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Anyone experience this after quitting?

Question asked by Samsgurl2018 on Nov 16, 2017
Latest reply on Nov 23, 2017 by elvan

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Tomorrow makes three weeks smoke free! What does suck is I had to go back to my doctor and call in sick at work today. I have bronchitis and lost my voice and the doctor said all of this is common because of my immune system breaking down from quitting smoking which I can easily get infections. Anyone know of good tips or what I could take to boost my immune system? I am taking vitamins and drinking water and herbal tea. I'm at a loss on what else I could do to start feeling normal and healthy again. I really want to feel better and not worry about getting sick a lot. Anyone else experience this after you quit? Seven days of antibiotics ughh! But this won't stop me from being successful at my quit. You guys are all awesome too. I couldn't do this without your support!

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Tra119 Nov 17, 2017 11:44 AM
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Feel better!!! Lots of water is all I can tell you. I havent experienced the bronchitis and hope I don't. Stay strong!!!
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Chuck_Quit_2-20-2011 Nov 17, 2017 2:27 PM
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When I first quit, I had a bit of a cough but it never developed into bronchitis. The cough did go away. Five years after I quit, I was diagnosed with mild COPD after a bout of bronchitis that put me in the emergency room. But that's a whole different story.

As long as you're seeing a doctor about it, that's good but down the road I'd get tested for COPD just to be safe. It's an easy, non evasive test that can save you problems down the road.

My hope is that like me, your cough simply goes away. In the meantime, protect that quit!!

ONWARD TO FREEDOM!!!

Chuck
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elvan Nov 17, 2017 7:35 PM
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Samsgurl2018 I think one of the best things on the market is EmergenC and I take it at the first sign of an upper respiratory infection. I take Vitamin C every evening just to help boost my immune system. I don't think this will become a regular thing for you...you'll snap back and be healthier than ever. So proud of you for your quittitude!
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- Samsgurl2018 @ elvan on Nov 18, 2017 10:52 AM
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  Thank you, I bought a big bottle of vitamin c. I'm taking this one day at a time. I am starting to feel better and the cravings are getting a little easier. I'm trying the 7mg patch today just to see how I do. I guess I'm feeling more confident. Lol I do get cravings out of the blue but I'm using everyone's suggestions to stay quit. You guys are always great!
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jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007 Nov 17, 2017 10:52 PM
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Sorry to inform you that it sounds like the wreckto-rhinitisvirus.
Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes!

