bookmiser
07-27-2003, 12:20 AM
i've been a smoker since age 9.(hey! i was raised in kentucky- the tobacco state. they give ya a free carton when ya hit puberty.) can you imagine that? inhaled at 11. mom let me smoke at 13. will be 40 next year. use the patch for 10 weeks once and was smoke free for 10 months. got weak and started again. it's very easy folks.
have recently found myself very sick with a bronchial infection and was taken to the hospital because i couldn't breathe. like they cared. i sat for three hours and never saw a doctor, but that's a whole other story. maybe for a new board.
anyway, had an x-ray done of my chest and left without results. next morning called family doc and requested they find out results for me and let me know what was on the x-ray. nurse calls back and says there's a spot on a lung and would like to do a cat scan of the chest. needless to say i freaked. i mean, i don't expect my lungs to look like a newborns, their going to be spotty, right?
long story longer? was scared into quitting and have put the patch back on. (today) it's now 10:00 pm and if i don't go to bed and try to sleep, i think i will kill everyone in the house. lol. need some pumping up people. talk to me. my husband has never smoked. lucky him. i miss going out on the deck to take the dog out and lighting up. now someone else has to do the dog walk. help me please.
have recently found myself very sick with a bronchial infection and was taken to the hospital because i couldn't breathe. like they cared. i sat for three hours and never saw a doctor, but that's a whole other story. maybe for a new board.
anyway, had an x-ray done of my chest and left without results. next morning called family doc and requested they find out results for me and let me know what was on the x-ray. nurse calls back and says there's a spot on a lung and would like to do a cat scan of the chest. needless to say i freaked. i mean, i don't expect my lungs to look like a newborns, their going to be spotty, right?
long story longer? was scared into quitting and have put the patch back on. (today) it's now 10:00 pm and if i don't go to bed and try to sleep, i think i will kill everyone in the house. lol. need some pumping up people. talk to me. my husband has never smoked. lucky him. i miss going out on the deck to take the dog out and lighting up. now someone else has to do the dog walk. help me please.
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Deb47
07-27-2003, 05:40 PM
Hi, Bookmiser. I know just what you're going through, and believe me, it WILL get easier! Quitting smoking is hard, but it's doable. I quit then relapsed many times; but this past Winter I developed a bad lung prblem...I had trouble breathing; my chest and upper back hurt bad all the time. I quit smoking at the beginning of this year, and have not smoked since. Since then my breathing has gotten better, but there is a problem with my lungs. I finally went to see a Pulmonary doctor last Winter. He took some chest x-rays; said he wanted me to come back in 3 months time; get another set of chest x-rays taken. Well, I recently did this,a nd he still sees abnormal things on my x-rays. So, a week ago I had to get a cat scan on my lungs...tomorrow morning I go back to my Pulmonary doctor to get the results read. I'm nervous, as my chest has felt tight lately...and I get these pains in my chest that keep coming and going. So, I kind of think I have a problem. I smoked for 28 years, so it isn't surprising I guess. Going through the months when I couldn't breathe scared me to death, quite frankly. It sure made quitting smoking easier this time! When you can't breathe, its the worst feeling in the world. All of a sudden, cigarettes lose their importance! It feels good to be able to breathe better now; and I exercise and try to take care of my lungs NOW. I wish I had quit a long time ago; stupid, stupid me. You've got to quit and stay quit. Its the only chance you have of having quality time/life left to live. I'm not trying to be harsh...but it truly is a matter of life and breath. You can beat this addicition...post again and let me know how you're doing, okay? Debbie
By your name I take it you like to read. I LOVE to read...I am never without at least one book!
By your name I take it you like to read. I LOVE to read...I am never without at least one book!
Katied55791
07-28-2003, 07:41 PM
I quit smoking 3 years ago. I smoked for 32 years !!
more than two packs a day.
Here is what helped me the most:
When I really HAD to have a smoke... I took a bath
Now, don't laugh. Think about it, where is the one place you never have smoked? If you take a bath you will not crave a smoke, because your body never expects to smoke there any way. This worked for me.
I was squeeky clean for months !! (and a bit wrinkled all the time). Think of every time and place you have never smoked..and go there when you need to get relief from craving.
