my cigs half waqy down. I assume I could say one pack
equals one half pack. I smoked nevertheless a pack plus per day. Just cold
turkeyed 6 days ago. My chest feels kind of hurty does yours? Im an anxious
person who takes normally celexa. I decide against patch because the patch
keeps nicotine in system whejn you want to just get rid of it! I eat more!
However so far jm doing good I have been in many stores right near
cigarette counter and have refrained! I will say however Im just one
cigarrette away from smo0king agin. On my most stressfull days I have HUGE
urge!
sue 16 Jul 2008, 15:59
hi ive just stoped smoking after 30 years its so hard but iam going to do
it i feel its time to think about me and give me the bedt chance for a
longer life my thoughts are with all of us thats trying we can only but try
all the best to you all sue
William Cherry 21 Jul 2008, 21:42
I quit last Sunday and it has been really tuff. The first 3-4 day's were
the worst. You can only work on today to get to tomorrow. I feel a lot
better now and found a trick I didn’t do before that really works well.
Coffee stir straw. It cuts my cravings down tremendous. I hate chewing gum
and candy but the small coffee stir straw has helped me a lot. I am also
taking chantex but its not a wonder drug. honestly I don’t even know if
it works but anything to keep your mind off it the better which is not
fully possible.
jay 22 Jul 2008, 11:23
Its been three days since i stopped smoking and this is so hard for me...i
need someone to talk to about this...i need your help..please help me..
Matthew 23 Jul 2008, 14:51
Well its been about 17 years since I started (almost 1/2 my life) so I've
finally decided to quit. Its been 3 days now. I've been SO TIRED though
since quitting. Is that normal? Its like someones giving me a sleeping
pill. I especially like to smoke when I drink alcohol. So I'm dreading this
weekend when I go out to the bar. Anyone else have that problem? Smoking
while drinking? Any tips? (other than avoid the bar/don't drink?).
Thanks
Vian 23 Jul 2008, 17:58
Well I'm sorry to say that I have not quit smoking yet..I need some help. I
have been a smoker for 2 years now and all I ever smoke is the nonfiltered
Lucky Strikes..I don't even think I'm addicted anymore..I have quit up to a
week or more and not even have the urges that I used to have..yet I still
smoke..but lately I have had the worst sore throat for about a month now
and it wont go away...and I'm still smoking..so it cant be a withdrawal
symptom..so I'm confused..and I need help to get myself to quit..please
Paul help me!
Paul 23 Jul 2008, 20:24
Vian,
If you're not addicted, and have a bad sore throat, why do you keep on smoking? Those unfiltered Lucky Strikes are going to kill you - just stop. Even if you aren't physically addicted, you may have the psychological habit of smoking. Try substituting it with something that's not bad for you - like chewing gum.
Vian 24 Jul 2008, 15:11
Your 100% right...and another thing I have been having a challange with is
that i tell myself I can quit whenever I want to quit but I just don't want
to stop smoking...I mean cigarettes still have their effect on me and calm
me down..the only times I do have a craving is when I'm stressed which in
my case is everyday...I started smoking to aggrevate my parents cause they
hate it and I feel like when I have to deal with everything they put me
through I mentally and physically can't handle it so I cope by smoking..I'm
really trying to convince myself to quit..but I think I'm just too stubborn
Jen 29 Jul 2008, 19:29
I have been smoke free for 8 weeks. 6 weeks of that I was using the patch
which helped out tremendously! The past two weeks I have felt like a mad
woman. I am experiencing extreme ups and downs, difficulty sleeping, and
I'm extrememly irritable and angry. I don't feel like smoking, honestly,
the smell really bothers me now. I just want to know about how long these
symptoms might last and if I should seek addtional help?
tom 01 Aug 2008, 08:38
day 2 for me, using the nicotine lozenge. it's amazing how terrible you
feel despite still getting nicotine to your system. just thinking about
all the horrible, putrid chemicals leaving my system and making me feel
like i have the flu is motivation enough to stay off these horrible,
poisonous sticks. i know i will feel better soon, but please everyone
stick to it. it is so worth it.
mark 03 Aug 2008, 02:35
day 3 for this ex-smoker! couldnt sleep last night but my chest feels
better already (believe it or not!) was offered a cig. yesterday by a
friend of a friend and replied "no thanks i dont smoke" how weird did that
feel!!! anyone who is trying to quit- stick with it....i was told you dont
feel like s**t forever! and very soon you will feel better than ever! after
all...the human body was nt designed to be poisoned every hour by inhaling
dried out burning toxic plant matter wrapped in paper and laced with
chemicals!!! so lets give it the boot..for good
gridsleep 11 Aug 2008, 19:49
Sixth day cold turkey. I will never smoke again. I am pretty sure I will
never be happy again, either. I am resigned to a long life of healthy
misery. The thing about quitting smoking is, the life you had before you
quit is the same life you have afterward, only without cigarettes. I don't
know about some of you, but that's not much to look forward to. Life was
never wonderful to begin with. I just wonder what makes it worth all this
trouble. I have not found an answer to that question yet.
Blah. 12 Aug 2008, 16:15
I have quit smoking so many times and I always seem to forget how shitty it
feels. My blood feels annoyed, nothing seems worth while, who fucking
cares.... God, I hate this. I do not want a cigarette, they make me sick
to see them, but I do not feel good at all. I can't remember how long it
takes my body to turn this around, I hope it's soon. Just took my first
shot of St. Johns Wart.
I hate cigarettes.
adam425206 13 Aug 2008, 05:40
gridsleep that is VERY discouraging.. LOL but i feel ya. i am on day one
everybody. i am 19 years old at the moment have been smoking for 4 years...
i smoke a pack a day and have a pack infront of me right now, have been
staring at it for 14 hours now... 14 hours into it and i am already feeling
like a fiend. i quit a strong opiate addiction so i will break this, let
me tell you all smoking marijuana helped me quit oxys and has assisted
quiting smoking ciggerettes every time i fiend for one i just take a hit of
weed.
Gail 16 Aug 2008, 04:21
My husband has had the flu and hasn't had a cigarette in 8 days (50+ a day
smoker) he has been very ill and cannot eat anything much without throwing
up, he says he feels sick all the time, do you think this is a combination
of both?
Debbie 16 Aug 2008, 22:20
I quit for 5 1/2 months. I was going just beserk. Throwing tantrums at
any little thing. Not like me at all. Being very mean to people. Eating
soooo much that I made myself sick. Wasnt even hungry, just ate out of
sheer upset. Bit my tongue many times till it bled. Cried soo much and
always mad. I took it so hard and finally I said its not worth it. I am
just sooo mad at everything and everyone. I was so miserable the whole
time. Self inflicted torture for me to quit. By the way Im 46 and I jog 10
kms 4-5 days a week even though I smoke. I quit because I figure soon the
smoking will affect the jogging. Climb 200 stairs on my jogging route.
Would like very much not to smoke, but not going to put myself through that
torture ever again. Sorry, I know it is not what people want to hear, but
that is exactly how it was for me. Withdrawl is one thing, but going
absolutely nuts for that long is too much. Please dont tell me the
withdrawl gets easier
kat 19 Aug 2008, 13:31
Hey I smoked a pack every 2 days. I have had 5 cigs in 19 days. I cheated 3
times, but its still better than a pack every 2 days. I get sooo stressed
out and I take it out on anyone who is nearby. I started working out and
its helped out a little. I go through a pack of gum a day to take my mind
off of it (should have a thousand cavities soon..lol) Oh the best part is
that I keep having reoccurring dreams of me messing up and smoking. No
other physical symptoms just extreme cravings at night and when im
stressed. Good luck to everyone!!
beatrice 01 Sep 2008, 21:49
I am on day 21 of quitting, and tonight was the toughest yet. I thought
this would be easier by now. Physically, I feel SO MUCH BETTER, but I am
so weepy tonight. Question: I smoked a pack a day for 15 years, so I was
wondering if I should be coughing things up. I feel great actually, and
wondered if I should be nervous that my lungs are not detoxing.
Paul 01 Sep 2008, 22:12
Beatrice:
If you feel great, great! Everyone experiences different symptoms, so don't worry too much. Just keep up the good work!
Gary 16 Sep 2008, 21:33
Today is day 3 going on day 4 since I went cold turkey. I've been smoking
at least 5 cigarettes day for the last year and figured I'd quit now while
I'm still young. I have to admit I randomly experience feelings where I
really want to smoke. For example I was reading over some paper work and
just all of a sudden I remember a voice in my head saying "that's nice, but
why don't we go and have a camel in the basement eh'?". Thankfully I'm not
getting any of these other symptoms minus the irritability and tiredness.
Good luck everyone :D
Bert 17 Sep 2008, 12:27
Hey everyone.
It's been 30 days since I quit smoking. I used to smoke about 1/2 - 3/4 pk a day for 23 years. I woke up one morning , sneezed and blood came out of my nose, followed by some in my mouth. Enough to scare the hell out of me. I decided right on the way that I will not smoke anymore. Anyway the doctor checked at my lungs ( no liquid build up ) and heart ( rate normal ) and blood pressure ( a bit high ). So now I have gone through the withdrawals and symptoms - although I am not eating as much as everyone said I would. The headaches, insomnia, tiredness, anxiety have all come out.. now I may have a sinus infection.My nose is like its on fire. I woke up this morning again with blood in my mouth ( which has not happened since a month ago ). What I do not understand is how someone can get so sick while trying to heal!! Anyway I am off to the doctors ( again ) so that they can have another look.. On a footnote: Glad i found you guys on here.. can relate to it.
ronm 29 Sep 2008, 19:40
I quit cold turkey on july 22 after smoking 2 pks a day for over 30 yrs. I
went through bad withdrawal,depression,irratbility ,and unable to
concentrate.I cheated on sept 2 thru 12,just one or two a day.I stopped and
had to go through with- drawal all over again.Its affecting every
relationship in my life in a negative way. I can breath easier and am
walking every night to try and keep from gaining weight
Kim 01 Oct 2008, 08:12
Hi I quit 1 month ago,..and just feel like crap,..nose infection,..Can't
sleep
and the first really big withdraw craving came over me today, after being quit for a month! Does this Happen? and how many more of these do I have to go threw? No I didn't pick up and smoke,..I wanted to but didn't. I just don't want to go threw all this again. I am 44 years old and started smoking at 17.
Cnnkt 09 Oct 2008, 21:04
Hi, this is my second legitimate attempt at quitting, 3 days in. I have to
say it has been FUN. The first initial urges have been turned into pure
energy which makes me feel like an absolute kid again. Stay positive
people. Smoking isn't a crutch, it's a vice that holds you down from being
able to do the things you used to be able to do. Also, keep as active as
you possibly can. If you focus on the good and not the bad you will start
to become "high on life" instead of buzzing off of nicotine.
Tom 15 Oct 2008, 22:25
This sites awesome. I'm nineteen been smoking a pack a day plus since 15
and recently went on Chantix. I took it for 2 days and decided to stop
taking it because it made me throw up. I've been cigarette free for a week,
which is the longest I've gone without one in four years and I feel great.
Just stay busy, surround yourself with people who encourage not boss you
around, drink water, eat breakfast and when you get a craving hold your
breath in as long as physically possible and when you release your breath
you no longer crave one. Good luck everybody its so nice, my teeth look
white you know?
Tom 15 Oct 2008, 22:30
Also, don't waste your time trying to smoke fewer and fewer cigarettes. You
ultimately go an entire day of not smoking a cigarette and think you can
smoke one. It just doesnt work.
Kim 16 Oct 2008, 04:15
Kim has not had a Cig in One month, two weeks, one day, 6 hours, 8 minutes
and 3 seconds. 1357 cigarettes not smoked, saving $268.14. Life saved: 4
days, 17 hours, 5 minutes. So forgive the moodswings.
=) Hi just letting you know,..I haven't started back up!! I am feeling better, I thought I would feel better than this,..But think it is more my Age now and not the Quit smoking part anymore LOL! I still have cravings but really not bad at all anymore,..Still haven't had a beer either,..not ready. I have been using the Commits,..they have the Cappichino(sp?) flavor now too,..(Yummy). So I am still hanging in there. Good luck to all of you too, this is the BEST thing you can do for yourself!!
Paul 16 Oct 2008, 07:14
Good going Kim! Keep it up!
SHARYN 19 Oct 2008, 18:01
10-19-08
I'M NOT A SMOKER , BUT MY HUSBAND IS. A HARD CORE SMOKER.A FEW WEEKS AGO HE WAS "LIFE FIGHTED" TO A TRAMA HOSPITAL OUT OF STATE. A COUPLE WEEKS A GO HE BECAME CONFUSED. THE DOCTORS SAY LONG HOSPITAL STAYS CAN DO THIS. TODAY HE REALLY WAS DILLIRIOUS (SP). HE WAS REFUSING TO LET THE NURSES TOUCH HIM AND SAID FOR ME TO COME AND GET HIM. NOW, HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE WITHDRAWAL FROM SUDDEN STOP SMOKING CAUSING SOMETHING LIKE THIS. I SENSE THAT AT LEAST THIS IT MAY BE ADDING TO THE DILLIRIUM. ITS JUST THE WAY MY HUSBAND IS ACTING THAT MAKES ME THINK THAT. HE WASN'T TRYING TO STOP SMOKING , HE HAD NO CHOICE. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS ?
john 24 Oct 2008, 07:54
My name is John and I am 27. I have not smoked a cig in 3weeks. I used to
smoke a pack a day for 7 Yrs. My wife is about to have our first baby and I
am going NUTS!!!!. I have been having alot of anxiety and panic attaks
which I have never had before. the first couple of weeks I had alot of
nausea,hot flashes, shaky feeling, lightheadness, fine it hard to
concentrate. I would like to know if anyone has had the same symptoms???
Hang in there everyone it should get better.
cw 29 Oct 2008, 08:43
I smoked for 20+ years, I have not had on ein about 4 weeks now. I am doing
good but last few nights I am actually dreaming about smoking. This ever
happen to anyone?
austin 08 Nov 2008, 21:33
i have been smoking for about 3 years. i smoke about 6-7 a day and just cut
back to 2-3. i have been having severe depression, anxiety, nausea (this
morning i threw up from drinking water)and i just want to know if there is
something else happening besides withdrawls. im trying to be smoke free but
just cutting back this much makes me feel like its going to be much harder
than i thought. any help or advice is appreciated.
