37 Hours

[missellen]

I am back and I am 37 hours into my quit.  My quit date was originally due to be 11/12, then I decided to change it 12/1. Then I got a call Tuesday offering me a job--a job I've wanted for a long time. A job that pays me $14k more a year than my current job and allows me to work from home three days a week. A job that has a strict no nicotine policy and that tests for it during their routine drug screening.  So, I threw the cigs away after that call--37 hours ago.  

I'm not yet scheduled for the test--I'm not sure when it will be; early next week, I assume. Although, the position doesn't start until 1/2/19, they usually want to get this stuff out of the way to ensure they actually will hire you.  

Will that be enough time to pass a nicotine/cotnine test?  If the test is say, Tuesday or Wednesday of next week?  I don't know if it's blood or urine. Needless to say, I'm a wreck worrying about this.  Ah smoking, the gift that keeps on giving.

Yesterday was hellish--probably the worst I've ever felt going through a quit.  I was so out of it and muddled. I left work early, came home and basically went to bed.  This morning is a bit better. I had some coffee and managed to take a shower and clean my kitchen.  I'm getting ready to grocery shop for my mom before I go to work.  I'm armed with lemon water, lifesavers, carrots and gum. Let the games begin!

[Barbscloud]

Welcome back.  You've been missed.  Congrats on the new job.  There is information on the web about how long nicotine stays in your blood and urine.

[desiree465]

"If you smoke infrequently, cotinine will usually be present in your urine for about four days. With regular exposure to nicotine, cotinine may be detectable for up to three weeks after your last exposure. A positive urine test depends on when you provide a urine sample relative to the last time you ingested nicotine."

That's the first thing that popped up on google, but I'm a little skeptical because continue is spelled wrong twice lol. I'd try to push back that test if you can and drink lots of water. I like and don't like the nicotine testing policies companies have now because nicotine is legal and now you have to go through a quit without the option of using an NRT. Companies need a no smoking policy is what they need. A nurse friend of mine quit for the test and then went right back to smoking so I'm not sure how testing ahead of time really helps. On the other hand it did get you to quit early which makes me happy. Keep us updated:)

[YoungAtHeart]

I would look on their HR Dept. website to see if they test blood or urine.  Here's info I found on WebMD;

:

https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/taking-nicotine-test#1 

I think it's pretty accurate, and seems like you should be OK by next week.  There is  test that will show if you are smoking or using an NRT.  There is a substance in NRT's that is not present in tobacco smoke.

Good to see you back and congrats on 37 hours!  If you need the reading materials I recommend again, just let me know.

Nancy

[elvan]

I am SO HAPPY to see you back here and congratulations on this quit AND on the job.  I have to defer to the people above about how long it is detectable and I also think really hydrating should make a big difference.  I would think that your friend desiree465‌ might want to beware of them testing again.  I am SO PROUD of you.  Stay close!

Love,

Ellen

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I would pee if it were me.

Great news on the Job too!

[missellen]

Thanks all for the info and the welcome back--I'm happy to be back and I'm happy to not be smoking, even if I'm craving at the moment.  I've missed everyone and it is nice reading and getting caught up on everyone.  I'm sure I'll be here ranting, raving, whining and complaining soon enough, but right now, I'm happy. 

[JACKIE1-25-15]

• CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW JOB
• And Welcome back!  It is Good to see you again.  I hope your quit is for you and not just for the job.  I have had quits for other reasons other than myself that did not last. ... Insurance, grandkids, job etc. 
• Here are a few tips that I found online. How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System? 
• The best way to clean the body of the nicotine is to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day as it facilitates the process of detoxification including the flushing out of the nicotine substances by the pacing up of the metabolic activities in the body.
• Secondly, fruits containing Vitamin C act as an efficient antioxidant which helps the body to get rid of toxins by metabolizing the drugs and flushing them out of the body.
• Thirdly, regular physical activities and rigorous exercise also helps the body to get rid of harmful products and helps to keep the body fit and healthy.
• Wishing you the best of success.  You have to change the stinkin thinkin .  You do not need or have to have a cigarette.
• https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2013/08/11/foundation-for-a-successful-qui...‌

[Chuck-2-20-2011]

 I'm glad the job got you to quit, but even happier to see that you were planning on quitting already. So often I've seen people quit not because they want to, but because they have to. I personally don't think that many people who quit on the outside but not on the inside have much success, simply because I think a quit has to come from within to be successful. Funny thing about addiction. You just can't order it to end.

 Mainly I just wanted to congratulate you on taking the first step to freedom, and on the new job! We'll be here for you if and when you need us.

ONWARD TO FREEDOM!!!

Chuck

[elvan]

I am so happy for you, rant, whine, scream...do whatever you need to do, just hang onto your freedom.  What a difference this job is going to make to you, in LOTS of ways.

Ellen