LaurenRae
07-14-2002, 01:28 AM
Hi,
I had surgery May 30 of this year - had my last smoke at 11 pm May 29th! I had decided that it would be a perfect time to quit - can't smoke in the hospital and would be there for 5 days - an opportunity like that doesn't come around very often!
I started smoking when I was 13 - am now 39. I quit once for 3 months when I was 15 (how easy it would have been back then!) but over the years, I was never able to make it longer than a few days. I'm very happy to say I have made it 45 days without a cigarette! I haven't used the patch or the gum - just on my own and am doing pretty good. Have some rough spots - my third week was really tough. I think I would have done most anything for a cigarette - so I hid out at home and had no social contact with my friends, some of whom are smokers. It passed and I only have two or three cravings a day now (am having one right now - talking about it is tough!). But I'm proud of myself and am going to beat this thing. I have a friend who was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and had one lung removed. The cancer came back in other organs and he was given 8 - 12 months. He's doing well so far...but it scared me. All I can say to any of you who have tried to quit many times is I was smoking almost a pack a day and never in my wildest dreams could imagine living without that cigarette. But I'm doing it, and it's not that bad. Don't give up.
I had surgery May 30 of this year - had my last smoke at 11 pm May 29th! I had decided that it would be a perfect time to quit - can't smoke in the hospital and would be there for 5 days - an opportunity like that doesn't come around very often!
I started smoking when I was 13 - am now 39. I quit once for 3 months when I was 15 (how easy it would have been back then!) but over the years, I was never able to make it longer than a few days. I'm very happy to say I have made it 45 days without a cigarette! I haven't used the patch or the gum - just on my own and am doing pretty good. Have some rough spots - my third week was really tough. I think I would have done most anything for a cigarette - so I hid out at home and had no social contact with my friends, some of whom are smokers. It passed and I only have two or three cravings a day now (am having one right now - talking about it is tough!). But I'm proud of myself and am going to beat this thing. I have a friend who was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and had one lung removed. The cancer came back in other organs and he was given 8 - 12 months. He's doing well so far...but it scared me. All I can say to any of you who have tried to quit many times is I was smoking almost a pack a day and never in my wildest dreams could imagine living without that cigarette. But I'm doing it, and it's not that bad. Don't give up.
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tup
07-15-2002, 10:28 AM
Way to go!!!!
crystalll
07-15-2002, 11:20 AM
Hi LaurenRae,
CONGRATULATIONS! I smoked my last cigarette on May 27th, having quit cold turkey as well. I've done great so far, but lately for some reason I've been dreaming about smoking. I don't plan on lighting up again though.
Anyway, keep up the good work.
Crystal
CONGRATULATIONS! I smoked my last cigarette on May 27th, having quit cold turkey as well. I've done great so far, but lately for some reason I've been dreaming about smoking. I don't plan on lighting up again though.
Anyway, keep up the good work.
Crystal
skylan
07-28-2002, 09:09 AM
Way To Go !! I'm so proud of you.
Had my last smoke June 25th, after smoking 40 years, and for the last 20 years I was up to 2 packs a day. My husband is working on his 3rd week, he also smoked heavy for 35 years. We both quit cold turkey, and it wasn't as bad as we thought.
I love going grocery shopping, being able to buy fresh fruits, and vegs. with all the money we are saving.
I have so much more energy now.
Keep up the good work.
Sky
Had my last smoke June 25th, after smoking 40 years, and for the last 20 years I was up to 2 packs a day. My husband is working on his 3rd week, he also smoked heavy for 35 years. We both quit cold turkey, and it wasn't as bad as we thought.
I love going grocery shopping, being able to buy fresh fruits, and vegs. with all the money we are saving.
I have so much more energy now.
Keep up the good work.
Sky
crystalll
07-28-2002, 10:16 PM
Good for you, Sky!
It's great that you and your husband were able to quit together. Keep it up!
Crystal
It's great that you and your husband were able to quit together. Keep it up!