Kim 09 Nov 2008, 05:12
Austin,
I have been quit for 2 month 1 week and 1 day. Don't get me wrong our body will go threw all kinds of changes when we quit but our MIND will be our worst ememy. I said to my self as I cried myself to sleep a few nights that it is just the nico demon tryig to get my self to quit. The nico demon is just trying to get you to take ONE PUFF! cause that is all it takes to get back to smoking more! You may just have a cold or flu,..and you mind is making you feel like you have to have a cig t feel better!. Don't do it. HANG IN THERE AUSTIN. I still have some BAD day after 2 months,..but I don't think about it long and it goes away faster,..But every ache I wanted to blame myself for Quitting,..and that wasn't the case at all,..MY BODY IS HEALING!!! Best of luck to ya!! KIM
Gboy 11 Nov 2008, 14:57
Hi everyone. It has been exactly 15 hours and 56 minutes since I had a
smoke. Right now I'm feeling a little cranky and I can't concentrate with
my work. I'm dying to have a cigarette but I know I shouldn't. Good luck
to all of us.
austin 12 Nov 2008, 15:21
kim thanx for the support. so far the depression and anxiety have gone for
the most part, but ive been constipated for 2 days and laxatives bearly
helped. the nausea is still around but its going away.
mentally im ok with not smoking. its the physical withdrawls that are killing me right now. i know that i will make it thru, im just really sick physically. if anyone has any advice on getting thru the panick attacks and lack of appetite please let me know.
Kim 12 Nov 2008, 17:38
Austin,
Happy to hear you are doing good!! You are going threw everything that you should be going threw when you quit smoking,..I am sure everyone knows and been where you are,..I know I have. I joined Yoga for depression and Anxiety,..Walking does great too. STAYING BUSY is the main thing. Constipation was a big one with me too,..But I use Commit as my NRT. And that will just come back with time,..OJ and Apple juice helps too. You can do this,..just know what you are going threw is NORMAL,..I have cried,..threw things,.Freaked out, and Blamed my husband cause my 22 year old water heater Died. And he wasn't even home when it happend. LOL I am 2m 1week and 4 days,..and If I can do this while my Husband still smokes (Outside) then anyone can do this!!! Make this quit about YOU! and only ABOUT YOU!
austin 12 Nov 2008, 21:49
kim, thanks again. ive been doing lots better, constipation is gone and i
can feel my digestive system returning to normal. ive now cut down to just
one a day (smoked 1/3 at a time) and plan on being completely quit by the
23rd (probably sooner). i know people say that its not good to cut back
slowly, but ive been really watching my nicotine intake carefully. the
depression and other withdrawl symptoms are still present but are minimal
now. i cant wait for the winter season so i can go snowboarding again (i
live in utah). i havent been in about 2 years and i want an excuse to stay
active this winter. thank you for the support and ill try to remember to
post back here once im off for good.
good luck everyone YOU CAN QUIT!
Christina 14 Nov 2008, 21:11
I've been smoking for about 6 months, about 5 cigarettes a day. I enjoy
every one of them. I absolutely love smoking. However, I have decided that
I need to take better care of my body. Today I have not smoked at all. I
feel chest pain.
grandma 17 Nov 2008, 11:32
i have been smoking for 67 years now, im almost dead i got cancer of the
throat mouth lungs almost everything i am 79 years old ive been smoking
since i was 13, i dont know what to do i smoke five packs of ciggaretes a
day, i think i'm going to die do i have any hope
Pbee 17 Nov 2008, 18:40
Grandma...There is always hope when we put our trust in the Lord.
SISSY 25 Nov 2008, 12:50
I have been smoking since I was about 9 years old and openly since I was
about 14 years old. I am now 46 marrield with 2 children. I have tried on
many occassions to stop, it was really hard because I enjoyed smoking. I
decided to quit when my husband said that cigarettes were a trigger for him
to do drugs, I love my husband and my children. I prayed, I purchased some
lozengers (that I really didnt use) and said a prayer, I havent smoked a
cigarette since 11/9/08 about 10:30-11:00 pm and it feels good. Now I did
get a sore mouth I assumes it was from the lozenger, I have had really bad
gas and this week I have had a sore throat, but nothing so severe that I
cant handle. I have saved about $65-70 a dollar. I have not had to many
systoms outside of disgusting gas.
Kim 26 Nov 2008, 17:51
Sissy,..I stoped smoking 2 months 3 weeks and 4 days ago. I used commit and
all the side effects you are talking about comes with Commit and it is so
much better than smoking so keep up the good work. Good luck sisy.
Carrissa 08 Dec 2008, 18:15
This is great reading all these withdrawal comments,,I feel like I am not
alone. I am on my ninth day and have every withdrawal sympton in the
book,,burning tongue- sweats -waves of cravings -snappy and irritable
-weird smoking dreams -eating like mad -on and on. LOL! If things dont ease
up I am going for the laser treatment. I am or was a heavy heavy smoker so
it's gonna be a fight. But I am determined that I cannot live with the
maddness anymore! If you guys use the Champix it may make you sick the
first few days but it passes,,,I am also using regular self hypnosis. The
Amazing Ravine!LoL:) Also I went on youtube and there is a video called:
"Thanx tabacco - you killed my mom." If that doesn't reinforce a person in
thier effort to quit, I don't know what will. Actually there's some good
stuff on Youtube if you need the visuals to really hammer home why you need
to stay quit. Just a thot0- but if your smoking weed cuz you think it's
helping, it isn't, your body still thinks your smoking and your lungs won't
clear. I quit weed 5 months before this quit smoking thing,,because I tried
using weed to quit but got no where. But that is up to you,,Anyways I wish
everyone the best of luck and determination. Hope my tips help. :)
ronna 15 Dec 2008, 06:36
is blurring of eyesight can be a symptoms of smoking?
Devon 17 Dec 2008, 08:13
I am glad to read all these comments. I am not a smoker, I actually got on
here because my husband is trying to quit. He's 30 and has smoked for about
16 years of that. I think it's been about eight days. I am so proud of him!
He sure has been cleaning alot more but is losing quite a bit of sleep. He
has also been the biggest jerk ever. He says I'm not helping him withn
this, but I have been...when he has a craving I tell him no, don't turn
back now, you've been doing so well and I keep telling him how proud I am
of him. Everything sets him off, all he ever does is complain and yell now.
We have been arguing more than ever this past week. It's hard for me to
except his behavior just because he is trying to stop smoking. I have to
admit, he does smoke marijuana sometimes to help the anxiety and
irritability...is that gonna help him quit this smoking habit? I want to be
there for him as much as possible, but I'm going through alot myself...I'm
almost four months pregnant and am starting to feel like he doesn't even
care anymore. This will be our fourth child and he has always been a great
father and husband, but he's even taking it out on our kids. February 23,
2009 will be our one year wedding anniversary and I do want us to make
that. lol Is there any suggestions from anyone else to help me out on this
one? Possibly a female who has been going through the same thing?
Carrissa 21 Dec 2008, 08:33
Hey Devon! Its Been 22 days for me and no I am not pleasant, I am nasty...I
am okay on my own but if there is any outside stress or too many people
around then I am angry and intolerant. I smoked for 17 years and quitting
is not easy. But I have a job where I am not around many people and I don't
have kids,, But I have been a little grumpy to my dog,,poor girl.I am not
sure when the grumpiness will end but I hope soon. When it gets too bad I
throw in the towel and go have a nap even if a million things that need to
get done,,I have found that when I rest I calm down. I realize with the
money being tight you may not think of alternative therapies -but all my
friends that had laser treatment said it worked. Endorphins are stimulated
in your system and you aren't grumpy at all. Most good laser treatments
offer it twice for the price of one,,one being a follow up to the other,,
like a backup. Good Luck -I know it sux :)
Terri 21 Dec 2008, 19:00
Well, it's been two days. Not so bad yet. I quit cold turkey in 2003 for
almost a year. Stressful events caused me to start smoking again.
However, I just quit cold turkey again two days ago. I have a family
history of heart disease, mitral valve prolapse, high cholesterol and
mediocre blood pressure. Couldn't ask for better reasons to quit! Not
looking forward to the weight gain. (Last time I gained 20 lbs, but lost
it on Weight Watchers.) However, the weight gain is much better smoking!
I think it is awesome that so many people have commented on their
experiences. I plan to continue my comments. I wish you all the best!
Let's beat this!!!!
Bill 25 Dec 2008, 17:32
day 4 with out a smoke and at times its unbearable.i took a zyban this
morning and have no idea if its working or not. today is Christmas and the
kids are loud and crazy.depression and anxiety are present.does anyone
think a .25 xanex would help. Happy Holidays to all.
Amber 25 Dec 2008, 22:20
So today is day 10 for me and it's not that easy. I went to my mothers
house for Christmas and quit before i came. I changed my location, people i
was around and habits so it will be a little easier to quit. I have tried
to quit before while at home and work, but all my habits were the same; i
got up a the same time, coffee, shower, drive, lunch....everything was the
same for me, so to pull out one habit was hard. I didn't make it a half of
day on the day i tried to quit before. So i thought now would be a great
time when i didnt have the same habits. Its much easier to change
everything like it did to quit because you dont think about it as much when
you are in a different place, seeing different people, and different
location. The only real time i think about smoking is, "wow, i have not
smoked all day", the only problem is, is that i start thinking about that,
and i get to wanting one. So i chew gum and go find a family member to talk
to or something. 2 days ago i woke up with a sore throat, i hardly sleep at
night, but i get sleepy. It's hard, but im happy. My only fear is that i
will start when i get back to my home. I will do my best, and i have
support when i get back, I made it this far,.....why turn back now!
Bonnie 28 Dec 2008, 10:11
I had surgery done on the 23rd of this month. I smoked one and a half ciggs
that morning. Since then been down with pain pills and the like, so I think
that's made it a little easier. My husband is an avid non smoker, thinks
it's the worst thing in the world you could do. I did get out of the house
the other night for a bit and thought I would try to smoke, took about 3
drags and put it out, made me sick, I'm sure from all the other meds I'm on
and all the pain I'm in had something to do with it. So technically to me
I've gone about 5 days without one, reading all your stories help, terrible
headaches and coughing up nasty stuff but I figured I was just doing that
cuz they put a tube down my throat. Even though the man is so against
smoking, not been a very big help, bitches about me bitchin etc... I
actually thought alot of what I had was due to surgery symptoms, now I'm
pretty sure it's my withdrawls. No sleep, nausea, basically everything
someone has written here. My mom is a terrible smoker, and got in her car
the other night and almost got sick from the smell, so that could be a good
sign. I never smoke at home, well maybe sneak one or two on the weekends
when I'm away, but my biggest concern is when I go back to work. I'm by
myself all day basically and do nothing but smoke. PLus I just lost about
60 pounds over the last year and the last thing I want to do is put it back
on, I know that sounds selfish but I don't ever want to be fat again, and
at 5'3 60 pounds is alot of extra weight. My doctor did give me a script
for Chantix but I'm afraid to take it plus it's so expensive. I'm thinking
Monday if I don't go into work I may go in and try to get put on some
wellbutrin. At least then I could possibly kill 2 birds with one stone,
depression included. Haven't had any of the mouth and tongue problems yet
but I'm sure they are coming. It was nice to hear your stories and see I'm
not alone. In some ways I've wanted to quit but the surgery just kinda
forced it on me being at home for all this time and not being able to
smoke. The craving for one is really getting out of control. I know my
husband means well but it's hard also since he has never smoked in his
entire life and basically doesn't understand how hard it is to stop, so no
sympathy vote from him. Can't exercise too much for the next couple of
weeks, but I read somewhere to either lay down or take a warm shower, so I
may just become the cleanest person on the planet soon. SOme of this may
not make sense but it's just nice to get it out. Nobody is here right now
so it's quite and peaceful. My fuse with the kids and him is about at it's
limit and it's not their fault. But a 13 yr old, 5 yr old and a 31 yr old
can kinda be overwhelming to this 28 yr old girl who just can't take much
more!
Elaine 29 Dec 2008, 05:00
I must respond to NOELLEN regarding depression. I quit on December 1, 2008
and was fine up until a day or so before Christmas and then started getting
depressed. I did already feel tired, but the depression really kicked in
around the holidays and I have been having many crying spells. I would like
to know if anyone can tell me how long this withdrawal symptom will last. I
have been told that it could go on for six months. Thank You. Any help will
be greatly appreciated.
Elaine 29 Dec 2008, 05:03
I just posted a message and I also wanted to say that my blood pressure is
high. Any information on that? Thanks Again!
Elaine 29 Dec 2008, 05:53
I do not know how my message got posted several times, may be deep down
inside I need an answer very quickly, unfortunately I do not see one yet.
PATIENCE!!! Please help me!!!
Elaine 29 Dec 2008, 06:08
Please help me! I do not see any new replies.
Carrissa 29 Dec 2008, 08:19
(can someone please reduce the repeats for Elaine,,,thanx) Hey Elaine! Well
Merry F'n Christmas! Ya that SUCKED! I never cried so much...I never nicked
out so much. SO ANGRY<<SO SAD!!!I would have killed my grandma for a
smoke - if it weren't for the fact that I never want to go through this
withdrawal again. EVER. I quit Nov.30/08 so I know how everyone was doing
for the holidays,, If you all got through it then That is GREAT! I mean if
you can get through the holidays than you can get thru anything without a
smoke,,right? Good for all of you! Congrats. Wow it's tough! I smoked more
than a pack a day for a long time,,When do the nic fits end???? Everyone
says they go away but really I am dyin here,,onward and forward....
Alex 03 Jan 2009, 18:55
I was a heroin user for 5 years. This past summer I went through detox for
my heroin/morphine withdrawals. It's been 6 months clean for me. Now I have
to quit smoking. I've been smoking for 15 years but over the past 5 years I
smoked 3 packs a day.
