Trying to Quit, Just need an little encouragement. - Smoking Cessation Message Board

ttrouten · 02-28-2007, 03:58 AM

Hi, new to this board. I have been smoking since I was a teenager, now Iam 35. I only quit when I had my children. After they were born started right back up. I hate it, everything about it, the smell, the taste, I feel guilty everytime I light up. I can't take anything to quit, I am very sensitive to EVERYTHING. I only smoke between 3 to 6 cigarettes a day. Even in my younger years when I smoked more, a pack of cigs would last me at least 2 or sometimes 3 days. I have tried to quit altogether many times but I am a nervous person sometimes and the last time I quit it was for about 3 months and I think I through my body into shock. Of course at that time, I was having thyroid problems to and trying to adjust medicine all the time, it was terrible. Now that my meds are somewhat right. I so desperatly want to quit without patches or anything but I'm afraid I will throw my body into shock again. Has anyone here ever done that by quitting smoking. I have tried the cut down. I only smoke 2 cigs a day some days. But that quitting altogether is so hard. I know that sounds strange but it is true. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I really hate cigarettes, I don't smoke in my home because of my children, but how can I say ok this is it and never touch them again. I've tried that so many times. It works for a while, then boom, right back to it.
Thanks,
Terra

mangojunky · 02-28-2007, 04:39 AM

Hi Terra,

Welcome to this board - it's a great place!

When I quit using the patch, my body reacted very badly to it - mostly my thyroid. I have been using chantix and no problems (aside from insomnia) so far.

Have you tried the gum or lozenges? My suggestion would be to write down all the reasons you want to quit, write down what triggers you to smoke, and come up with a plan to deal with those times that doesn't include a smoke. If it's mostly tension - try yoga, or get more exercise if you can. Drink LOTS of water!

Good luck and keep us posted!

deb+++++

Skimmer · 02-28-2007, 12:08 PM

Hi Terra! Well you sound like me, I never smoked much either - I could go all day long at work and not smoke, no problem. But the second I got home, bam, right out the back door to have a smoke, barely get the mail and purse down on the counter. I have been quit for 5 days now. Started the Chantix and mentally prepared myself for it. This is it!! NO MORE SMOKING!! I'm tried of feeling like a leper in society. I would not hang out with the friends, because they didn't smoke, and I didn't think I could shopping all day without smoking, and certainly didn't want to smoke in front of them. You just have to make the decision and do it. Since you don't smoke that much, it should be fairly easy. It's probably more of just a habit, since you can smoke just 2 or 3 a day. The Chantix does help you stay off them, I don't know what it is, but it's been real easy - and everyone else is reporting the same thing. Long time smokers, easiest quit they've ever had. So, I give it a shot! And you'll get all the encouragement you can handle on this board. Everyone is so great!!!

Good luck to you on your decision to quit!

SanyBelle · 02-28-2007, 08:21 PM

ttrouten, if I can quit smoking anyone can. I smoked 2 packs a day for 25 years and my family thought I was a lost cause as far as quitting smoking goes.... I proved them wrong, 242 days.. one day at a time! You can do it when you are ready. Come back here for encouragement, it's the greatest board in the world with the greatest people!! Good luck!!

Memaw649 · 02-28-2007, 11:13 PM

Terra,
Hi! Welcome to this board!! We're all here to help. If it just a little encourgement you need..be prepared....you will get LOTS!!! When you do smoke a cigarette, write down the reason you felt you had to smoked it. Then write down a better way to handle the situation. Keep the list handy.
Even though you are not smoking much, each cigarette you do smoke is harmful to you. You never know which one is going to be the one that causes: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lung cancer, Cancer of the mouth, cancer of the pancreas, breast cancer, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, coronary heart disease, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pneumonia, influenza, the common cold, peptic ulcers, tooth decay, gum disease, osteoporosis, sleep problems, cataracts.

Terra, you have got to be willing to do this for it to be successful. You can do it. Look at all the people on this board. They are doing it. I can be done!! There are people here who have gone cold turkey. If you don't want to do the nicotine replacement, or Chantix or wellbutrin, have you ever considered hypnosis or laser? There are numerous way out there to help you stop. But you have got to be willing to stop.

Good Luck to you and Please let us know how you are doing. We will encourage you all you want!!

Memaw