Best of luck, and don't give up. You will be free of this and you will be glad of it.
- Kate
more than two packs a day.
Here is what helped me the most:
When I really HAD to have a smoke... I took a bath
Now, don't laugh. Think about it, where is the one place you never have smoked? If you take a bath you will not crave a smoke, because your body never expects to smoke there any way. This worked for me.
I was squeeky clean for months !! (and a bit wrinkled all the time). Think of every time and place you have never smoked..and go there when you need to get relief from craving.
Best of luck, and don't give up. You will be free of this and you will be glad of it.
- Kate
chapperjoe
08-04-2003, 05:54 PM
YOU ARE MY IDOL - I just quit too due to chest pains, and I didn't think I'd be able to 'reach out' for support like you do. I have no advice nor aid to offer other than my admiration for your choice.
skippymouse
08-13-2003, 12:32 PM
I feel your pain! My husband has never smoked as well and I have a three year old that drives me nuts. I have tried to stop smoking many times and have failed. I started when I was about 15 and I am now 26 and need to stop. I keep getting brochitis myself and that is a good reason to stop other than for my family. Keep up the good work, your in my prayers.
Good Luck to You!!!!!
[This message has been edited by skippymouse (edited 08-13-2003).]
[This message has been edited by skippymouse (edited 08-13-2003).]
Good Luck to You!!!!!
[This message has been edited by skippymouse (edited 08-13-2003).]
[This message has been edited by skippymouse (edited 08-13-2003).]
luke1
08-15-2003, 01:11 AM
Bookmiser
You have a choice, life or death, as simple as that. You should have all the motivation you need to stop after reading about your health problems. There are an abundance of smoking cessation aids available to you, nicotine patches, zyban, etc.. Things that helped me, chewing gum, used mouthwash instead of smoking, took a shower when I couldn’t shake the urge, and used nicotine patches. Quit smoking and even the dog will like you better.
Bottom line, its life or death, please choose life.
You can do it!
You have a choice, life or death, as simple as that. You should have all the motivation you need to stop after reading about your health problems. There are an abundance of smoking cessation aids available to you, nicotine patches, zyban, etc.. Things that helped me, chewing gum, used mouthwash instead of smoking, took a shower when I couldn’t shake the urge, and used nicotine patches. Quit smoking and even the dog will like you better.
Bottom line, its life or death, please choose life.
You can do it!
bleego
08-15-2003, 11:03 PM
bookmiser,
I am really surprised, I was raised in Kentucky also. This is the first time I ever heard about free carton of cigs at puberty. You and I smoked because we made wrong decisions. I quit after 27 yrs , good luck to you.
bleego
I am really surprised, I was raised in Kentucky also. This is the first time I ever heard about free carton of cigs at puberty. You and I smoked because we made wrong decisions. I quit after 27 yrs , good luck to you.
bleego
MomOf4PreciousHearts
09-08-2003, 10:06 PM
We made wrong choices - based on what we were taught and shown by our elders. FACT.
We had candy cigarettes.
Most movie stars smoked in their films.
Most tv stars smoked in their films.
Most COOL/sophisticated/suave/debonair/etc..ones did, at least.
Most music stars smoked.
Our teachers smoked in their teacher's lounges and at the side of the playground at recess.
Our doctor's offices had ash trays in them and many people used them.
Our hospitals had ashtrays by the beds and it was quite normal for patients to smoke in the hospital. New mothers included.
Our juvenile detention centers permitted the children within them to smoke.
Our foster care homes permitted the children within them to smoke.
Our schools had smoking areas for students outside.
Cigarette machines were everywhere and a child could run one.
Store sold cigarettes very cheap and to children without question.
Cars and trucks alike were equipped with ashtrays, standard, for many years until just recently.
All restaurants had ashtrays on the tables.
There were no such things as "non smoking areas".
People smoked in public buildings, stores, everywhere.
There was some chatter about smoking causing lung cancer in old age - but it didn't happen usually until way on up in years - or so we were led to believe.
Talk about wrong choices - don't blame it all on the children who made bad choices - they certainly had more than enough support in making those "bad" choices.