Seriously though
Feel Better.
Keep Your Quit
You'll Get Over
All This
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- Samsgurl2018 @ jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007 on Nov 18, 2017 10:54 AM
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  Thank you Dale. Lol I still love the fact I'm three weeks smoke free and ready to make this forever!
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Marilyn.H.July.14.14. Nov 17, 2017 9:19 PM
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Hopefully you'll start to feel better in a day or two once the antibiotics kick in, drink lots of pure juice of your choice and keep stacking up your precious DOF congrats on 3 glorious wks of smoke free living and counting WTG.
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- Samsgurl2018 @ Marilyn.H.July.14.14. on Nov 18, 2017 10:59 AM
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  Thank you Marilyn, I'm slowly getting better. Three weeks yesterday! I can't wait until I get my immune system stronger and start to work out. I know I won't be back to when I was a non smoker but I'll be much better than I was a few months ago when I couldn't hardly breathe and got sick a lot. So glad I threw these nasty cigarettes out!
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  - elvan @ Samsgurl2018 on Nov 18, 2017 7:17 PM
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    Samsgurl2018 You are doing great...I have taken Vitamin C for a long time, my doc recommended it because my immune system is really compromised and she said that smokers are always depleted in Vitamin C. I hope you get better really quickly...I used to work at a university and I handled money and credit cards or ID cards and often times students were sick, sneezing, coughing and then handing me their cards. I was horrified but I took Emergen C all the time and I used a hand sanitizer over and over again. I think handling money is a serious risk to anyone's immune system.
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    - Samsgurl2018 @ elvan on Nov 18, 2017 9:17 PM
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      Thank you. I am taking extra C from now on. I used to work at the front desk at a motel and I agree, money is really dirty and disgusting. I've got clients that come in when I spend a couple of hours with them that hack and cough because they are smokers and they have even told me they pick up butts off the roads or wherever. Sounds kind of harsh but that is a huge motivation for me to stay smoke free! I don't want to end up worse. I do know I have slept a lot this past week but I know it's good for me to heal. I look back now at how stupid I was to smoke that first cigarette which led to a 28 year addiction. I am grateful I have you guys to talk to because most of my friends do smoke and my social life is nothing right now other than texting my friends. But they understand it's still hard for me to be around smoking but I'm getting there. I'm taking one day at a time. Today, I tried the 7mg patch and I did pretty good. Like I said before, I slept like four hours today and it was a relaxing sleep. I am breaking my routine a little and rest while I can before I go back to work Monday.
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      - elvan @ Samsgurl2018 on Nov 18, 2017 9:32 PM
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        Samsgurl2018 You need the sleep to help you recover. You are doing amazingly well. You won't lose your friends, you may make NEW ones in addition to the old ones but they will still be there. I smoked for 47 years...had my first cigarette at age 17 and my last at age 64. I had more than one failed quit over the years, I always quit when I was pregnant but went right back to smoking when the babies were born. You are recovering, my friend, we will all help you in any way that we can. Please don't be afraid to take the buspirone, it may help a lot with that chest tightness. You don't have to handle everything all at once. I am so glad your daughter is so supportive and I am sure she is very proud of you. My youngest daughter has been my biggest cheerleader. She said "I always knew you could do this."
        Ellen
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        Samsgurl2018 @ elvan on Nov 21, 2017 10:36 PM
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        Hi Ellen, so two more days and I'll be 30 days smoke free! I've noticed so much lately that smoke smell from other people really makes me sick now. I'm starting to feel better and I do take buspirone at night. I sleep pretty good and I'm still having some chest tightening. I think it's still withdrawal or anxiety. It's hard to tell sometimes. I cut down to 7mg patches and I'll probably stay with them for a couple of weeks. I hope this will get better with the anxiety and physical symptoms. I know no matter what I'm staying smoke free. I love that term, smobriety! That's me
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        elvan @ Samsgurl2018 on Nov 22, 2017 9:44 AM
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        It WILL get better Samsgurl2018, I suspect the tightness is mostly anxiety, you are making BIG changes. Everything gets better and when you look back, you will be really surprised at how MUCH better it gets. I think sticking with the 7mg patches is a good idea for now. Happy Thanksgiving...your first one as an EX smoker!
        Ellen
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        Samsgurl2018 @ elvan on Nov 22, 2017 11:46 PM
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        Hi Ellen, happy Thanksgiving to you as well. I'm hanging out with some friends Saturday and two smoke and I know that will be a test but I'm still going strong. These stupid antibiotics have really messed me up as far as acid reflux but I'm done tomorrow. I'm going to take some of this nature's secret respiratory support and defense for a few days to help. I'm all for natural remedies at this point because of all the medicine I've been on lately. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving
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        elvan @ Samsgurl2018 on Nov 23, 2017 11:39 AM
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        Samsgurl2018 Good for you...try a little dab of Vicks under your nose and be sure to tell people you quit smoking, maybe they will smoke outside. The Vicks will block the smell. Happy Thanksgiving, glad the antibiotic will be over soon!
        Ellen
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        Samsgurl2018 @ elvan on Nov 23, 2017 8:05 PM
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        Hi Ellen, my friends all know I'm not smoking and they agreed to smoke outside when I'm there. I've had my patch on half a day today and it's not been bad. But I'm sticking with my plan. I wanted to give my arms a break from wearing patches too. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
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        elvan @ Samsgurl2018 on Nov 23, 2017 9:01 PM
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        Samsgurl2018 I had a lovely but exhausting day...part of the joy of COPD is overwhelming fatigue and I also have RA which causes fatigue. I am very, very tired but the Thanksgiving feast was a real feast...it was wonderful. I am so glad that your friends agreed to smoke outside, it is so much better for you not to be exposed to second hand smoke.
        
