I've heard it takes a year - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Zeethan · 08-16-2006, 12:04 AM

To start feeling better after quitting smoking. This is my 3rd attempt since last July (I'm facing my 40th b-day in less than a month and planned on quitting before turning 40). I have allergies and what seems like chronic sinusitis and this problem where at times I need to take a deep breath, even though I am breathing fine. That has finally scared me to death. I'm wondering when things inside will improve...I haven't coughed at all. Have I damaged my lungs so badly I can't cough any crud up? I have no wheezing or crackles. I am on the 10th day, or 11th Wed. a.m., smoked up to 2 packs of 120's a day.

stevie_23 · 08-16-2006, 01:07 AM

I quit smoking a year and a month ago (WOO HOO for me! LOL) and no, it doesn't take anywhere near a year to feel better! I have felt the same ever since about 2-3 months after quitting...

At first I didn't really notice much of a difference except I annoyingly got a half sort of mini cold about 2 weeks after quitting. I didn't really have a cough or anything like that. I also didn't notice I could taste things any better, but I DID notice that I was always STARVING and I could definitely smell things better.

I think it'll take about a month for you to feel quite a bit fresher and more clean. Then you'll feel less out of breath, "lighter" and stuff after that which will last forever!

GOOD LUCK!

Liamsmom · 08-16-2006, 08:25 AM

Congrats Steve I can't wait for a year for me I'm almost 9 weeks and I haven't coughed once or any discomfort in anyway either now except I do hoover in the treats but I figure better chubby with pink lungs than skinny with black ones.

saphire82 · 08-17-2006, 02:59 PM

I quit a little over 3 months ago and smoked for about 3 years, only like 1/2 pack a day but not everyone will cough up the icky stuff. I actually just noticed that Im not coughing up these hard phlem balls anymore that happened when I did smoke. Ive felt the same since the 1st month after quitting, I love food more, not necessarily tastes different but a better appetite and I did put on a few pounds which was actually a bonus for me. I definately smell better too and are not out of breath easily anymore. Its great! Just give it some more time.

Saraw08 · 08-18-2006, 10:20 PM

It doesn't take a year to feel better, no. But it took me a year to feel "normal" again. And I'm only 20 years old!