Smile4uhun
05-24-2001, 03:35 PM
Hey everybody....I went out at lunch today and bought the patch. I plan on waking up tomorrow and starting a new life. I have been smoking 1 to 2 packs sometimes more if I went to the bar (which I haven't been to anymore in a year) and feel like hell.
I am 32 years old and ashamed of my weak charecter. I have fallen apart health wise. Not only do I smoke, but am overweight. I am tired all of the time, deal with constant headaches, my lungs actually HURT, irritable, insomnia.
I realized that this has got to stop...I am slowly committing suicide. I will never live to see my 8 year old graduate from College or get married. Everyone in my family has died from cancer.
I have to admit to you guys that I am really, really scared. Scared of failing, scared of getting heavier. I want to do this, but am so used to having it be this way that it seems easier. I know things in life that are good don't come easy....lord knows I have learned this the hard way. I just need some words of encouragement to get through this. I will check in tomorrow (Fri) during my first day...Thanks all
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Smiles, Trish
I am 32 years old and ashamed of my weak charecter. I have fallen apart health wise. Not only do I smoke, but am overweight. I am tired all of the time, deal with constant headaches, my lungs actually HURT, irritable, insomnia.
I realized that this has got to stop...I am slowly committing suicide. I will never live to see my 8 year old graduate from College or get married. Everyone in my family has died from cancer.
I have to admit to you guys that I am really, really scared. Scared of failing, scared of getting heavier. I want to do this, but am so used to having it be this way that it seems easier. I know things in life that are good don't come easy....lord knows I have learned this the hard way. I just need some words of encouragement to get through this. I will check in tomorrow (Fri) during my first day...Thanks all
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Smiles, Trish
Sponsor
workinggirl
05-24-2001, 04:19 PM
Smile4uhun......., you just made the best decision of your life. I stopped smoking almost three months ago and this is the third time. This time if feels so right. I also didn't like to smoke and I have asthma. It is interesting that you think you have such weak character, I thought the same thing and the day I stopped smoking was because a friend told me I was the strongest person she knew and I could do anything. WOW! nobody had ever said that to me and it really meant alot. I went to buy the "patch" and thought damn these things are so expensive, why am I going to give my money to Nicoderm. I am going to keep my money. So I walked out of the store with no patch. I made the decision to stop smoking, but I did not tell anyone this but me. To much pressure to live up to. "I did not smoke yesterday and i have not smoked today and I hope like hell I don't smoke tomorrow", is my motto. Please don't sell yourself short, You to can stop smoking if you want to. Use whatever it takes because you don't want to miss out on your kids lives. My grandson was born with asthma three months ago and that also made a big impact on me. Three months old and having 6 breathing treatments a day. I want to see him grow up, so the monkey is off my back!!!! I hope this time for good. Goodluck to you and I know you can do it. :D
Smile4uhun
05-24-2001, 05:16 PM
Dear WorkingGirl,
I too have been told I am the strongest person...I started out at 22 pregnant with no job skills, kicked out of my parents house with no money, there were times when my daughter was first born that we had no telephone, no car nothing much else to speak of except welfare.
I put myself through school, and started on a better career path, last year I ended a 5 and a half year stint with an alcoholic who verbally and physically abused me (not to mention a habit of being with men like that)...today I am happy to say that I now have a meaningful career, a relationship with a man who treats me with respect and dignity...but alas here's the smoking and weight issue and I am feeling as weak as a baby...but thank you for your encouraging words.
I also just found out last Friday that my daughter has asthma when I went to have her tested for her allergies...this has become a motivator...I have started wondering if I have it too....
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Smiles, Trish
I too have been told I am the strongest person...I started out at 22 pregnant with no job skills, kicked out of my parents house with no money, there were times when my daughter was first born that we had no telephone, no car nothing much else to speak of except welfare.
I put myself through school, and started on a better career path, last year I ended a 5 and a half year stint with an alcoholic who verbally and physically abused me (not to mention a habit of being with men like that)...today I am happy to say that I now have a meaningful career, a relationship with a man who treats me with respect and dignity...but alas here's the smoking and weight issue and I am feeling as weak as a baby...but thank you for your encouraging words.
