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Discussion created by dlane68 on Nov 28, 2017
Latest reply on Dec 28, 2017 by Giulia

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Been gone awhile and failed miserably on quitting before. In my mind I have set my quit date for December 1st, and this is the first I have told any one. Here is my dilemma, I have not convinced myself that I can do it. I have been in bed sick for a couple of days and have not had a cigarette since Saturday night, there are no cigarettes in the house and I am craving one bad. I am hoping to jump start my quitting early being I have gone this far without smoking. Please any encouragement and advice would be helpful.

Outcomes

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TW517 Nov 28, 2017 9:38 AM
That's exactly what I did 197 days ago when I was sick with a bad cold. I would encourage you very strongly to stick with this unplanned quit!
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- dlane68 @ TW517 on Nov 28, 2017 9:51 AM
  Thank you my friend, I am gonna try.
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Youngatheart.7.4.12 Nov 28, 2017 10:10 AM
Welcome to our community!

You obviously have wanted to quit before this illness - but since a good time has presented itself - GO for it! Your worst enemy in the early days is boredom, and leaving your mind free to obsess over the idea of a cigarette. Change your mind's direction! A craving will end whether you smoke or not Take slow/deep breaths until the crave is gone, or count the red/white/blue things in your room, or snap a rubberband around your wrist, sip on some cold water, or put your head in yoru freezer and take some breaths of the cold air - or do ALL the reading I will recommend.

The most important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. You can search for a free pdf of it on the net (copyright enforcement won't allow me to post the link here).

You should also read the posts here and perhaps go to the pages of folks who you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com, quitsmokingonline.com and livewell.com for the good information contained there. @https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex has lots of blogs written by members of this site with their experiences and guidance

After you have completed the recommended reading, it will be time to make an informed choice of the quit aid, if any, you will use. If you go that route, I personally recommend the aids that don't let the addict control the dose such as the available prescription drugs or the patch. If used properly, gum, lozenges and inhalers are fine, but they need to be used only as a last resort. I have seen folks become addicted to them if they substitute them for every cigarette they used to smoke - just trading one addiction for another. I do not recommend the e-cigarette for three reasons: 1) the vapor has been compared to the polluted air in Bejing on a bad day, 2) they just provide another nicotine delivery system while continuing the hand to mouth smoking motion, and 3) the batteries can spontaneously catch on fire. . But – any method that you think will work well for you will be best for you.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced. Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to smoke so the view is different. Buy your gas at a different station. Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.

You need to distract yourself through any craves. You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time. You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits. Get busy! Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instead-of-smoke

