It's true.
Most people who have quit smoking for a while will report having very realistic dreams of smoking a cigarette. Myself included.
I had several dreams of smoking and at least a couple of them were so vivid that I woke up feeling completely upset that I gave in and smoked before I realized it was only a dream.
The dreams are common, infrequent and will go away.
It could be the body's and mind's way of dealing with something new and different.
Addictions and habits are alike in that our bodies and subconsciousness's are catching up to what we are now consciously doing and until it, the subconscious, gets used to the new behavior.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Quit Smoking for Ten Days
Husband has not had a cigarette for over ten days now and that without any Chantix for three days. He had been on it for two weeks and it definitely helped but it also caused some irritation so it seemed like a good time to try and go without it and see what happens.
So far so good!
We just returned from an eight day trip and he was around many, many smokers and didn't smoke. He wanted to at times and eyed a butt in the ashtray but he made it.
Sincerely,
An ex-smoker
So far so good!
We just returned from an eight day trip and he was around many, many smokers and didn't smoke. He wanted to at times and eyed a butt in the ashtray but he made it.
Sincerely,
An ex-smoker
Monday, October 20, 2008
Husband Smoke Free Since the 18th
He is still using the Chantix and this is his third day without a cigarette.
He doesn't like to talk about it but I know he's proud even though he's a little aggravated too.
I am so happy for him!
If it lasts a week or forever...I'm happy for him.
He is trying to do something to take care of himself which will make our life together better.
His chronic cough is all but gone and that's a blessing because it was getting pretty bad keeping us up at night and our parrot was starting to sound just like him so, at times, we had surround sound coughing.
He used to mimic my chronic cough before I quit. I was embarrassed by the sound.
Best to all of you...never give up trying!
He doesn't like to talk about it but I know he's proud even though he's a little aggravated too.
I am so happy for him!
If it lasts a week or forever...I'm happy for him.
He is trying to do something to take care of himself which will make our life together better.
His chronic cough is all but gone and that's a blessing because it was getting pretty bad keeping us up at night and our parrot was starting to sound just like him so, at times, we had surround sound coughing.
He used to mimic my chronic cough before I quit. I was embarrassed by the sound.
Best to all of you...never give up trying!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Odd Things that May Happen When You Quit Smoking
In no particular order these things happened to me after I stopped smoking ten years ago.
They were all either temporary or treatable or a good thing. This is just information to help if anyone else goes through it and gets worried.
Very small white spots in mouth and on tongue. They felt a little sore but went away soon.
Boils in uncomfortable places. One had to be removed but most were treatable with moist heat and antibacterial ointment.
A swollen saliva gland. The ENT doctor said it was caused by a stone blocking the gland much like a kidney stone. Treatment was to suck on sour candy to help produce more saliva so the gland would unblock on its own. It worked but I was worried for a while.
More acne. Some say smoking dries the skin --I guess those pesky wrinkles are caused from smoking-- and when we stop smoking the body will go back to producing moisturizing oils.
This is temporary until the body self adjusts. This may be why the boils appear also.
Many women find that their menstrual cycles change when they stop smoking. It seems that almost every part of our body is affected by the chemicals in cigarettes and it takes time for the body to get used to being without those changes.
I've mentioned the thyroid gland previous but think it's important to mention again because it seems like a high percentage of people who quit smoking will notice a difference in the functionality of this very important gland.
Some say the smoking covered up a thyroid problem and quitting exposes the problem and some say the smoking causes the problem.
Either way, it needs to be looked at or watched. Tests to see if it's functioning well are easy to do but hopefully you can find a doctor or professional to also go by your symptoms.
Here is an excellent list of hypothyroidism symptoms to print out and keep handy to check now and then as you go through your stop smoking stages:
http://www.tpa-uk.org.uk/symptoms_hypot.pdf
Remember, not all of you will have these issues or any issues.
Seek out a reputable professional if you have any of these or other problems. It will help put your mind at ease and you will find the professionals will be very encouraging about you quitting smoking.
