Quitting smoking....

Originally Posted by lil maggie

I don't mean to be nosey but why are you having surgery? I really hope it's nothing really serious! I'll be praying for you!

As for the quitting smoking, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm a smoker too and know how hard it is to quit. This is such a good idea writing it down, having friends aware of what you're doing and getting the support you need! Good Job!!

....Great advice!

Sorry I'm not much help and I'll I can do is pat you on the back! (and soon not have to pat you on the back for coughing LOL)

GOOD LUCK!

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Surgery is on my left hand this time, lots of history here: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=186725

It helps that I don't smoke inside, so I'm not going to want to bundle up to go outside when my hand is wrapped up in a bulky dressing (hard to put a coat on).

Thanx for the encouragement.

That is one of the very best gifts you can give your kids. The gift of a healthy you for years to come. Good luck.
It might help just to write a list of reasons why not to smoke. Do some research. The reasons to quit are overwhelming and it might help to see it and write it.

I recently made a list called 100 reasons not to smoke for a very close relative. Did hours of research, it turned out to be longer than I expected and the reasons scared me honestly! I mean, I knew it was unhealthy, just how unhealthy I had no real idea. I am not a smoker. Probably because to me it smells so nasty.
I PM'ed it to you.
You might enjoy this website
http://whyquit.com/

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

It's hard but unfortunately usually a health scare is what does it for most people to quit smoking.

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My mother quit 20 years ago for "quit or die" health reasons. My dad quit with her. He never had a day's trouble. She, on the other hand, turned um... rather moody. I became engaged that year - what fun it was going shopping for a wedding gown with such a happy mom.

They got through it, though. Today, they are a couple of the worst reformed-smokers in the world!

You will get through it, too - and I'm sure we will all enjoy watching your progress.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by threecatowner

My mother quit 20 years ago for "quit or die" health reasons. My dad quit with her. He never had a day's trouble. She, on the other hand, turned um... rather moody. I became engaged that year - what fun it was going shopping for a wedding gown with such a happy mom.

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I am so glad your mom quit, and even happier that your dad quit too. I've seen that with my own parents, my mom was a week smokefree due to hospitalization, and when she came home her hubby would smoke outside then gradually went back to smoking in front of her and she started again.

I would love to see them both quit, but I'm afraid even a life threatening illness wouldn't stop them

My stepdad had a triple bypass done a few years back, quit for the time in the hospital and probally a month maybe 2 afterwards, then he started back up. I "think" if my mom had quit smoking with him that they might have lasted longer.

I hope I'm not cranky, I'm cranky enough as it is due to my pain issues and psycological issues (chronic depression, mood swings and panic disorder). The good thing is that my dr. has said he will increase my PD meds when I quit as anxiety often accompanies quitting smoking.

I've had some very valuable info shared in these posts and I hope that my posting helps inspire others to butt out.

Anyone want to quit with me? On March. 17th? I'd love to have a quitting buddy

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

Anyone want to quit with me? On March. 17th? I'd love to have a quitting buddy

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I've been smoking since I was 13, over 30 years....I'm very seriously thinking about it - if you don't mind?

Originally Posted by lil maggie

I've been smoking since I was 13, over 30 years....I'm very seriously thinking about it - if you don't mind?

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I would love to have a friend to quit with.... someone I can chat to here, email, etc.

You are more than welcome to post in this thread about your thoughts on quitting, and anything else you want to post about. If you want to share your smoking story, please do

Are you thinking of cold turkey, nicotine replacement, or ???? How much do you smoke now? If you don't know, try counting your smokes for a week and seeing what the average is.

I would be very happy to have someone to support me, and I could do the same for.

