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Archive through August 20, 2007

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Jul. 2007 ~ Sept. 2007: Health Center (ARCHIVES): Who wants to quit smoking with me? (ARCHIVES): Archive through August 20, 2007 users admin

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Retired
Member

07-11-2001

Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 9:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Retired a private message Print Post    
Good luck Mictay!!!!

Mictay
Member

09-29-2006

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 3:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mictay a private message Print Post    
Well I haven't started the patches yet,not sure what i'm waiting for,I guess I just haven't had the mind set for it yet.I know it's just an excuse.It's going to happen soon though.It's so hard,I took the first step and decided that I wanted to quit and got the patches,now I have to just do it.

Retired
Member

07-11-2001

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 7:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Retired a private message Print Post    
You CAN do it. Good luck!

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 7:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
I know exactly how you are feeling, Mictay. You will do it when you can. It is scary as hell, but you WILL do it.

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 8:00 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Mictay, my patches warmed a shelf in my cabinets for about 6 months before I actually slapped one on my arm. We just need to do it in our own time. No pressure. You'll know when you are ready.

Mictay
Member

09-29-2006

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 8:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mictay a private message Print Post    
Thanks for the support,I'm trying to at least cut down for the time being,my bf suggested maybe try and smoke one an hour and see how that goes,so i'm trying that.It's funny when I go shopping with my grandmother,I don't even bring my cigs,and we can be out for hours and it don't even bother me,but the minute I get home I light up.

Lawrie
Member

08-03-2002

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 11:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lawrie a private message Print Post    
I had patches sitting in my cupboard for so long I had almost forgotten they were there. One morning I woke up, smoked two cigarettes, and for some reason decided to slap on a patch. I then googled and found www.quitnet.com - a great resource for me. That was 17 months ago. I sometimes wish that I had done it a lot sooner - but I didn't! Once I got started, it seemed that it wasn't really as scary as I had thought it would be.

Retired
Member

07-11-2001

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 2:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Retired a private message Print Post    
Yay Lawrie!!! Keep up the good work.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 4:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Yay Lawrie!!!

Oldtex
Member

03-06-2006

Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 8:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Oldtex a private message Print Post    
OK, you don't know how hard this is for me (or maybe you do). I want, and need, to know just where do I begin to actually stop smoking.

I don't need any lectures or "ata girl, you can do it". I need to know where to begin! Does this make any sense?

Since Wednesday, I've had that crude that's going around. Kind of like the flu...maybe it is the flu. I know I need to quit smoking, I only wish that I really, really wanted to quit. Sounds crazy to anyone that's never been there.

It's 11:l0 pm here and I have 3 cigs left. BTW, I live out in the country and can't just drive to a local convenience store to pick up a pack. So I'm thinking that making things harder on me will help. And since DH wants me to quit BIG TIME, he would think I'm a lost cause if I got in the car to drive 15 or so miles at this time of night for smokes.

I do have a box of Commit lozenges, but have never tried even one. There is something in the instructions that says not to have anything to drink 30 mins. before or after you suck one of these up? Hey, I get thirsty.

Now I've gone and done it and made what sounds like a fool out of myself. Do I want to quit? Yes, but I wish I wanted to quit a lot more than I really do.

Would like to know if any has had any luck or experience with the lozenges? Someone gave them to me, so at the moment that's all I have.

Thanks for letting me ramble. It did keep my hands busy.

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 8:38 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Make up some carrot sticks and celery sticks so you can munch on something. It also helps with missing that hand to mouth reflex. If you have any gum in the house try that. Keep busy until you are ready to pass out asleep. Brush your teeth often, too. Those are the best tips I can think of right now.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 8:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Oldtex, I left a note for you in your folder. Hope it helps.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 9:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Grace, those are excellent tips. Maybe you should post them in this thread for posterity? I think there are people who lurk here, hoping to get inspired or work up their courage, or whatnot.

And excellent tips, Twinkie!

Actually, Oldtex, everybody who reads or posts in this thread knows exactly what you mean. You know you HAVE to do it, and you damn well better do it before you die, but what if you die of the stress of having to give up your very best friend in the whole world? MsNicotine, who is always there for you.

Quitting because you are disgusted with the crud is an excellent time and reason to quit. Believe me, it never disappears, and it just keeps getting worse. I mean, you will get it again and again in the future, not that it will never go away this time. Not sure how long you have been reading here, and I wrote it recently, but I used to get a cold or flu or bronchitis, the lung crud, several times a year, and it was very debilitating. I couldn't go to work, could barely function, okay couldn't function, just slept it off for a week. Now I rarely even get a cold, and if I do, it is just like other people's colds, lasts a few days and is gone. Huh!! Who knew? I wasn't "special." I was cigarette-damaged.