Crystal
Debra Noel2
07-29-2002, 12:07 PM
Way to go to all of you. I have been quit for almost 7 months. The last 2 months have definately been the easiest. Don't even crave them, actually repulsed by them. Up until then, I would have had one in a second. Keep it up guys.
LaurenRae
08-02-2002, 02:47 AM
Hi Debra,
Well, your post is definitely encouraging! The past 2 months have been at times challenging. It's nice to hear from someone who is not craving cigarettes any more. I hope in 5 months I can say the same!
Well, your post is definitely encouraging! The past 2 months have been at times challenging. It's nice to hear from someone who is not craving cigarettes any more. I hope in 5 months I can say the same!
Debra Noel2
08-04-2002, 01:28 AM
Hey Lauren Rae, yeah it is kinda weird b/c I didn't think the cravings would ever go away. When I quit smoking I started running hoping that the physical activity would help deter and be a good battle against actually craving them. It didn't really do anything. As a matter of fact, 5 months after quitting I ran my first 1/2 marathon, and when I finished the first thing I said was how much I could go for a cigarette. Once 6 months hit, the cravings just faded. I just got back from a camping trip and I was a little worried b/c for me there was never anything better than a nice cigarette around the fire. WEll, again I thought about it, but not even came close to craving one. So far this is the longest I have been quit 7+ months, and it is this board that has definately helped along the way. Keep the board posted as to your progress, b/c lord knows it gives strength to those who've just quit. Stay Strong, DEB
LaurenRae
09-23-2002, 12:22 PM
Hi Debra,
It's almost been four months (will be on Sept. 30)! I still can't believe it - this is the longest for me. I am still getting cravings - some way worse than others. There are times I just want to weep because I miss it so much - isn't that pathetic? I'm very happy that I have quit tho - and truly hope I never, ever start again. I find that as long as I have a cup of coffee in my hand, I can handle any craving that comes along. Of course, all that caffeine is starting to get to me! I haven't even gained any weight - in fact, I've lost about 14 pounds since my surgery at the end of May. Was always scared of quitting smoking and gaining tons of weight!
My first big hurdle is coming up tho. I am turning 40 (yikes - still can't believe that!) in a couple of weeks and some friends are taking me out to the bar. I don't know how I am going to handle drinking without smoking. I have only had one glass of wine in the past four months and really had no trouble. But...I keep telling myself that if the worst thing happens and I break down and have a cigarette, I just have to make sure that the next day I am right back on track. It would be so disappointing tho. Did you have any times like that?
It's almost been four months (will be on Sept. 30)! I still can't believe it - this is the longest for me. I am still getting cravings - some way worse than others. There are times I just want to weep because I miss it so much - isn't that pathetic? I'm very happy that I have quit tho - and truly hope I never, ever start again. I find that as long as I have a cup of coffee in my hand, I can handle any craving that comes along. Of course, all that caffeine is starting to get to me! I haven't even gained any weight - in fact, I've lost about 14 pounds since my surgery at the end of May. Was always scared of quitting smoking and gaining tons of weight!
My first big hurdle is coming up tho. I am turning 40 (yikes - still can't believe that!) in a couple of weeks and some friends are taking me out to the bar. I don't know how I am going to handle drinking without smoking. I have only had one glass of wine in the past four months and really had no trouble. But...I keep telling myself that if the worst thing happens and I break down and have a cigarette, I just have to make sure that the next day I am right back on track. It would be so disappointing tho. Did you have any times like that?
2Anna
10-11-2002, 12:26 PM
Wow that is great news. I started smoking when I was 15 or 16 and I am now 40. I quit July 28th and the really odd thing is that at first I didnt want one. Now after all this time I do. I will not smoke though because I have wanted to quit forever and never thought I would or could and it would be a waste to go all this time and then blow it. Besides I like not having to buy them and I like not having to go outside and smoke. We live in a brand new house and I would never smoke inside before and that kinda helped as well. I didnt use any patches or gum or anything. I also was in the hospital for 2 days and decided this is it. I kept a half pack around for about a month then decided to heck with this I will never need them and I can get along without them. I am very proud of myself and I know I will never smoke again. It is great to say I dont smoke.
