Description
Started smoking in the summer of '74 (age 13) - just "puffing", really, not really inhaling at all - because I did not want to get "hooked".
Announced, "I'll quit before I ever get hooked," summer of '75.
Used my lunch money to buy cigarettes throughout highschool ($0.50/pack back then!)
Smoked thruogh both of my pregnancies - both were delivered early.
Have attempted quitting 3x.
At one time, smoked in excess of 2 packs a day.
First big scare was Nov of 2003- got a flu that truly compromised my breathing. Went through a coughing fit that felt "asthmatic" - couldn't catch a breath - felt as if I were drowning, thought I'd have to call 911 for about 20 of the longest seconds of my life!
Second big scare was Feb of 2008 - another flu. Breathing was very difficult and the coughing was awful and debilitating. It also lasted for a long 3 weeks!
Third big scare, another flu in Nov 2009. Same as above, but even my teeth got loose.
Fourth big scare - you got it, flu again. Couldn't even sleep sitting up, coughing insessantly, followed by pluerosy.
Still in denial through most of 2010.
Fifth big scare: breathlessness and over-heating after light exursion (bring groceries up a flight of stairs. Nearing my 50th birthday, I have realized not only is it time I did somehting about it, I actually WANT TO now.
1st step (Nov '10) - bought the book "I Don't Smoke" by Joseph R Cruse, MD. Was captured by the concept of "thirds of your life": first 1/3, you didn't smoke.... second 1/3 you smoked..... BEST 1/3, you don't smoke - and it's the BEST THIRD because you can appreciate it more!
2nd step (Dec '10)- bought the "electronic cigarette" as a substitute and to help with weaning from nicotine and habits.
3rd step (12/29/10) Enrolled here.
QUIT: Feb 3-9
QUIT AGAIN: Feb 28
OK, OK. Finally resorted to Hypnosis on April 1st (heh - how ironic!) (Didn't realize I shoulda thrown out the butts that day - but smoking urges lessened)
2nd Hypno visit today (Apr 5) - no smoking since 1:45. Using step 2 patch & vapor e-cig....
QUIT AGAIN!!: Apr 5, 1:48pm
April 13 - bought a car AND A PACK Tasted TERRIBLE - cough in morning.
April 14 - throw out the cigs, start AGAIN - 3rd Hypno appt @ 4 today.
Brief Description
Smoke(d) for 36 years
Website
No website in profile.
Location
Atlanta, GA
Interests
Reading, knitting, art, RPGs - entering into real estate
Skills
managing sales people, Sales
