Surgery is in six days

[Shauna_M]

I have dental surgery in six days. I have to have six teeth removed (four wisdom; two others).

I already have asthma, so I have to quit for that reason. Plus, my oral surgeon warned me about dry socket and suggested I quit for at least a week.

My best friends are telling me that I may as well just quit for good. I do agree with them.

What kind of aids have helped you? I know right now that I'm not going to be able to do it cold turkey.

Also, what kinds of medications are covered by insurance? I'd hate to see that they weren't covered--especially since they would cover for a medication needed to repair a problem from the smoking. Money is tight right now and I wouldn't be able to afford the drug outright.

Thanks for any input!

[ser]

Shauna_M-

I went cold turkey with a twist. I had pneomnia and slept for 7 days. I had no disire to get up and have a puff(well I did but no strength). If you want to quit you can do it. Set up a montra like I smell better or I'm saving $x a month and $x a year. Rewire your buttons..Know what sets you to smoke and when that happens have a glass of water or a carrot stick or a mint toothpick. With your dental surgery you will want to sleep a bit take advantage of it and sleep don't get up to smoke. I wish you the best - 3mo and no cigarette.

[andrew59]

Zyban (also called wellbutrin) was very effective for me. I used it in conjuction with smokeless tobacco. After I hadn't had a cig in a couple weeks I started cutting down on the dip by mixing it half and half with "herbal" (tobacco free) dip, which is basically just flavored grass. After a couple weeks of this I cut it to 75/25 and then cut the percentage in half again, and finally switched to "herbal" altogether. After a couple weeks of that I switched to gum.

I haven't had a smoke in 14 months & have been completely tobacco free for 12 months now.

My insurance company wasn't going to pay for the Zyban for smoking cessation, but my doctor didn't write what it was for on the prescription (it's also used to treat depression), so the insurance company just assumed it was for that and paid it.

Hey, good luck, I hope you can do it.

I did it w/Nicorette Gum. Every time I get a craving I chew a piece until it gets a "tingly feeling" then you put it against your gum like chewing tobacco. You feel it instantaneously . . . . oh what a feeling!!

Also, I chew a lot of regular gum like Big Red (something w/a bite) or hard candy.

Good Luck to ya'!

I've been smoke free since Sept 27, 2000 and am down to 3 pieces of Nicorette gum a day.

[This message has been edited by wholden (edited 01-17-2001).]

[alazay]

I quite smoking on Christmas Day, and haven't had a cigarette since then. I have to be put to sleep for dental work next month. I have never been put to sleep and I am kind of freaked out about it. Can you tell me what your dentist told you to expect? Tell me how it went after you have it!