Since so many of you have stopped smoking, or are trying to, I thought that this warranted a new topic.

Discuss your smoking issues here.

A summary from another board:

Riverwalker said:

Quitting smoking really does make you think you're losing your mind! But to do it AND have menopause is craziness. I quit 1 1/2 years ago and I'm still whining about it! But I'm whining about everything these days too! I found a quitting newsgroup that was very helpful to get me through that so I know how helpful it is to have this sort of support. Sometimes just a good rant gets us through some rough spots  And I noticed that many others were helped by anti-depressants during their quitting process because the chemistry does get whacked.....similar to what my hormones are doing to me now! Brain fog, depression, weeping, headaches, etc. etc.  these bodies of ours are so complicated!  No wonder men don't understand us!! lol  WE don't understand us either!!!!!!!!!!  If you need help getting through your quit, the best advice I ever read on the newsgroup was to Read and Post......just keep expressing your feelings and they'll lose their grip. Don't fall for the junky thinking of your habit....and Don't Smoke!! It'll be worth it because then you'll have control.  Looks like several of us have been down that road too so you've got lots of company here!!

Hang on! It's doable.

Narobs669@aol.com if you want a punching bag.......just don't smoke!!!!!

  Babylon said:

Thanks all for being supportive!

I felt so lousy that I went to bed at 2pm, got up to say hello to Mick and feed the dogs, and went back to bed until 2 am. So here I am, skin crawling & jaws clenched but not smoking! Argh. This is dreadful. It enough to make me take up drinking again...Oh wait. That would be a really really bad idea.

Sylvry: Nicotine is the hardest to quit, true. I have ex-junkie friends who still smoke, they say its easier to quit heroin.

Tina, Yankee, sweetface,  Riverwalker...thanks for your support, it means a lot. Most people who have known me for years have seen me quit so many times they don't take me seriously any more, so all you guys are "it"! Ha. I know it will be good for me. Grumble grumble. Haven't eaten since noon yesterday, I am going to have a bagel with cream cheese AND jelly now.  

If I die early from anything not smoking related, though, I am going to be SO pissed off!!

Carina

catherineagnes said:

Carina;  That is so funny - being pissed off if you dont die of something smoking related.LOL. I have a friend who said (when she quit) that if she still didnt have cancer when she turned 65 she was going to start smoking again.  But its been 7 years and she hasnt started yet...but then she is not 65 either. I am a smoker and not proud of it. Nuf said. Good Luck to you and hang in there - you can do it.

Babylonsaid:

catherineagnes, thanks for the vote of confidence! My mom quite smoking when she was 32, then staretd when she was 60. She doesn't smoke much & is one of the healthiest most active people I know; she is 68 now (She farms & runs a business in Scotland) But she has been saying she should quit again, even though she smokes about 10 cigs a week. I smoked 50-60, rolled my own so I can't say "packs."

I tell people smoking is good for you...that I was preserving my lungs, like smoked meat lasts longer than fresh?

Queen of Denial, that's me.

willnotsmokewillnotsmokewillnotsmoke

tinabrul said:

One thing that helped me whenI quit was saying to myself "I am a non smoker now"...I didn't say "I am trying to quit" cause that left room for failure....I defined myself as a non smoker...I tried to look at things thru a non-smokers eyes....if that makes sense....I kept telling myself, non-smokers don't want to smoke, so neither do I...(lying to oneself can go both ways)... ......like today, I keep telling myself I'm slim and cute (at 43 and 204 pounds! LOL) Anyway, Keep it up, you're doing great!

Aunt B said:

Hey Ladies,

I am an ex-smoker since March 18, 2001.  I did it cold turkey and it has been hell.  With all of this meno stuff it has not been easy.  Still today, when anxiety is up, I could smoke a cig as long as me.  It does pass after a while, but the cravings are still there.

