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Archive through March 03, 2008

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Jan. 2008 ~ Mar. 2008: Health Center: Who wants to quit smoking with me?: Archive through March 03, 2008 users admin

Author Message
Boberg
Member

10-04-2002

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 7:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Boberg a private message Print Post    
Geri you have already taken a huge leap....you actually want to quit. When I started this journey, I only wanted to want to quit.

Like you many here have tried the gum, the patches, cold turkey, the book, acupuncture, ect. You name it and someone here has tried it.

Be careful, because Slothkitten, Myself, and Pamy are big fans and cheerleaders for the combination of Chantix and "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. This combination has helped several of us.....and we are 'HAPPY NON-SMOKERS".

Look at the chart at the top of this page and you will see our quitters and the method that worked for them. Seamonkey updates it for us periodically....thank you Sea!

I am so looking forward to tommorrow cause I will be able to come here at 5:27pm, central time, and make a big annoucement...(one whole month for me)

Geri, please come here and chat, ask questions, and tell us your journey....this is a warm, friendly and supportive group.

There are no rules, each of us made our own journey, each of us quit our way or are in the process of quitting our own way. Some took Chantix for a week and quit, some took it for weeks or a month and then quit...some longer...each in their own way.

I strongly urge you to get the book...it is not your typical self help book....many of us have found it very helpful and for me it was the one thing that got me past all the mind games that nicotine withdrawal involves. You can smoke while you are reading it...in fact the author encourages you to keep smoking while you read the book...it is the only method of quitting where you get to smoke while you quit.....you will know what I mean when you have finished the book!

Wednesday huh? Yea! be excited, you are considering starting an exciting and freeing journey. The FEAR you feel or may feel....is very normal....the book will help with that, the Chantix will help with the anxiety an withdrawal symptoms.

Post here as often as you like, many of us check here at least daily....there are a lot of long time quitters here and they have a lot of good support and advice...Chilli, Dahli, Juju, Retired, Holly, Lumbele, Urgrace, and several others.

Glad to have you here Geri!

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 9:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Yay Geri!!!

You have made the biggest step already, really really wanting to quit. That is the biggest hurdle.

Talk to your doc about that Nicorette gum. I think I have read here that others have said you are not supposed to use a nicotine substitute when you are taking Chantix. It appears that the Chantix works in some other fashion than the nicotine substitutes, which was all that was available when many of us quit and probably when you quit or cut down before.

Goddessatlaw, maybe you ought to get that book even now. I think the reason you are still having a hard time and missing it so much is you never did get your head quite right. You are still thinking in terms of a lost friend. "cigarettes give you something to look forward to, a break from pressure, and a relaxing feeling." That is a big fat lie. Cigarettes ease the junkie's withdrawal symptoms. That is all they do. You wouldn't be HAVING the withdrawal symptoms if you weren't a junkie. The next hit of crack gives the crack addict something to look forward to as well. It also gives the addict a break from pressure and a relaxing feeling. That's what addiction is all about, keeping those withdrawal symptoms at bay.

Don't feel sorry for that young girl. It is a whole lot easier for her than it has been for you. She has been alive fewer years than you were an active addict. Think of all the MONEY she will have to spend on worthwhile things like food and shelter if she is not blowing it on crack smoke.

Retired
Member

07-11-2001

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 11:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Retired a private message Print Post    
Yay Geri for even thinking about quitting. You can do it!! Get the Chantix and the book.

Congrats Boberg on ONE MONTH!!!

Congrats SK on 3 weeks!!!

And congrats to everyone else who has quit or is thinking of quitting.



Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 1:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
I can barely breathe today and my body hurts so bad but wanted to pop in and let ya all know I am here to cheer everyone on....will respond to posts more later

GAL, I agree with Juju..get the book...it isnt fair that you are the inspiration for my quit and you dont feel as happy as I do! the book is the key!

YAH Geri!

at first I was bummed the flu went into brochitus..I thougth WTH!? I am a non smoker now but its only been 3 mo...I am hoping this is the last time I get it this bad though.

