Today is one year smoke free ! I have had my ups and downs and had to go back on the lowest patch for awhile, but at least I am not inhaling the poisons. Thank God
I will celebrate big time when I am at my one year mark! Just shy of 5 months myself. You should be very proud of yourself. Keep up the good work. Before you know it you will be without the patch! At least you are not smoking!! Good for you Marian!
Way to go Marian!!! One year birthday...so awesome!! And don't you worry about still using that little bitty patch.....it took me [more than] a couple of years to get completely off of my NRT...and my hubby too...but maybe that's one of the reason's we had such great success this time, as he hit 4 years [smoke free] last Feb., and I will next month hit 4 years myself [9-24] NEVER thought I'd see the day!! We don't even miss it today, ever...and hate...absolutely cannot stand to be around it! (only at casinos)
Hang in here, it only gets better & better...and don't get off that little patch until you really feel ready to...that lil bit of nico won't harm you.
Congrats Marian! One year is awesome - I can't wait to get there myself - in 6 months....you have done wonderful in your quit!
Deda - congrats to you and your husband! 4 yrs - that's wonderful. I knew a guy who quit for 4 yrs because he had a heart attack and had to have a stint put in - it collapsed because his arteries couldn't hold it up - they were too weak from smoking. Anyways, he quit for 4 yrs - and guess what - he's smoking again!! He is going to try and quit again, after I told him about my success, so I hope he does. I just can't even imagine me smoking again - after being quit for 5 months, much less 4 yrs!
You have to want to quit - and be willing to change your lifestyle, habits, even friends if you have to!! We still go boating, and hang out and drink beer (which were major smoking triggers) but we were able to "re-learn" how to have fun without smoking. It's really not that hard once you put your mind to it. You know, when I think back, it was hard to even clean the house those first few days - because I remember I used to vacuum, break for a smoke, clean the toilets, have another smoke break, no wonder it took 8 hrs to clean the dang house!!
Keep up the great work all you non-smokers!! And those trying to quit, just keep coming back to this message board - I spent 8 hours a day on here and it's the only thing that got me thru those idle hours when I thought I needed/wanted a smoke. Whatever it takes - find something to occupy your time - some people work-out, some people overeat, some people spent hours online playing solitaire or gambling or Su***u or whatever....just don't smoke!! I gained about 5 pounds, no biggie - I'm eating lots of fruits and veggies now too and more fiber. And I'm trying to hit the gym 2 or 3 times a week (2nd week so far).
Good luck to you all - you can do it - believe in yourself - you have the power to change your life!!
Way to go Marian welcome to the anniversary club I just had mine in June isn't it amazing???? Can't wait to hear everyone else's anniversary dates also. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK MARIAN YOU ARE DA BOMB!!!!!
Deda - congrats to you and your husband! 4 yrs -that's wonderful. I knew a guy who quit for 4 yrs because he had a heart attack and had to have a stint put in - it collapsed because his arteries couldn't hold it up - they were too weak from smoking. Anyways, he quit for 4 yrs - and guess what - he's smoking again!! He is going to try and quit again, after I told him about my success, so I hope he does. I just can't even imagine me smoking again - after being quit for 5 months, much less 4 yrs!
Oh well thank you Skimmer...and congratulations to you and your husband too! You sound determined enough that your're going to make it too...and 5 months..well, that's a great start! That's so awful what happened to that guy that you knew....after 4 years! Wow...so vbad, how it wore out his arteries like that...makes us all wonder what it did to our own arteries too! Don't want to know...hopefully nothing...but I do know this is it. I quit due to a fear factor....mother and dear brother died of lung diseases.....and then I came down with my own auto immune disease, [Hashi's] and a thyroid problem, which already affects my immune system, and thought, alright, NOW IS THE TIME!!!!! I jad quit at least 10 times before this time...to always go back to it...even 2 x after quitting for a whole year!! I think it was harder back then because I had a lot of smoking friends too.....and being younger and all....you just didn't worry about your health [as much], as when you get older. [was 47 when I quit this time] It is easier this time, as I really never had to be around smokers...none of my friends smoked! {when we do go to the casinos now, I can hardly stand it, and go back to our room often to get out of the big smoke cloud..it really scares me to breathe that crap in now}
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skimmer
You have to want to quit - and be willing to change your lifestyle, habits, even friends if you have to!! We still go boating, and hang out and drink beer (which were major smoking triggers) but we were able to "re-learn" how to have fun without smoking. It's really not that hard once you put your mind to it. You know, when I think back, it was hard to even clean the house those first few days - because I remember I used to vacuum, break for a smoke, clean the toilets, have another smoke break, no wonder it took 8 hrs to clean the dang house!!
Skimmer...I am LOL....as I used to clean my house exactly the same way that you did!! ROTFL! I did everything like that.... a cig right before and right after I showered!!! Even though I only smoked outside, I would run out into the garage after I showered every day, sometimes in just my undie clothes...and I never smoked in my car either...so you know I had to smoke right before I left and right as I got out of my car...UGH!!!!....What a hassle living like that!!
