3rd Day of Not Smoking

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:21 pm

I quit smoking on Feb 1, 2010 after about 40-42 years of smoking. I have never tried to quit before, just never wanted to. Last week, I got a "store-brand" patch and my doc gave me some pills that are supposed be just like the cadillac of "anti-smoking aid(s)".

I am quite surpized so far that I am into my 3rd day. My husband can't believe I am going from one end of the spectrum to the other (he never has smoked).

I keep hearing that sometimes it takes many times to actually quit and be done with cigarettes. I am wondering, I am setting myself up to fail at this first time of actually doing it? Anybody on here, actually can claim victory after their first try?

Very curious.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:36 pm

Fantastic.

Keep us updated.

Im toying with the idea myself, Id like to know how it goes.

kayleneaussie · Post by **kayleneaussie** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:39 pm

wow congratulations

My Hubby gave up smoking on his first try and I know you can do it too, keep us up to date on your progress.....

I am a smoker but havent given up yet:o hopefully I will get motivated this year

Barman · Post by **Barman** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:06 pm

I gave up 25 years ago on my 1st attempt, easy.

Post by **LarsMac** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:12 pm

moonpie;1287969 wrote: I quit smoking on Feb 1, 2010 after about 40-42 years of smoking. I have never tried to quit before, just never wanted to. Last week, I got a "store-brand" patch and my doc gave me some pills that are supposed be just like the cadillac of "anti-smoking aid(s)".

I am quite surpized so far that I am into my 3rd day. My husband can't believe I am going from one end of the spectrum to the other (he never has smoked).

I keep hearing that sometimes it takes many times to actually quit and be done with cigarettes. I am wondering, I am setting myself up to fail at this first time of actually doing it? Anybody on here, actually can claim victory after their first try?

Very curious.

Once you have made up your mind, stick to it.

The one piece of advice I can offer is:

Don't give up those smoke breaks. Just give up the smokes.

many "quitters" will get wrapped up in work or whatever and forget to take a break, then they get stressed, and give in to the need to take a break, by giving in to the urge to smoke, and it calms their nerves but ruins their resolve. They give up and take up smoking again.

So, take a break when you need to, just don't pick up the smoke.

After a year, I got to where I could go out to the smoking area with my old smoking buddies and not smoke, and, more importantly, not get preachy about quitting.

Just watch out for mood swings and such.

You can get rather crabby during the first month or so.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:19 pm

Congratulations:-6

I tried to give it up a few times only because others wanted me to.

When I wanted to do it for "myself" it happened.

Good luck.

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:30 pm

This is all sounding pretty encouraging, thanks all.

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:36 pm

Start walking now. good for your lungs and to keep the waistline in check.

I've not smoked for just over 2 years now, don't even think about it unless someone asks how I'm doing with it. I have a friend who thinks about it everyday and everyday she beats it back.

Stay strong. I'm proud of you already!:-6

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:46 pm

[flopstock]

Stogies right?

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:47 pm

Smoking killed my father.

Smoking is killing my wife before my very eyes.

Smoking will kill my only son in the future.

My entire family wiped out by the Deathsticks.:-5

You have no idea how happy I am for you, Moonpie.:-4

My poor wife has tried everything, pills, patches, gum, cold turkey, even hypnosis! All to no avail. Smoking is more addicting than crack or meth as far as I'm concerned. I'm pulling for you too, Nomad. Life's a miracle....stretch out your time!:o

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:50 pm

It will be a year for me in March, first time i tried. so far so good:guitarist

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:55 pm

I'm so proud of you Moonpie

. I was a heavy smoker and started smoking when I was 13 yrs. old.

I knew that I had to give them up soon and finally did when my best friend died from lung cancer due to smoking. She and I were the last 2 smokers in the school where we taught.

I went home and just threw them across the street and knew I'd never smoke again.

This happened 20 yrs. ago, and I still miss smoking BUT, I will never smoke again for sure. Every once in a blue moon I'll have a little tipper, sweet cigar but don't inhale.

You'll probably have to give up some places you used to go when you were a smoker. It was hard for me to talk on the phone, first cuppa coffee in the morning, local pub, parties and some restaurants were off limits for me for about a year

You can do it if you have the right mindset....I had to go cold turkey and was a b#tch to live with for quite awhile, but I did it and you can too.:-6

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 10:03 pm

moonpie;1287969 wrote: I quit smoking on Feb 1, 2010 after about 40-42 years of smoking. I have never tried to quit before, just never wanted to. Last week, I got a "store-brand" patch and my doc gave me some pills that are supposed be just like the cadillac of "anti-smoking aid(s)".

I am quite surpized so far that I am into my 3rd day. My husband can't believe I am going from one end of the spectrum to the other (he never has smoked).

I keep hearing that sometimes it takes many times to actually quit and be done with cigarettes. I am wondering, I am setting myself up to fail at this first time of actually doing it? Anybody on here, actually can claim victory after their first try?

Very curious.

the patch really is the best...going cold turkey doesn't work, it will for awhile, but its not a long term solution.

I'm so glad you seeked the help of your doctor!:-6

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:06 am

Yes, cold turkey absolutely does work Moonpie. It worked for me, and I haven't smoked in 20 years and never will again. The patch does not always work. My friend had to go back to using the patch 3X and he's still smoking.