Thank God I am a nonsmoker
xoxoxoxoo to all my friends here.

Geri
Member

07-08-2003

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 1:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Geri a private message Print Post    
You all are making me think that this is possible and something I can do.

I am going to start the nicorette gum on monday, i am one of those it's the beginning of the week, time to start something people. If I wait until I see the doctor, that is another whole week of smoking.

I also have relatives coming in on Friday and Saturday and I thought having a sorta smoke free house would be a lot nicer for them. Further incentive to stop.

Having you in my corner will really help. better a keyboard at my fingertips than a cigarette.

Slothkitten
Member

09-16-2003

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 3:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Slothkitten a private message Print Post    
Geri, way to go for even considering ending this addiction to ciggys ! So many great posts with advice from A-Z, something for everybody ! I read you have smoked for 40 yrs, wow, another longtime smoker like so many of us. It's possible, Geri ! Good luck on your trip down quitting lane.

Pamy, aw on you being sick, this winter has just infected everybody . Hope you are feeling better really soon, being a sick is just the pits. Heh, I remember the space suit now, Pamy !

Boberg, ONE MONTH !!!!! You should be so proud of how you are doing and how you have done.


Hi Retired, Lumbele and Juju, nonsmoking allstars .

I've got extra work and vacation and will be off the board for a couple weeks, can't wait to read when I get back. 3 weeks here of no cigs.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Saturday, March 01, 2008 - 6:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Yay Boberg on one month!!!

Yay Slothkitten three weeks!!!

Geri
Member

07-08-2003

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 7:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Geri a private message Print Post    
Congrats to Boberg and Slothkitten. I am envious!!!

I was all set to run to my local Borders and buy the book so I could read it today. They don't have it in stock so I will order it from Amazon.

I still want to start not smoking tomorrow so I want to know if reading this after I have started to quit will still be as effective. It sounds like some of you have used this book to get over the rough spots (like the first time the euphoria of quitting isn't enough to stop the cravings).

Am I correct in assuming that this book is for way more than just the initial quitting?

(you guys are the greatest, I feel really inspired and not dreading the effort to quit as much as I thought I would.)

Boberg
Member

10-04-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 11:13 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Boberg a private message Print Post    
Geri,

For me, smoking while reading was helpful....I took about a week to read the book....during that week, each time I lit up I was very aware, aware of what I was feeling, aware of how I felt while smoking, aware of what I felt just before and just after. It helped me to acknowledge for myself that what I was reading in the book was true and real....at least for me.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: "The most pathetic aspect about smoking is that the enjoyment that the smoker gets from a cigarette is the pleasure of trying to get back to the state of peace, tranquility, and confidence that his body had before he became hooked in the first place."

Why do you smoke? "Pleasure? Enjoyment? A prop? A boost? ALL ARE ILLUSIONS. It is only the relief you get from feeding the beast that enslaves you."

What do you give up when you quit smoking? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Because the only reason you smoked in the first place was to relief the withdrawal pangs.

Geri when you get and read the book you will have a full understanding of the above and that knowledge will (at least it did me) help you tremendously in your quit.

So it is totally up to you whether you quit tommorrow or whenever....I just worry about you quitting totally without the tools that many of us found helpful.....but others here have done it and been very successful....

What ever you decide, we are here to support you!

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 11:38 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Geri, if you are going to stop smoking tomorrow, save your money and don't get the Chantix. Chantix is to take while you are still smoking to wean you off the cigs. No point in taking it after you quit.

Last night we went to friends' that are both smokers. I came home smelling like an ashtray and I couldn't wait to get my clothes off. That smell is so strong after you quit! But I didn't smoke and that's the important thing. I so wish they would quit smoking.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 2:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
I am still weak from this bronchitus...feel better today....another plus of being nonsmoker...I think I am recovering faster from this than if I still smoked!!

YAH!! YIPEEEE I am a nonsmoker!!!