I really do feel so much calmer since I have quit...no more of that madness...always wanting one...always trying to hurry and get a smoke in...or hiding at work as I went outside to cop a smoke...[when it wasn't really my break time] No more running back n forth to the store,..even late at night...going to the ATM first!! LOL...what a weird lifestyle when we smoke!!
I no longer work or smoke, and life is good! And even if I had not quit working, I still would've quit smoking. There was actually only one other smoker there....and she finally retired about a year ago..maybe a little longer, and she too has now quit, and she had been smoking for ever...and this was her very first attempt to quit...at 63 year old! (Truly, I NEVER thought that SHE would ever quit.. Any of us can do it....IF WE REALLY want to. It's like you said....you do have to change your lifestyle...and habits. It does take a lot of work and strong determination,...but what a great pay off!!! IT is more than worth the trouble....I LOVE so much not smoking now....and hate that I ever did.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skimmer
Keep up the great work all you non-smokers!! And those trying to quit, just keep coming back to this message board - I spent 8 hours a day on here and it's the only thing that got me thru those idle hours when I thought I needed/wanted a smoke. Whatever it takes - find something to occupy your time - some people work-out, some people overeat, some people spent hours online playing solitaire or gambling or Su***u or whatever....just don't smoke!! I gained about 5 pounds, no biggie - I'm eating lots of fruits and veggies now too and more fiber. And I'm trying to hit the gym 2 or 3 times a week (2nd week so far).Good luck to you all - you can do it - believe in yourself - you have the power to change your life!!
Good advice , Skimmer...I too spent many, many hours reading [and writing] on this message board!! I really read a lot from the archives, and made a few friends on here that quit with me....it really helped me to get the motivation to quit by reading posts on here...and helped to keep me quit. I still skim some posts on here, and love this board...and feel much gratitude for this great support group. Everyone....stick around, and read, read, read...and participate with others here....it really truly gives you strength!!
And GOOD LUCK to you all!!! You can all do it!!
Love,
Deda
Added...CONGRATULATIONS TOO to WIRob and LIAMSMOM....GREAT JOB and again..keep up the good works!
Last edited by Deda; 08-02-2007 at 01:20 PM.
Reason: added kudos to wirob & liamsmom
Deda,someday we'll all get to say it's been 4 years.You and your hubby has truelly been an inspiration.
nuffs3...
Hey....6 months will be here before you know it....then one year will be here just as quick....time goes so fast... [well, my first 6 months I quit seemed kina slow], but you'll see the longer you go, the less you think of smoking, the less you miss it....after I hit my first anniversary...it seemed liked it all started getting easier [FOR ME] after that...
nuff3, you're already an inspiration to those that are wanting to quit and read of your success. Heck....I remember reading here for months before I actually quit...and when I'd read of someone being quit for a few months, I'd think..."geez....I wish I could be as strong as she is!"
6 months of not smoking for me will be new years eve.But right now taking it a day at a time.
This is the longest I have ever made it,on day 35.Each day is a healthier day,I had to have one part of me healthy with the MS progressing,I had to make changes.
How is your friends daughter doing with her MS?
With not smoking,I have hidden symptoms appear,but people say thats normal,hoping by going to the fitness center and physical therapy that it will keep my mind occupied(not smoking) and it will help strength wise.
I am past the hardest part,now ignoring the cravings,the chantix has helped.
Hi Sanybelle - I've been doing GREAT! How are YOU? You wouldn't happend to be "my mawm" would you?? My sister and hubby and I all quit together - then my sister was diagnosed with Guillianne's Barre disease - and we couldn't figure out if it was from the drug or what. Well, apparently she got it because was vaccinated for TB - and I guess that can be a trigger. She's just now starting to walk better. We thought she had MS for a while, so that was scary.
Anyways, we are all doing great. I hadn't been back on these message boards for a while, and thought, that's not really fair of me. I took what I need and quit, and then forgot about all the people still needing encouragement. (It is quite addicting once you start posting again, I might add....)
Today, in 4 hours, will be my 6 months quit anniversary!! I feel like it's been years!! I don't even think about smoking anymore, and I feel sorry for the people that are hovering outside in the rain trying to sneak a smoke in. I used to be one of them people.....
Hi Liam's mom!! Congrats on your anniversary as well!!
Deda - hang in there honey, you're doing great. You sound like me in the garage - puffing away in my undies....hehehe...before the shower, after the shower, in between whatever. It was always, "right after this smoke, I'll do it....." GEEZ!! It runs your life!!!