Just think of it like this, when you want a cigarette, think of all of the thousands of poisons that are entering your body.  And that is the truth.  I believe it is 4000 different poisons in every puff.

It kept me quit.

Huggssss

Wilma said:

Aunt B, I quit smoking on Oct. 2, 2001 and one way I cope now is deep breathing exercises.  I read somewhere that was one "benefit" that helped smokers.  So just inhale the same way that you did when you were a smoker, and instead of all the poisons, you are getting good clean air.  Sure has helped me with the anxiety, and when you are taking those good clean breaths of air, just keep saying all the positives to yourself (about how good the clean air  feels, think of all the money you saved, your house smells better, clothes smell better, breath smells better, etc.)  Eventually, you wonder why you ever smoked!!!  I am buying myself little treats to pamper myself with the money I save!!!  

Riverwalker said:

One of the things that helped me the most was chewing/sucking/playing with cinnamon sticks but it's really anything that keeps your hands and mouth busy while you're denying your brain it's nicotine fix. It just takes time for your body to adjust to life without it. I wasn't successful either until I used the patch but I did it differently than the package suggests, more gradual steps and taking longer to get to zero and it worked!!

Now I'm trying to adjust to life without estrogen, which seems to be just as tricky. Maybe when I'm 80 I'll just sit on the porch in my rocking chair smoking a pipe all day waiting for that final sunset. Until then, I hope to find new meaning for this ticking clock of life. We have definately entered a new phase of the moon here!

I had been a non-smoker for five years, but my first panic attack after my hysterectomy sent me running to the store.  I smoked for eight months and decided I needed to quit again.  Well, today is the first day.  I am using Nicorette gum.  I have also been doing Yoga, so hopefully that will help.  The thing is, I don't know if I really want to quit.  I just know that I need to quit.  I enjoy smoking, but I also enjoy being able to breathe, and I hate feeling like I am going to cough up a lung every morning.  I felt healthier when I didn't smoke.  

I am concerned that the panic attacks will come back, but I know that I am going to have to get the inner-strength to face them.  I am now taking Bi-est and Progesterone Cream, and I feel much calmer, so hopefully I will be able to kick the habit again.  To be honest, I don't feel too bad right now, and I haven't had a cigarette in over twenty hours.   Wish me luck.

Lots of luck Diana...you can do it!!!!!!! I've tried going cold-turkey...but that hasn't worked. I was smoking three packs a day and then suddenly nothing.....my brain couldn't handle it! Even my hubby, a non-smoker who hates that I smoke...has said cold-turkey isn't a good idea for me. Nicotine withdrawl and menopause together isn't a pretty sight! So I've been cutting back. Instead of three packs...I'm down to 1/2 a pack a day. And I don't smoke in the house...I always go outside. Hopefully I'll just stop soon. It's cold out!!

(Edited by SpringSunshine at 2:47 pm on Jan. 10, 2002)

Diana, you go girl! I'm on day three. Last two days were horrible...I slept a lot and wanted to kill small cute furry things...but today is better.

I still think about going back but it's out of loneliness and wanting that comfort, not a real craving for the drug. After smoking for so many years, I miss that crutch but I've retrained my thought patterns (junky thinking) to think my way right back out of that mindset because it's a trap! Smoking never really did anything except help to mask what I was feeling and give me something to do so that I didn't have to do anything else!!! What I finally did was make a bargain with my other self, the smoker. Here's my version of 'one day at a time'..... I'll quit until I'm 95 and then have the option of choosing to be a smoker again.  So, I've only got 40 more years to go!!!  :D

It's hard to come up with even one solid reason to continue to smoke that honestly and logically makes sense but there are several reasons to stay quit. It's worth the struggle!

Riverwalker...well said...Sweetface

My congratulations to all who have quit and stayed quit.  Not an easy thing to do.  For sure a person has to want to do it for themselves and not anyone else.My best to all who are in the process of quitting - from what we have read here it is survivable.