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?" Then DO it. You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy
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JACKIE1-25-15 Nov 28, 2017 10:20 AM
Welcome Back. Sounds like this is the est time to be willing to not smoke anymore. You can do it. So many of have. One day at a time. Stay close, Read Read Read. Blog Blog Blog. Scream if you have to.. We will support you Learn all you can about nicotine addiction.
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Barbara145 Nov 28, 2017 10:49 AM
I think it sounds like a divine time to quit! Sounds like you know the deal. You can do this. With the help of this site I quit after 52 years of smoking. Best thing I ever did. Welcome : )
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- Gma_Bernie @ Barbara145 on Dec 14, 2017 9:54 AM
  52 years! Wow! I smoked for 48 years except for 3 yrs After my first child was born. I just quit 10 days ago. I'm not having a lot of bad cravings but I am dealing with a lot of extra time on my hands and chronic pain. I have found this site to be very helpful, mostly through the links that people put in here to other articles. I congratulate you for quitting after 52 years of smoking. Do you have COPD? I am dealing with a great heaviness in my chest that makes it difficult 2 feel at ease. I can't remember the last time I just felt content in my body. because I have been sick for so long because of cigarettes. I know it's early in the process, only 10 Days in, but I hope that this heaviness goes away. Albuterol helps a little bit but not much. I am not very Physically Active, and I hope that changes too. But because I have a disease that causes tumors in my knees it is very difficult to stay on my feet for very long at a time. And then there's the pain pills. I don't want to become an addict but the amount that I'm taking is slowly increasing. I see the surgeon next week for my knees so we'll see what happens. Thanks for posting.
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  - elvan @ Gma_Bernie on Dec 14, 2017 7:49 PM
    Gma_Bernie Welcome to EX, I smoked for 47 years and have dealt with chronic pain for a very long time. I actually convinced myself that smoking helped with the pain which was absolutely wrong. Smoking distracted me for a short period of time but the pain didn't go anywhere. I have COPD and a year and ten months after I quit, I had both upper lobes of my lungs removed because they were so diseased that I was trapping air and I was so severely short of breath that I was concerned that it might be lung cancer. I saw a pulmonologist...I was being screened for bilateral shoulder replacements but I told the ortho surgeon that I needed to do something about my breathing before I had orthopedic surgery. In MY case, it was a good thing that I did. I will have been quit for four years on January 19th and I have never regretted one moment of quitting. Please don't expect to jump into feeling like you did before you ever smoked. I got so depressed when I read other members talking about how they could take brisk walks and how they had no shortness of breath within a week or two. Didn't happen for me. I kept feeling worse and I made the appointment with the pulmonologist and I asked to have a low dose CT scan to see if I had cancer. I was pretty scared. No cancer but serious damage. The surgery was done in November of 2015 and they told me that the best I could expect was a better quality of life for 3-5 years and then I would likely be a candidate for a lung transplant. I am 68 years old and I am not about to take a set of lungs that could help a younger person who did not do this to him or herself. I do exercise, I use a stationary bike and do 10 miles 5 days a week and I also do upper body exercises. I eat a healthier diet than I ever have and I make every effort to avoid things that will irritate my breathing. I am making it, I am NOT having shoulder surgery, I am doing alright, the pain is not as bad as it was before I started working out regularly. I have degenerative disc disease so I have a severe scoliosis that is incredibly painful. My bike is a recumbent bike so I can lean back while I pedal. You can do this...learn as much as you can about where you stand in terms of your lungs and go from there.
    Best,
    Ellen
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    - Gma_Bernie @ elvan on Dec 15, 2017 8:27 AM
      Evan, thanks for telling me your story. You are one courageous person. And yes I guess I did expect to feel better sooner. It took me a lot of years to get in this shape so I guess I shouldn't expect to feel better right away. I see the surgeon next week about my knees and I'm so afraid because I don't want surgery.
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    - Gma_Bernie @ elvan on Dec 15, 2017 8:29 AM
      Sorry, Elvan. Damn autocorrect. Is that a male or female name? Sorry.
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      - elvan @ Gma_Bernie on Dec 15, 2017 2:28 PM
        My name is Ellen...my user name is Elvan...I am a woman. I remember how disappointed I felt when I would read how much better people felt SO QUICKLY...I was happy for them but I did not understand why things were not getting better for me. I was terrified...if I had quit sooner, I would very likely not have had this kind of damage but those what if's don't do much good. Be patient, take really good care of yourself. Stay close to the site and call out if you need help.
        Ellen
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        Gma_Bernie @ elvan on Dec 15, 2017 6:12 PM
        Ellen,
        
        Thanks for reaching out to me. I think we have a lot in common. I am 63
        years old and I have smoked for 48 years -3 years after I had my first baby.
        
        I guess I had unrealistic expectations that I would feel better sooner. But
        I haven't given up. I know it's going to take longer. I applaud you for
        your efforts despite your other physical problems. Did you say that you
        were 60? I can't remember. Let's keep in touch.
        
        Bernie
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        elvan @ Gma_Bernie on Dec 15, 2017 8:23 PM
        I WISH I was 60...no I am 68, I quit smoking when I was 64. I had quit several times over 47 years, always for pregnancies and other times I TRIED but I didn't have this site...the support and the education have made all of the difference in the world to me. I am so glad that I found the site and I am glad that you did as well. Stay close to the site...you will meet amazing people and you will learn a lot about YOURSELF. Your self esteem will go up and you will realize that while you smoked, you stuffed your feelings, now you will FEEL your feelings, good AND bad. It's a journey...you can do this and every person here wants you to be successful.
        Ellen
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        Gma_Bernie @ elvan on Dec 16, 2017 8:14 AM
        Thanks Ellen,
        It's a little confusing getting around the site. If I read something that I
        like and I want to follow that person I don't know how to do it. I tried
        just clicking on their name. Then there are conversations blogs discussions
        groups. Too many options! Oh well, I'll get used to it.
        