Now that the tide has turned, the rush is to blame the children who were (purposely targeted and) addicted - it's THEIR fault - they made a bad choice - Hmmm...who else had a hand in all those children making bad choices?
Children only take part of the blame. I was a foster care child. I was literally given a choice of my allowance each week or a carton of cigarettes in leui of the allowance - and a couple dollars left over for the skating rink. Do we really think 12 year olds can make responsible choices concerning such things given the environment of the 70s and adults literally handing cigarettes out to them?!!
More than the children are responsible. For shame.
We had candy cigarettes.
Most movie stars smoked in their films.
Most tv stars smoked in their films.
Most COOL/sophisticated/suave/debonair/etc..ones did, at least.
Most music stars smoked.
Our teachers smoked in their teacher's lounges and at the side of the playground at recess.
Our doctor's offices had ash trays in them and many people used them.
Our hospitals had ashtrays by the beds and it was quite normal for patients to smoke in the hospital. New mothers included.
Our juvenile detention centers permitted the children within them to smoke.
Our foster care homes permitted the children within them to smoke.
Our schools had smoking areas for students outside.
Cigarette machines were everywhere and a child could run one.
Store sold cigarettes very cheap and to children without question.
Cars and trucks alike were equipped with ashtrays, standard, for many years until just recently.
All restaurants had ashtrays on the tables.
There were no such things as "non smoking areas".
People smoked in public buildings, stores, everywhere.
There was some chatter about smoking causing lung cancer in old age - but it didn't happen usually until way on up in years - or so we were led to believe.
Talk about wrong choices - don't blame it all on the children who made bad choices - they certainly had more than enough support in making those "bad" choices.
Now that the tide has turned, the rush is to blame the children who were (purposely targeted and) addicted - it's THEIR fault - they made a bad choice - Hmmm...who else had a hand in all those children making bad choices?
Children only take part of the blame. I was a foster care child. I was literally given a choice of my allowance each week or a carton of cigarettes in leui of the allowance - and a couple dollars left over for the skating rink. Do we really think 12 year olds can make responsible choices concerning such things given the environment of the 70s and adults literally handing cigarettes out to them?!!
More than the children are responsible. For shame.
bookmiser
09-13-2003, 10:46 PM
:bouncing:
sorry it has taken me so long to respond. i write on a few sites and i do love to read. that ky. crack was suppose to be funny.i was joking. i have now been an ex-smoker for 8 weeks. i do wear the patch by the way. i can not cheat. if i cheat once, i'm a goner. i have good days and bad days. i do miss it everyday still. what can i say? thanks so much for everyone's support. the bath idea was phenom. thanks. talk atcha all later.
sorry it has taken me so long to respond. i write on a few sites and i do love to read. that ky. crack was suppose to be funny.i was joking. i have now been an ex-smoker for 8 weeks. i do wear the patch by the way. i can not cheat. if i cheat once, i'm a goner. i have good days and bad days. i do miss it everyday still. what can i say? thanks so much for everyone's support. the bath idea was phenom. thanks. talk atcha all later.
smurfyday
09-16-2003, 08:58 PM
I'm new to the group and saw your message. Sounds a lot like me. I recently was admitted to the hospital due to chest pain caused by stress and, of course, smoking. Has anyone tried to quit by just cutting one cig a day? I've been smoking about 36 years and the doctor advised me to cut by dropping one cig a day. I was smoking over one and a half packs a day and am now down to 12 a day. It's very difficult but I am learning to cope somewhat. I actually smelled cigarette smoke for the first time I can remember the other day! Any suggestions are appreciated. Good luck everyone!
bookmiser
09-17-2003, 12:07 AM
thanks for your reply. it's funny that you should mention the smell. my husband and i bowl on tuesday nights.(whoa yeah baby!) lol. anyway, i smelled the smoke tonight really well and mentally i went nuts at first, but then i realized how much i really don't want to go back to that. not just yet anyway. ha ha. i have to look at it like that or i will go nuts, ya know? i will soon be seeing the pulmanologist(?) to get a second opinion on the c-scan of my chest(lungs). apparently my doctor says there are bilateral nodeuals or something like that on my lungs. i freaked out and quit smoking. if and when and whatever i find out, i will continue to take a break from cigarettes. i only pray to god the break last me the rest of my life. i hope slowing down is working for you. it sounds like torture to me lol. i go to step 3 of the patch tomorrow. 7 mg a day for 2 weeks. woo hoo. it sucks. nice to meet you. write again soon.
smurfyday
09-17-2003, 11:48 AM
Hi!
