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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 2:38 pm
{{{Boberg}}} I'm just a cheerleader here, but I'm betting you'll get some good feedback. I'm guessing it is like why I put off starting back on a good diet/exercise, because I'm afraid I'll fail.. of course then I make myself fail by not starting. Congrats on getting the Chantix! You have a ton of excellent reasons, too. ETA, and the Chantix seems to be helping people to succeed at a great rate!
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 3:07 pm
Boberg, I'm not an ex-smoker, but I imagine the fear is a personal thing. It could be that smoking for you, like a lot of people, helps manage an anxious personality. If that's the case, you would do well to learn some other healthier ways to do that - like yogic breathing, a walk around the block, a personal mantra, relaxation tapes or meditation. It could also be that you are anticipating the moments that will be dificult, and some part of you is not convinced that you can handle that discomfort. But relax - you CAN do it! And with the Chantix working on the cravings and physical addiction, it will be much easier than doing it without that help. Other than that, you can try "talking" to your fear (in your head or aloud, or by journaling) to get a handle on what particular fears you have. The thing about fear is that once we shine light on exactly what is we are fearful about, the less fearful we become. Good luck, I know you can do it!
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Halfunit
Moderator
09-02-2001
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 6:11 pm
Boberg, it's scary because, as Juju will tell you, cigarettes are your friend. You think they are your friend, and you are ending the relationship with that friend. But the truth is, cigarettes are not your friend. They play mind games with you and are trying to kill you. The one thing that Juju posted here, that I will never ever forget is that we reach for a cigarette in stressful times, yet after we smoke, that stressful situation is still there. The cigarette did not make it go away, and it took time off of our life. What a raw deal. It's ok to feel scared to let that "friend" go! Don't worry about being scared to post here though. Through good times and bad, you'll run into someone who understands. Congrats to everyone!!!!!!!!
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Boberg
Member
10-04-2002
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 6:57 pm
"It could also be that you are anticipating the moments that will be dificult, and some part of you is not convinced that you can handle that discomfort." Karuuna that really touches me and made me think of the first time I remember really feeling like a failure....you definetly may have something there and I will have to continue thinking on that. Sea thanks for the hug and you also touched on the fear of failure. After thinking about this for awhile I have decided to remember that TRYING is not failure. And this time I not only want to TRY, I want to succeed...like someone above said, I want to become a HAPPY non-smoker. Halfunit, yes cigs have seemed like my friend. When I get really stressed I run to have one, or two while I think the situation over in my head. I will need to find an alternative. I read the story on one lady who quit after 40 years and she said one thing that really helped her was she would get a bottle of water and sip it and take deep breaths. It kept her mouth and hand busy but with water instead of a cig. The mind games are a big part of my past unsuccessful attempts. Hopefully this time will be different, I know this is the first time I truly wanted to quit before it was just that I knew I should. The first time I WANTED to quit was about 6 mos ago on the treadmill when I wanted to work out harder and I want to learn to run but I could not because I got too short of breath, I knew if I could just quit smoking this would get better. Ok, enough blabbering from me although in the next few months I hope I am posting here alots and you all will not get tired of me blabbering on . Thanks for all the support!
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 7:07 pm
I follow all of you in this thread even though I'm not really ready (or wanting to, for that matter) to quit, myself. I will tell you though, it is really terrific that you are all supporting one another and that newbies pop out all the time. I'm betting that so much of that has to do with seeing a really great group of people helping one another. The very best of luck to you Boberg!
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 9:47 pm
Not to worry, Boberg, every damn one of us here was scared shitless when we first quit. I cried ALL day the first day. It will be okay. Every one of your reasons is the right reason and that is why you will succeed this time. It is SO wonderful to be free of that gigantic ball and chain.
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 10:14 pm
sneaking in and hiding Hukdonreality's cigs
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 10:23 pm
BOBERG!!!!! I am so excited for you!!!!! You are afraid cuz you fear losing a loved one (ciggy) your best friend. guess what?? Ciggy isnt a friend at all!! He is a devil whammy that has tricked you for years. Soon that fear will be joy!!! some of the things you mention you are tired of like the sneaking and feeling like outcast...I did too and it got worse every year here in CA...so thats another reason to get excited!!! You wont feel that way again! chantix makes it sooo easy......cant wait to see your progress and hear of your journey!!
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Twinkie
Member
09-24-2002
| Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 11:03 pm
Boberg, its perfectly normal to be scared. I was pissed and scared both. I cried the first 2 days because I missed my best friend (I thought). It is scary and it is emotionally hard but it is worth it. And its sooooo much easier with Chantix! I'm proud of you! And Huk, your time will come.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 6:08 am
Oldtex, how ya doing?? Hope today is a good day for you Boberg, keep posting here daily, that really helped me. Dont worry about anything just take chantix and you will see how easy this is/ Today I woke up and feel like I smoked all nite, my chest feels heavy and its hard to describe...anyone else have this feeling. I wasnt around smoke so not sure why this feeling. I wont be back here til 6pm, ya all have a great day!!
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Lumbele
Member
07-12-2002
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 6:46 am
Boberg, everyone above has described in one way or another our fears of letting go of what we saw as our "crutch", our "friend" to lean on. You are in good company. Gradually, you'll realise though that healthy lungs are a much better friend to live with. Just take it one minute, one hour, one day etc at a time and do the best you can at that time. And when you are in need of a friendly ear or broad shoulder, just pop in and blabber away. P.S. Beware of Pamy! She might infect you with "quitter's joy" when you are supposed to be miserable and grouchy. Huk, you'll know when you are ready, and we'll be around for support.