        Thanks again
        
        Bernie
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        elvan @ Gma_Bernie on Dec 16, 2017 8:40 AM
        Bernie,
        Gma_Bernie...I @mentioned you to be sure that you get a notice that you are mentioned in this thread...sometimes it is hard to keep track. When you want to be sure that someone sees your comment click the @ sign and then start to type the name and you should be able to select the recipient from a list, that highlights the name and makes sure that the person gets a notice.
        
        To follow someone, you can right click on their name and select follow. You can also go to their page and read old blogs by clicking on activity. We moved over to this platform almost a year ago and it's getting easier BUT, it was definitely an adjustment. I sign on every morning and I take the Daily Pledge and ride the Freedom Train...they are both under Celebrations and Events at the top of the page. You can click on "home" and see what's new or you can go directly to your inbox, kind of depends upon how much time you have. Giulia wrote a tutorial and Jennifer-Quit-05-01-14 has helped many of us to get around...so has crazymama_Lori. Have a wonderful day, I am really glad that you are here.
        Ellen
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        Gma_Bernie @ elvan on Dec 16, 2017 2:19 PM
        Thanks Ellen. And is this a conversation, discussion, community or what? How do I get back to here?
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        Youngatheart.7.4.12 @ Gma_Bernie on Dec 16, 2017 8:43 AM
        If you double click on a person's avatar (picture), it will take you to their page Under their avatar & username
        there is a line that starts with "Overview" - follow that over to "Content" and click on that. Doing that will give you all the blogs that person has written.
        Happy reading!
        Nancy
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        elvan @ Youngatheart.7.4.12 on Dec 16, 2017 8:55 AM
        Youngatheart.7.4.12 Thanks for that much more concise explanation.
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        Gma_Bernie @ Youngatheart.7.4.12 on Dec 16, 2017 2:20 PM
        Thanks Youngatheart!
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        Gma_Bernie @ Youngatheart.7.4.12 on Dec 16, 2017 2:22 PM
        Thanks Nancy!
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rollercoaster831 Nov 28, 2017 12:21 PM
Great job in coming here! Nancy has given you some great advice. There are a couple of blogs I want to point out to you that I found extremely helpful in my quit journey. I agree you got a jump on your quit so don't give up those days!

I know when I first found this site, many Elders told me to read read read….and I did. Elders are those with one or more years of being quit. If you like what someone has to say, then you may want to read their blogs. I have some listed below.

A list of our Elders ELDER'S LIST

So here's the thing.....and you may not like what I am about to say....and that's ok. I get it. You need to accept that this is an addiction. Before you do that, it will be much more difficult to quit and stay quit.

Read read read. Do the steps to PREPARE yourself to quit. Do the steps so you are PREPARED on quit day and for the days AFTER quit day.

Some of the things I read in my first few days that helped me:
Dale’s Welcome to New Members My Welcome To New Members (12+ Years Of Watching)

@youngatheart.7.4.12 Nancy’s Blog 101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke

jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007 Dale’s Blog What To Expect In The First Four Months

Visit Best of EX
And read what has been posted there.

JACKIE1-25-15 gave me the link to Alan Carr’s book, “Easy Way to Quit Smoking”. I actually didn’t read the online PDF, but purchased a book on CD from Amazon and listened to it in my car over and over again for the first two weeks of my quit.