I also just found out last Friday that my daughter has asthma when I went to have her tested for her allergies...this has become a motivator...I have started wondering if I have it too....
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Smiles, Trish
workinggirl
05-24-2001, 08:31 PM
Smiles, are we sisters? With a histroy like that I think we could be. You just keep believing in yourself. With what you have done with your life, there is no doubt that you will stop smoking..then work on the weight next. I am so proud of you,because when you make up your mind to do something you do it. That takes alot woman!!! :D I was just driving down the interstate from work noticing how many people were smoking and you know what I was so glad that I was not. My car doesn't stink, but I sure do miss it especially driving. But so far, no smokes today, and hope like hell none tomorrow. One day at a time. Let me know how you are doing.
Smile4uhun
05-24-2001, 10:16 PM
WorkingGirl,
You are so sweet! I'll check in with you in the midst of my withdrawl tomorrow! LOL...I too will miss the smoking in the car...I am going to try my best to be strong...
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Smiles, Trish
You are so sweet! I'll check in with you in the midst of my withdrawl tomorrow! LOL...I too will miss the smoking in the car...I am going to try my best to be strong...
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Smiles, Trish
Badgerbabe
05-25-2001, 04:00 AM
Hi..I too am trying to quit..I am a 35 year old female with a history of cancer in the family. I was smoking close to 2 pack a day and just recently started Welbutrin SR to help stop and so far I have cut down..one pack lasts me 2 days now and my quit day is coming up(June 2nd)and I feel confident that I can do this with the help of Welbutrin..cigarettes do not taste the same and do not satisfy like they did before starting the meds. I wish you luck!
Smile4uhun
05-25-2001, 04:08 PM
Well I am in the middle of day one...It's a little after 3 p.m. and I have not lit one up today!! I am proud though it's still not the end of the day YET, but I feel confident that I can make it through this day. I felt slightly anxious this morning and had to take my anxiety meds (which I haven't had to take in a long time).
A few times today I forgot what I was doing and thought "gee I haven't had a cig yet, let me go outside..." and then I smiled to myself and realized I wasn't going to do that! LOL. This morning in my car I was waiting in the drive through for my Dunkin' Donuts coffee on the way to work...suddenly I realized that I wasn't smoking in it like I usually do..it felt weird. At lunch in the car I kinda felt weird again because usually I would be smoking up a storm on lunch break, but I just held a pen in my hand like a cigarette (o.k. corny I know). Well hopefully I will make it through these first few days without ripping anyone's head off....
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Smiles, Trish
A few times today I forgot what I was doing and thought "gee I haven't had a cig yet, let me go outside..." and then I smiled to myself and realized I wasn't going to do that! LOL. This morning in my car I was waiting in the drive through for my Dunkin' Donuts coffee on the way to work...suddenly I realized that I wasn't smoking in it like I usually do..it felt weird. At lunch in the car I kinda felt weird again because usually I would be smoking up a storm on lunch break, but I just held a pen in my hand like a cigarette (o.k. corny I know). Well hopefully I will make it through these first few days without ripping anyone's head off....
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Smiles, Trish
Badgerbabe
05-26-2001, 12:52 AM
Congratulations! You made it through the day without smoking.. :)
I know its going to be tough. One thing Ive heard is to change your normal routine if possible..suck on hard candy or as you did..hold the pen in your hand..anything that makes you comfortable..the hardest for me is going to be smoking and drinking coffee..and I REFUSE to give up coffee..LOL
Good Luck! You CAN do it!
I know its going to be tough. One thing Ive heard is to change your normal routine if possible..suck on hard candy or as you did..hold the pen in your hand..anything that makes you comfortable..the hardest for me is going to be smoking and drinking coffee..and I REFUSE to give up coffee..LOL
Good Luck! You CAN do it!