Okay, you already know you can't quit because your husband wants you to. So, if you have to give up and go into town and get cigs, go ahead and do it. However, now, with three measly cigs left, now is the time to go for the gold. LOL.

BUT, you have the lozenges to get you through the night! They should actually work to take away the physical withdrawal symptoms. Somebody here quit with the lozenges. And somebody else was quitting at the same time, and was using gum. The (nicotine) gum worked for one and the lozenges for the other, and they traded with each other. It was actually kind of cute.

I think it might have been Halfunit who used the lozenges. I will go roust her. Be right back. Done.

And the patch worked for me. And nowadays, they are also talking about anti-depressants that help too. Lord knows, I was sure depressed. I think I cried the entire first day. LOL, it's funny now, wasn't so funny then.

I don't know if you now have other major health issues or not. If you don't, then you can try this stuff that is no longer prescription, the lozenges, gum, patches. If you do have health issues, maybe you better do the quitting under the supervision of a doctor. And I mean like try to see one tomorrow, okay, today for you. Do it while you are still semi-inspired, before your best friend has time to work her magic on you.

Oh, and feel free to type here all night long if you want. Other people have. Really, they did in the early days. Basically, everybody here knows that it is whatever gets you through the night or from day to day. Who knows, you might inspire somebody to try quitting with you.

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 10:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Oldtex, I've heard great things about Chantix, which are pills prescribed by the doctor, and I'm taking them now and should be ready to quit again in a week. I went cold turkey the first time and it was hard as hell. Oh, and I cried the first 3 days I quit.

Ginger1218
Member

08-31-2001

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 3:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ginger1218 a private message Print Post    
Oldtex, first thing is throw away those 3 cigarettes, they are going to torture you. Second thing, and I will tell you this from experience. I used to smoke over 3 packs a day. I was an animal smoker, would not go anywhere where I could not smoke. I stopped 12 years ago cold turkey. They thing that you can do to help yourself is (now this is not easy) but sort of hypnotize yourself into not focusing on it. I found that if I focused on it, it was like torture. But if I focused on other things, it was bearable. Every time I had an intense craving, I would take a deep breath and it would go away. It is 12 years and I still get strong urges almost every day. But ----- I know that if I take 1 drag, I am done, I will start smoking again. I am an addict.
So, good luck, and remember, just try and put the focus on something else. The physical part is 3 days. The psyhological, well .....

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 4:07 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Oldtex, different strokes for different folks. For me it was the combo of Zyban and patches, as well as a determination that I didn't have during all the previous test runs to quit smoking.

Spending an awful lot of time on the computer also helped, a. because dh (and at that time it was *not* "dear") didn't allow smoking in the computer room, and b. because it kept my hands and mind occupied. Time passes so quickly when you are surfing.
I just got back from 4 months without a computer and let me tell ya, when things got stressful, even after almost 3 years, I still wanted to cross the street to one of those plentiful cig dispensers. That's when I realised how much the computer had been helping to keep me on the straight and smokefree. First purchase when I returned? A laptop computer and a matching travel case. This is not going to happen to me again!!!!

Anything that distracts you from reaching for that cig pack. Drinking lots of water helped me as well. However, I made one big mistake by substituting cigs with Werther's Originals. Those slid straight down to my midriff.

Exercising is another good aid. During those initial times, I also occupied myself with small household chores, cleaning up drawers, shelves etc., nothing huge and stressful, just little jobs that would bridge the time for the nicotine urge to pass.

As the others can tell you, I also came in here a lot to whine and gripe. They listened, gave me the needed "there-theres" and encouraged me to hang tough.

Good luck in your endeavour, and do whatever you figure out works for *you*.

Oldtex
Member

03-06-2006

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 4:58 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Oldtex a private message Print Post    
Oh Wow! You guys are really encouraging and did offer some good tips and I truly appreciate the response. I really, really mean that.

I actually did pretty good last night (for me) and only smoked one...then I woke up at 3:00 am, could not get back to sleep...watched TV...tried to get back to sleep...no luck. Finally broke down and smoked one at around 5:00 am. I'm just pitiful!

Around 6:30 got dressed, slapped on some lipstick and blush (in case I ran into anyone I knew LOL) and drove to the little town nearest me. Don't really know what time their local convenience store opened, but got a cup of their coffee (it was really good coffee) and I guess you know the rest of the story.

I'm one that usually buys by the carton at a discount store. I only bought one (1) pack. I know, one pack too many, but I guess I'm just not yet ready. That's what is so hard for me...deciding to quit! How do I do that? I have a lot of work to do on myself and I'm really and truly glad I can came here and let it all out.