Nuffs3 - Your 6 months will be here before you know it.....it truly is a milestone to celebrate...course I found myself looking every single week (now, how many days have I been quit!!). Funny all those years I smoked, I never said, "Yeah, I been smokin for 20 yrs........." Not one of my proud accomplishments.....BUT NOW I'M A QUITTER!! WOO HOOO
Hey girl...you're doing good...please keep it up. Now I do remember you. My GF's daughter, [actually, 2 of my GF's daughters have MS], but the one who had the worse case of it, thankfully she is doing SO much better. She is taking her daily injections, and my GF said as long as she keeps her stress levels to a minumum, she has been alright. That can't be to easy for her, [or anyone these days], as she has 2 little boys under 5, and they live in [heavily congested] S. CAL. Also, a few months ago her husband, [daughter's hubby], was diagnosed himself with an autoimmune disease, another one that pretty horrible, ankylosing spondylitis...a bad back condition...so he's on expensive injections now as well. Sometimes life seems so unfair. My other GF's daughter who has it, has it so mild, she really has no symptoms as yet...just some tingling in her fingers, and fatigue. A specialist they sent her to said some people can stay pretty well like that for 15 years or so and then boom, like that they can start getting symptoms. I'm a little worried about her right now, as her mother, [my friend] just passed away on Sunday moring after a 9 year battle with breast cancer...and 3 grueling weeks for her while her mom was struggling in the hospital. I worried for her with all of that stress.
Anyway...I understand what you mean about quitting and symptoms showing up...I really do. I had a small relapse after 4 months into this quit, and at the time I was suffering horrible pain as I had just had started thyroid treatment and darn it I smoked for a whole day, and I swear, by the next day I felt so so much better, almost well again. That was the devil trying to keep me smoking.. heh hehe ....but I said screw him, and I went right back on the wagon. I know it sucks but your body will in time get used to being w/o those chems and junk, and it will adjust and you'll be okay. I will pray for you girl. and I'm so proud of you for making it through these 35 days....way to go girl!! Just keep your mind busy...fortunately we find when we quit all of this free time on our hands to do so many things! We never realize just how much time we wasted smoking, did we!!??
Good job going to the workout center nuffs! Remind us when it's your 6 month anniversary on new years eve and we'll be here to celebrate it with you...I promise, at least I will... and I'm sure out of all of these fine people that they'll be others here to pat your back as well. Stick with this support group, and just whatever you do nuffs, just please don't smoke! Come on this board right away if you feel like you need support and a good scolding or pep talk..okay?
Deda - hang in there honey, you're doing great. You sound like me in the garage - puffing away in my undies....hehehe...before the shower, after the shower, in between whatever. It was always, "right after this smoke, I'll do it....." GEEZ!! It runs your life!!!
Skimmer
LOL....you're funny!! That sounds so funny Skimmer..."puffing away in my undies" LOL....yes, I did that a lot. I was out in the garage all the time!!
Hey, Skimmer... congratulations today on your 6 MONTH anniversary!!
Yes,stress will kick any disease into over drive.I was hospitalized in March and had another relapse in June,stress related probably,daughter graduated ,in-laws from heck in town,all of hubbys family hear and my daughter left June 25th for the Navy.So I picked that time to quit.Isn't gonna get anymore stressful than that.
I am taking chantix,just half a pill a day.
I do my shots 3 times a week,hate them.I have extreme pain and that started after I quit smoking.So I take pain meds plus all the other added MS meds.
I have no intentions on going back to smoking.I've slowly gained a little weight ,I desperately needed and going to the fitness center has helped gain a little muscle back.
I have to rely on leg braces to walk,but thats okay,It beats a wheel chair.
We are gonna have stress regardless if we smoke or not.I plan on beating this demand,but I don't think I have ever smoked in my garage in my undies.
! I have had my ups and downs and had to go back on the lowest patch for awhile, but at least I am not inhaling the poisons. Thank God
Re: One year 
Re: One year 
!!!!! 
We don't even miss it today, ever...and hate...absolutely cannot stand to be around it! (only at casinos) 
You sound determined enough that your're going to make it too...and 5 months..well, that's a great start! That's so awful what happened to that guy that you knew....after 4 years! Wow...so vbad, how it wore out his arteries like that...makes us all wonder what it did to our own arteries too! Don't want to know...hopefully nothing...but I do know this is it. I quit due to a fear factor....mother and dear brother died of lung diseases.....and then I came down with my own auto immune disease, [Hashi's] and a thyroid problem, which already affects my immune system, and thought, alright, NOW IS THE TIME!!!!! I jad quit at least 10 times before this time...to always go back to it...even 2 x after quitting for a whole year!! I think it was harder back then because I had a lot of smoking friends too.....and being younger and all....you just didn't worry about your health [as much], as when you get older. [was 47 when I quit this time] It is easier this time, as I really never had to be around smokers...none of my friends smoked! {when we do go to the casinos now, I can hardly stand it, and go back to our room often to get out of the big smoke cloud..it really scares me to breathe that crap in now}
Everyone....stick around, and read, read, read...and participate with others here....it really truly gives you strength!!