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:46 am
Awwwwwww, what a bunch of sweethearts here.
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Meme9
Member
07-30-2001
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 11:22 am
Boberg, just trying to guit is great. The chantix seems to help those that have used it...so remember that. It's going to be okay...you can do this!!! One day at a time, just like the rest of us. For me the worst habit was the 'reach thingy'. Besides Oldtex needs someone behind her...can we count on you to be the one? LOL, in helping her, you can help yourself!!! Some of us were pissy, and some(Pamy)were all happy about the experience. (We all love Pamy's attitude) I'm sure whatever fears you have at least one of us have been there at one time or other. I want to welcome you to the non-smoking thread!!! Just remember, trying one day at a time is success !!! YAY for Oldtex, just because!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:01 pm
JUJU, I think Lum is a keeper, she is really good at this support thing YAH MEME!!!!! just cuz!
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Rissa
Member
03-20-2006
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:12 pm
Pamy, it could be a good sign. Your lungs are starting to heal by pushing out some of that phlegm (?) that has been resident for so long. I had a worse smoker's cough the month after I quit then the month before. I would wake up just hacking until I was almost physically ill. I remember being so scared that I had waited too long to quit and now had permanent damage. Just keep telling yourself that your body feeling different is a real, tangible sign that it knows you are doing something new and it's responding. It's a reward of sorts. LOL
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Meme9
Member
07-30-2001
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:13 pm

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Goddessatlaw
Member
07-19-2002
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:42 pm
Boberg, wow I am so proud of you for taking this step. I have to tell you, I am still pissed I had to quit smoking. I LOVED smoking, and never didn't love it. It sounds like you were ready to quit, and are going to have a different relationship with your quit than I have. Your physical addiction will end very quickly with Chantix. The mental game is going to continue for quite some time, and that's where staying on Chantix longer helps. As I understand it, it doesn't hurt addiction-wise if you break down and smoke while on Chantix, because the blockers are still there to prevent you from getting any physical satisfaction from it. I guess you need to find the one thing that will distract you/satisfy you when the "jeez I'd like a cigarette" urge hits you and you've finished your Chantix prescription. For me, I'd walk around the block. It didn't stop me from gaining weight, but it ended the urge to smoke. Some people chew gum, others suck straws. I quit Chantix after 3 weeks, so maybe I'm having it harder than I needed to on the quit thing since I couldn't relapse at all after that time without suffering the full consequences. Then again, it's kept me in check with the "there's no such thing as one" notion. Anyway, best of luck with this and we'll all be happy to help you through this. Especially Oldtex, who is now an old hand on the quit board. Oldtex, you've got your wish and there's a newer-bee in here who's going to get the lion's share of the attention for a bit. But you're doing great, sister. One day at a time, you're getting stronger and quitter.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:59 pm
GAL, you said it so well!!! now I am having hard time trying to eat right..I do good all day and then eat swweets at nite..sigh....wish losing weight was as easy as the quit 
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Oldtex
Member
03-06-2006
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 10:06 pm
I just don't understand this --- I feel like I've hit a plateau. I feel like I'm really letting alot of terrific people here down. And that sucks big time. I've cut back smoking, but am having the hardest time leaving them alone. Tomorrow will be the end of my second week taking Chantix. I feel like all of you are really counting on me becoming a success, and right now I feel like such a loser. Maybe I'm just having a bad day, who knows. I want to welcome Boberg to this board. I know the above that I've written is not a very warm welcome. Sorry about that. And you being scared is so normal. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I promise to try and be more positive and don't ever feel like you are blabbering. I think that is part of the process. Good luck and visit here often.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 10:48 pm
Oldtex, you are letting no one down! You are still in the process of quitting and you'll do it in your time, I'm thinking. I can't imagine anyone in here not understanding.
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Oldtex
Member
03-06-2006
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 10:54 pm
Thanks Sea - your kind words mean a lot. I'm not giving up, I'm not giving up, I'm not giving up! There you go you stupid, nasty cigs!
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Twinkie
Member
09-24-2002
| Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 10:56 pm
Oldtex, remember I didn't stop smoking completely until I had taken the Chantix for 3 weeks. I definitely cut way back but didn't stop until then so don't be so hard on yourself. Each person is different and you have to do it at your own speed. Oh, and after I quit I still kept taking the Chantix for a couple more weeks. You just do whatever feels right for you. I can promise you that NOBODY will be anything but positive for you. We all know how hard it is because we've been there. I still miss smoking because I really enjoyed it but I know that it would have killed me. It really isn't your friend even though you may feel that way right now. But there is nothing good that comes from smoking. Hang in there and don't give up or get down on yourself!!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, January 11, 2008 - 4:32 am
Rissa, I thought I responded to you yesterday and see I didnt.sorry! That is interesting and makes sense. Thanks for letting me know
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, January 11, 2008 - 4:33 am
Oldtex, most of us didnt quit til 3rd week so you are right on track.....even if it happens in 4th week dont worry...keep taking pills, it will happen for you....(((oldtex))) you will do this, I just know it!
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Skootz
Member
07-23-2003
| Friday, January 11, 2008 - 4:50 am
Keep at it all...you're doing great!
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