New Here....on day #5...need interaction! - Smoking Cessation Message Board

tigermamma · 03-12-2004, 01:02 PM

Hi all!

I'm a new non-smoker and am on day #5 w/o a cigarette. I have decided to quit because I am just recouping from pneumonia (1st time) and my dr. has ordered chest X-rays and pulmonary function test for next week. She says she thinks I have the beginnings of Emphysema!

I have been reading your past posts to get some kind of idea how active this board is. I am okay, but yesterday I had a bad bad day and I became

the pure devil, and I'm usually a very easy going person. I wanted a cig so bad that I actually just screamed, but, the important part is that I DID NOT smoke! Part of my problem is that I'm home all day by myself instead of being at work where I usually am. Then my husband comes home and he's still smoking (won't quit till he's ready), and even though he smokes out on the front porch or in another room, I can smell it from a mile away and it still smell inviting to me....eek!

I hope I can make some friends here to talk to because I need to vent to someone from time to time who may understand my reactions and fears. I have two questions.

#1: What should I be expecting as far as results from the pulmonary test??? Anyone out there know??? I mean what is good or bad results?
#2: How long does it take to finally get through this withdrawal stage???

Thanks a lot! ........ Carol

Deda · 03-12-2004, 01:39 PM

Hi Tigermamma...

Well I'm sorry to hear that you might have emphasyma, but your quitting smoking is the VERY BEST thing you could possibly do for that. Congratulations!

As for hubby still smoking, and it causing you temptation, could you possibly ask dear hubby to at least go furthur away, possibly out in backyard where you can't see him or smell it? At least just for a couple more weeks? It won't kill him.

He has to at least do everything he can to help you, since the docs think you might have this, it is crucial that you quit now.

As far as your cravings and withdrawl, you should be feeling better real soon. you are going through the worst part of it as your body is getting rid of all the junk and nicotene. Soon it will all be cleared from your body and you will only be dealing with the mental cravings, and I know you can deal with that, given the possibility of having emphysema should make your willpower strong.

Pulmonary test? Do you mean a pulmonary function test? I had that done 3 years ago. Just ask the technician when you are finished how you did. I scored very well. Then it goes to your pulmonary Dr. and he evaluates it. The longer you go without smoking, the better your lung fuction will become...something to look very forward to!

You will make friends here Tigermamma, and we're here for you. Post 10 x a day if you need to, we'll help you along all we can.

Pray for strength also, and I will for ya too. Here's an angel to help ya out...

Your well on your way to getting healthier! Just DON'T SMOKE!!!!
God bless...
DEDA

tigermamma · 03-12-2004, 01:46 PM

Thanks so much for your quick reply Deda! Makes me feel better already. Thanks for the info, I will ask about results. I know I have a long way to go but I'm pretty proud of myself so far. My hubby means well, and would go away to smoke if I ask, but with me not pushing him, I think he will come around and eventually decide to try along with me. That's what I really want. I've been reading some of your posts and I am glad you also believe in the power of prayer......it helps! have a great evening.....and I will be returning probably sooner rather than later! <<smile>>

Deda · 03-12-2004, 01:56 PM

Hey Mamma, if it wasn't for prayer, a lot of us think we would've failed. I'm strong, but not that strong!!

I know, it's hard for your hubby if he's not ready. My hubby quit a year ago this month, and I took another 6 months to decide to quit after him. (I smoked in the garage). Tell ya what tho, it wasn't fun smoking alone after he quit. I was jealous of him!! Seriously, I was!!

I was green with envy

Bet after a while, your hub will quit too!!! Keep setting a good example of how we can live without them mamma!!!

How many years did you smoke, and how many a day? I smoked 30 years, pack a day, and had quit at least 10 times, 2 x for a year. Now it's been almost 6 months without a cig. One day at a time mamma..one day at a time!! (Keep your mind busy)

Talk later..
DEDA

tigermamma · 03-13-2004, 06:55 AM

Hey Deda!

I feel better this morning. Day #6...I'm actually beginning to wake up and have a cup of coffee w/o feeling the need to reach for a smoke! Guess What? I was in here (in our office) reading, etc. and my hubby pops his head in the room and says "I am so very proud of you!" He comes over and gives me a neck massage and says, "You do know that if I see that you can really quit, that I'm next!" O0000hweeeee! I could have cried!!!! This is what I'm hoping for. Actually he has a brother who quit cold turkery about 5 years ago so hubby KNOWS it can be done. But geez, you talking about something that gave me a real boost and incentive to keep smoke free!!! Just wanted to share this with you.

In answer to your question, I have smoked for about 30 years, trying to quit on and off. When I quit, I was smoking 1 1/2 to 2 packs daily. But NO MORE!!!

Hope you'll have a great Saturday!!!!...later!