Best Wishes,
Someone who's been there
They were all either temporary or treatable or a good thing. This is just information to help if anyone else goes through it and gets worried.
Very small white spots in mouth and on tongue. They felt a little sore but went away soon.
Boils in uncomfortable places. One had to be removed but most were treatable with moist heat and antibacterial ointment.
A swollen saliva gland. The ENT doctor said it was caused by a stone blocking the gland much like a kidney stone. Treatment was to suck on sour candy to help produce more saliva so the gland would unblock on its own. It worked but I was worried for a while.
More acne. Some say smoking dries the skin --I guess those pesky wrinkles are caused from smoking-- and when we stop smoking the body will go back to producing moisturizing oils.
This is temporary until the body self adjusts. This may be why the boils appear also.
Many women find that their menstrual cycles change when they stop smoking. It seems that almost every part of our body is affected by the chemicals in cigarettes and it takes time for the body to get used to being without those changes.
I've mentioned the thyroid gland previous but think it's important to mention again because it seems like a high percentage of people who quit smoking will notice a difference in the functionality of this very important gland.
Some say the smoking covered up a thyroid problem and quitting exposes the problem and some say the smoking causes the problem.
Either way, it needs to be looked at or watched. Tests to see if it's functioning well are easy to do but hopefully you can find a doctor or professional to also go by your symptoms.
Here is an excellent list of hypothyroidism symptoms to print out and keep handy to check now and then as you go through your stop smoking stages:
http://www.tpa-uk.org.uk/symptoms_hypot.pdf
Remember, not all of you will have these issues or any issues.
Seek out a reputable professional if you have any of these or other problems. It will help put your mind at ease and you will find the professionals will be very encouraging about you quitting smoking.
Best Wishes,
Someone who's been there
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Ten Years Smober
Today is the day and I'm excited!
Double digits!
To be smober means to be sober from smoking. Lingo picked up from the online stop smoking message boards.
When I quit for good we had just bought our first computer and I was learning how to use it and finding things online that interested me.
One day I found stop smoking message boards and forums.
I wasn't alone.
Hundreds of people were quitting smoking and talking about their days with one another. Giving and asking for encouragement, prayers, hints, tips and tricks to stop smoking and please, please would someone show me how to make it easy?!
Having online connections really helped me "suffer through" better than I think I would have on my own.
Granted, some were not very serious and some were just starting their quit smoking journey and finding out what worked best for them.
Here are some links to get you started: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=online+stop+smoking+message+boards&aq=f&oq==
I had gone to a face to face support group a few times but felt somewhat claustrophobic and pressured to be perfect.
I wasn't ready but it was good practice.
The moral of the story is to find what works BEST for you. For your personality, your position in the work force and --especially these days-- your financial position.
Look for coupons and/or try generics if you must so that you don't give up the right to be healthy and not addicted when you don't want to be.
Here are some links to help you find coupons, discounts or rebates for quit smoking products: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=online+coupons+for+stop+smoking+products
Let Freedom Ring!
Double digits!
To be smober means to be sober from smoking. Lingo picked up from the online stop smoking message boards.
When I quit for good we had just bought our first computer and I was learning how to use it and finding things online that interested me.
One day I found stop smoking message boards and forums.
I wasn't alone.
Hundreds of people were quitting smoking and talking about their days with one another. Giving and asking for encouragement, prayers, hints, tips and tricks to stop smoking and please, please would someone show me how to make it easy?!
Having online connections really helped me "suffer through" better than I think I would have on my own.
Granted, some were not very serious and some were just starting their quit smoking journey and finding out what worked best for them.
Here are some links to get you started: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=online+stop+smoking+message+boards&aq=f&oq==
I had gone to a face to face support group a few times but felt somewhat claustrophobic and pressured to be perfect.
I wasn't ready but it was good practice.
The moral of the story is to find what works BEST for you. For your personality, your position in the work force and --especially these days-- your financial position.
Look for coupons and/or try generics if you must so that you don't give up the right to be healthy and not addicted when you don't want to be.
