I need support!

[Jodie]

I know this subject is taboo..however, I need support! I have not had a cigarette in 32 hours. I am so sorry I even started this horrible, disgusting habit. I have stopped several times…always going back for different reasons that don't make any sense. Anyway, I received an e-mail from my old friend on Friday. She told me that a mutual friend (my age) passed away from a stroke (directly related to her smoking). Scared me quite a bit. Anyway, I haven't had a cigarette since reading that e-mail. Any past smokers out there who can offer me some advise how to get thru this. I am not using the patch...cold turkey.
Thanks alot.
Jodie:)

[BasenjiDiva]

Fantastic….way to go!! I quit cold turkey a number of years ago and the only advice I can give it to think of it one day at a time or, if necessary, one hour at a time. "I will not smoke for one hour".......and then renew the commitment at the end of that hour. And shake up your routine a bit when it comes to doing things that you associate with having a cigarette. For instance, I had a BIG connection between my first cup of coffee in the morning and a cigarette. That was one of my biggest temptation times. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a real solution to that one and just had to gut it through. I had the added incentive of being pregnant at the time. It turned out to be a good thing that I quit when I did because my next child had severe asthma and smoke was one of the triggers. Someone I know had to keep a pack hidden in the house as a psychological crutch. She felt better knowing that it was there and she did successfully quit cold-turkey. I don't have the best self-control and I could not have had a pack in the house. I had to know that I'd have to get in the car and go and buy a pack! Another friend kept putting aside the money that she would have spent on cigarettes and then she rewarded herself with a "congratulations" gift.

What a wonderful gift it would be to your friend's memory - to give up smoking in her name.
Keeping fingers crossed for you and sending support your way...

Pat

[Jodie]

Pat-

Thank you, thank you for your support. I have been thinking "one hour at a time". Of course, as you said, it is difficult when you are doing things associated with smoking. I am trying to breathe alot (ha, ha) and trying my best to keep myself very busy. My house is becoming very clean! I can literally feel myself going thru withdrawal…does that make sense? I have been chewing on a straw, chewing lots of gum. I just hope as each day goes on... it gets easier. And yes, it would be great to do this in Maureen's memory! That should be incentive enough!
Jodie:)

[WBL]

Activities that will keep you really busy will help also, it helps to keep you from not thinking about it. Withdrawls really sux and the first 48hrs are the worst

[Jodie]

I didn't realize how much this was affecting me. I can't even count! When I first posted it was 10:30 AM and I stated that I had not had a cigarette in 32 hours. It actually was longer…41 1/2 hours. Four and 1/2 hours more to go and I will have made it to the 48 hour mark! Yeah for me! There is literally nothing left of this straw I have been chewing and I have no laundry left!
Jodie:)

[elena86]

I've never been a smoker, but I'm a dental hygienist, and we're always encouraging our patients to quit smoking or using tobacco products. The first 48 hours are definitely the worst, since that's how long it takes your body to clear the nicotine. After going through that chemical withdrawl period, most of your cravings will probably be triggered by things you normally associate with smoking.(psychological addiction) Sometimes, it helps to pop a Tic-Tac or something with a strong mint or cinnamon flavor until you get "over the hump". There are also some pressure points on the earlobes that you can squeeze to help with the cravings. The main thing is to steer youself away from some of the behaviors that would have you reaching for a cigarette. Good luck!

[MacPack]

Good for you, I know you can do it! Now that your house is clean and all your laundry done, it may be time to take the dog for a walk, weather permitting. Try a different path, or your regular route backwards. Getting out of the house for a bit of exercise will help a bit. You have been through what is the worst for most people, now just change a few habits so you can keep it up. One hour at a time….......

Anne in Tampa

[Jodie]

Thanks for all your support. It has been difficult. Almost at the 48 hour point. Someone told me a disgusting thing to do if I have the urge for a cigarette. It was told to a senior adult by her doctor. Here goes…hold your stomachs...mix cigarette butts with water. Everytime you reach for a cigarette, take a sip of that disgusting water. Just the thought of that discourages me from smoking. I hate to admit it...I miss it. I know I am doing a smart thing for me and my family. Hopefully, these cravings and desires will get less and less. Now, I will take Lillie for a long walk!
Thanks again,
Jodie:)

[Quercus]

Hang in there Jodie! You are doing a great thing for you, and your family! Everyone will appreciate it, and you will live a longer, healthier life!