Smile4uhun
05-27-2001, 11:34 PM
Badger,
I am now coming to the end of day 3!! I have done it! Yesterday was tough as I was at a graduation party a lot of people around me were smoking and I came close a few times to saying to hell with it, but I didn't! I felt so proud. I have made it through the first 72 hours and hope to keep going!
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Smiles, Trish
I am now coming to the end of day 3!! I have done it! Yesterday was tough as I was at a graduation party a lot of people around me were smoking and I came close a few times to saying to hell with it, but I didn't! I felt so proud. I have made it through the first 72 hours and hope to keep going!
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Smiles, Trish
Lori
05-28-2001, 01:15 AM
You are doing great Smile4uhun!! You are actually over what most people consider "the worst". The first week is considered 'hell week' but I consider the first 3 days as 'hell'. The rest just keeps getting better! :) Think of it as a hill. 1st,2nd is uphill, 3rd day is the peak, 4th,5th,etc are the downhill and on to happier healthier days. :) It only gets better now!
As for your previous posts. I have nothing but respect for you with what you had to deal with and how you still struggled and came out ahead. :)
Something jumped out at me when you mentioned you were overweight and tired,etc, I was wondering have you had your Thyroid checked? If not I suggest you do that. If you thyroid is normal than you shouldnt have to worry about much weight gain. Most people only gain about 5 pounds, and then lose that again after a few months. Even to lessen the chance drink TONS of water, excersise (even if its walking, taking the stairs instead of elevator, parking farther away in parking lots so have to walk farther to the entrance, anything!-I know its hard to do with little energy but it will be worth it), and be carefull of what you eat. Snack on healthy sweet fruit or crunchy veggies. Try to limit caffine, etc.
Take care you are doing FANTASTIC!!! Keep reminding yourself why you are quitting, make sure your house/car/anywhere else you smoked is cleaned out extremely well to help.
Good job again, especially with your strength at the graduation party!
Lori
As for your previous posts. I have nothing but respect for you with what you had to deal with and how you still struggled and came out ahead. :)
Something jumped out at me when you mentioned you were overweight and tired,etc, I was wondering have you had your Thyroid checked? If not I suggest you do that. If you thyroid is normal than you shouldnt have to worry about much weight gain. Most people only gain about 5 pounds, and then lose that again after a few months. Even to lessen the chance drink TONS of water, excersise (even if its walking, taking the stairs instead of elevator, parking farther away in parking lots so have to walk farther to the entrance, anything!-I know its hard to do with little energy but it will be worth it), and be carefull of what you eat. Snack on healthy sweet fruit or crunchy veggies. Try to limit caffine, etc.
Take care you are doing FANTASTIC!!! Keep reminding yourself why you are quitting, make sure your house/car/anywhere else you smoked is cleaned out extremely well to help.
Good job again, especially with your strength at the graduation party!
Lori
Smile4uhun
05-29-2001, 01:04 PM
Day 5 everybody! I feel strong, but still a little shaky from time to time..I HAVE to admit, I had ONE puff last night...It tasted horrible..I threw it down the toilet. I didn't count is as falling off the wagon because after the one puff I realized it sucked and I would be an idiot to puff it again!
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Smiles, Trish
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Smiles, Trish
workinggirl
05-29-2001, 07:59 PM
smile, went away for the holiday and checked to see how you are doing. I am so PROUD of you! Keep up the good work. Now listen ok, don't puff again.. thats is where I alway loose it and start right back. :D but guess what, no smokes yesterday, no smokes today, and hope like hell no smokes tomorrow!!!! I know what you mean about being around people that are smoking but we do believe in ourselves and we can do this. good job.. let me know how you are doing ok many smiles :) :) :0
Pdhot
05-29-2001, 08:19 PM
3 1/2 weeks now. It'll be 4 whole weeks Thursday. I still want one. :(
BTW~Hello! I'm new here and this is my first post.
BTW~Hello! I'm new here and this is my first post.
Badgerbabe
05-30-2001, 02:13 AM
Smiles..
