Archive through March 17, 2003
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Who wants to quit smoking with me? (ARCHIVES):
Archive through March 17, 2003
Juju2bigdog | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 05:22 am     <sneaking in before hitting the road> Hey, Webkitty, if you are talking to a doc about it, and she offers you some other drugs, consider those too. In the eabrlier threads, some folks were taking various things for the moods of withdrawal. My attitude is whatever it takes to get you unhooked from nicotine is worth it. Yay Wekitty!!!
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Dahli | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 06:43 am     YAAAY Kitty!! whatever it takes is right! We all want you to be free of it and what works for you is all that matters. I had quit many many times in 35 plus year of smoking and the only reason I'm so excited about the book is cuz it was the thing that took and was so easy, if I could spare anyone any of that pain I would and that is what did it for me. If you keep telling yourself you're a non-smoker YOU ARE! LL has a good point, maybe try reading it again and second time it might click! What have you got to lose? The important thing is to never forget we're here for you and can't wait for you to feel the freedom you deserve, come back often and keep up the good work ((((webkitty)))) |
Webkitty | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 07:51 am     Thanks again everyone! Dahli, thank you for your support. The book clicks with me, it does. There is no good reason to smoke, I agree with the author 100%. I'm a fast reader, I read in once through, and have spot read it again. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said the book was what worked for YOU. I can see how excited you would be by that, and how you would want to share that experience with others in the hope that they would have the same positive results that you did. There is nothing wrong with that unless this premise becomes insidious as the only way of stopping. I would like to put forth my opinion and I hope my message comes across as respectful although it doesn't line up exactly with yours. The problem I have with the book (and I might add the medical professionals I have shown the book to, one an internist, one a physicoligist) is that it is just that, a book. A book cannot magically take away the withdrawl of the drug nicotine. Granted, some people will read the book, and because Alan Carr says that reading his book will enable the smoker to quit without any cravings or withdrawl symptoms, that reader will, through the power of suggestion, indeed convince themselves that that was their experince. Good for them. But, not everyone responds to the power of suggestion the same way. To suggest that a person doesn't "get it" or is not really ready to quit, or that the message didn't click, because their brain is not set up to accept Alan Carr's power of suggestion, is to condem many who really DO want to quit to utter frustration and despair. To tell people who are looking for help to go back and read the book again until they "get it" or it "clicks" or until they are really, really, really ready to quit is infuriating. So, I would like to say that anyone who is interested in quiting, go ahead and read the book, but don't feel that there is something wrong with you because you feel the symptoms of withdrawl. Don't feel that you are somehow missing out on some magical message that others "got" but you didn't. Its just a book, a guide, a tool, it will not, and cannot, take away the withdrawl symptoms of the drug nicotine for everyone who reads it, and it is irresponisble to say it will. If you are reading this and sitting out their on the fence, and you think you want to give quitting a try, don't feel you have to read and re-read this book before you try. ANY time you have the inclination to quit is the BEST time, even if you go back to smoking. There is nothing wrong with stopping and starting, you are giving it a try. I urge everyone to see their doctor to talk over the best route for YOU. Show your doctor the book, get a professional opinion, and don't feel that you are missing out on some magical bullet because you read the book and still feel withdrawl, you are normal, and I have to tell you, when two doctors told me that, it took much anxiety off of me. Like I said before, I am not knocking the book, I am not anti-book, if you read it and its works for you, that is wonderful! But, not every human brain is the same, to say that there is only one way to quit is discouraging to those that need or choose to go another way. Good luck to all!! |
Dahli | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 09:12 am     Yep Kitty for sure I think we'd all agree on a couple of things... first - doesn't matter how you get there, it's getting there that matters, (hmm that reminds me of a song..)and second - nothing will work unless you really really want to quit! right?! so that said, the hope of this thread is that everyone finds the method that works for them and for me learning about the brainwashing was it!! In the meantime all the caring and support we can muster for you is why I come here and cyber hugs and hand holding and words of encouragement the least I can do. Keep up the good work everybody! |