Ok...Umm I've been smoking about 2-3 packs a day for, like I said, over 30 years. A lot of it is routine where you light up a cigarette then lay it down then come back and it has burned out. It's VERY expensive and I smoke only the very cheap brands because of it. I know some of my smoking is because of nervousness and sometimes boredom. I did quit once about 3 years ago for a little over 9 months. I was working ..doing customer service and it was a packed holiday, very nerve racking. After the store closed lots of the employees lit up and well so did I. That one cigarette can do you in after not smoking for a long time. Much like being an alcoholic. I also quit for a solid week while I was in the hospital this summer but immediately lit one up on the way out the door. I know 1/2 is psychological and 1/2 is dependancy but it still is VERY hard to quit. I have trouble breathing climbing up lots of stairs and most of my family has already quit. If I agree, I will go cold turkey, which I think is the best. I know I'm going to need TONS of support! Today I'm going to make a list of when I smoke and why....it's a start.

How about a third to join the 'give up smoking support group'

I have been planning too for the past couple of months, but was afraid to do it without support

In the past I have gone cold turkey, and stopped smoking for 9 months - I regret ever starting again

Edit: I have been smoking for the last 15 years. At work I will only smoke 3 cigarettes a day (over 8 hours), but when I get home I will easily smoke another 10 before bedtime

Julianne

I had quit smoking Nov.14 2008
I quit because i was going into the hospital for surgery and not aloud off my back for 3 days,would make for some very difficult smoking in the hospital.
I was smoking about 15 cigarettes a day for 14 years and do not regret quitting,oh and i used Champix to help me quit.

I will buddy up!

I'm very fearful of relapse. I'm only on day 16 and it seems 2-3 month range is tricky for many. IMO for me personally, I need to 'take care of my quit" daily if I want it to last. I am a hardcore addict for sure and physical withdrawal has been the most painful experience of my life.

For those in the U.S. thinking of quitting, I suggest: 1-800-quit-now. You get a counselor who gets you prepped to quit. It is free and has been very helpful for me. All my counselors have been ex-smokers so they really *know* what I'm going thru. SOme states will send you free NRT also. (I was already on day 4 before I knew of them). It is is a lot of nitty gritty talk of your personal challenges (like for me, I cant see to get anything done b/c I always smoke first; gettting ready for work is still a challenge).

I also read thru www.becomeanex.org which has good info on NRTs and drugs and how the addiction works. I like the two b/c they focus on the addiction of it - not the logic of why it's good to quit. If the addiction isn't a huge problem for ya, great, but I am like a heroin junkie for sure.

Quitnet.com is also great. Checking in once a day and seeing my stats has been great! Lots of good support too and many people who have been in your shoes. If it is a particularly bad hour for me I zip into chat until I have a handle on my impulses.

Today...I will not smoke (even though I'm stressed!!!)

Sending good vibes to all

Originally Posted by lil maggie

I know 1/2 is psychological and 1/2 is dependancy but it still is VERY hard to quit. I have trouble breathing climbing up lots of stairs and most of my family has already quit. If I agree, I will go cold turkey, which I think is the best. I know I'm going to need TONS of support! Today I'm going to make a list of when I smoke and why....it's a start.

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You do sound similiar to my mom, in the amount you smoke as well as the comment about lighting one and not smoking it... she does that all the time.

May I ask about your living conditions? Do you live on your own, with a spouse/children? Is there another smoker with you? I'm "assuming" you smoke inside your home.

May I also ask if you are home, or do you work? (part of my problem is I am home all day, with limited ability to do anything... which leads to boredom, and smoking to pass time)

My suggestions, 2 things....

1. Write down every cigarette you have... time and reason if you want, or at least the time and whether it was a "want" or a "need".

2. Quit smoking in the house if you do. Not only are you breathing in the firsthand smoke, but you're getting the 2nd hand smoke... from a very heavy smoker. Even with windows open, it's still there.