Geri, I read the book 4 yrs ago and it totally made sense but I still didnt quit...taking the chantix was key to my physical quit!!! BUT I believe the book (even being 4 yrs old in my head)was the key to my mental quit!!!

recently I gave the book to someone to read and I read some of it again before I gave it and I swear I wanted to hit myself in the head!! How stupid was I for not quitting 4 yrs ago ??!!!

thank God for Chantix, it was the confidence I needed.

best part about book and chantix...you STILL smoke while doing them....that takes that inital fear of losing your bff away. soon you will learn that cigs arent your bff but are your devil/WHAMMY!

Geri, I wouldnt take the patch...it still keeeps nicotine in your system, the book even says not to use subs ...get on chantix and read book...that will work

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 2:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
YAH BOBERG ONE WHOLE FREAKING MONTH!!!!!!

YOU ROCK!!!!

YAH SK!!! 3 WHOLE FREAKIN WEEKS!!!

YOU ROCK!!!!

thanks to everyone for keeping this thread rocking!

xoxoxoxoxoo

Geri
Member

07-08-2003

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 2:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Geri a private message Print Post    
Pamy, thanks for the info on the book. This is the third attempt at quitting for good. I had success physically both times with the gum and the inhaler.

I am going to get the book even if I quit before I read it because you and others here have endorsed it so much and I think it will really help with the backsliding.

My only hesitation about chantix is that I hate to take meds and already take several things on a regular basis (getting old is a pain but much better than the alternative)

I have my 5# box of twizzlers and am looking forward to being able to work out at a harder pace since my lung capacity and heart rate will settle down. Now when I exercise, I hit the recommended rate without much effort. Although I have gained 20 pounds in the last 6 months, I am not worried about gaining much more when I quit. And I know the house will be cleaner since sitting around and smoking won't be an option.

I am really excited about this. I am going to win this time.

Take care of yourself. Being sick is no fun but overdoing it and being sick longer is worse. (nag, nag, nag)

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 3:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
Geri, I have fibromyalgia and take a few meds, Chantix didnt interfere with any of them. Your doc wouldnt perscribe it if he thought it would be a problem.

the book will help you to not 'backslide'

thanks for the nagging!!! lol sometimes one needs to hear that its ok not to over do it! :-)

hey gang!!! did we ever find out if Carr wrote a book for weight loss??? I had to weigh at dr office on Fri....I havent been this fat except when preggers.......I need to lose weight asap

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 4:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Geri, I take 23 prescription pills a day and my doctor gave me a script for the Chantix. It doesn't interfere with any other drugs.

Pamy, I'm heavier than I've ever been including when pregnant. I have gained about 50 lbs since quitting the first time about a year ago. It really sucks, but I keep eating everytime I want a smoke. I have to stop doing that. I'm glad you are getting over your flu fast. YAAAAA for non-smokers!!!!

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 5:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
I dont want ppl to think quitting made me as big as I am today cuz before I quit I was bigger than I ever have been, I really only gained 7 lbs since quitting smokin but that 7 pushed me to 150...seeing that lever have to move over to 150 freaked me out when I was preggers and it TOTALLY freaked me out on fri!!!!

I dont find things tasting better, I dont find I eat instead of smoke, I actually have more energy so hoping my new healthier eating habits and moving more (after I am well from this bronchitus) will make a difference.

didnt want to discourage ppl to quit thinking they would gain 100s of lbs

Twinkie, you will lose that weight, main thing is you are healthy and will be able to excercise/or just plain ole walk! easier....I know I will :-)

and dang Twinkles! 23??? I thought i was bad but I only take about 5 plus the Corvalen/Calm supplement (which totally rocks!)

Twinkie
Member

09-24-2002

Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 6:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twinkie a private message Print Post    
Pamy, I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Besides all the pills, I also shoot insulin twice a day. I am sooo not healthy. LOL

Geri
Member

07-08-2003

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 6:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Geri a private message Print Post    
Twinkie, that is a lot of pills! When did you find time to smoke?

Twink, can you change to healthier lower calorie foods if you are snacking?