Keep this site close and keep posting and asking for help. You will get it. You will get things you like and things you don't like, but don't give up!!! We have been through similar experiences and can share our strength and hope. We are here to support you!
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joyeuxencore_11-5-12 Nov 28, 2017 2:23 PM
I hope you feel better soon!!! GREAT job on coming here for help. Seems like this time you mean business.
It is the greatest thing you'll ever do because being free from this stinky, costly addiction opens life up in ways you can't even imagine right now! Do the reading!! You don't have to convince yourself you can do it all you have to do is distract the heck out of yourself through those tough moments at first, keep coming here for encouragement & tips...
For now just let US believe you can!!! Pretty soon YOU will too. xo

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vanlil Nov 28, 2017 3:29 PM
Yup - you sound like I did - SICK AND TIRED of being SICK AND TIRED. Hang in there and stick with the EX Family.
Lillian (vanlil) 529 days of freedom after 62 or 63 yrs. of smoking
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maryfreecig Nov 28, 2017 4:57 PM
" I have not convinced myself that I can do it."

Why should you? This is an addiction. Quitting requires help; support, sometimes NRT, a plan, continued learning about the addiction, sticking with others who get why it is difficult to let go of the addiction. All this day after day....for a good while. Not just for a week, or a month, but for as long as it takes. Give yourself the medicine you need to succeed one day at a time.
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dwwms Nov 28, 2017 8:12 PM
Sounds like a good plan - take the time while you're not feeling good to start reading some of the materials suggested above. Mine started as a notion that I hadn't told anyone - then I mentioned it to my wife, still unsure if I could do it. Started reading and blogging on this site, talked to my doctor and got going.
I'd quit many times before this one, sounds like you may have as well. Doesn't matter, it gives you knowledge of what made you relapse before so you can avoid it this time.
Good Luck - great decision!!
Doug
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tlajbenn Nov 28, 2017 8:16 PM
You say "i have not convinced myself that I can do it." But, you have not had a cigarette since Saturday. Guess what? You are doing it. Glad you came here and reached out for help. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. It helps to express how you are feeling and occupies your time until the craving passes. You can do this one minute, one hour, one day at a time.
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- Anite @ tlajbenn on Dec 1, 2017 1:27 AM
  Hi there
  After 3 months I felt 100% healthy but the cravings never went away. I picked up a lot of weight so I started smoking again. I can kick my own backside. Addicted again. Coughing again. So I did it and I will do it again.
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  - indingrl.01.06.2011 @ Anite on Dec 1, 2017 8:45 AM
    Thank you for your honesty and I quit and started lots of times too and kept trying... the old habit of 38 years of using nicotine wasn't easier to break.... keep on keeping on abd please continue to blog no matter what we will do this together NEVER give up... today's a new day let this be the first day not one puff !
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  - TW517 @ Anite on Dec 1, 2017 8:54 AM
    Yep. I gave up on a 3 month, a 5 month and an 11 month quit! AAAaarrgh! Maddening isn't it! I wish I hadn't given up on those previous quits, but I did learn something from each. I'm only 6 months into this one, but it feels so much different this time. You will do it this time too. Glad to see you back here!
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elvan Nov 28, 2017 10:01 PM
You CAN do it. I ended up quitting when I got sick and although I had planned to quit and I had failed more than once. I found that my biggest risks were when I got better after being sick. That was when I convinced myself that I wasn't really sick from smoking...when I felt better. I can tell you that I really wish I had quit long before I did. I have irreversible damage to my lungs and I am sure I could have stopped this from getting so severe if I had quit earlier. No crave ever killed anyone but no one can say that about smoking. I sure can't.

Stay close to this site, read blogs, comment, become a part of the community and know that we are here to help you and that we all want very much for you to be successful.