There is nothing in this world comparable to heroin withdrawals. Nothing. When I detoxed in the rehab center I thought I was physically going to die. Sweating, puking, diarrhea, couldn't think straight. It was hell on earth. So...all in all I gotta admit that the withdrawals from cig smoking is pretty tame in comparison. Sure, I have urges, but its nothing compared to the urges, cravings, or physical hardships I went through with heroin. I was expecting this top be a lot worse. Good luck to those who are struggling and always realize that there's always someone out there who has it worse. This too shall pass.
Alex 03 Jan 2009, 19:02
Oh..and it's been 4 days for me w/o smokes.
JACKIE 06 Jan 2009, 19:54
MAN I HAVENT SMOKED A CIGG IN 3 DAYS I STOPPED COLD TURKEY AND BEEN SMOKING
8 YRS ITS BEEN DIFFICULT FOR ME ESPECIALLY MORE SO CUZ OF STRESS I CANT
SLEEP I WAKE UP EVERY FEW HRS WEN I TRY TO SLEEP IT WILL TAKE ME AN HR
EVERYTHIN MAKES ME UNCOMFORTABLE I ALMOST BROKE BUT I BEEN MAINTAININ I
HOPE IT WORKS OUT
Erick 15 Jan 2009, 19:59
I am going on my 3rd day but I am having diffficulties. I am also getting
over pneumonia while trying to stop smoking. I am experiencing tightness
in chest, almost feel like I am suffocating, sweating, and dizziness. Is
this anything others may have experienced? Starting to freak me out.
kim 15 Jan 2009, 20:12
Erick,
If you are having Chest pains please go to the ER. For some reason, I don't know why, but 3's are the worse, they were for me,..3rd day, 3rd week and even the 3rd month. But it does get better. I was feeling all weirded out too threw my quit, went to the doctor and got an OKAY. So in my case it is just the crap coming out of my body and the Nicodemon trying to get me to come back to smoking. Again if you are really having Chest pains, get to a Doctor to make sure everything is okay. And then get back to fighting this Nicodemon. Kim has not had a Cig in Four months, two weeks, 22 hours, 11 minutes and 38 seconds. 4107 cigarettes not smoked, saving $811.52. Life saved: 2 weeks, 6 hours, 15 minutes. So forgive the moodswings. Kim
Bryan 16 Jan 2009, 08:57
Me 55, I started smoking at 25, YES I was an Idiot, problem being I enjoyed
smoking those cigarettes for all those years that I smoked.. Ring any
bells????
Then 15 weeks ago I decided enough is enough, come to think about it when I started I promised myself I would STOP one day. God knows how many Cigs I must have smoked in that time, LOTS and I mean lots. Like so many I had no idea about these withdrawal symptoms, as I type I feel ghastly, chest hurts, mouth is sore I have suffered mouth ulcers for the past 5 weeks not the same one, when one disappears another comes to taunt me. Press anywhere on my body and it feels if I am pressing on some bruise. I feel fatigued, I have not had a decent nights sleep for weeks, my thinking pattern is bizarre, I worry about this, I worry about that, in fact I worry about things I would not have cared about 15 weeks ago. I feel completely different, I was once Mr Confident, now I feel inadequate. I have NOT suffered any craving for another cigarette, in fact I almost feel cheated for not doing so, I assumed I would, I assumed I would be pulling my hair out fighting off such cravings, but I simply do not want one, YES I still have a head of Hair :-)) Do I feel irritable? Yes I do, have I put on weight? Yes I have, but not alarmingly, can I breath in deeply ? YES I Can, but I could when I was smoking but without feeling ‘TIGHT CHESTED’ Is this it? I sincerely hope not, I read what I am going through is WORTH it, someone told me to think of my LUNGS as a carpet, a carpet that’s not be cleaned, for years, just think of all the GUNK in it, ‘he said’ well your body is cleaning it for you now, the COST you are paying for such neglect and foolishness is BLOODY UNCOMFORTABLE’ I would not disagree. I Don’t feel sexy anymore either, although tell that to ‘you know who’ hahaha and I am reminiscent of being a Teenager again if you catch my meaning. So here we are having been a GOOD BOY and NOT having had another fag and I feel like CRAP, its been three months for me, I just hope the feeling of ‘well being’ returns soon. Good luck to any fellow sufferers, its certainly not pleasant is it??
Rachel 16 Jan 2009, 14:50
This is my 13th day after quitting smoking for over 15 years, over a pack a
day. I have gotten over feeling sick and the cravings...still feel like
complete crap though. I almost feel like I am losing my mind...completely
depressed, snappin on everyone, just so mean. I too wish I had a guarantee
this will go away or I will start smoking again now and stop suffering.
Any advice? I am hurtin.
kim 16 Jan 2009, 14:58
Rachel,
Kick, scream, cry, sleep, or Yell, do what ever you have to do, JUST don't smoke. What you are going threw is normal. And it will get better, not great for I am at 4 months and I still have some days where I feel like Crap, but not as bad as the first month of quiting and Better than the 3 month. So it really does get better but it will just take time. I cried alot, and slept alot and even yelled a few times, I even threw a bunch of stuff. It really does get better. Just tell your mind you are a non-smoker now, and have to handle things that come along in different ways now.
Sheila 16 Jan 2009, 16:27
It has been 81 days today for me. I have been a smoker over 3/4 of my
entire life. I smoked for 30 years. I have come to realize that this is my
addiction and I am taking complete ownership of it. Everytime I crave, I
deep breathe and enjoy the fact of not picking one up and feeling that
crave disappear. For me the withdrawals were very hard for the first two to
three weeks. The insomnia was horrible. I could not think about anything
else and could not focus at work. I even had night sweats a couple of
times, but it does get better. Hang in there everyone. Now that we know
what to expect from the next craving, we can deal with it easier.
Perry 21 Jan 2009, 15:55
I'm 24 and start smoking at about 18. This is my day 2 of not smoking. I'm
using the patch and it seems to be helping. Yesterday was OK because I
didn't have to be at work but today I have to be at work--back to stress
and old habits. It's really helps for me to be able to write about it and
read all of your comments and see we are all going through the same thing.
So thank you. Best of luck to us all.
Carrissa 22 Jan 2009, 14:06
Hello Everyone! Congrats to those who have stayed quit! :) 7 weeks two days
for me!! Yaya,,,woo hoo! I feel a little better,, finally the cravings only
last minutes now,,not days of waves and waves. I am less irriatable
<(sp) But I reduced alot of stress, which means I am un-employed for
now. Yes Bryan I know what you mean about being less confident...and
scatterbrained. I really don't feel like myself...I guess it comes with not
having the nicodemon (That's Kim's word:)) on my back any more. I am now
focusing on the weight I gained (16 pounds!) But the hunger cravings that
replaced the smoking have abated. Thank God! I can also breath much better
but that is just recent. Still a little out a sorts. Anyways Here's to
another 7 weeks and the rest of my life as a non-smoker! Take care
all--GOOD LUCK!!
john 23 Jan 2009, 20:13
its been two weeks now after smoking cigs for many years. obviously i
coughed up alot of crap but it doesnt stop. theres a nasty taste i cant get
out of my mouth and i have so much blood in my mucus all the time. i dont
even crave a cigarette but i feel like i was more comfortable when i was
killing myself. i guess ill just become an alcoholic now to help myself
sleep the night thru and take a deep breathe off a whip cream can. good
luck with your addictions people.just remember "quitting smoking is easy,
ive done it hundreds of times"
Kim 24 Jan 2009, 07:33
Hi everyone,
I been reading and I have felt your Pains. Smoking is NOT the easiest thing to give up, and YOU are going to have to Fight this NICODEMON with everything YOU have. Believe me when I say you CAN do this. If you are anything like me, I don't like the word (CAN'T). I am 44 years old now, I did not like it when my parents told me I could not do something,I sure will not stand for A Tube of Leaves or the Tobacco Companies tell me I can't Quit. As a Smoker for (what seems like a billion Years) started since I was 17)now at 44 I own this Quit. This quit is MINE and only mine. I understand that I have did some damage to my Body But I to get scared and things start going threw my head. But when you feel like something is not right going on in YOUR quit, let the doctor think your Crazy and Check you out, you may need to be on Zyban or Wellbut, It is okay at least you know it is in your Head and you have to Focus more in that area. When I went to the ER for Chest pains I thought it was IT for me, turn out to be Acid Reflux, did I feel Stupid, YEAH! But I don't have chest pains anymore. If you are coughing up crap, yes that is normal, BLOOD not so much. Get it check out and get back to us and Back in this FIGHT of Quiting. In a way John is right, Quiting smoking is easy, CAN you STAY QUIT is the Answer? My brother after 2 year of his Last cig with Chantix just started smoking again, had a friend after 5 years do the same. As humans we forget this Hell we are going threw to Quit after so long and find ourselfs right back to killing ourself, hating ourselfs, and not caring we are leaving people who depend on our Smiles, our laughter OUR Families and Friends. When you are sitting here thinking about that CIG, that TUBE of Leaves, think about Cancer, and is this the Cig that is going to cause your Bladder cancer down the road, your Lung Cancer, or even your Breast Cancer. YOU CAN DO THIS!! Don't let them tell you "No you can't" and let them take your money away from you or your Family. =Kim has not had a Cig in Four months, three weeks, two days, 9 hours, 32 minutes and 49 seconds. 4361 cigarettes not smoked, saving $861.73. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 3 hours, 25 minutes. So forgive the moodswings.
Spencer 24 Jan 2009, 16:06
It's been about six days for me now after about 5 years of smoking. I wake
up constantly at night, cant concentrate on my studies, am completely
unmotivated to even try, and i get angry a lot. The angry mood swings and a
bit of depression worry me. Is this a result of quitting?
Renata 24 Jan 2009, 18:19
I quit smoking friday (haha it's Saturday) . I have never made it past 24
hours. I have smoked since I was 15, I am 28 now. I smoked through
pregnancies when I really should have quit.. I smoked in -30 temperatures
because I needed my *fix* or break from kids. I feel like smoking was
defining who I was... when you're young it makles you look "cool".. as you
get older it makes you stink, lol. My husband is a non smoker so that
helps.. but he really has no idea how hard or horrible this is... I am
alone with 2 toddlers going through withdrawl (thank god for wellbutrin or
I would be psyco!!) They had broken a glass a few hours ago and I
seriously broke down crying and yelling.. hard to admit but there it is..
this is so hard, but I feel so determined!.... I have also had many
*moments. But I have been repeating out loud that I will never smoke
again! It's working.. the 2 cigs in my purse are still sitting there..
even in the most tempting moments, I haven't even touched them.. maybe just
scared to...
Chez 05 Feb 2009, 13:06
I'm on day 18 as 'QUIT'. I smoked 20 a day for 20 years. This is my 5th
attempt in 4 years at giving up, & is much easier than the previous 4
times. I'm using an inhalator & lozenges, which makes it easier. I'm down
to 3 lozenges a day & 1 inhalator capsule every 2/3 days. I lost my dad to
lung cancer in late 2005 which totally devastated me. I decided then, after
watching him deteriorate to nothing within 6 months, that I'd never put my
3 kids through the same thing. I smoked through all 3 pregnancies as I
found giving up impossible. What a hypocrite, I tell myself! I am not only
quitting for that reason, but because smoking had become just a habit. I
didn't enjoy cigs anymore - they made me feel sick, but I still had to have
them! At 35 my chest was so tight & I was in agony every time I walked.
This time my partner came to the doctor with me so we could quit together.
Even though I'm getting there slowly he's still smoking, but outside, &
makes me want to throw up when he comes back into the house. Did I really
stink that much? I've got a really sore mouth & tongue at the moment, my
nose is running for England, I have terrible wind, nose bleeds & headaches.
I haven't had any sleep deprivation but I'm ready for my bed by early
evening. I have to admit that I sound like one of the lucky ones on here.
After my previous attempts, can I wish all of us lots of luck? I'm going to
post on here in future so I can record my downfalls too, as I'm sure there
will be lots of them.
nolongerwheezing! 08 Feb 2009, 02:50
Hi to everyone
Have been reading your stories and really feel for you.. I stopped smoking on 8th December 2008. I smoked for 28 years from age 15 to 43. I got sick of always being scared that something awful was going to happen to me, feeling guilty smoking around my kids, and generally feeling more and more anti social. I've been using the patches,now on 10mg, also used the lozenges and chewing gums but stopped those a week ago as i didnt want to become addicted to them! My tongue is really sore, have ulcers and a very nasty taste in my mouth.. and constipation and wind that is becoming embarrassing :0/ However,I'm looking to the future and feeling positive.. I hated being a slave to cigarettes.. I've watched my mum be totally taken over by smoking (she started at 13 and is now 61) I wish all of you the very best in your attempts to stop. I guess it really does come down to wanting what's best for us and knowing that our life and quality of life is IMPORTANT.
Dee 08 Feb 2009, 14:43
First off good luck to everyone who has quit,
i have been smoking for about 4 months, i know that isnt that long but i decided to quit. $1 added to cig tax, lame, juut another reason to quit. Im on my 5 day of no smokes. The first 2 days i couldnt stop coughing, 3 day was fine, 4 night was the worst, didnt sleep all night coughing up green slime. Today i feel good. I have no cravings for a cigarette but i want one, if that makes sense. I have been through withdrawals before, anti depressants, it thought i was going to die from that zoloft. I also know heroin users and there withdrawals are always difficult. good luck to everyone.
Bryan 09 Feb 2009, 12:38
Yes its me again, Bryan, (last messaged January 16th, 2009) I thought I
would give a progress report.