Boberg
Member

10-04-2002

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 7:31 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Boberg a private message Print Post    
Pamy what is "Corvalen/Calm supplement"?

(((Twinkie))) girl I checked your profile....you would so fit right into my family....my sister and I both used to have that beautiful red hair, freckels, and fair skin. As I have gotten older, the red has become more brown....well it would like to be brown but because of Ms. Clairol it is still red...lol I figure I put up with so much teasing and ridicule when I was young because of the red hair....(you remember the horrible jokes and rhymes) that now, today, when red is finally in dad burn it I deserve to have red hair!

Twinkie I deal with a lot of Diabetes related issues in my workplace. Of all the diagnosis, diabetes is the most common secondary diagnosis of all patients in ICU. I'll try to keep it brief, but diabetes is an insidious disease...it slowly eats away at everything, tissue, kidneys, eyes, heart muscle, all blood carrying vessels. Please take care of yourself....do you know that just losing 10% of your body weight would probably make a huge improvement in your health...specifically in your hypertension and diabetes. Keeping your diabetes under control....very good control....is more important than the smoking....diabetes will take your health from you much faster than the smoking and it is very sneaky about it.

I do not mean to preach, I just truly care and see so many with heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, circulation problems...ect....ALL caused by diabetes. And yet the medical community has not made it our #1 goal to educate about the dangers of diabetes....people tend to think they can take some pills or insulin injections and be ok. It is not true and the sad thing is...every time your body has to release insulin to bring down your blood sugar, or you inject insulin to control and bring down your blood sugar....the insulin tells your body to "store fat".! It is a vicous cycle.

And the fact is, things are getting worse...look at the obesity rate of our children today....with a direct increase in our rate of diabetes among children....that is why their life span is projected to be shorter than their parents....YET no one in the medical field is jumping up and down screaming about this.........yet the dangers of smoking are every where!

Political correctness is killing people...we have to start telling the cold, hard, honest truth to people, especially parents.. they have to start by setting a good example, they have to start being parents and stop letting Johnny eat whatever he wants because that is what is easy.

I will get off my soap box now.

Boberg
Member

10-04-2002

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 7:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Boberg a private message Print Post    
Geri, how is it going so far today being a non-smoker? Feel free to pop in here anytime and rant...we all did...lol

Were you able to get the book ordered at Amazon?

Geri
Member

07-08-2003

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 10:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Geri a private message Print Post    
Hi Bo, well, haven't smoked yet today and it has been interesting. I seem to be stronger mentally than physically. The nicorette is helping so I am not a nervous wreck. I keep telling myself to stay calm.

I didn't hit any real triggers until I sat down after lunch, turned on the computer and realized there was no ashtray beside me and no cigarettes either.

Thanks for asking. I never thought support was an important factor but you guys have all been so supportive that I don't want to let you down in addition to myself.

Right now it is one hour at a time and soon one day and then one week, etc. etc etc

Nickovtyme
Member

07-29-2004

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 11:18 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Nickovtyme a private message Print Post    
I'm at it again...smoked my last one at 9:30 pm last nigt.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 1:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Good work, Geri. If you have to go minute to minute, do it. Anything to keep from lighting up.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 2:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
Bo, Corvalen is a dietary supplement, it is a powder you mix in water or on yogurt, it helps with energy and fatigue and is good for your heart. The calm is a magnesium supplement that helps that corvalen work better. I have fibro and that mix has helped me feel so much better. You dont have to have fibro to take it...it will make anyone feel great! www.Corvalen.com you can order Calm and Corvalen at www.Needs.com

SK, enjoy your vacation!!!! you are gonna love going on vacation as a nonsmoker!!

wow Twinkie I had no idea, this will be your year to feel better!!! You started on the right track and I know you will keep getting better :-)

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Monday, March 03, 2008 - 2:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
Geri, good luck today! I agree with Juju...minute by minute will become day by day and then week by week!

Nick, are you still taking Chantix?? Hang in there, you can do it!