Maybe I can handle these cravings? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Sylvia224 · 08-24-2005, 01:29 PM

OK so after my big breakdown on Sunday, I'm back in the saddle with no cheating. Today is day three and I'm feeling much more positive and determined. I don't think I went completely back to square one after the cheat because I noticed this morning that driving to work, for the first time I did not even THINK about wanting a cigarette! I guess it's been more than two weeks since I smoked in the morning. So that's something! Late afternoon/evenings are still white knuckle time for me. Using this patch is so very important for me I think.
Anyway, thank you all so much for your support. I'm beginning to think it is possible for me to quit completely.
(Especially after reading Newsweek's cover article on Peter Jennings and Lung Cancer: Who Is At Risk? -- The Dangers for Women and Ex-Smokers. Eek. Did anyone else read that? If not, do. August 22nd issue)

Deda · 08-31-2005, 12:15 PM

Hi there sylvia--

Congratulations...you keep going girl, and hang in there! It is tough the first week or two, but then gets easier. Be tough and strong, you can do it. You're no different than the rest of us, who have managed to quit long term. Just dig deep and find that strength in you, it's there!

I missed that article in Newsweek, I wish I had read it. Maybe I should run by the library and check it out. (I subscribe to TIME) What did it say about ex-smokers? Uh...maybe I don't really want to know!

LOL

Anyway, I'm glad to hear you are doing well, keep on going, you can do it!! And yes, patches work great too!!

Best of luck!
Deda

Sylvia224 · 08-31-2005, 01:12 PM

Thanks for your encouragement! I am surprised by how much more frantic I feel this week. I was expecting it to get easier, and instead it got more difficult! I mean I am at a point of scanning the curbs for cigarette butts (I wish I was kidding) because I am considering picking one up and smoking it!! But then something happened last night that made me feel stronger.

First, I came so close to being hit head on by a crazed (I think drunk or on drugs) driver. It was terrifying and I sat there and just shook for so long. I have never wanted a cigarette so much in my life I think. Well, until I got home. Then I got in this huge, stupid fight with my husband. There is no trigger in the world for me like an argument. THEN (as if it could get worse) I smell cigarette smoke! My husband has been hiding a pack of cigarettes in his closet and he snuck one in the bathroom!! Honestly I do not know how I got through it without smoking, I really don’t. But I DIDN"T SMOKE.

I got up this morning and felt like all that terrible tension that I was feeling, that "oh lord I don’t think I am in control here/what can I possibly do to stop myself/why in the hell am I putting myself through this/one can’t possibly hurt" – that STRESS – had been worth it because I got through it and I did not smoke. Now I just pray pray pray pray that it is going to get easier. I don’t know how many situations like that I can cope with.
Thanks again for your kind words, I really appreciate the encouragement.

Deda · 08-31-2005, 02:16 PM

You're welcome Sylvia. I'm so glad for you that you made it through a very stressful night without giving in and smoking. SEE! That just goes to show that you do have a lot of strength in you!

And keep praying, it helps. I prayed a lot through this quit, and it has helped me too. (23 months now)

Yes Sylvia, I know about the arguements with husbands causing relapses.

For me 2 things always caused me to go back to smoking...weight gain, and fights with him, OR catching him smoking after he told me he had quit! This time I decided that no matter what, I was going to make it work, and I would never smoke again. (I smoked for 30+ years too, and loved every second of it) Now, after this long without smoking, I absolutely hate smoking, the smell of it, the thought of me doing it again...I can honestly say that I don't even miss it now. It took me a while tho to get to this point. I would say about a year before I really stopped missing it. You have to be very patient, but in the long run, you will be so glad you were, as it is so rewarding, so worth the hassle and the heartache!
Well, I'm glad to see that you didn't get hit by that fool last night too!

Must have been an angel by your side.

You keep it up girl, you are doing good so far, and just keep thinking about all the good this quit will bring you! Nothing good will come about if you start again. Keep thinking that all the time--because it's SO TRUE!!!
Have a good smoke free day!

hugs...
Deda

Barrie · 08-31-2005, 11:18 PM

hi ive been smoke free for nearly 70 days and quite a lot of the time or when someone is near me smoking i fancy a smoke butttttttt if you realy want and i mean realy want to pack in smoking you will be just like me and say nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooo ty i dont smoke and what a joy it is to say to people when they offer you a ciggy is i dont smoke how nice that is lol,. and the other benefits like money and health all take part in this ive even noticed myself the change in me and so have a lot of my friends so do yourself and family a favour and just say noooooooooooo i dont smoke and i dont want to smoke

good luck

barrie
( ex smoker )