Man, Babylon, I am rooting for you, girl!  I am a smoker.... have quit many times (once when on an antidepressant, for 3 years!)... i now chew nicorette at work and smoke at home... bummer..... What I want to say to you is that I have spent more NEGATIVE time involved in this habit than I would ever thought I would tolerate.  I constantly worry about the health issues.... every time I light up..... it really isn't worth it.  How long does it take to smoke a cig?  maybe 7 minutes?  and then you start the whole process of building up tension until you smoke ANOTHER one... stupid.  Last year I bought biographies of famous women who smoke, thinking this would validate my habit (it really doesn't)...... I hope you do it this time!.... I am sending lots of positive voodoo your way!.....*funny note:  last year I flew to FLorida with my brother.  The airplane hit an airpocket.... it was a VERY scary moment.... and I turned to my brother and said, "you know what would be okay about dying in a plane crash?"  and he just stares at me and says, "WHAT?" and I told him, "noone would stand around my grave saying.... 'welllll, she smoked."I will be following this thread and routing for you!! please keep posting!!!!

I've recalled one other important ingredient to success and that's Never Quit Quitting!!!  It sounds odd but when we give in to the habit and smoke again, we tend to give up the whole thing, but I learned to learn from the mistakes and get right back on the horse! The best path to success is to prepare for a reaction in advance to the pitfalls. It sort of compares to walking through a minefield. It really is liberating when you've reached the otherside!!

If there's any secret to it, it's finding the combination that works for you and not giving up. I guess that could be said about most things in life!  :)

NancyR

Well, it's been over 9 months since I quit my 20 year smoking habit. It was hard as heck, but all my Power-Surge friends helped alot, as did Nicorette gum.  By now, I really don't want to smoke, and do not still feel in danger of slipping. I just wish I 'd quit sooner. And I loved smoking and missed it like crazy. It really is possible. If I can do it, ANYONE can!! Love, Linda F

I've smoked way to long also.  I've read the books, seen thepictures and even held my Mom's hand as she died from lungcancer.  Yet,..still I smoke.

Smoking really is a companion like no other.  One day this summer, I excused myself to go out side to smoke and someone said, "Scarlett, your the oldest living smoker I know."  When I thought about it, it hurt, because of this person knew about my Mom,...then I realised that among some 50 people, at the age of 49, I was the oldest smoker there. I was 1 of 3 people there who smoked.

I praise all of you who have quit and for those who are trying, I pray you succeed.  I have a set date...again...but I guess we keep trying till we succeed, right? I'll check back in soon...

Scarlett

I am in my 6th week of cessation.......after smoking for over 30 yrs, and also watching my folks die from complications of the nasty habit.  I am using the Nicoderm patch (again)  but this time I seem to be motivated, because I really am not smoking!  Also on the Adkins diet, trying to lose just a few pounds after the hoidays......and dealing with meno......I must be a masochist!!!  My husband smokes still.........but..........he may be gone soon.......another story.  I'm 49, in the hot flash stage, sleeplessness, itching ( hard to differentiate from patch itch and meno itch, I must say)  High libido, rather than low.......maybe an upside to this!  I am learning and listening to all who have comments in this forum.......on all topics.  Thanks, it is most reassuring and helpful.  I'm so glad I found you all.  

Congrats mojhomes...It takes alot of courage to stop smoking after smoking for 30 years..I know, I smoked for almost that long....Anyway,  welcome to ps...I'm gladthat you found these boards too...Come here often, I doit really helps to see that others are going through the same thing as we are...Makes the burden alittle lighter.Take Care,Sweetface