You are over the worst, or so I hear! Congrats! Keep up the good work!!
my quit day is fast approaching!! (June 2..this Sat!) I am very afraid of not being able to do it..I am taking welbutrin to help and have cut down alot. I also have alot of stress right now, but I used that excuse before.. :) No more excuses! Im going to give it my best shot!
You are over the worst, or so I hear! Congrats! Keep up the good work!!
my quit day is fast approaching!! (June 2..this Sat!) I am very afraid of not being able to do it..I am taking welbutrin to help and have cut down alot. I also have alot of stress right now, but I used that excuse before.. :) No more excuses! Im going to give it my best shot!
workinggirl
05-30-2001, 10:38 AM
welcome PD.. come join the quitting team. It feels so good to be able to walk and not have to stop to catch my breath. I think I will take up hiking again!! yea!!!!! Goodluck to everyone, now tell me the truth.. feels good to get that monkey off your back... Fixing to meet my three months and this is where I always decide ok I can have just one!!! I must remember . One day at a time!!!
Smile4uhun
05-30-2001, 02:52 PM
Hey Workinggirl!
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am glad more people are jumping the wagon with me! Almost through the first week...feel great. I still love cigarettes though if only they didn't mess up your life..I would never stop!!!! Let's keep going!
PS: Badgerbabe...best of luck to you...check in with me, I am doing my best right along side of you! :)
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Smiles, Trish
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am glad more people are jumping the wagon with me! Almost through the first week...feel great. I still love cigarettes though if only they didn't mess up your life..I would never stop!!!! Let's keep going!
PS: Badgerbabe...best of luck to you...check in with me, I am doing my best right along side of you! :)
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Smiles, Trish
Smile4uhun
06-03-2001, 07:43 PM
Oh god you guys...I screwed up BIG TIME. I went on vacation this weekend with my 9 year old and my boyfriend...It turned out to be a very, very stressful long weekend.
I broke on Friday and bought a pack...I had two...then I had more on Saturday and Sunday, but didn't smoke until the evening. I finished a pack during the course of the weekend even though I was smoking two packs a day before I quit...but I feel so bad, I let myself down.
I am going to get back up tomorrow. Just when I thought I was over the hump, I fell down again.....
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Smiles, Trish
[This message has been edited by Smile4uhun (edited 06-03-2001).]
I broke on Friday and bought a pack...I had two...then I had more on Saturday and Sunday, but didn't smoke until the evening. I finished a pack during the course of the weekend even though I was smoking two packs a day before I quit...but I feel so bad, I let myself down.
I am going to get back up tomorrow. Just when I thought I was over the hump, I fell down again.....
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Smiles, Trish
[This message has been edited by Smile4uhun (edited 06-03-2001).]
FD
06-03-2001, 09:30 PM
Smile...been reading your posts for a while and haven't had anything to add really, but I sure do now! :) (And for the record, I quit about two months ago now after a pack and a half a day for 12 years habit.)
You didn't "screw up big time"...you had a minor slip. Considering how much you USED to smoke when you were a smoker, one pack over the course of a weekend as a non-smoker is not that big of a slip. Just remember the wise wise words of workinggirl when you start back down the path...so far no smokes today, hope like hell none tomorrow. You've already taken the biggest and hardest step, deciding to quit. Keep up hope, you can and will do it!
We're all here for you for support, too. Good luck babe...although you won't need it. :)
You didn't "screw up big time"...you had a minor slip. Considering how much you USED to smoke when you were a smoker, one pack over the course of a weekend as a non-smoker is not that big of a slip. Just remember the wise wise words of workinggirl when you start back down the path...so far no smokes today, hope like hell none tomorrow. You've already taken the biggest and hardest step, deciding to quit. Keep up hope, you can and will do it!
We're all here for you for support, too. Good luck babe...although you won't need it. :)
Smile4uhun
06-04-2001, 01:29 PM
Ok, back on track today..no smokes...just taking it one day at a time...smiles..
PS: Thanks for the support FD!!
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Smiles, Trish
[This message has been edited by Smile4uhun (edited 06-04-2001).]
PS: Thanks for the support FD!!
