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Hello all, I have asked an elder this question but I am curious before your quit date, how much did you smoke everyday? Did you guys smoke a certain amount and cut down to none on your quit day? I slipped today and had over 5 and kind of feel guilty. Any feedback would be appreciated. My quit day is November 2. Thank you all in advance for being here for me.
Good idea. I think that's a great idea because I get busy and forget to check in here. Thank you
I smoked roughly 10-11 cigarettes a day before I quit. I did not do the weaning process. I smoked until my last cigarette was gone which caused me to quit two days following the date I had set to quit. When I quit, I knew that was the last cigarette. I was feeling really stupid about smoking. I had made up in my mind that once I quit, that was it. Took me a long time to get there.but I am here now and will not look back. I am determined never to smoke again.
Are you doing the suggested readings? Are you tracking your triggers? Do you plan to use NRT"s? Planning would help you get a better picture of what to expect. http://www.becomeanex.org/how-to-quit-smoking.php#thl
Hi, I have read and trying to order Allen Carr's book online also because reading that on my phone is a challenge. Lol anyway, my doctor at started me on buproprion 300mg a day. I also am getting free patches in a few days. I did have some generic patches from Walmart from the last time I tried to quit but they won't stay on. I also bought cinnamon gum and have suckers in my office. I have been trying to track my triggers but I guess I need to play around with my quit plan so I can update it. I'm not very tech savvy. Lol all weekend I felt guilty about smoking but it also was just my addiction and habit. I bought adult coloring books and started to color when I had cravings. Today has been difficult to cut down but I've got a little over two weeks to throw these evil things away. My doctor sees me Wednesday to go over my chest x-ray and discuss inhalers. I haven't had the lung function test yet so I'm hoping I still have a chance to improve my health. I don't get short of breath when I walk a lot or if I'm active just doing different things so maybe that's a good thing.
I would reconsider and do some research before using both patches AND wellbutrin at the same time. Please check with your doctor about that. I am not sure though. I used wellbutrin because I did not want to continue putting nicotine in my system. Each person has to decide how and what will work for them What has worked best for me is support which I never had before. It makes a BIG difference. Come here read, study blog. These are all aides and no way a cure. Quitting smoking takes work along with the aides. Seems you are really preparing yourself.
I didn't wean off either. I read lots of blogs here and Carr's book.....and I smoked normally up until the night I quit. However, different things work for different people.......to me, education to prepare was the most important thing!
"The Easy Way To Stop Smoking" - free download -
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I also was not successful weaning down the number of cigarettes I smoked before my quit date. For me, that just kept the thought of smoking at the forefront of my mind. It was kinda' like "Well, I only have three left for today, and if I smoke one now, I will only have two for the rest of today. Oh, heck.....I will smoke it anyway and worry about it later." Later..."well NOW I only have ONE left and three more hours until bed....The heck with it!" And then I would smoke MANY before bedtime.
I personally think it is more helpful to just put each one you smoke off a little and cut back naturally. Try to get busy when you want a cigarette. Play a computer game, or go for a walk. Just practice doing something else. Only THEN smoke one. You will naturally cut back that way, and will learn that just because you think you want one, you don't necessarily NEED one. Also spend some time looking at the circumstances/emotions associated with each one you smoke, and start thinking of other things you might do instead.
Don't try to get down to less than five cigarettes a day before your quit date. Doing that just keeps you unnecessarily in withdrawal ALL the time. If you get down to just five - it's time to just quit.
Nancy
I got really sick and couldn't smoke so my quit date was set FOR me. Up until that date, I smoked less than half a pack a day, less than half a cigarette at a time. I COULDN'T smoke, it was getting harder and harder for me to justify smoking and I read in Allen Carr's book that it is often the progression of COPD that actually slows down your smoking.
Thanks, Ellen, for the info.
I didn't cut back, bit what I did do is wuit smoking in my usual spots. Like my car, and in my back yard, a few days before my quit. I also waited longer to smoke after i ate and woke up.
Today is day 5 without cigs. I feel really good this Time!