Here are some links to help you find coupons, discounts or rebates for quit smoking products: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=online+coupons+for+stop+smoking+products
Let Freedom Ring!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
One of My Favorite and Most Important Tips to Quit Smoking
When you want to smoke --don't-- let the feeling flow through you until it's gone and it will go.
It's a moment in time.
It's temporary.
It will dissipate.
It will go away.
I promise.
It may not stay away for as long as you would like for it to but that's the nature of the beast and the beauty of the tip.
The urge or craving comes in, it feels bad, you let it play out and it goes away.
Let it go away.
Unclench.
Breathe.
They say suffering well is an art form.
Well, I say I'm no artist but I do say given time and practice a new habit develops.
The body heals and will eventually forget what it tried to make you do.
You become the person in charge.
Not the cigarette.
You.
Suffer through.
There is a beginning, a middle and an end.
I promise.
What have you got to lose? Try it and see.
It's like a diet and you suddenly have to have that piece of cake but, you wait it out.
It is uncomfortable to tell yourself no.
It will feel unfair.
You will be upset and angry.
You can do and be all these things and you will survive.
Tomorrow is my 10 year anniversary as a non-smoker and this is what has worked for me.
I hope I help others to see that it's possible to do a hard thing and survive.
It's a moment in time.
It's temporary.
It will dissipate.
It will go away.
I promise.
It may not stay away for as long as you would like for it to but that's the nature of the beast and the beauty of the tip.
The urge or craving comes in, it feels bad, you let it play out and it goes away.
Let it go away.
Unclench.
Breathe.
They say suffering well is an art form.
Well, I say I'm no artist but I do say given time and practice a new habit develops.
The body heals and will eventually forget what it tried to make you do.
You become the person in charge.
Not the cigarette.
You.
Suffer through.
There is a beginning, a middle and an end.
I promise.
What have you got to lose? Try it and see.
It's like a diet and you suddenly have to have that piece of cake but, you wait it out.
It is uncomfortable to tell yourself no.
It will feel unfair.
You will be upset and angry.
You can do and be all these things and you will survive.
Tomorrow is my 10 year anniversary as a non-smoker and this is what has worked for me.
I hope I help others to see that it's possible to do a hard thing and survive.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
No Morning Cigarette Today
It's a huge accomplishment. The Chantix is helping him help himself. Normally the first cigarette of the day is the hardest to resist due to no nicotine supply during sleep so this is a big step for him.
A day to give hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train but freedom!
Yes, I'm corny but I'm really happy for him.
He sees or feels the changes in his body physically which made it easier to just let the thought of smoking go. And it went!
A day to give hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train but freedom!
Yes, I'm corny but I'm really happy for him.
He sees or feels the changes in his body physically which made it easier to just let the thought of smoking go. And it went!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Week Two of Chantix on Tips to Stop Smoking
The first nine days were not too hard. A little fatigue. The stomach pain. But little by little there has been less desire to smoke.
The first two days of doubling the Chantix gave him a little more energy and perkiness. Less fatigue.
This morning he said guess how long a pack lasted and I guessed two days and he said that's right! Wow....that's really really good...his usual smoking habit is a lot heavier than that.
His cough is already better too!
I'm a little envious of this ability to seemingly, naturally lose the desire to smoke.
With nicotine replacement you quench the urge by giving your body what it wants.
Mostly, I'm happy there are so many choices out there because none of us will react exactly the same as someone else. There also may be fluctuations when one thing seems to stop working or feels like it is too much --like the patch or gum-- some may actually have more or less nicotine or it may not be fully absorbed at one time.
So, find what works and use it according to instructions or talk to a professional for their opinion.
Best wishes from one who knows.
I smoked almost two packs a day for 25 years, had chronic bronchitis with a little blood at times, chronic cough and phlegm.
I finally felt bad enough and scared enough to quit. I wish most of us didn't wait until we feel so bad to decide to quit smoking but that's usually the way it goes.
My husband decided to quit recently because we moved to a new house and he was struck by how breathless he would get while moving.