Well its 4 months now for me since I had a cig, so how do I feel now? Well sorry to have to say this but I still feel like CRAP. I have not been tempted to have another Cig, I don’t want one, its been like that since the day I stopped, However the inside of my mouth is still sore, not all the time, but then mouth ulcers come and go. My sleep pattern? slightly improved, but still not as good as it was when I was smoking, I also keep having ‘flashbacks’ by that I mean I am re-living moments of my life like some video in my mind. some pleasant moments, some not, like a nightmare really. Weird eh?? I Still do not feel fit, my fault really, I feel too fatigued to do anything, yes easy to make such excuses but I cannot motivate myself, well you have to be in the mood don’t you :-)) So how long before I feel like Superman again??? I really have no idea, I just keep clinging to the thought that one day I will feel much better for not smoking those ‘bloody’ fags. OH well lets see how all is in another 4 months time. Pity there is not a 1001 cleaner for the lungs, OLDER Brits might understand that. :-)) Good luck fellow sufferers, I am thinking of you all, and those to come.
john 09 Feb 2009, 13:23
I quit smoking about three weeks ago. Ever since i have felt extremely
fatigued, light headed, sometimes dizzy and getting panic attacks because
of the mentioned symptoms. Also just started getting intense migraines. i
feel like i have a giant rock sitting in between my chest and my stomach
feel so empty because i used to use cigarettes to cure my raging appetite
while at work. Does anyone else have these symptoms. Anything you
recommend? I've been taking xanax to cure my nerves but the uneasiness in
the stomach and chest is still there
April 09 Feb 2009, 14:38
Hello to everyone
First I want to say congrats and good luck to everyone. We are a tough bunch to be doing this! All the ex smokers I've talked to say it's the hardest thing they've ever done. I can truly believe it. I am just past five months at quitting cold turkey after 22 years. I still have symptoms like wanting a cigarette, anxiety, heart racing, etc. I want to let you know it has gotten better though. I read on another site that the symptoms start to subside around six months and be over around a year. God willing! Wanted to share something funny with all of you. I heard on the radio the other day the song "I Will Survive." Listening to the words I realized it could be an anthem for quitting smoking. Hang in there guys. I'll keep you all in my prayers.
Melissa 17 Feb 2009, 06:26
A heavy smoker since I hit high school age 13 smoking a packet of 50's a
day even more for 4 years. I'm now 18 and haven't smoked for a week or so I
have quit smoking without the use of patches or gum. I got scared out of
smoking after a trip to the hospitl. Since quitting I've suffered servere
depression, numbness of the face, light headed, soreness of the chest,
breathing difficulties, axiety, short tempered, loss of sleep and fatiuge
severe shakiness and bad nightmares when I do sleep. Its driving me insane!
I don't wanna smoke but I don't exactly like losing it with friends and
family, haven't been happy since I stopped it really hard for me can
someone help me please.
kira 18 Feb 2009, 00:51
Quit smoking yesterday around 5 pm. Today has been dreadful, I'm extremely
tired, could barely keep my eyes open at work all day. I've already chewed
2 packs of gum and drank 5 16 oz bottles of water. After work I plan on
working out for the first time in a few months, hopefully this will get me
through the withdraws. This will be my 3rd time quitting, I have to make it
this time around.
Carrissa 23 Feb 2009, 13:39
Hey Everyone! Well 11 weeks since that first horrible week of quitting!!
Hardest thing I ever did was that first month of quitting,,,and I survived!
and I am still smoke free!!Slowly Life is getting back to normal,, The key
is to distract yourself into new ways of thinking and new activities.. The
hardest part is being around other smokers who knew you smoked - lot's of
things (traps) there: like they will offer you smokes or act strange around
you. After all you have defected and that makes smokers uneasy. Mostly to
me the smokers look enslaved (and I am free). To all you going through your
first week,, HOLD ON!! This is a great sight for people honestly telling
you about their withdrawal - it helps to have someone to relate too. You
can get through this,, it will get better. I used to smoke every moment of
the day and it's almost 3 months now without, So you all can do it!! GOOD
LUCK!!
Bryan 23 Feb 2009, 14:05
Hi
Still not had a Cigarette, still have not had the urge to smoke one and thats after 30 years 40/50/60 a day sometimes. If I am with anyone smoking it does not bother me, those that say 'you have to want to pack up' I agree with, feel that way and actually its fairly easy, well thats my experience. But the detox, My God a nightmare as far as I am concerned, does anyone else have a sore tongue that feels numb as well? My sleep patterns although better now are still not my normal sleep patterns, Anxiety attacks are not so strong, One minute I feel raring to go, the next I feel like a could sleep all day. I coud go on, won't bore you. Yes I agree with Carrissa distracting oneself helps, but October was a long time ago and I have to say I felt physically and mentally better when I was smoking. I am still not going to have a Cigarette I simply do not want one, now that I am out of the habit I do not even think about cigarettes. I am saying to myself ' listen idiot' YOU smoked for a long time and its going to take a long time before you feel as others have said you will feel, 'better' Hope so, My God I hope so.
Melissa 23 Feb 2009, 18:44
I think its only been 3 weeks now but its killing me not having a smoke, in
the last 2 weeks I've had 2 hours sleep. How the hell is that normal! I
want a smoke more then ever please help me!
April 24 Feb 2009, 10:11
Hi everyone.
In a couple of weeks it will be six months for me to have quit cold turkey. I have had the full range of severe symptoms. Some go away for awhile with massive relief on my part only to be replaced by something else. Currently I feel stressed all the time and I keep waking up early unable to go back to sleep. I haven't been one of those who gained weight but actually lost weight. This from a woman who was on a diet it seems like forever. I am going to the doctor for a checkup in a couple of weeks. I decided a few months ago I would try this on my own but if I still had symptoms when I went to the doctor I would ask for some medication. I feel better than I did a few months ago but I am ready to ask for help. Does anyone on here have any experience with medicines or advice they can give me? I am very anxious thinking about it. Of course I don't think there is anything I haven't been anxious about since I quit smoking! Good luck everyone. I know this is awful but it really does get better a little every day. I heard somewhere to keep a journal (I didn't) so you could see how far you've progressed. More than anything I'd love to hear from someone who has quit and they can tell me they went back to their normal self after a time. Lastly I want to say this site has been a Godsend for me. Like most of you I had no idea the symptoms. Thanks for sharing your experiences. God bless you all and good luck.
Melissa 24 Feb 2009, 13:58
I know I wrote yesterday but I want to ask some questions.
Why has it taken three weeks to throw up? Is that caused from quitting smoking? Why aren't I eating as much now? I hardly ever eat now and I don't know if that's through smoking. I need to know. You said it gets better but i honestly think its getting worse! I'm just so tired and every night I'll be lucky to get half hour sleep! Please I need your help because I seriously don't know what to do and another thing since I gave up smoking I've been thinking if... doing myself in.... PLEASE! I NEED YOUR HELP!
Maggie 24 Feb 2009, 16:13
Melissa,
I just read your post. It sounds like you need to make an appointment with a doctor right away to talk to them about your symptoms. A lot of people who quit coordinate their quit with their doctor so you have nothing to be ashamed of. Quitting smoking is very difficult physically and psychologically because it is an addiction. Everybody has a different severity of symptoms with different things so your symptoms will not be the same as someone else. The thing to do is call a doctor right now or call a crisis hotline to talk to someone right away. The answers you need will come from a doctor. Call right now.
Melissa 24 Feb 2009, 17:08
If I go to the doctors they'll give me tablets and patches and gum and
other things. I've figured a way that'll help me out with this whole
symptom thing. Everyone, be strong. Its hard, believe me I know its hard
but I also believe you can get through this. Have a nice day.
cheryl 25 Feb 2009, 12:22
59yr old old female-smoked numerous years-pack n 1/2 day. quit cold-turkey
feb.16, 2009. nobody told me how nicotine affected my entire life. i have
headaches all day everyday, cannot sleep but a few hours, sweats from head
to toe as soon as i open my eyes, anxiety, irritable. went to er cause i
thought my body was falling apart and took all tests, nothing negative
showed up. given wellbutrin and another form of zanax medicines. have not
taken them. i know its only been 10 days but i feel terrible and want to
know from others does the appetite return and does the headaches go away
and when? if i could get rid of these headaches i might be able to make
this work even thought the cravings for cigs are there.i have another appt
with a doctor and after i explain all my symptoms to them i feel they may
want to commit me. are these what other people are experiencing? even
though it is not as bad as it was it is still bad for me. i am not the same
woman i was because of the nicotine that i have in my body and the side
effects that it has given. Can someone relieve my mind especially since
these headaches are controlling my every move. Thanks and everyone hang in
there as Im trying to do!!!
Melissa 26 Feb 2009, 08:23
It only been 3 weeks and the sore throat part has attacked me! Can anyone
tell me when this goes away and how I can sooth my throat? Cause it doesn't
help when I'm in training and I'm in the middle of talking to the trainer
and my throat tightens causing me to clear my throat several times before
speaking again.. AHH! Its ridiculous! And so are these mood swings! When
does it all end? I hate the smell of cigarettes blown in my face now so
that doesn't help since eveyone smokes around me. I also have headaches all
the time. When do they pack up and leave? I feel tired all the time even
when I get a couple hours sleep which I got before writting this comment.
Oh great I'm going out of my mind here, I'd scream if my throat let me. Is
this going to get better anythime soon cause I had different ideas about
the whole giving up thing. If someone who has started feeling a lot better
from non smoking could write back and say how long ago they gave up, that
would be great. Thanks.
Viktor 26 Feb 2009, 16:15
I finally decided to quit smoking after 6 years for Lent. I realized if i
left it for lent i would feel very guilty to have a cigarette. Its been two
days and i feel like hell, my chest hurts, Ive been dizzy, some headaches,
and its hard to me concentrate. Ill tell you right now i will never have a
cigarette ever again, i cant believe i did this to myself!!! I feel like
I'm going crazy from withdrawals. I just want to be normal and healthy and
start to take care of myself and be happy. I don't want to depend on a cig
to make me feel better or feel like it makes my stress go away. PEOPLE wake
up and start taking care of yourselves be proud on the decision we made and
lets stick to it and overcome this and be healthy!! I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST
AND EVERY TIME YOU WANT A CIG. JUST REMEMBER YOUR STARTING ALLLLL OVER
AGAIN!!!!
I pack usually lasted me two days or sometimes one and ive smoked for about 5-6 years... when will my withdrawals go away??????
Bryan 26 Feb 2009, 23:13
ODD isn't it how comfort can be derided from others who are suffering.
The feeling, 'perhaps' reassurance that you are NOT the only one kicks in. You read a certain sentence and all of a sudden you can completely relate to it. I have to say I personally have not had headaches, again odd, I used to have awful headaches. So many of us want to know HOW LONG is this going to take before you feel normal again? I guess all depends on the individual, its been nearly six months for me and I am still not right. But YES of course I would dearly love to know as well. I still feel light headed, just as if I were wondering around in some haze, I wake up and still have a foul taste in my mouth reminiscent of stale ciggies, a sort of numbness which can taste salty making my mouth feel dry. plus the occasional Mouth ulcer that stings like hell. My concentration is still shot, I can quickly become irritable, my logic can change in an instant. If I get a decent nights sleep, ' rare' I just might feel raring to go, but the dryness in my mouth a strong hint that my detox is still continuing. then tiredness sets in, the type where I can hardly keep my eyes open. Even my eyesight appears to have changed, now I can read this monitor screen without glasses. I can relate to those that think about death, yes morbid thoughts enter my mind continually, in fact anything horrible and my mind appears to revel in it, can't say anything to anyone of course making the feeling of isolation even greater. anyone else relate to that? So where does that leave me? where does that leave you? we have to live with it I am afraid but in the knowledge that YES it will get better 'eventually' Others have conquered it, millions of them, one day, yes one day I will, you as well Smoking withdrawal symptoms has to be one of the Worlds best kept secrets. anyone else think that? Just woke up, typed this with a dry mouth, the day I long for is not going to be today. :-((
Melissa 27 Feb 2009, 01:51
I'm feeling a lot better now my headaches are fading and its only like
someone is pushing lighlty on the top of my head. My anxiety is going
slowly. My moods are calmer and so is the pain in my chest, throat is still
dry and sore. A lot of crap is coming up which is good cause I know my body
is cleaning itself out. Still tired all the time, appetite is coming back.
Achie body still there but going. Going to get as much sleep as possible on
sunday so I can return to school on monday after the doctors. Things are
getting way better and I have it stays that way cause I want to be healthy
again! Take care everyone! X
M. 28 Feb 2009, 07:26
I've also quit cigarettes for Lent.. it's going to be officially the fifth
day in half an hour... I have a sore throat (feels like strep), my ears are
popping, I'm tired, I feel shaky.. and I just sort of want to not function
until these symptoms go away! I'm coughing up a lot of crap, which is scary
to look at, lol. Does anyone know how long it takes for the sore throat to
go away?
April 28 Feb 2009, 12:45
Hi fellow sufferers,
I didn't quit for Lent. I quit so my husband and I could try to have a baby. They say to tell yourself all the positive things about quitting. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not so much. All of you who have just started through the withdrawals have reminded me of the horrible physical symptoms I went through. I am so grateful that is behind me. I had terrible smokers flu after I quit. Ears popping, sore throat, headache, sinus congestion, vomitting, diarrhea, joint pain, etc. The one that bothered me the longest was the constant mucus lump in my throat and the mouth sores. I also felt like someone was pressing down on top of my head. It lasted about six weeks for me. Rarely I'm still coughing up some nasty stuff and I have a mouth ulcer going away again, not so painful as before or I've gotten used to it. I heard it's where we've cooked our gums and mouth all these years like smoking a piece of meat. My dentist does a cancer screening with some purple liquid with the dental cleaning and I was cancer free so it's just our bodies healing. Some suggestions of things that have worked for me. For those with smokers flu, try a nasal wash system. Helps get that mucus out. You'll find info on the internet. Also try muscle relaxation techniques. Tightening and releasing the muscles really helps to relax you and the tension. Also, breathing exercises. Exercise helps but it's got to be strenuous to do any good for me. Some of these things might work for you. The biggest thing that helps me is thinking positive. I remind myself like Bryan that this is the price my body is paying to heal from years of enjoying myself. None of these things really penetrated the detox fog in my brain until after a month. Mostly what I have left now is anxiety, nervousness, and I think some depression. I'm not sure since I'd never been nervous or anxious about most anything in my life. I'd always been the laid back practical one. Hopefully I will be again. I always feel like I'm looking inside myself instead of out at the world. Good luck all of you. Melissa, hang in there. I wish I could have been as brave and smart as you and quit when I was 18. All of you sound like you're doing great. God bless!