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Smiles, Trish
[This message has been edited by Smile4uhun (edited 06-04-2001).]
ms freckles
06-05-2001, 01:36 PM
smiles, as I said before
"no smokes yesterday, none today, and hope like hell none tomorrow." One day at a time,
glad you are back on track :D
wg
"no smokes yesterday, none today, and hope like hell none tomorrow." One day at a time,
glad you are back on track :D
wg
Lori
06-05-2001, 02:17 PM
Smiles, :round:
You are still doing great! Just remember to stay on track, take one day at a time, and remember after that slip you are now stronger that you know what caused the slip and you know how to hopefully prevent it in the future, be prepared. You are doing great http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif Everyone has a slip, just consider it a learning experiance. :bouncing:
Take care,
Lori
You are still doing great! Just remember to stay on track, take one day at a time, and remember after that slip you are now stronger that you know what caused the slip and you know how to hopefully prevent it in the future, be prepared. You are doing great http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif Everyone has a slip, just consider it a learning experiance. :bouncing:
Take care,
Lori
Badgerbabe
06-05-2001, 02:52 PM
Ok..My quit day was June 2..I made it all day long until late that night when I went and bought a pack..it is now June 5 and i have a half of pack left of the SAME pack i bought on June 2. I feel guilty and have not told my husband or kids that I didn't quit 100 percent. I feel weak but I am not smoking alot..maybe a half to one cig a day now. The craving is strong but I am taking welbutrin and I know its helping. When this pack is gone, I will try to quit 100 percent again.
ms freckles
06-05-2001, 04:09 PM
Badgerbabe, I always start back smoking when I think I can have just one. Took wellbrutrin for awhile and started back but this time just decided i had had enough. You will work it out for what is right for you. This time I did not tell anyone I was quitting, seemed to help take the pressure off of me. My motto"I didn't smoke yesterday, haven't smoked today, and hope like hell I don't smoke tomorrow" You will see this everytime I post. seems to work for me.I have been smoke free now for 3 months and it is not easy. Just take one day at a time and goodluck ;)
Wgirl
Wgirl
Smile4uhun
06-05-2001, 05:12 PM
Well guys I seem to have something in common with Badgerbabe because I fell off the wagon again...had a cigarette this morning. I went to light up at lunch, but took a puff and threw it out the window.
It's like I am battling good and evil here...the evil part of me is pulling me towards the puff and the good makes me throw it away...but I still end up smoking at least one cigarette.
Also with my slip up during the weekend, I realized that smoking immediately after taking the patch didn't make me sick...bad huh? Also, today I didn't wear the patch...I thought I could make it without..I guess not.
I still realize the difference over 1, 2 or 3 cigarettes a day versus 2 PACKS a day which has been my previous habit and horrible. With 1, 2 or 3 I am still much more smoke free than before...Though my goal is to quit all together, I have resolved myself to not beat myself up over a couple until I get there.
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Smiles, Trish
[This message has been edited by Smile4uhun (edited 06-05-2001).]
It's like I am battling good and evil here...the evil part of me is pulling me towards the puff and the good makes me throw it away...but I still end up smoking at least one cigarette.
Also with my slip up during the weekend, I realized that smoking immediately after taking the patch didn't make me sick...bad huh? Also, today I didn't wear the patch...I thought I could make it without..I guess not.
I still realize the difference over 1, 2 or 3 cigarettes a day versus 2 PACKS a day which has been my previous habit and horrible. With 1, 2 or 3 I am still much more smoke free than before...Though my goal is to quit all together, I have resolved myself to not beat myself up over a couple until I get there.
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Smiles, Trish
[This message has been edited by Smile4uhun (edited 06-05-2001).]
ms freckles
06-05-2001, 06:04 PM
Good for you Smiles, don't give up you will get there and your lungs will say Thank you.