I smoked 10 Sickerettes in a matter of 6 days. Do I recommend this? No! I agree that when you get down to 5 a day - just quit! Why? Because less than that and you are in constant withdrawal! I did it that way because I was ignorant about Nicotine Addiction and Recovery, because I was determined to never buy Sickerettes after my diagnosis of Emphysema and because I wanted to Quit on the first Day of Spring! I made it work but it wasn't the best plan!
Just comes out that way sometimes. Thanks for sharing.
I would have loved to smoke so few cigs that I no longer cared to smoke at all. But I smoked from age 17 to 54 for the vast majority of that time, and had become engulfed in the addiction.
As I planned my quit, my quit day was based on the carton I had, not on a specified date--but by the same token, I damn well knew that I could not draw out the smoking forever. I knew I would not buy another carton, nor a pack in order to delay, I just knew that that cartoon would allow for enough homework for my quit. Cutting down so as not to be too addicted is not possible--ur--as far as I know. A quit date or plan to quit is more about pulling your mind together in order to really follow through.
For the last few days of my smoking, I probably smoked, 7, 6 and then 5 on the last day (not so much by plan, just the way I wished to work it on my last few butts). Then there were none. I had my last smoke in the back hall of my home at about 8 in the evening, looking out the door and up to the stars. After I'd had my last puff, I went to bed.
Morning came and Boom-- time to keep my promise to myself (no-one else).
I focused on the planning I'd done during the last 2.5 weeks of my smoking. I'd made a to-do list of stuff I was most willing to do to stay occupied during the first few weeks---like walking more, cleaning...reading, etc---and I did those things, and I kept reading and watching videos online--stories about quitting(no quick and easy stuff--just honest stories).
It's hard to start day one of a quit with no preparation, no helpful quit framework pieced together--something---anything, a scrap of paper noting ideas, a mental note of how the quit approach will be (not talking about a technical manual, just a basic framework at least). Kind of a contract with self about how to act when faced with urges, or unpleasant thoughts if they come up. Some quitters are happy quitters. If that is you, yeah, but a plan matters, no matter how you feel about quitting once your quit starts; a plan is your work for you. One day at a time, yes you can.
Thank you for your advice. I go to the doctor tomorrow to follow up on my chest x-ray. I'm freaking out because I hope she doesn't put me on an inhaler for possible COPD. I heard you have to be diagnosed officially when you take a lung function test which I can't afford because my insurance deductible sucks ($750) for this test! I am starting to come up with a quit day plan and how I will handle cravings and right now, I'm practicing handling triggers. I know this won't be easy but after listening to my oldest brother cough so much from COPD, this has made me wake up and realize I want to live so much longer and enjoy my grandchildren. I'm ordering Allen Carr's book actually this weekend because I can't read things off of my phone. I appreciate your advice and I know I will and can do it!
My roommate and I smoke the same brand and just take turns buying them by the carton so when I am done, I am done and he gets the leftovers. I am trying to cut back, but not kicking myself if I don't. My doctor did put me on Chantix and I started that a couple days ago with my quit date set for the 30th. I would be happy if I quit sooner, but have a game plan for the 30th if I am still smoking. I am finding myself smoking less since the craving is becoming less as well. Now that I am two weeks from quit, I am not counting, but every time I do light up, I make a mental note of why I am smoking, what I am getting from it and what will I do when I don't have a cigarette to grab. Over the last few week and over the next two weeks I set mini goals for not smoking-no smoking in the morning till 11, no smoking between 2-6pm, only taking x number of smokes when I normally smoke x amount to go to town, ect., with the goals being different every day to help alter and get out of my typical routine when it comes to smoking. Bottom line work on figuring out why you smoke, what can you do different when the triggers hit and just stick with your quit date.
Hi, I have actually figured out my worst trigger and the worst craving that I still can't kick and that's my first wake up and get coffee cigarette. This has to be my worst one and I'm trying to figure out a plan to change my routine to beat that craving. I have been buying just a pack at a time and I'm smoking a pack every two days which is amazing for me. I'm using patches and thought about trying to wear one at bedtime. I'm just worried about vivid dreams so I'm going to experiment this coming weekend. I'm sticking with my quit day and part of me worries I'll slip but ive got a plan if I do. We can do this and this is so great to have everyone as a support system. I didn't have this before and I believe it will help me quit this time.