Wargod | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 09:20 am     Just popping in to see how you're doing, Kitty! (OK, trying to control my heart rate now, we just had the loudest sonic boom that sent me a foot out of my chair, which is weird since out here by Edwards AFB we're pretty used to them!!!! LOL.) You'll probably feel the cravings for nicotine for awhile. Don't let it bother you if you have one at odd times. I can still remember the last one I had....not only was I completely shocked since it'd been quite awhile since I had one, but I was shocked at how strong it was. For me, though, one of the hardest things to get over was having something to do with my hands. I was so used to that hand-to-mouth motion that I was at a complete loss for awhile with no cigarette to hold. I played with pencils, pens, rubberbands, typed or wrote, anything I could to keep my hands busy. I've always been an antsy person, unable to sit still or be still, so that was really no big suprise. I just didn't realize it'd be that difficult at the timeI quit, lol. I also had to come home from work for lunch. That was the dreaded place as far as not smoking went. I did more smoking at work on lunch or break, sitting with my buddy's talking, laughing, and smoking. I knew that if I stayed, I'd be miserable. So, I'd come home, and post here...even just a quick little note...it helped. Alot of us here have been exactly where you are, so we really do understand how hard it can be. If you want to kick and scream and holler, or just talk, we'll be here to listen. |
Llkoolaid | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 10:10 am     I am so angry right now I could just spit nails. I feel so insulted and so attacked. I will be back later maybe a week or so when I cool down because that is how long it is going to take for me to respond. |
Dahli | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 10:27 am     Koolaid! What happened ?? I've looked and looked and can't find a thing said that would upset you. I'm feeling like such a knucklhead....HELP!! Please don't go anywhere - your input is incredibly valuable and your support is so good that I'm sure people count on you! tell me what's going on... or is this one of those huffing off things - I'm definitely out of the loop on those. |
Llkoolaid | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 10:58 am     I am probably just being touchy, I am actually cooling down. I wish I hadn't even made that post. I think it is best if it is just dropped. I won't abandon this thread, it means a lot to me. Not meaning to be melodramatic or anything but I really feel that people here saved my life, especially you and Juju by helping me quit smoking and giving me the support I needed whenever I needed it and I feel a need to give back what I can. I am not an expert, nor a therapist, just someone trying to do the best I can with the limited knowledge I have. Never do I try to be anything other than positve to the people trying to quit and I was upset when something I said was taken as an attack or putdown when I was only trying to be encouraging. My first reaction was anger, sorry for my outburst. I need to chill. |
Juju2bigdog | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 06:41 pm     LLkoolaid
non-smokers
Dahli
Webkitty I don't think anything said here has been personal. Yay Lumbele! Yay Denecee! Yay people whose names I am forgetting! I agree with many of Webkitty's points. I know absolutely the book would not have worked for me. That was very clear to me when people somewhere up above here gave their opinions on whether smoking was a mental or a physical thing. I was astounded, absolutely astounded, that more than one person said it was a mental addiction. For me, it was 100% physical addiction, and I would say that is probably the case with Webkitty as well (okay, I could read back and probably find it but am too lazy). I mean, nobody, once they really thought about it would smoke if they didn't have to, would they? Hmmmmmmm, excuse me a minute, I have to go write a book
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Juju2bigdog | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 06:44 pm     Juju writing book
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Llkoolaid | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 07:21 pm     I didn't quit with the book either, but I don't remember having any real physical cravings. I remember being angry and irritable(sp). I found the worst thing to get over was the habit of reaching for a cigarette. I had to keep my hands busy. I have an idea that might help the people quitting. If everyone of us that has quit would start saying the things that helped them and maybe the new quitters could find some things that help them. For example: 1.Something that helped me get through a hard time was: After I had quit for a week or so if I got a real bad craving I would talk myself into waiting 15 minutes to make the decision if I really wanted a cigarette. The craving usually passed by then. Feel free to add on. |
Dahli | Friday, March 14, 2003 - 09:08 pm     Hi Koolaid, thank goodness, I always think of this as your thread (it's a big responsibility I know...) so lead on! My trick (since it was 99%mental) was to imagine I was slaying the monster - killing it dead! and it was easy to deny that creep the poison knowing I didn't really want it the stuff in the first place! |