Thanks to all for the support.  Unfortunately, I only made it four days without a cigarette.  Luckily, I have a wonderful husband who reminded me that I had quit before and would be able to do it again once I get a handle on menopause.  I felt really guilty for starting again, but I know that I will eventually kick this thing.  It is so hard trying to deal with all of the emotions of menopause.  My natural hormones are helping to calm me down, but I still have those bad days--and on those days all I want is a cigarette.  Unfortunately, my third day of smoking cessation was one of those really bad days.  Today is also one of those bad days.  You know, the days where you feel like hiding away from the world because you're coming out of your skin and all you want to do is cry.  To be honest, on days like  today I feel comforted by smoking a cigarette.  I know it isn't the healthy way to handle what I am going through, but for now--it is getting me through the rough days.  For those of you who have quit, congratulations.  You need to pat yourselves on the back because you really have accomplished a great feat.  I know how hard it is. You should all be very proud of yourselves.  Hang in there.   As for me, I am not going to give up.  I have been the Queen of Quit all of my life.  I will eventually kick the habit--again!  Right now, I am using yoga and moderate aerobic exercise to ease the stress, but even that doesn't always work.    I must say, however, that one of my greatest stress relievers is this site.  It really helps to know that I am not the only one going through this!  Thanks for being there.

We have to use all of our resouces and do whatever it takes! If we stop trying, that's worse than failing isn't it?!  This is a place where we can find strength after we think we've run dry. It really can make the difference. I feel safe here at power-surge. I feel understood. I feel better I try to call myself a non-smoker because it's been 1 1/2 years but in my heart I'm still a smoker. I've just chosen not to do it , maybe much in the same way someone who decides to be a priest decides not to have sex!! It's a choice but that doesn't make it disappear entirely.  

If you'd like newsgroup info, email me, but there's lots of good info on the web. It gave me the ammunition I needed to outsmart my habit and the group gave me support through the rough times, 24/7.  

For those who aren't quite ready yet, you'll get there. Just don't give up on yourself.  Let others give you strength when you just don't have it. It's called friendship and caring

NancyR

Hi River...what a great post...I hope those that are having trouble quitting, that they will come here often and let us who have quit help them in any way that we can...It's a tough one to quit...I loved smoking...I didn't want to quit...my body told me to do it...so I did..cold turkey..that's the only way I could...I still to this day think how wonderful a ciggy would taste..but all I have to remember is how short winded it started making me then I just forget it...The thought is always there though..I just choose to be stronger than the thought...Good Luck to everyone that is trying..At least you're trying...Sweetface

I just realized that the nickname Riverwalker is from quitting smoking!! I'd forgotten but when I quit, I started a walking program.  I found some nature paths near my house that follows along a small river. I walked 1.5 miles to a large rock on the side of a small creek that spills into the larger river. I would rest for a time and then walk the 1.5 miles back. It's beautiful there and I could get lost in the woods, so to speak. I love it! It helped in the quitting process and I still go whenever I can. It turned out to be a terrific substitute for nicotine! If I ever get around to putting up my own website, I have a couple of photos of 'my sanctuary' that I'd like touse. It's an inspiring place that changed my life!

Hey River.. I'm one of those people that have tried hundreds of times to quit ( once for THREE years!!!).... and I just want you to know that your posts are VERY inspirational!... thank you thank you!.... and .....i would LOVE to see those pictures of your sanctuary!

Hi River..I would love to see your sanctuary also..Mine is my greenhouses..when I'm in one of them it's like heaven to me.. It's like being in my own little world....Take Care,Sweetface

GREENHOUSE!!!!! you lucky!!!... no WONDER i haven't quit smoking!!! i need a greenhouse or a sanctuary.... or a mantra, or a guru ....  in all seriousness, it IS true that women must have a 'room of their own.' !!!

Ahhh...Day 15 and I still have not smoked. I must say I feel ghastly and tired and grumpy and constipated and sore. But I haven't smoked. So I guess that is worth something, but I am not sure what. Basically I feel terrible, and having also done this many times, for well over a year, I know I won't feel any better months down the road.