Melissa 28 Feb 2009, 15:26
Hey eveyone!
I got some great news, its a good thing I quit smoking because I just found out I'm going to be a mummy! I'm only 13 weeks but I'm so proud of myself. I'm not only quitting for my sake but I'm quitting for a little one too. It just makes giving up so much easier! Hang in there everybody!
Viktor 01 Mar 2009, 22:59
Day 5..... i feel a lot better, my headaches are going away, i was kinda
dizzy today but feeling better thank God. I was around smokers all day
yesterday and didnt even think of lighting one up :-) i feel great now that
im not a smoker and i finally dont have to depend on something that
shortens my life..... hang in there God bless n ill pray for you guys
Melissa 01 Mar 2009, 23:41
Went to the doctors today and found out my symptoms were all anxiety =( but
it was good to have a full on check up (which I haven't had one in years!)
so me giving up smoking has nothing to do with my chest pains lights
headedness and being short of breath. The sore throat and mouth have also
gone so I'm a happy chappy (almost) stay positive everyone you can quit
just find some motivation first good luck to all!
Sheila 11 Mar 2009, 20:49
Ive been a 40-50 cig a day smoker for the past 20 years. Im 36 yrs old and
have decided to quit. Im working on day 3 now of no cigarettes. The
cravings come and go, i found that when i get a craving i go outside and
take 6-7 deep breaths and the craving goes away. However i find myself
getting more and more wanting to light up and the cravings get stronger
towards the evening hours. Is there more uphill before things get better?
Melissa 11 Mar 2009, 23:19
I haven't smoked as long as you have but all I can say is everyone is
different. I'm only 18 and I gave up smoking about a month and 2 weeks ago,
I feel great. Some days I go completely mental and want a smoke but I just
find something else to do screaming helps too and crying I also find music
a great help too. My point, find something else to do when you want a smoke
and just don't think about the dreadful cigarette. Mel.
April 12 Mar 2009, 07:13
Hi guys,
I wanted to post something very fast before I went to work. I was reading on the internet yesterday and found an article. I thought people who are still having withdrawals a few months down the line (like me) might be interested. It really calmed my mind. www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/stories/s30646.htm My doctor gave me a prescription for Zyban on Monday. I haven't taken it yet and haven't decided if I will. The side effects sound scary. Good luck everyone. God bless.
viktor 12 Mar 2009, 20:46
Day 16
I feel a lot better im so happy im not a smoker now! Another thing that wont make me start smoking is they just raised the price of a pack to almost 8dollars in Michigan!!! Now all my friends that smoked are quitting haha.... But im still having minor headaches, and minor anxiety.... I also found out to keep your body on a balanced diet....vegetables, fruits, vitamins. Also for the people going to anxiety there are vitamins for that too... look online for vitamins B's so go to you local drug store and talk to a pharmacist.. Good Luck and God Bless
April 15 Mar 2009, 18:56
Here is a website I found about quitting smoking and mouth ulcers. Some of
you might find some helpful tips there.
http://www.mouthulcers.org/messages.php?thread=249&page=1 I agree it really does make you feel better to know there are people out there in the same situation as yourself. God bless!
Carrissa 16 Mar 2009, 12:51
It gets better! I swear ! It's been 3 and half months for me! And it really
does get better. Hold On! You can beat the the demon! : )
Melissa 16 Mar 2009, 22:21
I don't know why I started smoking in the first place but I'm starting to
regret it! I'm not too keen on my new sense of smell with all the bad
odours around! Last week I was walking a lot everyday and feeling great.
Yesterday and today, however, I went for a 2 minute walk up the road to see
a friend and I felt like I had walked 1000 kilometres! Is this all part of
the detox? Also, I've had depression since I was 13 (just after I started
smoking but not the reason for depression) and my god, for the last 2 weeks
I've been laughing my head off! I feel like I'm on happy gas or something,
bottom line, still got depression but not all the time now. I just saw
someone light up a smoke and blurted out dirty habit lol they laughed
though. Its also good to know that my family believes I can give up now,
its also a shock to my friends. It been a month and a half no smoking for
me and its killer at times but I know, one day, I'm going to pull through!
You can do this as well everyone! (This is coming from a teenager lol) Have fun. Mel.
andrea 31 Mar 2009, 18:08
i have not had a cig in 3 days> started smoking when i was 26, im 40 now
( how odd). no major symptons yet , the cravings are just now beginning but
i think about my 11 yr old son who just begs me to quit. Tired of
coughing and him are my major reasons to quit, that and dying a slow death
from no oxygen!I just hope this works! oh and the depression part, I didnt
get depressed until I started! hmmm!
Melissa 01 Apr 2009, 01:49
God knows how long its been since I gave up. I'd say about two months ago?
I'm completely over it now. I suppose everyone is different with their
recovery. But if there's one thing I have now after giving up it is no
patience! Thank you.
Lesley 05 Apr 2009, 20:01
I am on day three of not smoking one cigarette. I'm 22 and have been
smoking for 3 years on and off. I really want to quit for good, but since
i'm in college it seems almost impossible with all the stress of
school.Lately I have been feeling really dizzy, is this a withdrawal or
something else?
Patty 11 Apr 2009, 11:44
7 days and no cigs. I had yet another simus infection and decided not to
smoke on a day I was real sick. 1 day turned into 7. I had purchased
Commit last hear and dug them out of the closet and am using those. I
still want to smoke and am afraid I might..help!
Amy 12 Apr 2009, 16:51
3 days now and no cigs.Does everybody go though withdraws and if so when do
they start? Because so far i have had no major cravings and i feel
GREAT!!!I have smoked a pack maybe more for 24 years.
Carrissa 15 Apr 2009, 11:18
Hey All! 4 1/2 MONTHS!!!! I can not believe it. Amy if you have no
withdrawal then I am envious,, I don't know how that is possible.... I did
say it gets better and it does. But lately I think about cigs,,it was such
a part of me to smoke and it was my crutch. I feel kinda down lately - I
know I won't smoke but I will be honest today and say I miss it.:-)
Bryan 16 Apr 2009, 20:39
Here I am six months a non smoker, STILL not had a cigarette
and never had any desire to light up since that day I said goodbye to them. Cravings, what cravings, Is it me or is that just a fallacy? Fact is I truly wanted to pack the CIGGIES UP. Bit like walking away without giving a second look back. However the withdrawal symptoms have been severe, Mouth Ulcers, had many of those, first three months were hell with them, now they seem to have ceased. Lethargic? Yes, very, I still feel like I am walking round in daze, concentration? yes that's still not right,. starting to wonder if I will ever get my concentration back? MMMMmm I wonder. So here I am all these months later not smoking but still 'suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
prince 20 Apr 2009, 14:42
its been three days and my chest is irritating or itchy and i lack
concentration,do u think whisky/alcohol can help
Patty 21 Apr 2009, 05:52
Day 19 and no cigarettes. It seems like longer and the cravings are worse
then in the first few days. That may be because I was so sick with a cold
when I initialy quit. I am still using commit losenges and they do help.
I can also have my precious mary jane as well and not have a cig
afterwards.
Kristen 21 Apr 2009, 22:56
I am 20 and have been smoking 5-10 cigs a day for 3 years. It has been 5
days smoke free and I feel like I am about to cough my lungs up! Everytime
I lay down I cough so much that I threw up three times two nights ago. And
yesterday I felt like I was on cloud nine and I really do not remember much
of what happened yesterday. I hope that this will all subside soon
though.
I have not had any cravings yet but I am a college student and finals are coming up in two weeks...
marianne 30 Apr 2009, 20:07
Did anyone experience ringing in the ears after quitting smoking?
Kristen 01 May 2009, 13:47
I had ringing in my ears, and still do for that matter. And yea
lightheaded and dizzyness are also signs. Its very annoying I know but hang
in there!
Libby 03 May 2009, 20:38
Everyone. it's quite the journey. With this economy, and losing my job-
I just couldn't afford the cigs. So- on top of not actually "wanting" to
quit- here I am. 6th. day into not having a cig- waiting for my
unemployment check in 2 more days, and thinking how stupid it would be to
put myself through this again if I smoke!!
I can't believe all these crazy symptoms. I am actually having trouble typing this because I get so agitated from minute to minute. I want to argue with my husband. I keep thinking if I get busy and do something, I will feel better, but it's like I just can't. Can't do anything. Afraid to start something major because I will just get irritated more -- but then I can't sit around and do nothing forever either! I was just reading everyone else's stories and I must say- kind of made me laugh- as thought i had to be the only one with all the crazy thoughts. I guess we just must keep on trying eh?
Diane 03 May 2009, 23:03
I haven't had ringing in the ears, but can see where that could happen.
With all the stuff I've been getting, I wouldn't put anything in the "can't
happen category". Does anyone get a sensation - I call it walkie legs- a
funny feeling behind your knees and the same in your arms?
Crissy 06 May 2009, 08:51
I quit one week and one day ago and it is going well so far!! I am having
less urges for fags which I didn't think would ease as quickly as they are!
I do however have trouble sleeping, which I didn't realize could be
related. I also have a very sore tongue, especially along the sides, it is
quite painful and hurts when I move my tongue and also when I talk, and as
I teacher I have to do a lot of this! Are there any suggestions for this
pain?
BRyan 06 May 2009, 09:12
Crissy
and all others suffering from a sore mouth and tongue. TRY DIFFLAM its avialable in Chemists works for me. I am in Thailand and its also available here LOOK IT UP on GOOGLE will tell you much more. Good Luck.
Christian Corlett 06 May 2009, 12:39
Thanks Bryan!
I know the stuff you are on about as I usually use it for a sore throat I just hadn't thought about using it for my tongue! Thank-you I shall be trying this!
DOLLY 06 May 2009, 23:33
hI,
I have been a smoker for a few years but the number used to be limited to 4 to 5 a day.I stopped smoking for last 2 months.I am a Diabetic.I have tried quitting smoking a few more times earlier also.But everytime I stop I start having a dull type of chest pain.I thought it was withdrawal symptom but even after 2 months the pain and discomfort in the continues.What is it?Is chest pain one of the withdrawal symptoms?Please help.
Mar 12 May 2009, 05:37
Hi Bryan,
i can relate to you especially with the morbid thoughts. After 3 days of quitting I have these thoughts of being sick and it made me sick, it is always on my mind and i cant work. are this withdrawal symptoms? I had sweaty sleep, and cant eat heavy breakfast. I feel like puking when taking a bath (after breakfast) but nothing comes out but air. after that i feel better. I got anxiety attacks many times but subsided when time goes by. i was scared of being sick all the time, thinking of illness. I feel comfortable when i read about this. I understand it now. Does my experiences display withdrawal symptoms? because im worried all the time. I hope we all succeed to quit.
Bryan 15 May 2009, 02:18
Hello ALL
I wrote this letter to a friend in Spain telling him how I was geting on with NOT smoking, I think the letter is self evident and explains what happenedin the six months of NOT smoking. Some of you may realte to this, others might not, what I am discovering is that experiences differ. Comments would be appreciated, Maybe I am fooling myself as Jerry believes ------------------------------------ I went to see Jerry this morning who believes my smoking is an emotional need more than a physical one. WRONG, I have no desire to smoke but do know there is danger in me getting used to it again. We went through the ADDICTIVE nature psychology thing, hahahah I know much about that myself having lived with Lucy. (alcoholic) So I shall see a Doctor and ask him about patches, Brain says 'DON'T continue smoking, but knowing what it did to me withdrawal wise I think I can be weaned off by gradually reducing nicotine intake, I also think that if I were to continue smoking my hand gestures GESTICULATION' would once again be a part of the habit. Accept for the sore throat I feel 95% better, no more weird thoughts and Flashbacks (video re-runs in the mind) I also feel so much stronger in body, even my eye sight has improved, all I can say is nicotine and all the other toxins in cigarettes are very powerful. Having read many other peoples experiences on my smoking withdrawal symptom website, I can relate, everything from mouth ulcers, sore tongues, fatigue ect no trace of any of that and more now. even then I had no desire to light up again. Many have said you are back to your old self, Peter, Ian Number two included, even Jerry saw the difference. but he says he has counseled many in his time and thinks the portion in the back of the brain that controls emotion is tricking you into smoking again. We have spoken on the phone Barrie, you yourself have noticed a difference, when you were last here I could hardly fill in a form. I also know that I could drive much longer distances now, last week 'that' would have been impossible. There is no doubt in my mind, I was virtually crippled in body and in mind last week, problem being my mind was aware of all this, it was an awful experience, not one I would relish repeating. I think it took six months to arrive at that point with steadily decreasing as time passed I simply think my body was so accustomed to having smoking related toxins put into it for so many years that I was completely dependent on on those toxins, deny the body those and the effects 'for me' were devestating. Anyway I shall keep you inforned and tell you about any Doctors advice. Bryan
Carrissa 15 May 2009, 11:43
Hey all, just to let you know withdrwal is also psychological...right? So
of course after you quit you may have a lot of fucked up thinknin, And you
may be feeling heavy in your chests because you are may be feeling for the
first time what your body has been saying behind the addiction. Just
thots...
I am slippin up folks,, I been smokin the ganja , god I love inhaling smoke. Shit now I gotta start all over again. But at least that tabacco demon isn't in the picture yet ,, I may have a fightin chance here....
kamilly 24 May 2009, 19:58
ummm. im 16 and i been smoking for almost 3 years. i thought it was cool
because all the other kids were smoking . and then now. i cant even go with
out for more then 40 mins. i don't even know whats wrong. some days i will
only smoke like 4 to 6 . then on other days. i smoke a pack or 2 . its just
weird. can you help me?
Lee 28 May 2009, 02:03
All,
If you are stuggling with quiting and really wish to quit, you must read Alan Carr's book. Honestly, dont bother with substitutes, patches, gum, etc, they are keeping you hooked! http://www.allencarrseasyway.com/ good luck Lee
Carrissa 29 May 2009, 11:36
Kamilly -Lee is right. Find the strength to quit because the way you are
thinkin about your habit now only gets worse and worse, and years could go
by. Read all what we wrote -theres a lot of coping strategies in these
previous notes here. I started smokin cause of the same reasons as you. and
it was a long road of hell when I finally tried to quit. Alan Carr's book
is a good start. Stay off nico re-placement it only feeds the demon. Good
Luck.
smokeless 04 Jun 2009, 07:16
I have ringing in the ears, feel like i am some type of derealization, out
of it. very difficult to concentrate. it is really weird when talking
face to face with people, it almost seems unreal. i have been nicotine
free for about 4 days now. i just hope this all goes away or i will have
no other option but to go back just to feel normal again and get work done.