Welcome to EX,
Ellen
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BonnieBee.quit.2.8.15 Nov 28, 2017 11:23 PM
Looks like lots of help rushed to your rescue so I will just say welcome to the Ex Community !!!You have come to the right place for all the loving support you will need just be sure to blog or go to questions and conversations . The more you communicate the more support you will receive .
I am very glad you are here!
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dlane68 Nov 29, 2017 10:14 AM
Just to be honest, I broke down and cheated last night and stupid me tried to have one this morning, my body fought me on it big time, and I still tried to smoke it. What a moron I am. So instead of getting better I sent my body backwards and I am sitting here feeling like crap and I will admit that I still want to go out and try again, I just don't get myself some days.
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dlane68 Nov 29, 2017 10:20 AM
Wish there was a text option so I could take you guys to work with me. Glad I am in NY, I am a bartender and its a good thing no one is allowed to smoke........HeHeHe
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- elvan @ dlane68 on Nov 29, 2017 11:12 AM
  My daughter bartends and I remember how horrified I was when she was smoking and she was in a bar FILLED with smoke. I figured the second hand smoke might get her before her OWN did. I am happy to say she has been smoke free for over two years. You know, just because you smoked this morning does not mean you lost your quit completely...just don't smoke any more. Start NOW. This is an addiction, it is serious and it has to be treated as an addiction.
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  - TW517 @ elvan on Nov 29, 2017 3:08 PM
    Yep. What elvan said. I think a lot of us here had fits of stopping and starting. I'd take advantage of your nearly 4 days of not smoking, and begin your quit again now. It will be easier than trying to quit again later.
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dlane68 Nov 29, 2017 11:33 AM
I know its an addiction, and when I slipped up in the past I would hide it. Can't promise it wont happen again, I can promise to try and always be honest.
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- maryfreecig @ dlane68 on Nov 29, 2017 5:21 PM
  Recovery is the antidote to the addiction, stay tuned.
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- elvan @ dlane68 on Nov 29, 2017 9:57 PM
  I slipped many times before this quit...COUNTLESS times, between the support and education I got from this site, I was able to go forward and begin to grow...that's what this is about, we stunted our emotional growth while we smoked. We get to know who we are supposed to be when we quit and really begin recovery. Honesty is a huge part of recovery and I respect anyone who comes forward and says they need to start over.
  
  You CAN do this, one day at a time.
  Ellen
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DemonaXL Nov 29, 2017 12:33 PM
Thank you, Girlfriend! You just really hit the nail on the head. Your quit date is what you think it is. I have tried your way and I didn't do so good, so I tip my hat to you. And to work in a bar and not feel the pressure! Wow!

You are dong excellent and I hope you are feeling better!
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- dlane68 @ DemonaXL on Nov 29, 2017 12:52 PM
  I haven't been called "Girlfriend" since my collage days......LOL......"2 snaps up in a circle" for making me giggle.
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Sandy-9-17-17 Nov 29, 2017 3:46 PM
My advice is go for it, the sooner the better and the more days behind you! As I've always heard, "There's no time like the present"
Hope you're feeling better, and if a text buddy is what you need you just let me know! I would be happy to be just that!

Sandy
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- dlane68 @ Sandy-9-17-17 on Nov 30, 2017 12:28 AM
  Well Sandy, maybe I do. I do not know for sure, but it would be nice when it gets hard to not here from an automated system.
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dlane68 Nov 29, 2017 11:00 PM
The hardest part I think today other then my slip up this morning was driving to and from work. I did have a huge craving at work in the middle of my shift, I got stuck in the kitchen, which I hate, the big boss showed up, ( the wife of the husband and wife team) I explained to her what I am attempting, so we decided being it was slow to create new menu items. She went out of her way to keep me distracted.

I always hid my quitting attempts from people, I was afraid that if I failed they would just see me as a failure. Because I opened my mouth, took that risk, I survived my shift and Karen went out of her way to keep me as preoccupied as possible.

Grew up in an environment that what ever I did was never good enough. I have come to realize through the last several years that I matter, some day may share bits and pieces of my story, but for right now, all in all, today was a good day. I found support, I found new family.

P.S. Family is from the heart not blood.

Thank you to all of you, especially my "Girlfriend" Domona the smile that made my day.
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dlane68 Nov 30, 2017 12:22 AM
I am not understanding the points and levels, are we in some kind of competition I am not aware of?
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Giulia Nov 30, 2017 12:30 AM
Some tough love coming at you here. Take it or reject it. As we say here, take what works and leave what doesn't.