I notice no difference in taste or smell. My wind and endurance seems unchanged (I am a daily walker & also run), I can't think straight, sleep properly, or concentrate. I have zero energy and have barely left the house in days. At this point I don't give a rats ass whether or not I smell like smoke and if other people don't like it they can stay away. My head hurts, my ears hurt and I have sinus problems now that I've quit smoking. I don't feel one iota healthier or better, and I won't feel healthier six months from now either.

I am very depressed, really angry, and sad. Y'all are so nice and encouraging I feel like a real party pooper! Just had to vent, I guess. Most of my RL friends have heard this all before from me, so I'm just looking for new people to whine to...I imagine it will go away after a while.

Babylon...So proud of you...day 15 huh ???Great!!!..You can just vent to us all you want...The depression will lift..I went through it too...I was so constipated I would cry...I just knew I would be one big hemroid before my body got regular again...But it finally evens out again..Now I'm back to my regular meno self..Blah...But I know my health is better for not smoking...Just remember smoking causes so many diseases and problems....One being toeless from blood vessel damage..another is having to be on an oxygen tank for the rest of our lives...and another is lung cancer...All are bad deals...Please keep it up for good this time...I'm here for you anytime...And so are the other ex smokies....Sorry to hear about your allergies and all...I know how allergies can be..I have them every year about this time..I hate it too...Big Hugs to ya !!!!Sweetface

Hi Carina...

Congratulations for getting to day 15.  I am not going to tell you that you will feel better, although I know you will, but I am going to let you know that I am empathizing with you through all of your emotions with this tough feat.  I know it is hard to stop smoking... I have tried and failed many times myself.  The last time, I was miserable, and felt just like you are saying you feel.  I hope that each day is better for you and you make it through this.  My best to you.  :)

I agree with Kalanie!..... it is unbeLIEVABLY hard to do... but we are rooting for you, Babylon!.... I know that for some reason it was always the third week that got to me when I quit... I always felt i didn't feel THAT good.... but then you go back to smoking... and feeling bad about it... and worrying about it.... and then you want to quit again.... I'm hoping you can do it!!!!!!

Last night Mick brought home sushi and a banana cream cake for me. I shared the sushi and then ate the ENTIRE BANANA CAKE. oopsie.

So I was feeling fat this morning too, and did I mention a giant zit on my forehead because it is also the first day of a surprise period.

But I am still smoke free, yay! Thanks for being encouraging, you ladies are great!

You GO, Babylon!... hey, I've been known to eat ENTIRE banana cakes AND smoke a pack of cigarettes!!!!! :shocked:

Heehee, fire....I've done that too I'm sure! I've been eating fruit & veggies & not much else for the last two days, because I really don't want to gain weight. Plus quitting smoking can make one constipated, to add insult to injury. Yuck.

Carina,Woo hoo!!!  Congratulations on day 16 without a cigarette!  :biggrin:  I know how hard it is, I've been unsuccessful many times myself.  But I'm so proud of you!!

As far as the constipation goes (and boy, can I ever relate!!  And I still smoke!) - try prune juice, or prunes (I like the lemon-flavored ones), or Citrucil.  All those help me alot  (when I remember to use them).  Constipation is so awful - I walk around feeling bloated all day.

Good luck.

Hi All,  :biggrin:

I haven't checked in with the group for awhile.  Started a job and then had a computer virus that took 2 months to get over.  

I just noticed this topic and wanted to be supportive.  I smoked for 10 years 2 to 3 packs a day.  I read where SilvryMoon said it's the number one hardest addiction to kick.  That is sooooo true.  I'm past the Nicotine and Caffeine, now my battle is Sugar.  What a battle.

I know you've heard alot of advice, but I just wanted to give you a little too. I used to carry a box of toothpicks.  That way I still had the hand and mouth gratification.  Sugar free gums, mints, and suckers were great too.  I gained a few pounds, but it has been worth it.  

When I quit it's like I had forgotten what to do with my hands.  Now almost 20 years after quitting I'm one of those people that can't talk if you hold my hands down.