Carrissa 06 Jun 2009, 17:56
Dear Smokeless..everyone has a different experience the first few days. You
may have trouble feeling normal for several weeks, I am just trying to help
you trouble shoot. You must find some way of holding on through this
because your whole life may change. Give yourself a chance - don't let the
nico demon talk you into giving up to "feel normal" again. Goodluck :)
smokeless 08 Jun 2009, 10:17 Thanks. Woke up day 6 and everything is better. That was a pretty crazy 5 days though. Glad I am back to normal, except for just cravings now. I will continue to fight those craves and stay nic free.
Carrissa 08 Jun 2009, 14:17
*You can do it!* for me: WOOHOO! 6 and 1/2 Months free of the insanity
that is smoking! Oh ya and the ganja is gone again too..hee hee. Keep on
truckin folks! : ) Remeber I smoked three packs a day and here I am now
still smoke free! WOOHOOOO!
Carrissa 08 Jun 2009, 14:24
Hey Bryan,,you still in the war here or have you gone back to the enemy???
Bryan 08 Jun 2009, 21:17
Hi Carrissa, Thanks for your concern.
I feel like a naughty boy, Yes back to the enemy, hopefully for a short time. My Withdrawls symptoms were SEVERE, NO not an excuse, I could hardly see, TV was blurred, driving my car hazzardous and I had NO energy. This process was gradual, but for me reached a peak. I can still remember going to bed one afternoon thinking this is it, ME gonna die. at the moment in time? I could not have cared less. When I awoke I went to buy a pack, GUESS what, I felt like POPEYE on Spiniach, all of a sudden I was feeling my old self. Needless to say I am ANNOYED, I still do not want to smoke, it feels I am Damned if I do , damned if I don't, Not fair is it. So I have been gathering information about PATCHES. Some say, NO GOOD, Most say, 'worked for me' Thing is what strength do you strat on? 30 Milligrams 20 Milligrams 10 Milligrams? Its my BODY that needs the TOXINS not my head, Start HIGH work your way down, or start low and see how I get on? I feel some damn good again, thats the problem please do not tell me its all in my mind, I was in a hell of a physical state as well as mindfully Nightmares Day mare, no concentration and feeling as if my internal battery was running out. AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Carrissa 10 Jun 2009, 11:39
I hear ya man! I am not the same person, and it was a psychotic experience
to quit. But I am an addict and I just switch around habits, so I am
getting help to deal with my addictive nature. My life has sucked
thoroughly ever since I quit, but the fact that I reallly quit gets me
through it. One day I will have a better lifestyle, I will hold on to that
for now. Any ways I wanted to tell you about laser treatment -all my
friends who had it done say it has worked. I am not kidding. I am in
Alberta, Canada so these numbers I give you will be long distance but
perhaps you can get info on a center near you. You get zapped twice over a
1 month period. It releases endorphins that keep you going through
withdrawal so that you don't feel like s**t. My friends said it was a
painless experience to quit, they say you feel good the whole time. A
little expensive,,oh well. Sangsters International Laser Therapy
780-915-5128,,or Affinity Laser Therapy 780-452-1917 website:
www.affinitylasertherapy.com Also Maybe you are a little soul tired
too.?Be well :)
Maria 12 Jun 2009, 01:49
Hi I am Maria, smoked for 16 years, and 32 now. Have tried to quit at least
five or six times seriously - for weeks/months, and maybe at least 30 times
for a day or two. I had started to have enough of it and it was now quite
hard to convince myself that the chosen moment was meaningful enough, I
didn't have any more respect for my word. Anyway I am now silently
determined, I know I can do this and have quit since monday, the 8th of
June! Best to all- me
Joe 13 Jun 2009, 06:21
Hi, i'm joe and i'm 15, iv smoked about 5 a day for only a couple of months
and now early on, i've realised how stupid it is, regardless of that i have
a chesty flemmy cough and am short of breath, do you know how long these
symptoms last in my case having been smoking for only a short time
all the best joe
Carrissa 13 Jun 2009, 10:03
Just remember to read the previous stuff here because all the withdrawal
symptoms are mentioned by all of us. And Joe I am no doctor, which you
should go to, but my guess is that : your lungs are still relatively good
so they will have an easier time of kicking out the crap. I have yet to get
to that stage. Anyways you prolly have that quit smokers cold some get.
This will pass for sure. Good Luck!
Gina 16 Jun 2009, 13:26
I am on day 5 of no cigs. Someone come kill me now! I was a heavy smoker
for 22 years. This is my 2nd attempt to quit. I was off them last year for
6 mths & then started back. What a dummy! I don't remember the withdrawel
symptoms being this bad last time. If I ever start back & have to go thru
these symptoms yet again I don't know if I can do it. Zero energy, coughing
non-stop, aches all over, all I want to do is veg out & watch TV. I have
been taking daily walks. That DOES help. Too bad I can't quit my job & just
walk all the time! ha! I could really use some encouragement. I feel so
alone. Then I found this site & read others comments. It made me feel
better. Thanks gang! Good luck to all of us.
Gina 16 Jun 2009, 13:36
See....I can't even post a message correctly. Sorry. I have no idea how it
got posted 3 times. What can I say? Smoking apparently really DOES affect
your brain!
Connor 18 Jun 2009, 15:38
I am so happy i found this... im 15 ive smoked for 4 years i took breaks i
guess... but the last time i had a cig was saturday 5 days ago and i have
been feeling so um... anxious? and depressed sometimes crying for no reason
i do believe it is the cigs! thank god i was begining to go
crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!! id be happy with ppl but when im alone i just slowly
descend into sadness... i had no idea this is what happends... wonder why
ive never heard someone say im sure glad i took up smoking! haha
Carrissa 20 Jun 2009, 11:44
Yay Gina ! Goodluck ! Just remember that quiting smoking is about seeing
the habit for what it is. Thinking you miss it just re-enforces the thought
pattern that you want another-- I just learned that. I think us hardcore
smokers should seek help, there is more going on besides/ or with the
addiction. Maybe,,,? Good luck :) Seriously. Almost 7 months smoke
cigerette free for me from 3 packs a day. Connor you should know the
biggest influence that will keep you smoking is a sense of belonging to a
"group". Because of your age you are high risk for a lifetime of hell.
Please try to learn to socialize with out the smokes and you will cope
better with this horrible addiction, that's just my guess, just an opinion.
Please be well. Keep up the good work. Remember cigerettes are really the
gate way drug because your giving yourself permission to self harm. So
proud of all the new quitters! I am also once again off the ganja, which
after all: is smoking too... No one is ever perfect eh?
syd 23 Jun 2009, 06:57
Hi everyone!!I have smoked for about 4 to 4 1/2 years.During these years
its been a pack, pack n a half a day. then i lost my job two months ago and
its increased to two, two n a half pack a day. Wellllll money has gotten
real tight and has come down to food or smokes and right now (not having
slept in 3 days) i wish i had starved. Its horrible!!! I am driving my
husband crazy even my extremely hiper dog is not coming near me.its not
just lack of sleep I was also sick before i actually quit and now i feel
like death walkig.i cant stop coughing, getting dizzy, and swerving while
driving(i have been pulled over 2 times now). Now that we have some cash i
really want a smoke to make me feel right again, but at the same time i
know that iam getting healthier. Someone that has been in the same shoes im
in could be a big help to me right now so if you have some advice please
share it !!!
Lauren 23 Jun 2009, 13:28
Hi everyone! Today is day 3 of no cigs for me. I really dont have any
withdrawal symptoms yet. I do however have a loss of appetite..anyone else
have this problem? Everytime I think i want a cig I grab a bottle of water
and some chewing gum and so far soo good.. Keep up the good work everyone!
Carrissa 24 Jun 2009, 15:14
*Remember to read what we all wrote, there is lots of us that have been
where you new quitters are. Those looking for support just need to read the
previous entries. If you are a hard core smoker you will not feel right for
a while so hold on- k ? It will get easier -everyone is different. As
always good luck!
Kate 07 Jul 2009, 17:40
Today is day 2 without a cigarette. I am now 19 years old as of 2 weeks
ago. I smoked a pack a day since I was about 15. I grew up in a house where
my mom smoked constantly inside, I moved in with my aunt who was a
nonsmoker when I was 14. I coughed up so much lung butter and was sick for
months, all because of my mom smoking in my house my whole life. a few
months later, I found myself picking up the habit and by 15 I was smoking a
pack a day. This is the hardest thing Ive ever had to do in my whole life.
I'm having crazy dreams. I'm crying over anything. My whole chest hurts.
(Is that normal?) My anxietys out of control. But yet at the same time, I
feel better that I'm getting over this. But it is so hard. My lung butter
has gone from being black to light green again finally. But I'm so scared,
everyone on my dads side who has smoked has died by their mid 50's. AND I
DONT WANT TO BE LIKE THEM.I feel like a wreck, and I feel like I'm losing
it..I quit drinking coffee too, which is also hard as I'll do one thing and
I'll be tired and want to sleep and if I don't I just become way over
emotional.I'm scared and I just want some one to tell me that every things
gonna be alright ):
carla 09 Jul 2009, 09:54
hi i am on day 2 of my journey to quit smoking. i decided to first make a
decison to fast for spiritual reason and that is how i started m journey. i
have been doing pretty good actually. i do get cravings quit ofen but they
only last for a few min. it is the freuechy of the cravings that can be
hard. i do have the headaches i also have back aches, is that normal as
well? i haven't experienced the sore throat or coughing yet. the first
night i decided to quite i couldn't sleep it is funny because i had a
cigarette that night but when i made the physicology decison to not pick up
any more i couldn't sleep. that is funny. that night i had only two hours
of sleep. anyway i am excited about this journey. me and my daughter are
plan on a walk or a short run. i plan on a complete lifestyle change.
good luck to all on your journey.
brenda 19 Jul 2009, 11:24
Hi im brenda i live i a house full of smokers. It has been my 2nd day smoke
free.I read all your blogs and now wonder if i well fale that is a fare im
having.The cravings are mild but i feel that they really havent kicked in
yet so im waiting and scared at the same time.
Carrissa 23 Jul 2009, 23:55
Hey...;-) Still don't smoke, glad to be free of the slavery. Keep on
Truckin,,,eh?
Rick 04 Aug 2009, 19:31
Hello. Now almost 4 months smoke free after 36 years of 2+packs a day. The
key really is understandinging the physical part lasts only 72 hours. After
that, it's all in your head. I never really looked at it that way until I
found this website. I ended up getting hooked on sugar free gum for a month
or so. Chewed 5 packs a day. Now I chew my tonque a bit and am trying to
get that understood. Best part though is that I used to be quite active
when I was younger, and have started exercising again. Anyway, I had it in
my head that I would never quit and would likely die before I was 55. I now
really feel good and have most of the weight I put on burned off. For those
just getting started, it will get better and if you put on a few pounds, so
what. My nose is now so in tune that I can tell if people in front of me
driving in cars are smoking while I am on my bike. Oh yeah, I hardly ever
get a headache from a hangover anymore. I always thought it was the liquer.
Good luck!
Carrissa 06 Aug 2009, 13:30
Oh Yeah! I forgot to tell you all...Rick is so right.....THE SMELL,, you
will not believe how bad it smells until you actually quit. Old Cigarette
smoke on people and things is particularily disgusting, new smoke makes you
gag. I had no idea until I actually quit how absolutely horrible I had
smelled. It took months to get the smell out of all my things! And I was/am
considered a very neat and clean person,, now I am shocked if people smoke
indoors! THE SMELL!!! As always: Good luck to you new quitters and middle
quitters and quit quitters! One day at a time and don' quit quitting! : )
Trisha 11 Aug 2009, 22:19
My boy frind wants to break up with me because he cannot kiss me anymore
due to my bad breath
sharon 12 Aug 2009, 09:05
its been twelve years and ill never pick up one again. they are gross dirty
deadly disgusting expensive ,,serve no purpose and just think of how crummy
it feels while quitting compared to how crummy my sister inlaw felt after
she found out she had cancer in her lungs from years of smoking. she died
soon after that news and suffered to the end. so sad. we have choices to
make and hopefully good ones. good luck to anyone trying to quit. get mad
at it and you control it, dont let it control you.
sara 16 Aug 2009, 22:10
I just stoped smoking yesterday at 2pm. I am already having awful
withdrawls. I just keep falling apart crying and my chest feels awful i
did not sleep well last night at all. I am 31 years old and have been
smoking since about 16 years old and i think this might be the hardest
thing I have ever done. I feel like i want to crawl out of my skin. I have
quit several times it was so easy when i was younger now it is just so
hard. i never thought it would be this hard. i do appreciate this site and
everyone in it.
prasad 18 Aug 2009, 13:23
i quit smoking completely 2 months ago prior to that for a year I used to
smoke 2 cigs a day thinking I cut down but of no avail as I would till get
withdrawls whenever I tried to quit.I quit smoking oneday cold turkey,felt
better after 1 week and went back to have one more cig as I thought I was
free,next day I was were I started a week before,Than I quit for 5 days and
again went back to another cig felt miserable in my 3rd attempt as it felt
long and ever lasting before the withdrawl symptoms would go away.Today Iam
free and I would like to say no to just another puff because one puff will
bring me back to where I was.It is just not worth it.last month I used to
think I wasted so many years of my life smoking and feel depressed to have
another cigarette but today the last cig I had feels like a distant past
and Iam so happy.
Sandeep 19 Aug 2009, 02:37
I have been without smoke for the last four days. Before this I used to
smoke around 20 cigs each day.