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:26 am

I went cold turkey too,, you have to at some point,, you cant use patches etc forever so there comes a time you go cold turkey really... no point in putting it off in my opinion. Thats just my experience though, im sure patches etc have worked for people and it just depends which way is best for you personally. Whicever way you go, as long as you succeed it dont really matter:)

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 7:18 am

The patch is used for three months only. Its the same as the gum, it slowly tapers off the cravings as you need it less.

If you feel the urge Moonpie to have something in your mouth, they also sell fake cigarettes, made of plastic for weening off.

any drug store carries them.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 5:18 pm

Odie;1288084 wrote:

If you feel the urge Moonpie to have something in your mouth, they also sell fake cigarettes, made of plastic for weening off.

any drug store carries them.

That's what pencils are for.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 5:22 pm

Any method will work if you got your mind set on quitting, and don't let anyone talk you out of it.

I am not saying it is easy, but if a weak-willed sap like me can quit smoking, anyone can.

And, I did it 'cold turkey'.

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:01 am

Going on 5th day today, and am feeling pretty good. My whole day is not obsessed around "wanting" a smoke. My mood is actually a littler lighter, and actually feel a little better.

Finish my first round of patches this coming Monday, and am wondering if I can go without, or should I buy another set at least for backup. Most likely will buy for backup and see if I can go without.

I am being unrealistic about or just plain stuipid?

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:07 am

moonpie;1288320 wrote:

I am being unrealistic about or just plain stuipid?

I was thinking more along the lines of "courageous." But remember, the patches help ease the transition, but it still will eventualy come down to "willpower." You must SERIOUSLY WANT to quit, deep in your heart, enough to overcome the cravings.

Good Luck, Kiddo. We're all pulling for you!:yh_clap

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:56 am

moonpie;1288320 wrote: Going on 5th day today, and am feeling pretty good. My whole day is not obsessed around "wanting" a smoke. My mood is actually a littler lighter, and actually feel a little better.

Finish my first round of patches this coming Monday, and am wondering if I can go without, or should I buy another set at least for backup. Most likely will buy for backup and see if I can go without.

I am being unrealistic about or just plain stuipid?

You should really stick to the entire program, the reason you no longer care about smoking is because the patch is putting nicotine into your system for you.

your doctor will ween you off slowly, changing the patches to less and less nicotine.

keep up the good work.:-6

kayleneaussie · Post by **kayleneaussie** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 2:26 pm

congratulations for reaching day 5....keep up the good work.

everyone I know has given up cold Turkey, but you do what suits you...looking forward to hearing how you are doing...I know you can do it.....

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 4:05 am

I read this article in the paper today and thought it was quite interesting.

Cold turkey is the best way to quit smoking - mirror.co.uk

Cold turkey is the best way to quit smoking

*

*

By Emily Cook 10/02/2010

Cigarett

Forget nicotine patches, the best way to give up smoking is by going cold turkey, experts insist.

And scientists say health authorities make quitting sound harder than it is by bombarding people with an array of drug replacement therapies they don't need.

A study found almost three out of four smokers gave up without any help, despite pressure from drugs companies and doctors who offer gums and patches.

Lead researcher Dr Simon Chapman said health authorities and advertisers make quitting sound impossible without the aids, so many folk never bother trying. He added: "Two-thirds to three-quarters of former smokers stop unaided.

"In contrast, the increasing medicalisation of smoking cessation implies that it needs to be pharmacologically mediated.

"Health authorities should emphasis the positive message that the most successful method used by most ex-smokers is unaided cessation."

The study in Sydney found nicotine addicts were being misled about the best way to quit. Dr Chapman said: "The massive decline in smoking before the advent of cessation treatment is often forgotten.

"This decline started following coverage of a 1964 US report.

"Researchers noted that 'per capita consumption likely would have exceeded its actual 1975 value by 20 to 30%' without this decline.

"Other than the first small pack warnings that appeared from 1966 in the USA, this effect occurred without any elements of today's comprehensive approaches to tobacco control.

"Often when the state intervenes to cope with some health-related problems, it is bound to act so as to further commodify health needs."

75% of those who quit for good do so without any need to use patches or gums

Omni_Skittles · Post by **Omni_Skittles** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:03 am

OMG OMG it's day ten... how are you doing i wonder.... It must be easier to quit when others aren't around you smoking... I'm hoping you make it!!!

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 12:43 pm

There has been a couple of really bad days where we have been in a social setting, having a couple of glasses of wine, and I did break down and have a couple of cigs X2 at these different times. But, went directly back to the patch next day(s), but it seems in a way it gets a littler easier, but then when I get a little stressed about work, etc., I really want one then too.

I know that I am on the road to totally giving it up, and I am doing better than anyone or myself for that matter thought I would - so all I can really do is take it a day at a time. I will not beat myself up for those 2 different times of faltering.

Thank you all for your support and good wishes, I really do appreciate it.

kayleneaussie · Post by **kayleneaussie** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 12:56 pm

your doing great....keep up the good work :-6

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:32 pm

well after 40-something years, it's going to be difficult. Just keep trying!

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:53 pm

moonpie;1289435 wrote: There has been a couple of really bad days where we have been in a social setting, having a couple of glasses of wine, and I did break down and have a couple of cigs X2 at these different times. But, went directly back to the patch next day(s), but it seems in a way it gets a littler easier, but then when I get a little stressed about work, etc., I really want one then too.

I know that I am on the road to totally giving it up, and I am doing better than anyone or myself for that matter thought I would - so all I can really do is take it a day at a time. I will not beat myself up for those 2 different times of faltering.

Thank you all for your support and good wishes, I really do appreciate it.

your doing fabulous!

some brownies for a job well done.