You know they say that  some cigarettes actually contain something like 800 chemicals.  Most of which are addictive.  I have heard some contain sugar, caffeine, whiskey, and on and on.  So why wouldn't it be a hard habit to kick.  

Has anyone told you your skin looks better yet.  About two weeks after I quit, people started making comments about my skin looking better and having a glow.  

Hang in there Carinna.  You have my support.

Dicey  

Thank you, Sylvry & Dicey! Day 21 and I'm hanging in there. It continues to be awful.

Dicey...I hope my skin will look better but here is an interesting thing. (Hope this isn't too much information.) I can't ever remember ever getting that flushed skin on my chest after an orgasm that some people get regularly. Yesterday..It Happened. And not a hot flash (damn, I am getting familiar with those now) but my chest and neck just got all red and flushed right afterwards. I ran over and turned on the overhead light..."LOOK! My circulation's improving!"

I am addicted now to those little plastic coffee stir sticks, I chew them constantly. And I have lost four lbs (I weigh myself at the vet's when I take my senior dog in for acuuncture.) Woohoo.

I am still cranky and tired and depressed and I hurt and I REALLY want to go get drunk (nono, really bad idea)...BUT hopefully I am going to be a bit healthier, if I can stick with it. Jeez. I'm running out of things to be addicted to; I'm not even drinking as much coffee because its no fun without a cigarette, or ten. I'm now taking aspirin to combat the caffeine withdrawal headaches. Oy.

As you probably know, week three is one of the hardest for some reason.  I quit in April and it is definately the hardest thing in the world.  But I think of a patient in the office where I work. She came in in Sept for some headaches-long time smoker, only 60 years old-it was metastatic lung cancer spread to her brain, and she now has about a week to live. She's such a lovely lady, it breaks our hearts. So I focus on that when I want to smoke. And, of course, my husband on his deathbed telling me I don't want to end up with cancer, quit smoking, please, also helps.  I've seen someone on oxygen, struggling to breathe in bed next to me, and I don't want anyone else in the world to suffer so.  OK, enough optimistic talk from me!! I meant this to be supportive!! If I can do this, so can anyone!! Love, Linda F

Thanks Linda! Yesterday I found a website called whyquit (don't have the link, sorry.) Anyhow, there are some horrifying stories and photos there...not for a weak stomach. But it is a powerful site, for anyone else needing a reminder.

This is not easy. Between menopause, depression, and quitting smoking, my poor body (and little brain) is SO confused and tired. But you know what? My skin is definitely looking pinker and healthier. The urges are fewer and not as bad. My lungs feel better. I am eating just tons of fruit (no prune juice yet!) and finally am not constipated any more, yay. And so far I don't think I've gained weight...I'm trying very hard not to.Linda...you will have a year under your belt in a couple of months! That must feel really good. Lets pat ourselves on the back!

Carina

Hey Babylon!You go girl! I am proud of you! Keep it up, you are a non-smoker now.

tina

Finally... a category for both my problems!  I have been flipping between menopause sites and stop smoking sites for help wondering which  symptom is a product of which problem.

I stopped smoking for 6 mos. and then started up again when the perimenopause mania hit me like a brick wall 1-1/2 yrs. ago at the age of 43.  Panic, depression, insomnia, hot flashes, weight gain, etc.  I had no idea what it was at first --  I felt so "out of control".  I am also a breast cancer survivor of 9 yrs. so am unable to take HRT.  Even though I have not skipped a period yet, dr. agrees I am in peri (FSH 40), but couldn't suggest anything helpful but antidepressants.  I have tried 3 different types, but cannot tolerate any of them.  I am taking Buspar which seems to help somewhat for anxiety though.