I am in the process of altering one of my biggest right now- for years I have always stepped out and had a smoke before starting dinner. By the way, this morning I did decide not to smoke, by 10, after an hour of self battle I decided I am done, confirmed my decision around 2 when I finally told my husband I was done, forever so I actually changed my quit date to today. When I decided I was quitting with my husband a month ago I actually chose to give up coffee too since that was also a big trigger for me. I know I will go back to coffee, just not cigarettes. Do try to switch up the routine a bit. Drink with the other hand, do something new before you have that first cup, keep a pen and paper handy so you can doodle while drinking your coffee etc. The support system here is awesome and am where I am today due to it. You can do this.
Congratulations.
Congratulations on quitting today. I hope I'm that strong. I'm determined this time and my daughter and I set up a reward when I do quit. She's my biggest motivator because she heard my doctor tell me my test results and she knows I go back tomorrow to discuss options for an inhaler. Not going to lie, this scares the hell out of me. When my daughter asked me to please quit, that broke my heart looking at her expression. My three girls and three grand daughters are my reason to quit. My 16 year old daughter is a great kid and I want to see her grow up. I think my day to wake up and say I'm done is coming real soon. I've done so much thinking about why I would smoke these cigarettes that would eventually kill me if I don't quit. Between my doctor and my conscience, and you guys I feel better every day about having the power to quit!
It has been an up and down day, some moments were not easy at all, but having the tools from here and the knowledge has truly made it so much easier then when I just quit without any support in the past. Take your time it will come to you. After I decided I was done I had ol' nic whispering "do not to say anything just in case you smoke" I finally said something to my husband and at that point I knew I was done no matter what. If you reach that point come post it here and like me you will get the support to keep it quit. You got this.
Samsgurl2018 You are going to do this and you are going to be successful. It's a journey, remember that, one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time, one minute at a time...we have ALL been where you are, none of us could have gotten through this unless we HAD been where you are. There are no shortcuts but there are lots and lots of people here who can offer support. This quit is for YOU, so you CAN be there for your kids and your grandkids...it is so you can grow...I mean that, you will get stronger and stronger in ways that you did not even know you needed. We all stuffed our emotions into cigarettes and when we quit, we begin to feel things the same way people who never smoked ALWAYS felt...they learned a little at a time and it sort of feels like we have to learn it all at once. The feelings are pretty intense sometimes but we learn to ALLOW ourselves to feel. That's part of the journey and it is a GOOD part because it is growth, we are here for you and we want you to be successful. Every ONE of us.
Ellen
Hi Ellen, thank you for your support. Today has been hard and I did smoke more. But I know I will get through this! I went to the doctor today and I'm starting the spiriva inhaler because I have COPD changes on a chest x-ray. My doctor told me if I quit now, I'll slow the progression because I guess she said I'm not in the first stage yet. I realize these are such a horrible addiction and it took over my life for years. Now I'm learning how to beat this. I'm so glad I have you all here and hopefully I can be here for everyone as well.
Hey honey, at least it is very early in your COPD, the earlier you quit and start to take better care of yourself in all ways...the slower the disease will progress. I waited a long time, knowing that I had COPD and knowing that it was progressing. When I quit, I had no choice, I could not breathe. My COPD has progressed in the 3 years and 9 months that I have been free but I hate to think how bad it would be if I kept smoking. I am thinking that there is a possibility that I would not be here. Having the pneumonia shot is important, so is the flu shot if you haven't already had it. I was on Spiriva for a while, my doc seems to be attracted to whatever new inhaler comes out. I am now on Incruse...can't say I have noticed any difference with ANY of them. You are young and otherwise healthy, this is a journey you are starting...one step at a time...you CAN DO THIS. We are here..feel free to vent, whine, yell, cry...whatever you need to do.
