Early stages of quitting support request. - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Jooner18 · 07-08-2009, 03:51 AM

I'm currently on day 2 of my latest attempt. I've tried the patch a few times, and the lozenges. Didn't like the lozenges. I like the patch because every time I want a cigarette, I just slap my shoulder like I'm kicking nicotine out of the patch or something. And yes, the rumor about strange dreams IS true. I recall having some real doozies the last time I was on the patch. I've learned to look forward to them rather than dread them.

I think the biggest problem I've had in my quitting attempts is that I'll "reward myself" for quitting by having a celebratory cigarette. The last time I tried to quit, I went about three weeks, and lit one up with a patch on. It was then I realized that smoking a cigarette with the patch on while dangerous, did not make me sick like the box says, so them I could still smoke but just smoke less. Bad idea. The time before that, I actually found a cigarette on the street and took it home with me and smoked after about 4 months of being smoke free. That was a dumb idea. I apparently enjoyed it so much that it became my brand of choice for about 2 years...

Anyone else in here on the patch? How's it going for you? What have you done to fill the gap in your time? How are you coping with the lack of cigarette with the morning coffee? After a meal? With a drink at the bar

Also, how long should I wait before starting to exercise again, and get healthy? Should I be doing something extra to help regain lung strength and capacity or just let nature take it's course? A lot of questions, I know. I'm just looking for people in a similar situation. Not to say that I'm trying to form a cliquey group as it were, I invite all to participate. Hope all is well in your smoke free or soon to be smoke free world.

Stauff · 07-08-2009, 12:40 PM

I'm far from an expert, but I became very proficient at smoking in my 35+ years of doing so. The final quit that actually QUIT, was when I realized that in addition to being addicted to cigarettes, I was a nicotine addict. Why then, did I think that feeding my arm with a nicotine patch would enable me to quit smoking?? It just didn't make any sense (finally) to me. I finally asked for my doctor's help, took the prescription and quit without the nicotine crutch. For me, it was the only way it would work. Was it easier - no ......was it quicker -- no ........ was it less expensive - maybe, with cigs now going for $5 per pack, I think the prescription was less costly. There is no easy way. Make the decision, face the facts that you're going to be unhappy about it for a few weeks, and apologize in advance to everyone that you have daily contact with, because you're gonna have a short fuse for awhile. I didn't announce to the world that I was quitting because I didn't want everyone bringing the subject up all day long - I was thinking about it enough without everyone elses' well intentioned concerns. Make your decision to quit and just do it. You can do it.

apex05 · 07-08-2009, 03:21 PM

Well i have 1 tip to improve lung strength... When the withdrawals get bad just find understanding friends and family and SHOUT at them, But seriously just don't be thinking you have to wait before exercising, it's a good way to take your mind off the Homicidal thoughts you might get in the first month and it could speed up clearing out and healing the lungs.

Liamsmom · 07-09-2009, 06:39 AM

First of all I just wanted to say that a fella around the corner from me use to smoke with the patch on and died of a heart attack he was in his 30's he was also extremely over weight. But it was the contributing factor.

Second if you approach the situation as if it's something you WANT to do instead of HAVE to do you may be more successful. Like the other poster said any which was you choose to do it its gonna be hard for a while and you'll be miserable and so will anyone who has to be around you.

Third reward your self with a walk or something else you can't just use heroin once as a treat it's the same thing with a cigarette.

I quit 3 yrs ago after smoking for over 25 years. I am 41 yrs old and I can run up a few flights of stairs without huffing & puffing, I can run on the treadmill and my muscles give out before my lungs do now. Start slow with the exercising and build from there.

Ihatecats · 08-08-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liamsmom

First of all I just wanted to say that a fella around the corner from me use to smoke with the patch on and died of a heart attack he was in his 30's he was also extremely over weight. But it was the contributing factor.

Second if you approach the situation as if it's something you WANT to do instead of HAVE to do you may be more successful. Like the other poster said any which was you choose to do it its gonna be hard for a while and you'll be miserable and so will anyone who has to be around you.

Third reward your self with a walk or something else you can't just use heroin once as a treat it's the same thing with a cigarette.

I quit 3 yrs ago after smoking for over 25 years. I am 41 yrs old and I can run up a few flights of stairs without huffing & puffing, I can run on the treadmill and my muscles give out before my lungs do now. Start slow with the exercising and build from there.

HELLO i got a question for you. i got 5 weeks smoke free and i'm doing great also i'm using the nicoderm patch 21 mg. when will i get to go jogging or do i have to wait tell i'm on the 14 mg? i smoked for 31 years and one morning i woke up and said enough is enough. i couldn't breath worth a crap. now breathing great and no more coughing! thank god i quit.