Smoking outside will change how much you smoke, whether you waste cigarettes or not (I don't waste because I smoke outside and its cold out. I have one of those block thingies that extinguish your cigarette... I smoke halfies for the most part because its darn cold out.) It will save you money, because you will waste less. Even if you don't decide to quit smoking, start not smoking in your home.... better for you, better for any others living there, better for your guests and better for your pets, and better for your $$$$. And you will cut down, which would be substantially better than 2-3pk/day

I've never smoked in the house, or in my vehicles. My husband is a non-smoker, and I have 2kids who deserve the best chance at a smoke free life. Plus for the most part, my house smells good.... it's so hard to get that smoke smell out of carpets and walls, if you ever want to sell. I've known people who have turned down buying a house because of the stink of smoke.

My personal downfall is the pyscological aspect of quitting. The physical withdrawl symptoms are nowhere near as bad as other withdrawls I've had... so they don't scare me. But coping without a cigarette, finding things to do instead of smoking, etc.... now those are concerns.

Originally Posted by Julianne

How about a third to join the 'give up smoking support group'

I have been planning too for the past couple of months, but was afraid to do it without support

In the past I have gone cold turkey, and stopped smoking for 9 months - I regret ever starting again

Edit: I have been smoking for the last 15 years. At work I will only smoke 3 cigarettes a day (over 8 hours), but when I get home I will easily smoke another 10 before bedtime

Julianne

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Please do join Do you have a plan to quit? Cold turkey again? Why did you quit for 9mos? (pregnant?)

Same thing as lil maggie above, start writting down those smokes. I'm assuming the 3 at work are at break times? Those 10+ at home, write em down.

You will get lots of support for sure I think it will help knowing that someone else is going thru the same thing, at the same time as you.

Originally Posted by CDubbie

I will buddy up!

I'm very fearful of relapse. I'm only on day 16 and it seems 2-3 month range is tricky for many. IMO for me personally, I need to 'take care of my quit" daily if I want it to last. I am a hardcore addict for sure and physical withdrawal has been the most painful experience of my life.

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The more on boat, the more successful we will be

I do agree fully with taking it day by day. I can't guarentee anything, except the day we're on. I don't know what will happen a year down the road.

This morning I said, I will not have a cigarette untill after 10am. I also said that I will have a healthy lunch. (I'm battling weight issues as well).

One thing with anyone, if you can't commit to not smoking for the date, try by the hour small baby steps.

- try putting off your cigarette for 10mins from when you wanted it. Look at the clock, if its 9:30, say, I will go for a smoke at 9:40.... you may find that doing this, you end up going longer without one because you distract yourself for that 10mins and you may end up doing something that takes longer.

Post whatever you want here.

I'm working on my reasons to quit list, I was inspired by the list that CocoCat sent me and am editting it to suit me personally and will post it here, as well as print it.

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

Please do join

Do you have a plan to quit? Cold turkey again? Why did you quit for 9mos? (pregnant?)

Same thing as lil maggie above, start writting down those smokes. I'm assuming the 3 at work are at break times? Those 10+ at home, write em down.

You will get lots of support for sure

I think it will help knowing that someone else is going thru the same thing, at the same time as you.

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no I was wasn't pregnant. It just turned out to be 9 months... I was doing fine, but at was at the shops one day, someone was irritating me in a queue, and to calm down I had a cigarette

I am going to get started on my list I think I mainly smoke due to boredom.

Does anyone have any tips on how to keep you hand occupied, after you have given up? (I know this sounds silly, but I always feel that my hand should be doing something - I think it misses holding a cigarette )

I will go cold turkey again, but I will also keep some NRT chewing gum on standby. The last time I did not have severe withdrawal symptoms, and could distract myself easily when the urge hit - but I am worried it wont be that 'easy' this time.

Julianne

I don't have a spouse or kids and usually around people that smoke. I do smoke in my house and so do my friends and mom. I open the windows and turn on the attic fan that draws the smoke out but I know that's not nearly enough. I worry about my animals breathing nasty smoke and try not to smoke near them. I know the smoke is still in the house I lost my job before Christmas and have been looking for one since. Geez, jobs are so hard to find and it's so stressful.You'd think I'd give up ciggs because of the cost but to me, they're a evil neccessity. I also dislike hearing people say "why don't you quit smoking?" D'oh! Wish I'd thought of that! THAT makes me want to light up a cigarette!