All of your support is appreciated and welcomed.

Does "cutting back" count? I think today that's the best I can do.

I will try and keep you updated. Just don't give up on me, please.

Lawrie
Member

08-03-2002

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 5:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lawrie a private message Print Post    
Some great suggestions here! It can be a very personal experience. For example, I used patches but have heard from several people that have had problems with them. One thing that helped me a lot was signing up at www.quitnet.com. There are some resources there but also a forum for fellow "quitters". I went there every single morning for the first six months and pledged to not smoke that day. After almost 1.5 years, I still get a monthly email from them! Remember to take care of yourself.
Joyce

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 6:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Oldtex, of course cutting back counts. Every step closer to quitting is a big help. And cutting back will help your lungs too.

Oldtex
Member

03-06-2006

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 8:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Oldtex a private message Print Post    
Thanks Twinkie. I guess every bit of encouragement actually does help me.

Twinkie, I've been reading your posts here when you quit first and you are one of the main reasons I took the tiny step towards trying to quit. May I ask, how does the Chantix make you feel physically and mentally? Don't answer that if you are not comfortable by my asking. OK?

Several years ago I did try Zyban and after the first and only pill I took, I felt really "goofy" and druged. But I'll try and look up some info on Chantix.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 8:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
It absolutely works, Oldtex. I did that for a while before putting them down for good. It got to the point where I discovered that just one in the evening was all I craved (crazy huh?), but I'm not suggesting that is your way of doing things. It is just figuring out if you can drink a glass of water instead of smoking just one cig, or putting it off for as long as you can. Finding a substitute for your hands to do and to keep your mind off of it is best figured out by you.

Juju suggested that I post this here:

Something to calm your reflux type cough. I had that when I quit smoking, too. Try these:

Don't lie down. Put several pillows under the upper portion of your body to relax in a more sitting up position.

Eat a banana. Bananas soothe the stomach and counteract the acids that can cause an upset stomach (and that nagging ciggy cough). They are also easily digested and can help ease diarrhea.

Or:
Drink a mixture of 1/2 tsp. of baking soda stirred well and dissolved in a 1/2 glass of water to relieve you. Drink the mixture quickly and repeat two hours later, if needed. Adults under 60 can safely do this up to seven times in one 24-hour period.

Or:
Relax. Take a warm bath, lie down with your upper body elevated and listen to calming music or curl up with a good book. Let go of stress in a way that works for you.

What have you done in the past when you didn't have a cig in your hand? Were you writing, typing, crocheting, cleaning, walking the dog, etc? Sometimes doing something familiar is the best thing to keep your mind off of the gesture. Toothpicks, straws, carrots, gum, something to gnaw on once in a while helps too. My sis started nibbling on ice chips. Oh, brushing your teeth helps in several ways. Keeps the hands and mouth busy and refreshes your breath!

Retired
Member

07-11-2001

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 11:17 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Retired a private message Print Post    
Good luck all whether you are a new quitter, an old quitter, or thinking about quitting. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself when and if you do quit.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 11:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Yes, cutting back counts because it might get you to where you realize you are actually going to live without the smokes. I managed to get down to seven a day, all smoked at night and not in the house. And I was in San Francisco where it is cold and rains a lot in the winter and I would often ask myself why I was still doing this silly shit, outside in the cold and dark. (this was after I had already quit with the patch and started back up again) And then one day I took a really long airplane ride and was going to have to be smoking outside in the cold in a foreign country and I just quit doing that silly shit.

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 1:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Oldtex, I can't tell I'm taking the Chantix. Its like taking a vitamin each day. I feel no different. But I'm not enjoying smoking nearly as much and will quit again soon.

Halfunit
Moderator

09-02-2001

Monday, August 20, 2007 - 7:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Halfunit a private message Print Post    
Ok, I've been rousted!

Oldtex, you aren't pitiful, you are contemplating breaking up the strongest relationship you've ever had. It ain't easy, but you can give it the boot. When you're ready.

I used Commit and didn't read the directions. Or if I read them, I didn't follow them, lol. One thing is they lasted much longer than I thought they would. I didn't eat while I was lozenging, but I think I would sip water. You put the lozenge between cheek and gum so it's quite easy to sip some water. I don't think I'd drink anything carbonated as that may be like dropping a mint into a bottle of cola.

FFFIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ


Try this. Throughout the course of a day, try a lozenge. They are just sitting there, right? 2pm tomorrow, pop one in and see if it curbs your urge.

What do you have to lose but your lighter? :-)


Oh, and Juju - you are certainly on the shit kick today!