He was shown actual, physical evidence of his addiction and need for recovery. Again.
Like Twain said...he quit smoking every time he put one out.
Do it till you get it.
Don't beat yourself up.
Seek help.
Find what works best for you and your situation.
The first two days of doubling the Chantix gave him a little more energy and perkiness. Less fatigue.
This morning he said guess how long a pack lasted and I guessed two days and he said that's right! Wow....that's really really good...his usual smoking habit is a lot heavier than that.
His cough is already better too!
I'm a little envious of this ability to seemingly, naturally lose the desire to smoke.
With nicotine replacement you quench the urge by giving your body what it wants.
Mostly, I'm happy there are so many choices out there because none of us will react exactly the same as someone else. There also may be fluctuations when one thing seems to stop working or feels like it is too much --like the patch or gum-- some may actually have more or less nicotine or it may not be fully absorbed at one time.
So, find what works and use it according to instructions or talk to a professional for their opinion.
Best wishes from one who knows.
I smoked almost two packs a day for 25 years, had chronic bronchitis with a little blood at times, chronic cough and phlegm.
I finally felt bad enough and scared enough to quit. I wish most of us didn't wait until we feel so bad to decide to quit smoking but that's usually the way it goes.
My husband decided to quit recently because we moved to a new house and he was struck by how breathless he would get while moving.
He was shown actual, physical evidence of his addiction and need for recovery. Again.
Like Twain said...he quit smoking every time he put one out.
Do it till you get it.
Don't beat yourself up.
Seek help.
Find what works best for you and your situation.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Day 5 of Chantix
Day 3 brought a surprise in the way of a painful stomach ache. Research showed us that Chantix used to stop smoking may cause upset stomach, gas pains etc., and so we think it was trapped in the left bend because that's where it hurt and for quite a while.
Found a message on a quit smoking forum from a guy that said he would get an upset stomach if he took his cholesterol lowering medicine close to taking the Chantix.
Another said to take the Chantix on a full stomach to make sure it didn't cause nausea. He said just eating a little wouldn't help some people. Even those who normally do not have reactions to medicines or drugs may have them with this one.
My husband has tried to follow these tips and the pain has not come back.
He is ,however, having a little fatigue but that may be caused by having less nicotine in the blood since he is smoking less.
The magical day 7 is coming shortly but I wonder if that's too much pressure?
Here are a couple of forum links to check out the side effects most people are having and some of the more uncommon ones:
http://blogs.webmd.com/allergies-and-asthma/2008/02/are-chantix-side-effects-worth-risk_04.html
http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=15714
Found a message on a quit smoking forum from a guy that said he would get an upset stomach if he took his cholesterol lowering medicine close to taking the Chantix.
Another said to take the Chantix on a full stomach to make sure it didn't cause nausea. He said just eating a little wouldn't help some people. Even those who normally do not have reactions to medicines or drugs may have them with this one.
My husband has tried to follow these tips and the pain has not come back.
He is ,however, having a little fatigue but that may be caused by having less nicotine in the blood since he is smoking less.
The magical day 7 is coming shortly but I wonder if that's too much pressure?
Here are a couple of forum links to check out the side effects most people are having and some of the more uncommon ones:
http://blogs.webmd.com/allergies-and-asthma/2008/02/are-chantix-side-effects-worth-risk_04.html
http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=15714
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Husband is Using Chantix to Quit Smoking
Will put updates here as they come. He started yesterday and so has two full days behind him now.
I believe the fourth day starts a double dosage.
His sister, a very heavy smoker for 30 or so years, used Chantix to quit smoking last fall.
She was the other person you would say of, " If she can do it, I can too" besides me.
Check it out or Google it...
http://www.google.com
http://www.chantix.com
I believe the fourth day starts a double dosage.
His sister, a very heavy smoker for 30 or so years, used Chantix to quit smoking last fall.
She was the other person you would say of, " If she can do it, I can too" besides me.
Check it out or Google it...
http://www.google.com
http://www.chantix.com
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