Webkitty | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 06:03 am     {{Koolaid}} and everyone else in this thread! I have to tell you guys about what happened to me yesterday. I have five nieces, the oldest is very close in age to my son, and she is like a daughter to me. Since I moved to Florida from up north, I don't get to see her as much as I'de like. Anyway, yesterday, my husband had to drive up to the VA in Tampa for something, and I was going to go with him, I was looking forward to it, the drive up there is very pretty, over the aqua water of Tampa Bay, and the grounds of the VA itself is very pretty (believe it or not) I couldn't at the last minute, because our AC went on the fritz AGAIN. I had to stay behind to wait for the AC guy to show up, boy, was I ticked off. I came *that* close to begging my husband to leave some cigs behind because I just felt like smoking and sitting like a mad cat swishing its tail, lol. But, I didn't. A few hours later, the AC guy still hadn't showed up, and I heard my husband put his key in the door, I was so ticked off! I could have gone with him! I had made up my mind to get a cig off him when he walked in the room, when, I could hear him saying shhhhhhh to someone, then saw his face as he rounded the corner, it was one of those faces when someone has a BIG surprise. He said, you'll never guess who I have with me! Then, my neice came walking in the room! My mouth was hanging down around my knees! I said, how? what? where? LOL!! we hugged and hugged. It turned out that her fiance's dad (who he never really knew) was up at the VA hospital and they had flow down to visit. She wasn't going to contact me because they were only there for 2 days, and it was all about her fiance's dad (he has cancer) I understood her thinking and would have done the same thing. Anyway, My niece spotted my husband walking by, and yelled his name out really LOUD!!! lol. They both said what are you doing here? at the same time, and my niece made an on the spot decision to follow my husband in their rental car for a visit. Her fiance said go ahead, spend the afternoon, be careful driving and I'll see you later, so it all worked out. What's the point of this story? Right, my adrenaline shot way up at this surprise, and as you all know, the urge for a cigarette was intense. This is what is so spooky, just when I was about to get a cig from my husband, she came out and said, wow, I quit smoking last month, and when I smelled the cigarette smoke on -----, I really wanted one, but I got past it. In a split second, I decided that I was a non-smoker too, so why think about it? We had a wonderful four hour visit! Then, while she was there, another test. The AC guy showed up, and reeked of cigarette smoke. Mixed with the humidity, the smell almost made me gag. It didn't make me want one, but all of the sudden I broke out in a sweat. Not a cold or hot one, just a sweat. (this was after he fixed the AC, so it wasn't hot in the house at all) It was actually pouring down my face (sorry, gross) and I was so embarrased! I got a paper towel and blotted, and the AC guy just looked at me like I was from another planet. My darling niece, always knowing what to say, told him I had just stopped smoking, that's all she had to say. He nodded wisely, with understanding. He said he had tried to stop once, but it wasn't for him. When he said that, it made me want to make this work more than anything! I told her after he left I didn't know why I broke out in a sweat like that, and she said I probably need some gum, doh! I chewed one, and was good to go until I went to sleep last night. Never even thought about lighting up at all. End of story Hang in there everyone, I will post my things that help after I get some coffee! |
Llkoolaid | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 06:56 am     There you go, you passed two big tests. Doesn't it make you feel good about yourself. You should be bursting with pride. Every time you win a battle like this you will find it easier and easier. That is what I mean by saying the biggest battle is mental. You have to convince yourself that you can get past the cravings and anxiety(which are physical). I guess it is just a combination of both. When your niece said she had quit smoking, I bet you felt happy for her. That is how I feel when someone I know quits. I just want to hug them. Here's another thing that really helped me. I brushed my teeth like a maniac. Really, I brushed them at least twice to three times as much as I normally do. It seemed that when I had that minty fresh taste in my mouth like you get just after you brush that I didn't want a cigarette. |
Cyn | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 06:58 am     Way to go WebKitty - I'm going to replay that story every time I have a weak moment. Keep going - you non-smoker you! You're succeeding. Way to go! |
Llkoolaid | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 07:07 am     Oh , I just thought of something else I did that helped. When things got really bad as they can. I just dropped what I was doing and went for a walk. Keeping busy is a key thing. I can understand how waiting around the house must have been excruciating. Whatever you are doing when a big crave hits do something completely opposite. If you are waiting around get busy at something and if you are busy take some time for yourself and go have a nice shower. It really works. I had the cleanest house and freshest breath in town when I was quitting. |
Webkitty | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 10:09 am     LOL, Koolaid, I bet you did! The thing is, I did clean up the kitchen really, really good while I was waiting for the AC guy, good thing I did. Cyn, the weak moments are the pitts, but getting past them without lighting up is such a high. Going for a walk is excellent advice. If I didn't live in Florida, where the air is thick like a steambath with humidity, I would be out there, I swear. So, I think my house might end up the cleanest on the block The main thing I do when I feel a craving is chew the gum. I know the package says to chew it a certain way, but that doesn't work for me. I chew it hard and fast until the craving passes. Then I spit it out. It doesn't upset my stomach at all. What upsets my stomach is the tar of a cigarette. I have found just in this last week of not smoking that I have been able to cut down on food. I was always eating to try and get rid of the heartburn the cigs gave me. I don't have a problem with keeping my hands busy. It was always a nucence to have that butt in the way when I was trying to do something anyway. Even posting was a pain because of the butts. I would feel the need to stop in the middle of a post to take a drag, but now I can just whip out what I want to say. (and it smells so much better in my little computer area now) Its just the chemical cravings, they hit like a ton of bricks and wash over me like a tidal wave. They are getting less every day, but that first day was hell, pure hell. I haven't had an overwhelming craving today yet, but I feel ok, because I know if I do, I'll be able to get past it with the gum, I know it will work for me. That comforts me. I also have the book I can read if I need to. Actually, what I have been doing is reading it randomly again right before I fall to sleep. I figure it couldn't hurt.  |
