Advice and support needed!! - Smoking Cessation Message Board

layney · 02-25-2004, 05:16 PM

Okay, my husband and I both smoke and have decided together to quit. I would typically only smoke in the evening, and then generally 3-5 smokes in a day. Anyways, what I am noticing after only one day isn't so much withdrawals but just that I am soooo used to the "pattern" I formed--smoke after dinner, smoke an hour after that, one or two more before bed--that I am feeling like I am off schedule or something. I keep glancing at the clock, wondering if it is time to have another yet. It is like my evenings were so structured around smoking that now, I am at a loss for what to do. Anyone else have that problem? I would welcome all advice and encouragement

Also, I tend to want a cigarette more so when I am stressed or bored, so I guess I need to fill up my time and figure something else out (besides eating.) To top it off, I am trying to lose weight and get back in shape, so I already excersize as much as possible--which is part of the reason for quitting now, that and I have a 4 year old son who is becoming aware that mom/dad go out in the garage and then it smells yucky and wants to know why (!!!) I don't want to expose him and I don't want to die young. Any and all advice or experiences would be appreciated!!

LL29 · 02-25-2004, 06:29 PM

Hi Layney and welcome to the board

We'll help you so no worries

Please go bk and read the earlier threads/archives here - that should help you quite a bit (both u and the hubby should read them - maybe print some out for him or something?).

Yes - stopping smoking requires some change in your life but I think you realize that. I had the same problem in the beginning but I knew regardless of anything that I was NOT going to smoke again. I knew I'd put on 10-15lbs. which I did put on the 15 and working now to get it off.

I substituted fireballs and water for my smoke. Find something like that or some cinnamon sticks or toothpicks to use. Are you quitting cold turkey or using something? I quit cold turkey 96 days ago after 15 yrs. pack a day so if I can do it - you easily can.

There are others out here that have used diff. things - the patch is very successful as well from what the others say.

The biggest thing is to make a list of why you feel so strongly and tape your son's picture to it

That should keep you straight and carry it with you at all times (make one for the hubby as well).

Use the internet search engines to look up diff smoking cessation sites and the dangers of smoking. You can easily lose your fingers/toes, lung cancer, emphysema, etc.. which I'm sure you know. I think what you're both doing is AWESOME and shows great morals since your setting an example for your son. You're doing the right thing and you both want to be there for your son when he gets older right.

We'll be here for you both

Prayer works wonders as well

Laurie

PS: On your boredom/pattern thing - read a magazine or book, write a letter, clean the house, do laundry, do some floor exercises, take a nap, take a bath, rearrange your closets, clean out your cupboards or freezer, come here and type to us. Whatever you do .....DO NOT SMOKE! Your in control now!

jc001 · 02-25-2004, 10:49 PM

Hi!

I think we all go through the same when quitting. At least in my personal case there where about 8 "ritual" smokes I had every day and I really miss it

The truth is you're going to have to deal with it and accept the fact those special smoke times are gone.

It may sound a bit harsh but thats really all there's to it ... many will tell you to keep busy, chew gum, drink water, etc... but the fact is only time will make you foget about it.

Keep strong and don't trade your familiy's health including yours to cigarettes.

layney · 02-26-2004, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc001

Hi!

I think we all go through the same when quitting. At least in my personal case there where about 8 "ritual" smokes I had every day and I really miss it

The truth is you're going to have to deal with it and accept the fact those special smoke times are gone.

It may sound a bit harsh but thats really all there's to it ... many will tell you to keep busy, chew gum, drink water, etc... but the fact is only time will make you foget about it.

Keep strong and don't trade your familiy's health including yours to cigarettes.

Yep, you both are right. Last night, I kept as busy as possible--it also helped that I got home later than usual

--and I went to bed about 1/2 an hour earlier than normal. Funny thing is, I woke up a full hour before I usually do and felt so good that I got up and worked out!

I think the last time I was able to get up and work out in the morning (without feeling yucky and coughing non-stop) was right after my son was born, before I started smoking again--4 1/2 years ago. I feel great this morning, so I suppose I will have to keep reminding myself, whenever I want to give in, of how good it felt to be able to get up and work out and not cough or feel like my sinuses are on fire. Nights are gonna be tough for me though, I can already tell. Thanks guys

smartgal · 02-26-2004, 09:33 AM

Yes, I had the problem of "telling time" with cigarettes. I think Queenbee mentioned the same thing. Even six weeks later, when I clean house, I still miss sitting down in the middle of cleaning and "breaking" with my cigarette. I make an effort to do some sort of break though. There's also the cig while waiting for water to boil! HA HA! I smell a lot better and so does my car.