cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Share your quitting journey

The demon is rearing his head!

Whimsy3715
Member
2 16 152

Eight days, 21 hours, 36 minutes, and 33 seconds. That was the last time I put out a cigarette.

Thanks to prescription medication, I feel like I've had an easier time of it than others or my own previous attempts to quit. There haven't been any really strong cravings, and I've only had one "smokemare". Today, though... oy. Oy. Oy. Oy.

That little demon came up out of nowhere and sucker punched me in the gut. I'm not stressed out over anything, not worried about anything.. it's actually been a pretty good week. So why now? Why today? My best guess is that it was such a beautiful day outside, I went cemetery hopping and filled some photo requests for Find A Grave for the first time in months. I'm used to smoking while I walk between the stones and naturally, I don't smoke anymore. The routine of it is what I missed. It was bad enough I almost asked my sister to give me one. She wouldn't, there's no doubt about it, but it doesn't mean I couldn't ask. I'm just proud that I was able to choke the question back down and breathe my way through it.

Does anyone know how long it takes the nicotine to completely leave your system when you've been a 3/4-full pack a day smoker for 20+ years? Everything I've read online says it should be gone by now, but I'd like to hear from the experienced ex-smokers. My weight loss doctor told me to wait 2-3 weeks after quitting to go get my pre-op testing done to "avoid the awkward talk about why there is still nicotine in your system", but I'm just curious. Some of the stuff even said it depends on how much water you drink and all that.  I'd like to be able to go get it all done by March 6, which is a week before my next appointment and a full 18 days since I quit.

I just had a huge smile cross my face. My 9th day of freedom starts in 2 hours and 9 minutes. Nine days ago, I wasn't sure whether or not I would actually be able to do this. Nine days from now will be March 6... and holy crap.. the 3rd anniversary of my mother's passing & our wedding anniversary.  My mother would be so proud and my husband is proud. Time really  does fly when you're not wasting it on burning paper.

16 Comments
About the Author
My name is Jessica & I am a born & bred Hoosier. My only bad habit in life is smoking and I've done so for 22 years. My doctors tell me I must quit, and I've had unsuccessful attempts in the past. Too many.