I have now stopped smoking again for 4 mos. and am having a very tough time handling this AND perimenopause!  The nicotine is out of my system now so why does it still feel like I am having withdrawals?  It is that exact same physical feeling of nicotine withdrawal -- pulling tension at temples, slight dizziness.  Could this actually be hormonal imbalance that mimics nicotine withdrawal?  Anyone else experience this?

I just wish we could know when this merry-go-round would end!  Don't know how long I can battle both these things.  Any suggestions will be appreciated -- thanks.

Flasher

Flasher, I've been quit for just over a month now...I honestly don't know which symptom is caused by what, and don't know if there's a way to really figure it out. I don't know that it's important to know...smoking does affect estrogen levels, so its possible that it could exacerbate some of the perimenopausal stuff? In the long run of course smoking is bad and evil and gives you wrinkles, so in weighing the two evils it's clear not smoking is better!

There is a very good site called quitstop.com, tons of info & links & boards; you might find some info there.

The physical effects of quitting are dissipated rather quickly, but the mental effects can linger...hang in there!

Carina

Has anyone used Wellbutrin to stop smoking?  I've been giving some thought to quitting, but have to admit to being more than a little intimidated at the thought of doing it without help, especially in the middle of peri.  

I have also been feeling a liitle low lately.  Does anyone know whether Wellbutrin is helpful with hormone-related depression?

Hi Mango...  I have recently successfully quit smoking  with the help of Wellbutrin (Zyban).  I used it for approximately one month, then tapered off of it last week.  No problems at all with it for me.   Sorry I cannot address the depression issue, as I have not been depressed in a very long time (and I think I need to knock on wood about that, too  :biggrin:    ).

HI Kalanie  and hi all!... I did try Zyban once and had no problems with it.   The one time I quit the longest (3 years) I was, coincidentally, on an antidepressant... so there is probably a real link between smoking and depression... it's worth the try!  I haven't had a cigarette for two weeks now and I'm feeling good... I would like to recommend a book that has been a real god-send..  Out of the Ashes: Help for People Who Have Quit Smoking by Peter Holmes, Peggy Holmes  It's really a terrific little book you can carry with you at all times... it basically "talks back" to that addict voice that keeps trying to convince you to smoke once you've made up your mind to quit.   It's REALLY GOOD.  You can get it at amazon.com and even preview some of the pages etc.... check it out!Much luck to everyone on this.... hey - I don't wake up feeling achey anymore and my teeth look ALOT better already!!!!!

I wonder if we have Zyban here? I have never smoked, but my husband does, a lot. I would love him to stop. His father died of a smoking related illness at 60, and I am so afraid that my husband (47) will not live for us to enjoy our retirement.He smokes, has a stressful lifestyle (own business, iregular hours, deadlines, missed meals etc) It is hard to be the partner of a smoker too, as there is nothing you can actively do, except support them, you cannot make them give up.

Hi Fire!  Thanks so much for the name of the book... sounds good to me.  :)   The biggest thing I have noticed is that alot of the leg pain I had went away after I had quit for about 2-3 days.  MY teeth are also doing great!   :wink:  I think the biggest factor in quitting smoking is not the kind of aid one gets in the form of pills or patches, etc., but in how committed one is to stop.  Just my 2 cents worth as an experienced quitter (maybe about 5-6 times in the past 30 years).  :(

Beth...  Why don't you just call a local pharmacy and ask?  

I do have one symptom driving me nuts.... have any of you had a strange taste after quitting?  It's been two full weeks for me and I have this really weird almost smokey/burnt taste way back in my mouth that is driving me really crazy.... almost like an aftertaste or something....  I am not craving a cigarette often.. but this taste thing is SUCH a drag that I can't think straight!  Just wondering if anyone can relate?