Wargod | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 10:14 am     I had a friend who when he quit, every morning he'd put the money he would have spent on cigarettes in a jar. After he'd been cigarrette free for about a year, he was able to afford a vacation to Vegas with his wife. They had the time of their lives. Things that helped me: Set time frames and reward yourself. At one week, I'll buy myself _____. At one month, I'll treat myself to _______. Keeping my hands busy. Cleaning was good for that. So was typing, and playing with the kids. Chewing.....I chewed sunflower seeds like they were going out of style. The problem with that though was cotton mouth and chapped lips, LOL. And the constant reminder that if I wanted a cigarette, I had to go stand out in the cold since I didn't smoke in the house. Believe it or not, for me, that was a big help! Having to freeze my butt off for ten minutes or being able to stay inside and sit with my family. Sigh, I know as soon as I post this I'll think of a hundred other things I did to help quit smoking. Webkitty, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! on overcoming the big hurdles yesterday! |
Llkoolaid | Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 01:51 pm     There are so many things that help, my suggestion is keep trying everything you hear and keep the ones that work for you. If chewing the heck out of the gum works for you, do it. Webkitty, the days will get better and better and there will be a bad one out of the blue when you think you have it licked but you can beat it. I think my worst time was one day about 3 weeks into it. When I got through that I felt so good that I knew I could get through anything. I keep remembering things I did. One thing was that I attacked quitting like I was going to battle. It was like I was fighting. I adapted a very stubborn attitude about quitting. Soon you will be giving advice to the next person that comes here wanting some encouragement. Does anyone know who all the people are that are quitting here. I can't get it straight and want to encourage everyone to hang in there. |
Llkoolaid | Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 05:59 pm     Hope everyone had a good day. |
Dahli | Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 06:03 pm     Tomorrow is my 2nd Anniversary!! I'm so excited - especially since I thought I'd be stuck for ever with that filthy habit! Thanks for being here to share it with me guys... |
Llkoolaid | Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 06:39 pm     Hey Dahli, I thought you would like to know my son gave his book to his girlfriends grandmother and she quit and bought 3 more books to give to members of her family. She said she feels funny because everyone is telling her how proud they are of her and she feels funny because she said it is the easiest thing she ever did. He also told one of his theory professors ( he studies music) that he quit and how easy it was. He told her a couple of weeks ago right after he quit. She stopped him today to say thank-you to him from her brother and his wife who live in Boston,(we live in Nova Scotia, Canada) It seems she had been talking to them the same day that she was talking to Trevor and he went out and bought the book and both he and his wife quit. They too were amazed at how easy it was. I can count 7 people who have stopped smoking because you told me about the book and I passed it on. Everyone of those people is passing it on. Some are buying copies for people close to them. That should make you feel good. |
Llkoolaid | Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 06:41 pm     Oh and I forgot to add Congratulations on you 2nd anniversary. |
Dahli | Monday, March 17, 2003 - 06:43 am     Thanks LL - that means a lot to me and you should know that even though I talked about this book for a long time - not until you 'backed it up' here did it get much attention. So congratulations on that and all the people you have touched with this knowledge I have also spread the word around and five of those close to me have quit because of it but most interesting is my Doctor who as you know wanted me to quit after my ministroke and couldn't get me to, about fell off her chair when I told her in 2001 that I quit, she is now 'prescribing' her copy to those that really want to stop and is finding great success! I think it would be wonderful if it were offered as another stop option for people don't you!?? ps thanks! it's been 2 of the personally happiest years ever! it was one of the easiest things I ever did as well and when people tell me how good I did or whatever - it's funny to me ... |
Denecee | Monday, March 17, 2003 - 08:48 am     Congrats Dahli! You are such an inspiration! JuJu- I love reading your posts & thank you for all your praise. I love reading everybody's posts! You all sound like wonderful people. Thanks Denise |
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