I've been making a list of the ciggs I smoke - why/when and I will start smoking only outside as you suggested. Good thinking, THANKS!

Originally Posted by Julianne

Does anyone have any tips on how to keep you hand occupied, after you have given up? (I know this sounds silly, but I always feel that my hand should be doing something - I think it misses holding a cigarette

)Julianne

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Doesn't sound silly to me! I want to know too. I don't want to start snacking on food!

Originally Posted by Julianne

oes anyone have any tips on how to keep you hand occupied, after you have given up? (I know this sounds silly, but I always feel that my hand should be doing something - I think it misses holding a cigarette

)

I will go cold turkey again, but I will also keep some NRT chewing gum on standby. The last time I did not have severe withdrawal symptoms, and could distract myself easily when the urge hit - but I am worried it wont be that 'easy' this time.

Julianne

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It is wise to plan and think ahead. Mine was an accidental quit (I have pneumonia) and boy do I wish I had been prepared!

A straw helps me - with hand and mouth. I hold it, bend it, coil it etc...and I get to chomp on it too (which is something I did as a smoker anyway).

Cinnamon sticks are popular too. Maybe you can hold it and suck on it when you need to also.

Originally Posted by Julianne

I am going to get started on my list

I think I mainly smoke due to boredom.

Does anyone have any tips on how to keep you hand occupied, after you have given up? (I know this sounds silly, but I always feel that my hand should be doing something - I think it misses holding a cigarette

)

I will go cold turkey again, but I will also keep some NRT chewing gum on standby. The last time I did not have severe withdrawal symptoms, and could distract myself easily when the urge hit - but I am worried it wont be that 'easy' this time.

Julianne

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Yes, the dreaded boredom..... I know that is what will get me. I am bored now because of the limited use of my hands, once I have the surgery my one hand will totally be useless for a couple weeks.... I have no doubt that the boredom will be even worse

I have NRT on hand as well. I bought the lozenges a couple months ago because they were on sale and I wanted to cut down smoking. I did have a problem with them though. You're supposed to suck and cheek them for 30 mins... no prob there.... I got the smallest dose, but I had one and it made me very jittery. My hubby suggested not sucking it as long because maybe it is too strong for me.... so I'm going to try that if I need to, and only use it for 10mins or so instead of the half hour.

Things I've done in the past or plan on doing to keep myself occupied:

- keep a bowl of cut up carrots and celery in the fridge.... Good healthy not fattening snack. I cut up the carrots into bite sized pieces, to give me the snacking effect. I know its not good to substitute food for smoking which is why I do carrots and celery.

- take up a hand craft. I like to cross stich and colour with crayons. Keeps my hands busy. (again something I can't do right now, but hopefully after surgery I will be able to get back into it.... I can colour for a little while.) I know colouring seems childish, but it does work. It keeps my concentration (cuz I want to stay in the lines) and occupies my time... if my hands would allow it, I'd colour for hours LOL.

- play with a pencil or a straw.... the straw you can make things with, or even suck on it when need be.

- post on here...email...facebook....IM's.... typing keeps you occupied... especially if you are talking about something in depth.

- do your nails. Even if you bite them, you can still take a nail file to smooth them out, cut your cuticles, etc. Paint them... do your toenails....

- stress balls. Grab a couple from the dollar store.... something to fidget with.

- playdoh, silly putty, exercise putty.... you can make stuff out of it, and strengthen your hands as well. (I have exercise putty from when I had carpal tunnel....which no doubt I will be using again after surgery)

- play cards.... if you have noone to play with, play solitare or make card pyramids, etc.

- write.... write a journal, write a to do list, grocery list, keep a quit smoking journal... write whatever you want, or doodle.

Those are just some of the ideas I've come up with so far.