No, Fire, I don't have that.... in fact, the taste is alot better now.     I wonder who might be able to answer that one?   :confused:

you know .. my daughter is a nursing asst now.. thinks my sense of smell is returning (and it IS)... and because i have always had terrible sinuses and post nasal drip... that I am finally able to taste that (gross, I know)... i think she it right too.... I can REALLY smell things so strongly now!... like shampoo is just mahhhhvelous! I am accepting the cravings..... and I am deciding each time that yes, I would like to smoke BUT I would rather be a non-smoker than have a cigaretteso far so good!!!!!!hope you are having a good weekend... remember to turn your clocks tonight!!!! fire

Fire...  Man, my sense of smell has really perked up!  I didn't realize how bad so many things smell out there in the world, especially people, after they come back inside after a smoke outside!    :biggrin:    Of course, so many things smell so good, too!  

Hope you have a great weekend, too!  

I quit cold turkey 3 years ago after smoking about 2 pack a day for 25 years . I can breathe again, my heart rate is better , and while I did put on a little weight , my overall health is so much better.

Tried Wellbutrin but it gave me worse anxiety.  It is well worth the struggle. i can ride my bike or walk for hours with no problems breathing. Only drawback is I have been recently having problems being in a house where someone smokes. Inlaws are not too fond of this and don't realize that the smoke makes me choke up almost right away.

Oh well, worth the aggravation to feel healthier

Hello,

I agree with Vicki about how commited we are. I was so committed the last time. I thought. Thinking about quitting again. Just not sure when. It will be cold turkey since I've tried everything. In the end it doesn't matter how you do it. You just don't smoke no matter what. That takes deep commitment. When the time comes I will come here to vent, vent, vent!

Tex

Tex

Hello Everyone,I've been reading all your posts.  Congratulations to those of you that have succeeded in the struggle to be clean air breathers.  I have been struggling with my lack of committment to quit for 20 years now.  I find that I use smoking when I need to concentrate or relax.  I've tried just about everything now.  I would love to go into a rehab for smokers until I'm clean of nicotine.  Is there such a thing yet?  I know all the reasons I need to quit and only have one reason to continue and that is I enjoy it for some reason.  I need to find something to replace it with that I can look forward to.  I'm open to any advice.  Those I've talked to that have quit for good have all done it cold turkey and they tell me that is the only way to quit.  They tell me that you will know when you are ready and I won't be able to quit until I'm ready.  I want to be ready!!!!  I'm open to any help you may have.Karen

I quit smoking 16 years ago..I did it cold turkey (I smoked 2 packs a day of the lowest tar and nicotene cig. there was)  I decided 2 months ahead of time of the date I would quit. The night before I quit I threw out all the ashtrays, and the pretty cig cases I had and any extra cigarettes that were in the house (My husband quit with me, he smoked about 3 packs a day)..When I woke up I thought, I am now a non-smoker. I am NOT a smoker "trying" to quit..I am a NON smoker.I hate smoke, the smell, the look, etc. because that's how non smokers think. I retrained my thinking. I didn't want a cigarette because non smokers don't want a cigarette. By 5:00 on day 1 I couldn't believe I had not smoked, it was an empowering, freeing feeling. By day 2, I had the shakes and got a prescription for nicorettes which helped though the first week. I kept my mental non smoking focus and that worked for me. My husband couldn't talk about it at all, and looked like he had been hit by a truck, it was stressful for our marraige, but we both stayed quit.  I do not have great willpower in any other area of my life at all (truly - I am a slacker) but the mental thing worked for me, Since quiting, both my mother and mother in law have died from the very long painful dealings with emphasemia because of smoking. Make up your mind you want to live, and then quit, you can do it. My husband carries life savers where ever he goes, that's his substitue, maybe that would help you.  (excuse the spelling errors here please)Praying for your strength,tina

Tina,

Thank you for the encouragement.  I have picked a quit date.  I plan to quit on February 4, 2003.  I now have 2 weeks to prepare a plan of things to do when the urge hits.  I'm going to pay attention to when I get these urges and practice fighting them.  Hopefully by my quit date I'll be ready for it.  Thank you and congratulations on quiting.  

Karen