"Can't promise it wont happen again, I can promise to try and always be honest." Why can't you promise it won't happen again? What's preventing you from promising it won't happen again? Think about that? Why not? Trying and being honest is all well and good, and is definitely a step in the right direction, but....one can 'try' forever, and be 'honest' forever, but unless the 'promise forever' comes into play.... it's only a promise to try. And promising to try is kind of an easy way out, kind of an excuse for eternal failure in my mind anyway. This commitment isn't about promising to try, its about promising to not put another cigarette in our mouths no matter what.

You may have grown up in an environment where nothing you did was good enough, but we're here to tell you that every step you make here, is phenomenal. Trying is good. But self-discipline and commitment are better and the cornerstones to a long-lasting, successful quit. MOO (my opinion only)

I'm on your team, just like everyone else here. Don't stop 'trying,' but spend more time 'doing.' You don't have to convince yourself so much as you have to commit yourself. The commitment creates the convincing. You CAN do this.
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- dlane68 @ Giulia on Nov 30, 2017 12:38 PM
  Thanks for the baseball bat up side the head, I needed that. MOO away anytime.
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Tammyzhere Nov 30, 2017 12:59 AM
I had run outta smokes when I came to this ex cite. One of the posts suggested I read the easy way to quit by Allen Carr. There is a free pdf - about 111 pages. It went thru all the common excuses for smoking. I found it to be very helpful. Maybe someone more techie can post the link here for you.
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- Youngatheart.7.4.12 @ Tammyzhere on Nov 30, 2017 9:51 AM
  Because of copyright concerns, we are no longer allowed to post the link here, but if you search the 'net for "free pdf Allen Carr Easy Way to Quit Smoking" you should be able to find it. If not, it might also be available at your local library.
  Nancy
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Nix Nov 30, 2017 9:25 AM
This is exactly how I quit over 18 months ago. Got sick and didn't smoke for a few days and used that to keep going.
I went through lots of times when I felt ' cheated' that I hadn't had that ceremonious last cigarette or the chance to say goodbye to my nicobuddy.

If you are determined then stick with it. Why go back after the 1st few days when you have kicked the nicotine dependancy? It really is worth sticking to it and taking it day by day or hour by hour if needed.
I can promise you that you will start to feel better and better as you progress through your quit.

Seek help here. This site is amazing and the elders know exactly what you are going through and will help you every single step of the way
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Giulia Nov 30, 2017 12:49 PM
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dlane68 Nov 30, 2017 12:59 PM
I went to the gym today to see about signing up, boy was I embarrassed. The lady put me on this new treadmill and two minutes of brisk walking and I thought I was going to die. I could barely breath, now I know I have been sick, but I could tell it was more then that.

I explained to them that I have quit smoking and I needed an outlet to replace my old bad habit. I get a free 30 day health plan and coaching. They are going to help me focus on strengthening my heart and get me breathing clean again. I do not have my access card till next week, but the manager there told me that if I feel like I am struggling, to just show up and she will put me back on that treadmill and remind me why I need to be doing this.

Its amazing the outcome when you swallow your pride and ask for help.
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diamond01 Nov 30, 2017 1:17 PM
Hi, if you have went this long keep going or you won't quit get some doterra oil black pepper, and smell it I hardly have the cravings that I had last time, good luck Helen. I will hit 3 months tomorrow, I know you can do this.
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Giulia Nov 30, 2017 1:30 PM
Nice manager! The gym is a great place to work out craving energy and boost those endorphins. Keep a log and watch your progress. That's a mental boost! Some of us hang out on the following blog: Let's Get Moving Challenge Could use a new face there. Especially a male one! lol
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elvan Nov 30, 2017 1:43 PM
Good job...the gym is going to become a place of refuge and you will feel better...working out will release dopamine and you will feel better than you ever felt smoking a cigarette. Keep going, stacking the days, strengthening your quit!
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indingrl.01.06.2011 Nov 30, 2017 2:32 PM
Congrats on nicotine NEW life and blogging about your new adventure in your day! I hope you are feeling better FYI The told me drink lots of water and to eat oranges and blog BEFORE I take the first puff over me! Welcome and keep on blogging! Thank you!
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elvan Dec 1, 2017 11:28 AM
It's your QUIT Day! WooHoo...stay close to the site, use all of the tools that help you...keep a lemon handy so you can bite into it, rind and all, if you have a particularly strong crave. I kept the lemon around but I didn't ever need to use it because it made me react just thinking about it. You CAN do this and we are all here to help in any way that we can.