Sandeep 19 Aug 2009, 23:38
I am on the fifth day, the wthdrawal symptoms are still there
a) Running nose b) Heaviness in heart and head c) Lack of concentration d) Above all a different reality is perceived by me Hopes this will last
Sandeep 19 Aug 2009, 23:47
Now on the sixth day, suddenly I am realizing that Ive become very
sensitive!!!
Yday I had an hot soup and now Im having a sour throat
Sandeep 20 Aug 2009, 00:22
One more fascinating reason to be out of cigs,
I am creating new records each day during quiting And I want to create history day by day
sara 21 Aug 2009, 23:56
It has been 7 days going on 8 i am already feeling much better but still
have the nose, throat, and chest stuff. I am starting to sleep better now
there for the first 5 days or six I was only getting between 3 to 5 hours
of sleep. I am still having cravings like at certain times or certain
things I am doing or diffrent moods I get in. I have made it so far to 8.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
jackie 23 Aug 2009, 14:56
HELLo, Only quit 15hrs ago and trying like HELL not to smoke. Quit for
8yrs... 10 yrs ago. So I have been smoking again for 10 yrs. 15 cigs a
day. When I quit the first time, one puff with a friend while going thru a
divorce and BAMM!! Here I am. Do NOT take one puff or here you go again.
HELp keep me focused!!!
Helga 23 Aug 2009, 23:12
Ok, day 2, I quit cold turkey 4 days ago, and it is not at all pleasant, I
felt like I was dope sick, then drunk, then light headed, unsure if I was
dreaming, did not even know if I had spoken to people, or just thought
about it. I thought every mailbox along the road was a deer as I drove by,
AND I swore at customer and my fellow employers ALL DAY !!! I should have
been locked up! well the day after I was going to put on the patch, because
my boss would have fired me, well I got to the poison stick first and
smoked 5!! well yesterday I had the patch on and it went well, today I have
the patch on, and this will make it day 2 in a row, still thinking about
it, but I was able to be in public places and not swear at every little
thing, What are they putting in the ciggs besides nicotine to make you
sooo sick?? there is noo way it is only nicotine that makes you act this
crazy. I want to know, what poison I have bought for these last 30
something years! best of luck to all of you and me, cause you never know,
just remember 1 is too many and 1000 never enough !!
Sandeep 23 Aug 2009, 23:45
Today is the 10th day without nicotine.
Yesterday I bought one cig but after 5 minutes of internal battle was able to torn it away. Looking back this seems to be the most important decision I took after a long time!!!!! Still the withdrawal symptoms are there like 1) Heaviness in head and chest 2) Boils in the mouth 3) Restlessness
Sandeep 25 Aug 2009, 04:36
Today is the 11th day without nicotine
Somehow feels much bette today. Heard somewhere that after 21 days there wont be any more physical cravings!!!
mscee 25 Aug 2009, 21:47
3rd day of quitting. So hard. I have to tell myself out loud that I will
not get a cig. This helps..it's a mind thing for me. I quit on my 35 b-day
(8/23). I have been smoking since 15 and it has made me look sullen, tired,
and older than I am. This the main thing that keeps me motivated
day-to-day.
Monica 27 Aug 2009, 09:40
I am on Week 8, Day 3 of being tobacco free. I smoked for 20 years and I
smoke a pack a day. I am still experiencing withdrawal symptoms - extreme
hunger, insomnia, nightmares, muscle spasms and painful cramps in my
breasts and legs, night sweats, irritability, anger, depression, and dry
mouth and throat. Another symptom I am experiencing is my upper lip feels
like it is constantly chapped. However, I will not return to smoking.
Since I have quit, I can smell when someone has just had a cigarette and it
smells disgusting. I can't believe that I smelled like that for all those
years. Not to mention the money that it has saved me. The withdrawal that
I am experiencing is well worth the long term advantages of being a
nonsmoker.
nick 28 Aug 2009, 08:44
today is the third day of quitting smoking, my cravings are short, and
getting less frequent. I haven't been coughing up any loads of grossness,
which i assume i have in my lungs because im 30 now and i have been smoking
a pack a day for at lest the last 15 years not to mention smoking loads of
pot for years, (which i quit last year). I quit for two months last year,
and was doing pretty well but after o ne month i started being very angry,
at everyone all the time. very short temper. wanted to tear peoples heads
off for nothing really.. im wondering if anyone else has had that come in
about a month after quitting, and how long it took for them to return to a
relatively normal length fuse of anger.
I am scared of that part of quitting, but right now after three days, aside from having to eat a little more here and there to staisfy my body, im doing very well. good luck to all.
jacob 01 Sep 2009, 03:47
So today is day 5 for me and i am having sweats when i sleep that wake me
up dreams of smoking that def depress me and wake me up and getting very
little sleep do to this. Was smoking a pack a day for a year and was
getting worse towards the end due to two jobs. are these syptoms normal
vicki 06 Sep 2009, 16:21
I have smoked for over 20yrs and decided to quit. I am on my 3rd day. I
have been lying in bed for 3days and wondering when these withdrawl
symptoms will end! I am very cranky when I am awake. the rest of the time,
I just sleep. i just want a cig so bad, it's killing me right now.
nick 08 Sep 2009, 05:58
tonight at 8 pm will be two weeks, i had previously written in on my 3rd
day... i guess i am one of the lucky ones.. because i am not going through
any of the withdrawal symptoms that most of the people on here are..
I have read all of the posts on this page probably twice, for motivation, and expecting an incredible battle to ensue.. I smoked for 15 years, a pack or more a day... so now at just about two weeks quit, i rarely think about smoking, i sat around the house with my girl yesterday drinking beer and watching tv, and not quite bothered by thoughts of cigarettes at all. i tried to quit last year, and it was very hard, because i had feelings of loss, like i lost a friend or crutch.. I dont have that this time, what you have to redefine is what cigarettes really are. read allen carrs book, the easy way to quit smoking... it wasnt the way i quit, i read his book, and smoked for a few more weeks and then quit, but how he shows you the other side of ciggarettes becomes hard to ignore, and thoughts of passages in that book probably helped me through one or more of the rough patches in the first couple days. for me, and hopefully for more of us, its is mostly in your head, redefine how you think about smoking, and rewire your brain.. then just buckle down and barrel through the physical side of it. for me, the physical side of it was easy to kick after three days. good luck!
Ian 10 Sep 2009, 21:23
Keep it up everyone. I've been quit just over 7 days now.
Laura 11 Sep 2009, 06:27
Hello everyone, I've been a pack a day smoker for 10+ years. Today is day
one for me..going in this with all hope that today is the start of a new
life, but I need some help to keep my feet on the ground. Any suggestions?
Laura 27-
Ian 11 Sep 2009, 07:49
Hi Laura, the next 3-4 days will be the toughest. Drink lots of water and
do deep breathing exercises and go for a walk when you get the cravings.
After that it gets a little better around day 5-6. Good luck.
Ian
Beth 12 Sep 2009, 21:40
Im so happy i found this site, been feeling very alone. 6 months ago i got
laid off fell into a depression of sleeping and smoking to the point it was
making me sick. I never tried to give up cigs until 6 days ago so far so
good. Cold Turkey. I smoked for 30 yrs (no breaks) is it true the longer u
smoked the harder withdrawal will be?? I am fighting the depression already
also i have no medical coverage so drugs are out. When will i feel less
shaky and sleep etc. Beth
V. 12 Sep 2009, 22:08
This is my 27 hour with out...and I'm going crazy!! I really hope I can
continue on this is my 2nd time trying to stop.
Ian 13 Sep 2009, 11:52
Beth - The longer you smoked the harder the withdrawal.
V. - Hang in there for another 2-3 days it will get better. Ian
Ian 13 Sep 2009, 17:54
I just hit my 10 day mark without smoking.
Ian 15 Sep 2009, 20:27
Just an update. I just completed day 12 of my quit. The shakes and tremors
have stopped around day 9. The bad taste in the mouth is slowy
disappearing. Still get the cravings 4-5 times a day. Still get tired
easily. I wake up every two hours at night. Still congested since day 3,
but could be due to my allergies?
Ian 16 Sep 2009, 17:14
Just completed day 13. Feel very tired in the afternoons. Tried to do ONE
chin up - very difficult feel very weak. I am really out of shape. Mouth
ulcers/sores slowly disappearing. Bad taste in mouth not as bad now, but
still there. I got one tremor/shake, I guess body still looking for
nicotine. I get hungry alot now. Sinus congestion still there.
Ian 17 Sep 2009, 18:00
Just hit the 2 week mark. The urges/cravings were pretty strong today. Had
a little bit of the shakes, slowly fading... My body is getting used to not
having any nicotine. Very exhausting to try and not smoke. Still bad taste
in the mouth. Sinus congestion still there, but not as bad. Feel tightness
in chest now. Overall starting to feel better than a week ago.
karen 22 Sep 2009, 19:50
Hi, I am just at the end of my 3rd day of not smoking. It is the hardest
thing I have ever done. The nights are the worse. I smoked for 30 yrs and
my husband is still smoking. I have quit cold turkey because I have tried
just about everything out there and nothing works. Every night I come home
from work my cravings become almost uncontrollable. My husband is in the
garage smoking and we always smoked together, like after dinner or with a
cocktail. I am very irritable and anxious. My head and thoughts are kind
of foggy. I wish someone could tell me how long before I will start
feeling normal again. I don't know how long I can go feeling this out of
control.
Carrissa 22 Sep 2009, 20:50
Well now!! Almost ten months,,I think I started on this site on my 6th day
if you look back to November. 3 packs a day habit,,compulsive to the ma X
10! So free,, free of all smoke now..cold turkey my friends. Those who
think there is a set day when nick fits end and withdrwawal stops -are
setting themselves up,,there is no set anything,,,every addict is
different,,all symptoms are listed here by us quitters from months back.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! END YOUR SLAVERY!! Hang on until your common sense
returns!! GOOD LUCK!
Simon (UK) 23 Sep 2009, 06:13
Day 26 with no smoking. I broke the habbit remarkably ez after 21 years of
30-a-day. Wore 15mg patches until day 21. Was planning the usual ween off
of patches but decided last Saturday that was it. So, no smoke 26 days, no
nicotine 5 days. Last few days been bad, sinus congestion and ringing in my
ears is awful. It is reducing day by day, but slowly! Still determined
never going back. My kids and my girlfriend really proud of me.
karen 23 Sep 2009, 13:37
Hey Carrissa, Thanks for being such a great cheerleader for everyone. I
went back and read your blogs, and man I can feel your original pain. I
don't feel any better then I did last night, I have been very emotional
today, crying alot when I don't even know what I crying about. My stomach
has been upset all day and I have had a annoying headache. But after
reading everything you wrote, I know I can get thru this. I feel sorry for
my husband and son though, they have been getting the brunt of my
grouchyness. I just keep thinking that when this finally ends I will be
able to breath without inhalers and maybe get up and down the basement
steps with out having to stop to catch my breath. I WANT TO LIVE! Thanks
again keep up the good work.
Ian 23 Sep 2009, 14:18
Day 20 of my quit. Have a little more energy, I notice it in the mornings.
My muscles ache a little, still get the cravings but I fight them off.
Still get tremors/shakes, not as bad now. Keep it up everyone...
Simon (UK) 25 Sep 2009, 04:53
Day 28 no smoking, day 7 no NRT. Have beaten the cravings and all the
physical side affects (bar one) are gone. The 'one' is pretty bad though.
Horrendous sinus/ears/nasal congestion and post nasal drip. This has lead
to BAD tinnitus (ringing in the ears). I'm just praying this will stop
soon?!?!
Ian 26 Sep 2009, 21:37
Day 23 of my quit - cold turkey. Feeling better, but still have shortness
of breath. Had the body shakes 2 days ago. Still feel weak at times. My
hands and feet are always warm probably due to improved circulation. Still
get the cravings about 5 times a day. I have a mouth sore.
nick 27 Sep 2009, 20:36
Hi everyone.. im a few days past a month here and im feeling great..
apparently i had an easy time quitting. much easier than a lot of the folks
on this site.. i still get twitches now and then, but i kind of laugh them
off... sometimes i think to myself.. holy crap.. i used to just kill
myself, day in and day out.. and i was paying through the nose to do it..
it literally makes me laugh.. and then the craving is gone. I feel so bad
for people still smoking. i was waiting for some of the awful symptoms that
people on this site had spoke of, but they never came..
i still have sinus congestion that hasn't gotten too much better.. its better than when i smoked... but i had gotten so used to it when i smoked that when it got a little better i couldnt believe it.. but now i stil have quite a bit of blockage.. and im not sure if it will clear up the rest of the way.. i really hope so... but to all the people out there that have been smoking a long time.. long enough to know that they cant really breathe easily through their nose... breathing through your nose is awesome.. its one of my favorite things to do now.. and im not even that cleared up yet. anyways god luck to all.. and down with the evil tobacco companies.. they should be tried and prosecuted for murder.
Laura 29 Sep 2009, 01:09
day three!
I quit cold turkey 27th/sept for the first time in nearly 5 years. I am twenty three and have had bronchitis/throat problems 3 times this year, i really do think it was because of my smoking(half a pack a day). i am sick at the moment with tonsilitis and a fever and if i can ever imagine what mouth/throat cancer would feel like...im know it would be a million times worse then this (and thats unimaginable). i dont even care that im not smoking because i feel so sick...im know that once i get better ill never ever pick up a cigarette again.
karen 29 Sep 2009, 10:33
Starting my 10th day today smoke free. The first week was absolutely the
worst week of my life. I didn't think I would live through the
withdrawals. Then on the weekend we went camping with friends and everyone
of the people with us smoked. I thought I was going to go crazy. One
night after a few drinks I couldn't take it anymore and had a couple of
drags off my husbands cig. Worse thing in the world. I felt so guilty
that I didn't even think about trying that again the rest of the weekend.
Sunday and Monday seemed to go better. I had hardly any withdrawals and
the temptation was there but went away pretty fast. Now today is another
story. I feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin. Every little thing
is bothering me and I am snapping at everyone around me. I knew this was
going to be hard but I didn't think I was going to be on a roller coaster
ride. Every time I think things are getting better I go back a step. I
hope this will end soon, and I hope falling back during the weekend didn't
make things worse for me. No matter what I am going to stick with this
because my health is important to me and I no longer want to live depending
on cigs, and then an inhaler to breath.