:) As long as you are having just a few.. please have one for me (hehehe)
Wgirl
:) As long as you are having just a few.. please have one for me (hehehe)
Wgirl
Smile4uhun
06-06-2001, 10:22 AM
Thanks, MS Freckles..I am back on the patch this morning....I am going to be strong...I don't think going "patchless" is quite in my cards yet...I just hate parting with the $50.00 to buy the new box..but then I reason with myself by doing the math on how much I was spending a week on cigarettes..which is the same amount PER week...versus $50 every two weeks to stay smoke free or at the very least A LOT more smoke free than before.
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Smiles, Trish
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Smiles, Trish
Smile4uhun
06-15-2001, 12:01 PM
Almost 3 weeks!!!!!!!
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Smiles, Trish
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Smiles, Trish
ms freckles
06-15-2001, 12:36 PM
Smiles, how are you doing???? almost three weeks huh!!!!!! good job. I really wanted one this weekend. Had a party and of course everyone was smoking, but me :nono: was my reply. So none since March, but I feel weak now. hope i can hold out... this is hard, glad I'm not going thru not drinking also!!!!!! :D NO SMOKES THIS WEEKEND for me (I hope)
joz
06-21-2001, 01:20 PM
Hi Guys,
I've been smoke free for 5 days now http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif!!!. This is after 19 years as a smoker. It has been so hard but I've been getting lots of support from the boards and my hubby. I can really understand how you have been falling off the wagon smiles. I've really, REALLY wanted to smoke but I just know if I have one then that will be it. I have just been taking each craving as it comes, telling myself it will go and then doing something to divert my attention, gardening, eating, having a bath, calling someone on the phone, coming onto healthboards anything that I can think of. Keep at it smiles, you'll do it eventually :D
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Take care
Jo
I've been smoke free for 5 days now http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif!!!. This is after 19 years as a smoker. It has been so hard but I've been getting lots of support from the boards and my hubby. I can really understand how you have been falling off the wagon smiles. I've really, REALLY wanted to smoke but I just know if I have one then that will be it. I have just been taking each craving as it comes, telling myself it will go and then doing something to divert my attention, gardening, eating, having a bath, calling someone on the phone, coming onto healthboards anything that I can think of. Keep at it smiles, you'll do it eventually :D
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Take care
Jo
Smile4uhun
06-29-2001, 04:28 PM
I haven't reported my progress lately...I am sorry to say that I fell off the wagon and have been smoking pretty much every day for a week. I started slipping with so much stress going on here at work, it just screwed me up. Also, I forgot to take the patch a couple of times which the cravings got to the point where there were like voices in my head (LOL...no I am NOT crazy). I broke down and started smoking. I am hoping I have the will to stop again. I am setting a goal to stop on Monday....
Shorty56
07-01-2001, 06:06 PM
Smile4uhun a Slip is just that a slip and you are now getting back on the right track and Monday will be the first day of the new start, We are here to try to make it easier for you and support you through this.
I am not going to preach as that is the last thing you need, just take it one day at a time and as the days keep counting up you will soon find that you have made it past the first try and are well on the way to a smoke free life.
It is hard I know but you will make it this time. I am sending you an :angel: to help you. I will check with you Monday evening. Take care,
I am not going to preach as that is the last thing you need, just take it one day at a time and as the days keep counting up you will soon find that you have made it past the first try and are well on the way to a smoke free life.
It is hard I know but you will make it this time. I am sending you an :angel: to help you. I will check with you Monday evening. Take care,
babeodear
07-25-2001, 06:31 PM
DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! This is the best thing you can do for yourself. I smoked many years and have quit 4 different times. I learned that I cannot have just one cigarette. It has now been 2 years since I quit and I never want to return. Nicotine is poison. It is a member of the Nightshade family and that is a poison. You won't feel really good for awhile but just hang in there. Chew sugar free gum and I found that ephedra cut the cravings. I ate alot too so now I'm battling that last demon. But I am healthier. If you use the patches stay on them at least 12 weeks , I tried to get off them early and paid by not being sucessful. I thought I was saving money. This last time I even took the patches of the last week and cut them into fourths and extended the time. I am still smoke free. Sometimes I wish I could have a cigarette but I blow off the urge because now my sister has lung cancer.