Ellen
Hi Ellen, thank you for your kind words. I believe listening to strong people like you will give me the motivation to quit. When my doctor told me I have really early stage of COPD, I was so scared. How could I be so stupid to let myself get this far. I didn't have a lung function test yet but she showed me my x-ray and explained my results. It showed hyperexpansion of my lungs. That's what she said she was worried about and is having me start spiriva and even gave me a prescription for an anti-anxiety medicine for when I do quit for good. I have the best compassionate doctor ever. She told me it's going to be difficult to quit but this was my wake up call. I saw the COPD group on here and I will probably join in. I'm so grateful for you all. Today was rough to tell my 16 year old daughter what my doctor said and it was also a huge reason to quit on my quit day. If you ever need anything, I'm also here. Thank you for your kind words.
ANY time, anything I can do to help. We all had a day one and turned it into a day WON. I read so many clever little sayings here that helped me so much at the beginning, particularly the acronym N.O.P.E. Not One Puff Ever. Think of the wonderful example you will be giving your daughter. No crave ever killed anyone...no one can say that about smoking. We are here...I am in that COPD group and despite the fact that I am a retired RN, I cannot tell you how much I learned about COPD, particularly from Thomas3.20.2010 who pushed me to see a pulmonologist and get testing. I ended up needing lung surgery but I am still here and I am working out regularly, eating healthier foods, and taking MUCH better care of myself. Part of that care is coming here and interacting with new quitters as well as experienced ones. It's a great site.
Thank you so much for offering me support if I need it...your doctor sounds amazing.
Best,
Ellen
Drink your coffee with your other hand. Sit in a different place.
I'm going to try to fix my coffee and head to work where I won't smoke. On the weekends, I'm going to try your idea and see how it goes. Thank you for the suggestion :-)
I was smoking a pack a day the month before I quit. I just started telling myself to wait a little while longer and at the end of four weeks i was smoking 5 a day.
I never counted or told myself I couldn't smoke those entire 4 weeks. In a short time the thought of waiting a little while comes before smoking then you actually start forgetting to smoke after you've put it off.
Today has been worse for me. My quit day is almost two weeks. I was doing pretty good the past week but today I caught myself smoking more than half of a pack. Funny thing is they didn't even taste right and didn't feel right. I have to start on spiriva inhaler tomorrow and that should be my wake up call to throw these nasty things out for good!
For me it was just a good day to quit. I put em down & never looked back. That was 13 years ago & I've never regretted it.
Keep on keepin on,
M n @
I'm hoping I will do the same. I don't want to just quit for health reasons. This was a horrible addiction and I need to beat it. You guys help so much with your encouraging words :-)
First thing in the Morning hop in the shower and brush your teeth. Remind yourself what smoking does to that clean body, clean mouth!
Then go for a walk instead! Take some breaths and focus on what you see, smell, hear, touch/feel, even taste!
Nice picture. Lol well I went back to my doctor and she told me I have COPD changes on my chest x-ray. She said I'm not at stage 1 yet but I'm starting spiriva inhaler tomorrow. Basically she told me if I quit now, that will slow the progression. I also had to get a pnuemonia shot and that hurt like an sob!! I was talking to my coach earlier and she was so positive. I guess my doctor says I have COPD but not in the first stage. I really hope I can quit and slow this down. Pretty scary! Today has sucked actually because I've smoked more. It was a terrible excuse to smoke because I was nervous about seeing me doctor. I will be on here, you can count on it. I just hope I don't drive you all crazy with questions and venting. Lol
We're here for you and we'll be here for you! You don't have to worry about that! Blog whatever you want as often as you want! You have a good motivation for quitting! Now take the time to go through Recovery and you'll have a forever Quit! You can do this!
Thank you Thomas! Also, I really appreciate the articles you posted on my question about COPD. I was really freaking out but I know I have to do this. I started the spiriva handihaler today and everything is just new and weird. I'm getting ready to read Allen Carr's book for a little bit. Thank you so much for being here and posting everything
I identified my triggers and filled that section out under My Quit Plan and printed it and stuck it on my refrigerator