Ian 29 Sep 2009, 13:08
Great stuff guys, hang in there. I just completed day 26 of my quit. I'm
feeling just a little better than my first week. The cravings can get
pretty heavy still.
Carrissa 01 Oct 2009, 07:40
Well I have a terrible cold,,,It's hard to believe before I quit smoking I
had colds and bronchiatus and pneumonia all the time,,I feel like death.
First cold in ten months. So wierd ..anyways glad to see all the new
quitters. Don't worry if you cheat just get back up on the horse and keep
going! Yes to breath normally is amazing! Cheaters go on youtube,,and get
an education on wat this crap will do to you,,I recommend "thanx tabacco
you killed my mom." This one sticks out in my head till this day, I will
never pick up that demonstick again. my friends are amazed because I was so
hard core, Every one will hate you as u quit -- oh well they will get
over it...there is never a good time to do. Now is the time. I look at
smokers now with pity,,it looks so bizzarre to me...anyways keep on
quitting,,don't stop! GOOD LUCK!
Ian 03 Oct 2009, 20:16
1 month quit for me today!!!
morgan 05 Oct 2009, 15:00
Day 3 for me. It's sooooo hard but I want it more than anything. I have
been doing lots of coughing and hacking in just three days...any
suggestions?
Ian 05 Oct 2009, 17:38
That's good morgan, your lungs are cleaning out all toxins. Drink lots of
water, go for long walks whenever you get the cravings.
morgan 05 Oct 2009, 20:01
I can't seem to find any motivation to want to do anything but try to
sleep. I don't crave when I sleep. I'm also having issues concentrating on
anything. Thanks for the advice. It sure is nice to know other people are
experiencing the same difficulty.
Ian 06 Oct 2009, 09:06
Just a couple of more days you will start to feel better. Hang in there.
Maria 08 Oct 2009, 07:52
It's been 11 days since I quite smoking. I have had some kind of chest
pain. More between my ribs. Is this some kind of side effect? I feel like
I'm going to have a heart attack, very anxious. Please help, I am just
praying this is normal!
Alfred 08 Oct 2009, 07:53
Is it possible for this to happen with second hand smoke? I live in a
four-plex and each of the surrounding three occupants all smoke. I mean
sometimes it is so bad we have to air out the apartment for hours. We told
our landlord about it. When we moved in it was said these were NON-SMOKING
apartments. Hence the consultation. But he seems to be ignoring it. Now my
3 year old daughter, 15 year old son, my girlfriend and I all are having
respiratory problems. High fevers as well. We've been here well over three
years now. But it has gotten so bad for us that we're all going in to the
ER this morning. Is it possible all this might be playing a major role?
Please help me with any advice you may have. Thanks.
Paul 08 Oct 2009, 08:00
Maria - I think you should see a doctor. The chest pain could be related to
nicotine withdrawal, but don't take a chance.
Jan 09 Oct 2009, 08:17
I am 57 years old and smoked for 40 years. Seven months ago I was up to
about 50 cigs a day. I began to record my cigs on paper and made myself
stretch out the time between smokes. I went from 20 mins to 30 mins, to 1
hour etc. until I was down to 2 a day. I put on a 14 mg patch and quit 12
days ago. My withdrawal is not as bad as some of what I have read here but
my sinuses ache and my tongue burns and I know it would stop if I had a
cigarette. I do not want to be a smoker anymore. I am determined to
overcome any obstacle. Cigarettes were my "ball and chain" and I want to
be free. I am really looking forward to the night that I can finally say,
"Gee, I didn't think about having a cigarette today". Love this website,
good luck to all of us.
Ian 14 Oct 2009, 07:47
Goodluck Jan.
Henry 17 Oct 2009, 00:20
Hi everyone, i'v been a smoker for 25 years and 2 weeks ago i attempted to
quit. on the third day i suffered a massive heart attack and was rushed to
the ER and went into intensive care! the doctor told me that i need to
start smoking immediately because the withdrawals and stress could kill me.
Has anyone ever heard of a heart attack as a side affect of nicotine
withdrawal? i am very scared now because smoking is supposed to be bad for
your heart but if i don't smoke i will have another heart attack and
probably die!! i don't know what to do.
Jan 20 Oct 2009, 09:15
Never heard of it, maybe it was coincidental. If I were you, I would cut
down gradually and try again. Not everyone can quit cold turkey.
Carrissa 22 Oct 2009, 12:18
Hi folks,,congrats to all the new quitters,,once again if you read previous
blogs all withdrawal symptoms are mentioned,,for some people quitting is a
brief but agonizing thing they go thru for others smoking is or has become
and horrible compulsive addiction and quitting will be difficult and take
more than 30 days,,I was so pissy if someone suggested I go for a walk or
eat a carrot stick -I usually threw something at their head,,it was
recently discovered that I had an OCD form of this addiction,, and that's
why quitting for me was a long process. However next month will be my one
year anniversery and I will no longer blog here,, (although you are welcome
to e-mail any questions) I just thot I would show people that had a tough
time quitting that they could do it no matter how hard it was,,,this blog
helped me stay true to myself and helping other sufferers,,but now it will
soon be time to move on and fully start living as a non-smoker (who no
longer counts down the months..) LOL wishing you all release and peace!
Ian 22 Oct 2009, 13:54
Goodluck Carrissa and fare well.
Jan 23 Oct 2009, 08:39
Day 26 for me. Thank you so much, Carissa, for helping me through my quit.
You are a great inspiration to all of us.
Sean 26 Oct 2009, 17:35
Hi. I was a pack a day smoker for 25 years now on day 3 of quitting. So far
I'm not finding it too bad but that's partly beacuse I drank and smoked so
much last weekend I felt really ill. So far I've had intense cravings,
sweats, disturbed sleep patterns, sore tongue, headaches etc. Funnily enough though I do already feel calmer and a bit healthier in a way that I can't quite put my finger on. I once made it 3 months off the smokes but cracked in a bar one night so this time I'm giving up alcohol too (oh and caffeine...I can't have a coffee without needing a smoke) Should be interesting! Anyone well done to all here for attempting to give up whether you have succeeded yet or not. Keep at it folks :)
annmarie 28 Oct 2009, 04:49
hi. iam 26 yrs old as of the 3rd of november this yr. i have been smoking
since i was fifteen, last week i decided i wanted to quit as this was
something i had in my head for a long time. i have been using nicotine
lozenges 1.5mg and breath mints..
the hardest thing i have found about the quit is the panic and anxiety as i already have this disorder with the quit..!!! im feeling really bad for my hubby and my little girl right now as i failed myself by having 2 puffs of a smoke and iam now angry but practically blaming them... got the shakes, aches in legs and arms,feel tired all the time,constant hunger and have a really sore tongue almost feels swollen has anyone else experienced this please help!
Squezz 28 Oct 2009, 05:54
I gave up on 3rd of October. Comparing to your experience, mine is nothing.
I was very nervous and aggressive first couple of days, but now it is
getting better. I still think about the fags, but cravings are not that
strong and I experience them less frequently. So, just carry on non-smoking
and it has to be ok! I gave up once for one and half year, I still had
cravings and nightmares about cigarettes even after 1,5 year of no
smoking... It is hard, but it is possible. Nicotinism is like alcoholism,
you can stop but you are never free, however is relatively easy to keep
non-smoking habit after a year or so.
Beware, if you smoke even one cigarette, even if it won't be nice experience, and you think you can do this without the punishment, you are terribly wrong. That's only the first nail to your coffin. You WILL start again!!! Remember you will start from point zero! I know what I'm talking about I made that mistake and it cost me 2 years of smoking after 1,5 year break!!! Keep it in mind guys! Good Luck Mikolaj
Carrissa 28 Oct 2009, 13:59
All symptoms and related anxiety has been reported several times by
previous bloggers,,as well as thier e-mail access,,if your looking to
relate please go back and read them. Don't quit quitting....;-) I do not
crave at all,, infact I am disgusted I ever smoked -my palms and bed
clothes reeked of nicotine until 9 and half months later as the poison
leeched out of my skin. I smoked three packs a day compulsively,,I quit
cold turkey and I had a hell of a time. It took me five years of quitting
to get it right! You must reprogram the way you think about this deadly
addiction...
Maria 28 Oct 2009, 14:40
Its been 40 days since my last cigarette and I feel great. It was tough in
the begining, and I didn't feel too good. But I made it through the worst
part. I am looking foward for the holidays and all the wonderful scents
they bring. My baking won't be overwhelmed with cigarettes and my Christmas
Tree won't smell like an ashtray! Good luck to everyone else! Be strong!
Ian 07 Nov 2009, 21:40
Day 65 for me.
adamg 18 Nov 2009, 15:48
I think that the symptoms of quitting smoking are sometimes exacerbated for
individuals who have panic attacks. Also, based on some research that I've
conducted, quitting smoking can actually induce panic attacks and even
depression. Anyway, I smoked about a pack a day for a decade or so and
recently quit about a week and a half ago. Since then, I've been to the
emergency room freaking out that my symptoms were something beyond nicotine
withdrawal. My doctor told me that ringing in the ears, sinus pressure,
dizziness, double-vision, eyes twitching, irritability, lack of desire,
chronic cough, fear are all associated with stress brought about by
quitting smoking. It's been a hell of a ride the past week and a half, but
I'm actually starting to feel much better and I think that I may actually
succeed, although at times I've wondered if it's worth it. I guess we'll
see b/c I'm not freaking smoking another cigarette for as long as I live.
adamg 18 Nov 2009, 16:17
I hope you're alright, Henry. I think your post is important and will
probably incite lots of thought among people who are interested in finding
the best way to quit smoking: Maybe quitting is something that should be
thoroughly contemplated before action. Have you considered possibly taking
medicine and/or pills like Chantix (I'm not sure if that's how you spell
it)? Maybe that will help.
Anyway, I had a trip to the emergency room as the result of quitting smoking and all of the symptoms that I was experiencing were very similar to those associated with heart attacks and stroke. My doctor told me to relax and that smoking cessation induced stress can cause a heart attack. So, what did I do? I tried the following and believe me it helps w/ the stress: 1) practiced progressive muscle relaxation (wikipedia), 2) practiced the relaxation response (buy the book by Herbert Benson, cheap and a fun read), and 3) transcendental meditation (basically a slight variation of (2), or maybe its the other way around). According to Benson, the steps of the relaxation response are the following: 1) Pick a focus word, short phrase, or prayer that is firmly rooted in your belief system. 2) Sit quietly in a comfortable position. 3) Close your eyes. 4) Relax your muscles, progressing from your feet to your calves, thighs, abdomen, shoulders, head, and neck. 5) Breath slowly and naturally, and as you do, say your focus word, sound, phrase, or prayer silently to yourself as you exhale. 6) Assume a passive attitude. Don't worry about how well you're doing. When other thoughts come to mind, simply say to yourself, "Oh well," and gently return to your repetition. 7) Continue for ten to twenty minutes. 8) Do not stand immediately. Continue sitting quietly for a minute or so, allowing other thoughts to return. Then open your eyes and sit for another minute before rising. 9) Practice the technique once or twice daily. good times to do are before breakfast and before dinner. Well, I hope this helps. God bless.
Judiboo 27 Dec 2009, 04:30
216 days. Two hundred and sixteen. May 26th 2009. Just to put a different
slant on it apart from the health benefits - That equates to at least 4320
smokes, at least £1080 - one thousand and eighty pounds UK sterling which
also converts at this stage so far to a new flat screen tv, new food
mixer, new shredder, all Christmas paid for. How cool is that ? Oh and by
the way I am 65 and have smoked since I was 12. The £££ maths is
frightening. Done all the withdrawals, cold turkey, all of it- still
battling with the sinus drainage but getting there. Keep it up, keep it up.
kevin 03 Jan 2010, 19:48
I have been smoking for 2 years and I am nineteen now. I quit on midnight
of the new year, just three days ago. but i am having horrible nausea,
insomnia, irritability, and body fatigue. I leave for basic training for
the US military on February 2nd. any idea of how to try to calm these
symptoms down so im not screwed for boot?
Jay 08 Jan 2010, 11:03
im 20 and i just quit before new years, everything has been ok until
yesterday. my doctor put me on cymbalta. i am bipolar and have anxiety so i
used smoking for those problems. when i quit i just got really moody, and i
was having anxiety attacks, the cymbalta is helping with that but now i am
really tired and have a headache that wont go away. is there any other way
to deal with my anxiety and bipolar?
mks 17 Jan 2010, 15:01
Hi, I m 24 and have been smoking around 10 cigs a day for last 3 years. I
have quit smoking many times :P, but I want this one to be the last one.
Its been 24hrs since my last smoke and the withdrawal symptoms are usual.
Fever, coughing, body pain and diziness. Best of luck to everyone. From my
past quitting experiences i can tell that most symptoms die down in 2 weeks
or so. Some symptoms continue a little longer (for me it was coughing). It
is really worth it. The pain is temporary. Just hang in there (and i'll try
the same :)
JimmyLee 19 Jan 2010, 16:58
I have been quit for one month today. Was a smoker for 25 years... this
was my fourth time quitting.
The hardest thing to realize is that I am an addict. It is easy to think of alcohol and drugs as addictions - but the addict behavior is the same... constantly telling myself that I can't do it or hearing the addict in me trying to trip me up... "I'm so irritated and I can't stand being mean... the stress is too great and I have to get away." One day at a time... sometimes one minute at a time. I smoked for 25years... the answer will not come to me in one month.
John 20 Jan 2010, 09:21
Day 7 using 21mg patches. I'm freaking over this sore and swollen tongue
thing. This morning I couldn't eat anything it hurt so bad. It started
out 4 days ago as a sore throat, next day a sore tongue, now a swollen
tongue, tender gums and tender inside lips. My tongue has a white blotchy
coating on top. The sides feel like they've been sliced open. Gums so
tender I can't brush my teeth. This is NORMAL?
Paul 20 Jan 2010, 11:03
John - maybe the brand or strength of your patches are not suitable for
you. I think you should see your doctor about these symptoms.
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