        Happy Thanksgiving...your first of many smoke free.
        Hugs,
        Ellen
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JACKIE1-25-15 Nov 17, 2017 10:43 PM
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What did the doctor suggest?
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- Samsgurl2018 @ JACKIE1-25-15 on Nov 18, 2017 10:37 AM
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  The doctor put me on augmentin for 7 days. She told me quitting can compromise your immune system so to take either extra vitamin c but not too much. I work with homeless veterans and the fall and winter is the worst for trying to keep from catching a cold or anything but I am proactive. I am starting to get better and slowly getting my voice back. She did tell me it will get better. I'm going for another chest x-ray in about a month to see how things are going. My biggest obstacle is to keep myself from getting sick from my clients. I bought a big bottle of vitamin c yesterday.
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Tabbiekat Nov 17, 2017 11:15 PM
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I hope you get to feeling better soon, I have been living off day & night quill the last week myself to treat the symptoms. I have also been using my inhaler this last week too and it sucks. I agree that EmergenC, basically 1000mg of vitamin C helps. I personally have to be cautious about trying to boost my immune system since I have MS and am currently on immune suppressants, but before I started my most resent medication for MS, vitamin C did help get me through. Get plenty of rest and drink lots too. Good luck
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- Samsgurl2018 @ Tabbiekat on Nov 18, 2017 10:42 AM
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  Thank you, I'm getting better. I bought a big bottle of vitamin c yesterday. My doctor said either take daily vitamins and take additional vitamin c or drink the emergen c because you really shouldn't do both because of vitamin overdose. I hope you feel better too. Three weeks now and today I'm experimenting with wearing a 7 mg patch. I'm still really happy I decided to just throw these nasty cigarettes out for good. Get to feeling better
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Thomas3.20.2010 Nov 18, 2017 8:12 AM
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All good ideas above. Good nutrition helps us maintain health but what I didn't see mentioned is exercise. I know it may be hard to fit it into your lifestyle ut folks with COPD - exercise isn't just a great thing to do - it's essential to staying healthy! We have to have aerobics, stretching and weight lifting. Start small by parking your car as far away in the parking lot as you can, taking the stairs rather than the elevator, going for walks as much as possible. Get a few resistance bands for endurance and work out a few minutes a day. Then find a gym so you can treadmill and lift a few weights. Yoga and Tai chi are good also. Just do it!
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- Samsgurl2018 @ Thomas3.20.2010 on Nov 18, 2017 10:47 AM
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  Hi Thomas, I'm going to hopefully get into a gym soon after I get over this bronchitis. I really am working on better diet. I gained a few more pounds which is better than getting sick every other week. My doctor said if my chest x-ray and other test come out good, I can stop my spiriva inhaler. I'm still keeping the Albuterol for a long time because I do know the damage already done can't be reversed. Thank you for the advice. I hope you are well!
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  - Thomas3.20.2010 @ Samsgurl2018 on Nov 18, 2017 10:54 AM
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    I have acute bronchitis and an asthma flare. I missed 4 days of work this month already. Shortness of breath causes me anxiety that sends me into a panic attack. All I can do is my best to get to work each day and breathe! That makes me depressed. I'm telling you all of this because taking good care of ourselves is an absolute priority! never underestimate self care and number ONE on that list is to protect our Quits! Don't avoid the meds - I've tried that and it backfired every time. Please be very good to yourself!
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    - Samsgurl2018 @ Thomas3.20.2010 on Nov 18, 2017 9:26 PM
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      Hi again Thomas, the doctor did prescribe buspirone for anxiety but I try not to take it. I didn't realize quitting would cause my chest to tighten and feel like I can't breathe. I know I still have a long road and I'm taking care of myself. My youngest daughter is 16 and has been really supportive. I sleep more than usual right now and I know that's best to help me get better. She has been so great about the changes I'm going through with this process and so have all of you!
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maryfreecig Nov 18, 2017 9:05 AM
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Good old water, mild food such as fish, chicken or broth or oatmeal, mental relaxation(shut excessive fear and anxiety down)...these are things I have to resort to when the wheels come off my cart. Your smobriety is your best friend, so keep up the good work.
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- Samsgurl2018 @ maryfreecig on Nov 18, 2017 9:28 PM
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  Hi Mary, I'm doing everything I need to so I can get better. I didn't realize how much quitting has an impact on your body but I smoked for a long time. I love the smobriety word by the way! Lol
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Barbara145 Nov 18, 2017 9:12 AM
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Thomas is absolutely right. Exercise boosts immunity. So does chicken soup. When I first quit I would boil a whole chicken and make soup about once a week. When you boil a chicken it is bone broth too. Smoking depletes vitamin C. Like Ellen said you need lots. Take really good care of yourself. You will get better and better : )
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joyeuxencore_11-5-12 Nov 18, 2017 5:50 PM
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Hi there! I had great results from this holistic remedy when I had a respiratory infection.

Also I have adopted a plant based diet eliminating animal products especially dairy...wow what a difference in the way I look and feel. Took a while to learn how to do it but so worth the effort and with the internet very easy to get info & help.
It does take some time for the body to re-learn how to function without the constant influx of poison so be patient with the process. Eat fresh foods as much as possible & avoid processed foods. We are what we eat is no joke!
Huge congratulations on your amazing decision to take your life back!!! xo
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- Samsgurl2018 @ joyeuxencore_11-5-12 on Nov 18, 2017 9:37 PM
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  Thank you, I actually went to one of our health stores and picked up a similar bottle. I forgot to ask my doctor if I can take this along with my other prescriptions. But I do have these. I do know the pills stink. Lol do you just take these when you start to feel sick or do you take it daily? I hate taking all these prescriptions but the buproprion has really helped me quit and stay sane with my social work job. I also take hydroxyzine at night when I'm having more anxiety or buspirone during the day. I use spiriva handihaler for another month. Me myself, I'd rather stick with more natural approach but hopefully this is the last time I take these meds. I don't even take these anxiety meds unless it gets bad. The one for sleep is actually for a condition I have and when it got worse, I had to get a little help. Thanks for posting this because I do have a bottle
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Anya Nov 22, 2017 2:49 AM
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Maybe your immune system gets worse before it gets better? Much much better. I keep telling myself that I'm detoxing inside and out, every cell of my body is getting healthier every second of every day that I stay quit. Hope you feel better soon Samsgurl2018
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- Samsgurl2018 @ Anya on Nov 22, 2017 11:42 PM
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  Thank you. I am starting to feel better. Just the lovely side effects from these antibiotics. I have been hoping my body is detoxing and I'll be able to exercise without running out of breath. I know this is a process but I'm still saying NOPE!
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