The odd thing was that when I smelled the cigarettes, it didn't smell good. It was more of a burnt smell, I couldn't stand it....lol.....The problem that I'm having is the unconscious need to smoke. Do you know what I mean? Wanting to light up for no real reason except habit? Then, I remember not to and then feel the need. I think I may need something to help.......I think I am also feeling withdrawl from not smoking enough? I remember about 15 years ago, I actually quit smoking for about two months. I didn't even desire a cigarette and really thought I made it. The withdrawl pain was so bad that I wound up at the doctor. The doctor yelled at me for quitting cold turkey and told me never to do that. He gave me nothing to help and sent me on my way. I wound up smoking just to relieve the pain and of course, started again. I am afraid for this to happen again. I wonder if when I get to no cigarettes if I should then go on the patch or nicotine gum to help with withdrawl. I think we all need to understand that we are shocking our systems by quitting, especially when you have been smoking as long as you and I have. Do you ever feel sick to your stomach from the patch? I heard this was a side effect.
I wish you luck at the doctor. Stay strong. You can do it. We cannot smoke for as many years as we have and have no problems. I have bronchitis right now and had it a couple of times during the winter. I get this because I am prone to it because of smoking. I also became asthmatic because of smoking. So pulmonary problems happen. I am sure you will be fine but remember when you get the good news that bad news in the future will happen if you don't use this opportunity to quit once and for all. Plus, think of all the money you will save....lol.....
Well, just a little attempt to keep you motivated....
Good luck and stay well......
The odd thing was that when I smelled the cigarettes, it didn't smell good. It was more of a burnt smell, I couldn't stand it....lol.....The problem that I'm having is the unconscious need to smoke. Do you know what I mean? Wanting to light up for no real reason except habit? Then, I remember not to and then feel the need. I think I may need something to help.......I think I am also feeling withdrawl from not smoking enough? I remember about 15 years ago, I actually quit smoking for about two months. I didn't even desire a cigarette and really thought I made it. The withdrawl pain was so bad that I wound up at the doctor. The doctor yelled at me for quitting cold turkey and told me never to do that. He gave me nothing to help and sent me on my way. I wound up smoking just to relieve the pain and of course, started again. I am afraid for this to happen again. I wonder if when I get to no cigarettes if I should then go on the patch or nicotine gum to help with withdrawl. I think we all need to understand that we are shocking our systems by quitting, especially when you have been smoking as long as you and I have. Do you ever feel sick to your stomach from the patch? I heard this was a side effect.
I wish you luck at the doctor. Stay strong. You can do it. We cannot smoke for as many years as we have and have no problems. I have bronchitis right now and had it a couple of times during the winter. I get this because I am prone to it because of smoking. I also became asthmatic because of smoking. So pulmonary problems happen. I am sure you will be fine but remember when you get the good news that bad news in the future will happen if you don't use this opportunity to quit once and for all. Plus, think of all the money you will save....lol.....
Well, just a little attempt to keep you motivated....
Good luck and stay well......
bookmiser
09-18-2003, 10:17 PM
your absolutely right about that feeling to light up thing. it's almost like i leave a room and feel like i forgot something. oh yeah my cigarettes. ****! then i'm missing them all of a sudden and want to smoke really bad. i don't though. i know if i cheat even once i'm back to square one. the problem i'm having now is i'm very moody and i feel like l've gained 30 lbs. overnight. i wasn't real thin to start, now i feel like i'm more than just chubby. if i have to start wearing bigger clothes, i don't know what i'll do. size 16 is plenty big enough for me. any bigger and i might just get very depressed. my husband is talking about getting a family membership for the ymca. don't ya need motivation for that? lol. nice talkin' atcha.