49 days and counting... my experience!

[DylanL14]

After starting my summer with Lyme disease and feeling hopeless for the full month of July.. I decided to quit smoking July 28 2018 after 15 years and a one pack a day habit. On July 28th, I quit cold turkey!!!

  The first 3 days were all mental -crazy cravings and avoiding all triggers (didn’t drive for 3 days, driving was my time to smoke!!).

After the first week my body fell apart:

      Fatigue, brain fog, constipation, stomach aches, headaches, sore body, horrible heartburn. These withdrawals were not easy to take and caused extreme health anxiety. I thought I was dying daily, couldn’t wear my Apple Watch because I was always checking my heart rate in paranoia. Took over the counter medications as needed and avoided the doctor. I knew this was on me for smoking for 15 years.

      1 month later: all withdrawals began to subside. I still had occasion headaches and stomach aches but nothing like 3 weeks or even a week prior. I began to have the energy to workout again and began to get my energy back. 

   Today: Feeling good!! Breathing is a lot cleaner and deeper. I look for milestones one step at a time.. I’m looking forward to 3 months now and hoping to continue the success! Thank you all! 

            Dylan 

[SimplySheri]

Quite some experiences there   Great job!!  You handled things well.  Here is to a lifetime of smoking free living in front of you!!

[JACKIE1-25-15]

[desiree465]

Wow you had some really horrible withdraw symptoms for a long time! Not too many people would have the strength to power through that but you did. Remember that when those nicodemons try to talk you back into smoking. You're amazing keep up the good work. 

[Barbscloud]

Welcome to the Ex.  Congratulations on your quit and persevering through you had such an ordeal.  Fortunate for me, I never felt that ill.  a

186 DOF

[YoungAtHeart]

I am so sorry you weren't part of our community during your early quit journey, but happy that you are here now to share your story.  I know it will inform and help others who are earlier in their quits. 

You might want to read up on what we call No Mans Land (2-4 months quit):  https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-days-30-to130-appr....    Your journey is not yet complete, so stay vigilant and dedicated.

I'm glad you are here.

Nancy

[elvan]

Great blog...it will be helpful to new people as well as reminding people of how hard it CAN be.  You are doing GREAT, CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome to EX...stay close, we can help you to get through some times when your addiction tries to get you back.

Ellen

[Bellegonia]

Dylan,

After reading your description of your first few weeks, I am in awe that you kept your head above the junkie talk and won!!!!! Feeling like sh*t is NO fun. Thank goodness you are on track for a healthier version of you! YOU MADE IT!!!!! That's worth celebrating!

Belle

[DylanL14]

Thank you, I think if I didn’t have Lyme to blame for the beginning withdrawals I would of jumped right back to smoking. I went to a lyme specialist and he was an Ex smoker who clarified the craziness I was going through was smoking withdrawals and not Lyme. I knew then I never wanted to deal with repeating the withdrawals. He told me “power through, if you think this is bad imagine cancer!” YEA NO THANKS!!

      Thank you al for support!!

                        Dylan 

[virgomama]

You are certainly an inspiration to this soon to be EX.