LaurenRae
10-11-2002, 09:00 PM
Way to go Anna! It's been four and a half months (123 days!) since I last had a cigarette and I feel terrific! I still get the odd craving, but nothing I cannot handle. It is a great feeling not to be chained to that habit anymore! I can't believe I've made it this long! Last weekend I had my 40th birthday celebration and after a few drinks really felt like having a cigarette (this was the first time I have been out socially). I think that craving lasted maybe 5 minutes and then nothing! Couldn't believe it! I am really proud of myself too! And my kids couldn't be happier!
It's wonderful being a non-smoker!
It's wonderful being a non-smoker!
JuneE
10-16-2002, 02:11 AM
I'm glad I found this board...
I quit smoking 2 weeks ago ...also the same day I had spinal surgery on my neck. I've been advised that smoking would make the healing of the fusion harder..
Until yesterday I was staying with my parents plus not allowed to drive, so it really wasn't that hard..plus being on painkillers and sleeping alot helped.
Nowww I can drive..and i'm home...and bored..so its a little harder...and still in pain...but I am trying to remember that smoking might hurt the fusion..and there is NO WAY I want to go through this surgery again..
In June I quit for 17 days..but didn't make it..
I'm up to 14 days this time...wonder how long the cravings will last :(
June
I quit smoking 2 weeks ago ...also the same day I had spinal surgery on my neck. I've been advised that smoking would make the healing of the fusion harder..
Until yesterday I was staying with my parents plus not allowed to drive, so it really wasn't that hard..plus being on painkillers and sleeping alot helped.
Nowww I can drive..and i'm home...and bored..so its a little harder...and still in pain...but I am trying to remember that smoking might hurt the fusion..and there is NO WAY I want to go through this surgery again..
In June I quit for 17 days..but didn't make it..
I'm up to 14 days this time...wonder how long the cravings will last :(
June
ConCon
10-16-2002, 08:25 AM
Well I am going to try it again......quit a year ago for a few months and then started back up during a crisis. I have smoked since I was 14 and I am now 46. My father died from lung cancer at the age of 56. You would think that would have been a wake up call, huh. I hope I do it this time. The cravings really didn't last long with me. I have joined a gym and have been working out and walking on the treadmill since April. Believe me smoking and the gym just don't go together. Wish me luck!!!!
LaurenRae
12-12-2002, 11:27 AM
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let you all know that it has been a little over 6 months since I quit - and I'm still doing great! Yes, I do have some cravings still but most of them are very mild and are easily dealt with. The odd one will sometimes catch me off guard and I'll really have to push myself to think of something else for a moment, but it always goes away. It is so wonderful not to be chained to cigarattes anymore - it's amazing how much time is spent smoking in a day!
If any of you are thinking of quitting and are worried you can't do it - you can! It's not easy, but it's also probably not going to be as hard as you think it will be. I took it one day at a time - still do! Each day you get through without smoking is an accomplishment. Now when I even consider of "having just a drag" I think of how these past 6 months of being smoke-free would be just a waste - and I'd have to start from "day one" again. That is more than enough incentive to keep plugging along. This Christmas will be my first Christmas in 26 years that I haven't smoked. It is going to be wonderful - especially because for the last 5 years I was the only family member who still smoked and I always had to go off to another room or outside for a cigarette. This year I can just sit and relax with everyone else.
I also am starting to save some money for a down-payment on a new car. I know that the minute I start smoking again, I can kiss a new car goodbye! All good incentive...
Well, just wanted to let everyone know how things were going and to encourage those who are thinking of quitting. Remember - it is possible!