Anite Just a quick question...have you now "magically" lost the weight you put on? I lost many quits because I gained weight and, for some reason, that was so important to me that I destroyed my lungs to be thin. Well, now I haven't smoked in close to four years...I'm still thin but I huff and puff so much that people can hear me coming like a little train. It was NOT WORTH it...the damage done by smoking is irreversible, losing weight is something that can be worked on one day at a time...just like quitting.

Ellen
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- Anite @ elvan on Dec 3, 2017 3:42 AM
  Thank you for the lemon idea. I have suceeded previously for 3 months by
  chewing on whole cloves and lots of water. This time I am getting the
  lemons as well. I must just get my mind set on a new date.
  Have a nice day.
  Anite
  
  *Anite *
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  - elvan @ Anite on Dec 3, 2017 11:20 AM
    Remember that no crave ever killed anyone...no one can say that about smoking. The lemon absolutely threw me...I also got sour candies, Sour Patch Kids, I sucked on those, I know others who sucked on Fireballs. Neither of them have an appreciable amount of calories but they give you mind a chance to reset because they are SHOCKING. Anite, I KNOW you can do this.
    Ellen
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    - Anite @ elvan on Dec 3, 2017 2:16 PM
      Thank you for your support.
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crazymama_Lori Dec 14, 2017 8:24 PM
so how are things going so far? Hopefully you stuck with it. Be sure to check out Relapse Prevention and UNDERSTANDING EXCUSES. I remember saying to myself, boy, I couldn't imagine myself without a cigarette in hand. Well, that was almost two years ago. I don't ever want to be tied to those things ever again. Breaking that ball and chain off my foot was the best thing I ever did
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Daniela-3-11-2016 Dec 14, 2017 8:30 PM
I did the same thing 643 days ago; took the not being able to breathe as my sign, and after more than 38 years of smoking, I did not pick up another cigarette! Went and purchased some patches (2 weeks supply), puffed on e-cigarettes for another 3 weeks decreasing the level of nicotine gradually and then I came here, and quit that too!
You have all the advice you need to start, just do it, and believe in NOPE!
Good luck!
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Youngatheart.7.4.12 Dec 16, 2017 5:55 PM
It is in "Conversations." I can see that in the heading at the top of this thread. Conversations also show up in the feed if you go to :"Home" and "Read the Latest Updates."
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jeblackburn Dec 28, 2017 11:48 AM
I'm just wondering what work you did to lead up to your quit. Building an arsenal of weapons against the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of quitting helped me prepare for my quit day. I didn't try cold turkey though. Instead I use the tools here on Ex along with medication and other Web Sites to quit. I used the cut down method up to my Quit Date. When I did have a ciggarette, I didn't smoke with any of the triggers I'd identified. Instead, I'd lock myself in the bathroom, away from my coffee, tv and any other Triggers. All I allowed myself to do is smoke. After a couple days, my life with cigarettes became Boring and a Punishment instead of a reward. I also, noticed the cigarette smoke felt like a dose of poisons in my mouth and burned my throat. What's so appealing about eating poison ? Also asked myself how bad I REALLY wanted a ciggarette and what I REALLY wanted instead. (Usually Chocolate for me). So far these worked for me. I hope they help you too. ODAAT (One Day At A Time.)
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- elvan @ jeblackburn on Dec 28, 2017 1:33 PM
  jeblackburn Very unique but clearly effective way to quit. Good for you.
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- Giulia @ jeblackburn on Dec 28, 2017 1:47 PM
  When I did have a ciggarette, I didn't smoke with any of the triggers I'd identified. Instead, I'd lock myself in the bathroom, away from my coffee, tv and any other Triggers. All I allowed myself to do is smoke. After a couple days, my life with cigarettes became Boring and a Punishment instead of a reward.
  Brilliant!
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