You got my support!!!

[dmcarty]

Good job - keep it up - and if you fall - stop again if you are strong enough to deal with a basenji - you are strong enough to overcome this.

You might find that Pilates or Yoga might be useful tools as well.

[Punky]

Great for you for trying to quit. If cold turkey doesn't work, don't get discouraged. I had to take Zyban and use cigarettes with decreasing level of nicotine to quit, I think they were a brand called Quest. It has been almost 5 years and I still want a cigarette sometimes. Hang in there.

[dash]

I know you have heard a ton of stories why it is a good idea to quit smoking but one more certainly can't hurt. One of my friends sisters was a smoker. She had 4 kids and was pregnant with her 5th when she found out she had lung cancer. She thought she just had pneumonia. Anyway, the baby had to be delivered early and she died 2 weeks after being diagnosed. She was 33. If that isn't good enough reason I can't imagine what could be.

[Jodie]

Thank you again for all your support. Jennifer-I am so sorry for your sister's friends family. The thing is I know how bad smoking is. My father died of a heart attack at the age of 50. It's such an addictive habit and for so many years I have used my stressful life as an excuse for smoking. Now that I am getting older (and not that far from my father's age when he passed away)…I think all these horror stories are starting to sink in. As you know, my son has autism and I need to be here for him. I need to make sure his life is in order. I need to do alot of things. Sorry, I know I should get off my soap box. I am very proud of myself. I hate to fail and I believe that is why it took me so long to quit. I am determined (in my father and friend's memory and especially for my son) to stick this out. I appreciate all your support and advise. Thanks again.
Jodie:)

[renaultf1]

Hi Jodie…
Congratulations on quitting. It will be the best thing that you ever did...for yourself and your loved ones! I think it is fantastic that you are tackling it. It will be hard, but soooo worth it. I've never been a smoker, but my mother was and died of lung cancer.

My brother quit cold turkey this time last year and just marked his one year anniversary of being smoke free...he had smoked heavily for 29 years. He had a carton of cigarettes he had just purchased before he decided to quit. He gave me the carton and each week that went by I would throw a pack in the woodstove...

Kim

[Tayda_Lenny]

Hi Jodie… We're all here to support you! Keep up the will power! You CAN do it!

[Basenji_Boy]

Jodie, my wife, myself and two son's all quit on Oct 1st and are holding up good so far. We did the patches for a week or so, but nothing since. We all eat a little more junk food than before, but other than that!:D
Keep it up, take the money you where spending on smokes and spend it on something for yourself. Good luck, you're not alone.:D

[renaultf1]

@Basenji_Boy:

Jodie, my wife, myself and two son's all quit on Oct 1st and are holding up good so far. We did the patches for a week or so, but nothing since. We all eat a little more junk food than before, but other than that!:D
Keep it up, take the money you where spending on smokes and spend it on something for yourself. Good luck, you're not alone.:D

B_Boy…OMG, Congratulations!!!! That is fantastic and great that the whole family is in it together. Good for you guys!!!

[Basenji_Boy]

@renaultf1:

B_Boy…OMG, Congratulations!!!! That is fantastic and great that the whole family is in it together. Good for you guys!!!

Thanks, We now have a "smoke free" household.:)

[Jodie]

Congrats Basenji Boy to you and your family on your accomplishment. I can't wait until I can say that I have been smoke-free for 3 months!

I just figured it out…I smoked 1/2 pack of cigarettes a day. At $ 8.00 a pack...I will be $ 1700.00 richer in a year. I can buy lots of goodies for myself!:D

Today was alot easier than I thought it would be. Who knows about tomorrow? Thankfully, I have alot of bags of the 100 calorie Nabisco chocolate chip cookies. I am taking it one day at a time. That's the best I can do!

Thanks to everyone!

Jodie:)

[Basenji_Boy]

@Jodie:

I just figured it out…I smoked 1/2 pack of cigarettes a day. At $ 8.00 a pack...I will be $ 1700.00 richer in a year. I can buy lots of goodies for myself!:D

That's the way! Everyone needs a little motivation…..that's the logic that worked for me!

Good luck Jodie!