Just wanted to let you all know that it has been a little over 6 months since I quit - and I'm still doing great! Yes, I do have some cravings still but most of them are very mild and are easily dealt with. The odd one will sometimes catch me off guard and I'll really have to push myself to think of something else for a moment, but it always goes away. It is so wonderful not to be chained to cigarattes anymore - it's amazing how much time is spent smoking in a day!
If any of you are thinking of quitting and are worried you can't do it - you can! It's not easy, but it's also probably not going to be as hard as you think it will be. I took it one day at a time - still do! Each day you get through without smoking is an accomplishment. Now when I even consider of "having just a drag" I think of how these past 6 months of being smoke-free would be just a waste - and I'd have to start from "day one" again. That is more than enough incentive to keep plugging along. This Christmas will be my first Christmas in 26 years that I haven't smoked. It is going to be wonderful - especially because for the last 5 years I was the only family member who still smoked and I always had to go off to another room or outside for a cigarette. This year I can just sit and relax with everyone else.
I also am starting to save some money for a down-payment on a new car. I know that the minute I start smoking again, I can kiss a new car goodbye! All good incentive...
Well, just wanted to let everyone know how things were going and to encourage those who are thinking of quitting. Remember - it is possible!
crystalll
12-14-2002, 07:03 PM
Hi LaurenRae,
It's good to hear that you're still a non-smoker! I just passed the 6 month mark as well.
Whenever I get the urge to light up, I just smell my hair and clothes. It's so great to go through an entire day smelling good!
I don't know where you are in Canada, but I know I don't miss taking smoke breaks outside in the cold Canadian winter.
Good luck with saving for your car down-payment.
Crystal
It's good to hear that you're still a non-smoker! I just passed the 6 month mark as well.
Whenever I get the urge to light up, I just smell my hair and clothes. It's so great to go through an entire day smelling good!
I don't know where you are in Canada, but I know I don't miss taking smoke breaks outside in the cold Canadian winter.
Good luck with saving for your car down-payment.
Crystal
LaurenRae
02-20-2003, 01:17 AM
Hi everyone - just a quick update. It will be 9 months at the end of February since I had a cigarette! I'm doing pretty good - still have the odd craving, but it's usually in the evening when I'm bored. It always passes - and I am confident that I'll never give in to the cravings! So for all of you who are trying so hard to quit I say keep on trying - I don't know how many times I tried to quit. One day it will just click and you'll be on your way to becoming a nonsmoker!
Kimianne
02-20-2003, 09:52 AM
HI;
You are an inspiration http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Thank you for the great news and outlook.
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Kimi
You are an inspiration http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Thank you for the great news and outlook.
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Kimi
Autumn Angel
02-20-2003, 10:29 AM
LaurenRae...Congrats Girl :) what a wonderful job you are doing!!! I wish I was as strong as you are...let me know how this keeps going because I want to quit myself I have been smoking since I was 15 too and I am 42. Because of my smoking my 18 yr old daughter has been smoking since she was 14 and my 21 year old daughter who I thought would never smoke started at 20. I have tried to talk them into us 3 all quitting together to save my youngest daughter who is 12 and says she will never smoke :) but thats what my 21 yr old said too. So for her and me of course I want to quit before she starts. Any aidvice on how to handle the cravings would be great..Thanks.
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Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Ovaries left intact due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
Just Dx with multiple ovarian cysts..having C-125 test done for possible malignancy.
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia.
18 yr old daughter bulimia survivor.
Pain Management- Oxycontin 20mg twice a day..Percocet for bt. 2 mg Dilaudid at bedtime.
" Wishing all a pain free day"
------------------
Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Ovaries left intact due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
Just Dx with multiple ovarian cysts..having C-125 test done for possible malignancy.
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia.
18 yr old daughter bulimia survivor.
Pain Management- Oxycontin 20mg twice a day..Percocet for bt. 2 mg Dilaudid at bedtime.
" Wishing all a pain free day"
Dramaqueen
02-20-2003, 03:25 PM
LaurenRae-That's awesome! Keep it up! :D