Originally Posted by lil maggie

I don't have a spouse or kids and usually around people that smoke. I do smoke in my house and so do my friends and mom. I open the windows and turn on the attic fan that draws the smoke out but I know that's not nearly enough. I worry about my animals breathing nasty smoke and try not to smoke near them. I know the smoke is still in the house

I lost my job before Christmas and have been looking for one since. Geez, jobs are so hard to find and it's so stressful.You'd think I'd give up ciggs because of the cost but to me, they're a evil neccessity. I also dislike hearing people say "why don't you quit smoking?" D'oh! Wish I'd thought of that! THAT makes me want to light up a cigarette!

I've been making a list of the ciggs I smoke - why/when and I will start smoking only outside as you suggested. Good thinking, THANKS!

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I smoke way more when I'm around other smokers. One of my close friends smokes like a chimney. I've talked to him and he understands that I won't be coming over for a couple weeks. We'll have to go do coffee at the coffee shop instead of over in his garage where he smokes.

Smoking is a coping mechanism... and yup, looking for a job is hard. I don't fault you one bit for smoking... it is a stress release. It's going to be very hard to quit for you. One way to look at it though, even if you don't choose to try to quit, but cut down..... you will save money that way At one point when I was smoking alot more than I do now, just by going outside to smoke and charting my cigs, I was able to cut down to 3-5 a day... which is way better than 30/day for me.... saved money too.

I bolded a couple statements you made. You know that the smoking in the house is not good for you, others, or your pets Use that to your advantage. When you think about lighting up in the house, try to think about what you said above, and use it as your strength to smoke outside.

I "think" you'll find that you smoke less if you have to go outside. It does take some effort especially in the cold yucky weather. I know there's been times that I look outside and think that I really don't need that cigarette as bad as I thought (because its cold and yucky out).

You also don't waste as much, which will save money too.... because you're not lighting and then forgetting about it.

I sometimes smoke 1/2 at a time.... I have one of those little square block thingies that you put your smoke in and it puts it out. Next time I go out, I smoke the rest of it. I don't always need a full cigarette.

EDIT: I just reread that your mom and friends smoke in your house. Will they be willing to smoke outside? I hope so, it is your house right? If its not, that may be an issue... I would HOPE that they would support your decision. It's going to be a big change, but smoking outside, I KNOW you can do.

I wanted to say a HUGE thankyou to the ones wanting to quit, posting, etc. Support is a huge nessecity. You guys are awesome.

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

- take up a hand craft. I like to cross stich and colour with crayons. Keeps my hands busy. (again something I can't do right now, but hopefully after surgery I will be able to get back into it.... I can colour for a little while.) I know colouring seems childish, but it does work. It keeps my concentration (cuz I want to stay in the lines) and occupies my time... if my hands would allow it, I'd colour for hours LOL.

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Nothing childish about it, crayons are just another medium. When you've recovered after your surgery you should try getting a nice set of color pencils (like prisma colors) or even some oil pastels and give a try at making your own pictures and coloring them. Oil pastels are fun and the amount of force needed to color then blend them is a lot less than a wax crayon - so maybe you would have good luck with them now too.

A little O/T but I like to encourage people to be artistic.

I'm also a very fidgety person with my hands. If you go over into the kids section where they have some of the weird rubber balls there's all sorts of odd ones, like the spaghetti balls, that can keep your hands busy.
Bead and wire work could be a new hobby for some to take up, too. There's kits that one could start off with.

Back again....
Aside from listing the million reasons not to smoke/when/why I've put away my ciggs and ashtrays and that works out pretty good. I've started smoking outside AND I'm also getting in the habit of holding a clickable pen for times like reading posts on here - seems to help lots!! Even cutting back is better than nothing at all!

My dad quit about six months ago after something like 45 years. He did it with Chantix.

Wow, that's great Krysta! Bet you're proud of him! Nothing better than healthy parents!!

Someone I use to know at work took something to stop smoking and it wasn't Chantix or Zyban. It was used as both an antidepressant and for quitting smoking. I just can't remember what it was called but it worked great for her the first day on without a single side effect. Wish I could remember