After not having a period for 16 months, and getting thoroughly checked out - I'm back to square one - having periods again, and anxiety at an all time high. I was on Zoloft for about a year about 3 years ago when all of this peri stuff started. Tried Z again, but it made me feel un-creative, and like a shell of a person. I also obsess about my heart (husband had a heart attack a year ago - so that made my heart anxiety extremely high). I know I have to quit smoking for my heart, and health. I don't know what is worse, worrying every time that I have a cigarette that I'm going to have a heart attack, or worrying about quitting and having my anxiety get even worse than it is now! Anyone else feel the same way. I really need to do this for myself. I almost feel like I am going through menopause twice, now! LOL. Maybe we could help each other quit smoking -- any interest???

Hey tomah,

I stopped smoking back in 1991, I did it just for my health

I will tell you what I did stop and it was hard, COFFEE!! I was addicted to it, I even tried to stop one time, made it till noon. After a terrible headache and thinking I was going to kill people (not really), I jumped in my car and off to Starbucks I went. After the first two sips headache was gone.

Then came ANXIETY, I get it really bad in the morning. A couple of times I thought I was going to fall over. That's when I decided no more caffine for me. I still get the anxiety, but I am learning what it is and am taking my time with it.

If I can stop drinking coffee, YOU CAN STOP SMOKING.

It will be the best thing you ever did for yourself

Sounds like you're stuck in a fear state and need to move out.......and my best advise to you is to quit smoking no matter what it takes. As you know, it's disasterous for your health regardless of what symptoms you may now be experiencing. You can't stay stuck in this fear state, and the signals you are getting emotionally are meant to move you.......emotions......motion....move. So make a decision and stick with it. Ultimately, you'll be finished with periods, hopefully have quit smoking and gained your health back......and no longer have to have this huge fear of some impending doom. Thankfully you are being told of the outcome if you continue smoking, so I'd absolutely listen to it!! 2006 could be a huge year for you - for the positive!! Hugs ~

I have been smoking for about 5 years now, and for the past few months I have really been trying to quit. I will go 5 or 6 days, and then have a set back. Usually because my anxiety is so high and I am trying to calm down. Now it has been 5 days again, and I am having the urge to smoke, but so far I have not given in. I don't know what the side effects are from quitting smoking (the with drawls), but I think it is making my anxiety worse. Either way I am going to try to deal with the anxiety and QUIT SMOKING. I hate the way smoking makes me feel, it just makes me tired and the little things I do make me out of breath.
It is SO hard though because it just becomes a part of your life.
I wish you all the best of luck if you are trying to quit smoking and hopefully we will all be one step closer to a healthier new year

Stephanierae,

My mum died from smoking related kidney failure after three operations, If you had to hold your mother's hand as she died from something avoidable perhaps you too would find it easier to give up! Think about it. Don't want to be cruel to be kind , but that's the message. Give up and do yourself a HUGE favour. LIFE GO for it.

Hope you make it through today. One day at a time. Good luck. AntiqueX

Tomah,
I have great intrest in helping each other quit smoking. It has now been 6 days for me, and I think (or hope that is) the worst of it is over. I even went over to my friends house last night and they were smoking and normally that would have broke me down and I would have smoked too, but I didn't. Boy it was hard, but to start trying to quit all over again, sure would have been harder!!!

Antique,
That is a big reason for me too. I recently had to help my mother take care of my grandmother for 6 months while she was dying of cancer. She suffered so, and She died a horrible, painful death.
All in all, there are many reasons to quit smoking, but the one that motivates me the most is that I LOVE my son with all my heart and I want to be around for him as long as I can.

6 days.........Tomorrow, I promise, will be 7.

8 days in!!!! Cravings are almost gone! Its been hard because I cut out smoking and caffine in the same day. Honestly, the first 4 or 5 days with no smoking was hard!!!!!!! BUT everyday without a pepsi is almost HARDER?!! I'm convinced I am never going back to smoking. Caffine maybe in time....

WELL DONE STEPH !!!!!!!!
It IS hard but you have done yourself and your son the biggest favour you could.

BIG BIG HUGS PROUDOFYA

JULIE X

Steph - congratulations! I have set my quit date for next Wed (youngest DS leaves to go back to college then). I may e-mail you for support!

Hey Tomah,

Sorry, I'm kinda slow reading here lately. I think its great you set a date. Feel free to PM me anytime you feel the need too. You will feel soooooo much better after you quit, trust me. The first week and a half are so stressful, but you can do it!
I have not smoked in 16 days, and i already feel more like I have more energy!
Keep me posted!!

Hi girls,

I am reducing my cigarette intake and finding that when I do smoke one I start to get jittery........it just simply doesnt seem worth it.........so that alone will cause me to give these up completely. Now that I know how panic disorder feels.......I will never forget it even when its over.........and I dont want to push the envelope and bring it back once its gone............I have stopped my coffee........that has made such a difference these last few days....its amazing.....I am sleepy and have a slight headache but other than that........no problem. So the smokes are next to go....slow and steady.......good luck everyone else!!

Jadie

ONWARD AND UPWARD JADIE

Julie x