Showing posts with label quit smoking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quit smoking. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Giving Chantix Another Try
It's been almost seven days and he says the urge to smoke is not so urgent. He's tired but working overtime lately may be the only reason. Let's hope not so many side effects this time except for the end goal.........no more cigarettes ever!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tips to Quit Smoking that Work Well
- It's okay to feel like you are losing something important when you decide to stop smoking especially if you have smoked for a long period of time. Let the emotions out somehow so they don't build up creating stress you don't want or need. Exercise, writing, yelling, punching a pillow or a stop smoking group where you will feel less alone may help.
2. Keep it simple. Use distracting tools such as deep breathing and twirling a pen or pencil between your fingers to help when your mind and body are feeling out of sorts going without.
3. A concrete way to increase motivation to succeed quitting smoking is to calculate how much money you would save over the years and thinking of a goal to save towards. A car or a vacation are fun to look forward to having.
I bought a Jeep Wrangler with my savings and it's been a fun ride and it feels really good that it was paid for with cash saved from not smoking for nine years (at the time). I'll post a photo soon.
Best Wishes from Someone Who's Been There.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Keep it Simple to Stop Smoking
A tip worth repeating to help you quit smoking is to gradually cut back on how many cigarettes smoked per day.
Many people find that their body is so used to the chemicals in tobacco that their body seems to go a little wonky if they stop cold turkey.
Some of these symptoms have included:
Changes in Menstrual Cycles
Fatigue
Thyroid Changes
Sores in the Mouth
Boils Under the Skin
Cutting back may help the body adjust and become more able to function on it's own without the interfering chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Best Wishes.
Many people find that their body is so used to the chemicals in tobacco that their body seems to go a little wonky if they stop cold turkey.
Some of these symptoms have included:
Changes in Menstrual Cycles
Fatigue
Thyroid Changes
Sores in the Mouth
Boils Under the Skin
Cutting back may help the body adjust and become more able to function on it's own without the interfering chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Best Wishes.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tips to Quit Smoking That Work
I am a former smoker. I've not smoked a cigarette for over ten years after smoking for over 25 years. I was a heavy smoker for the most part.
Even smoked Marlboro reds for a long time.
I say all of that to say this: One of the best tips for me when I stopped smoking was an exercise or process taught to people who have anxiety disorder or panic attacks.
They tell the sufferers to try and not get carried away by their feelings but to let them flow through their body until the feelings have dissipated. To relax and let it happen and that seems to shorten the attack.
The same thing can work for those of us who have strong reactions to quitting smoking. The urge to smoke can feel almost overwhelming at times especially when you first quit.
The tip is to let it flow through. Sit still and suffer the urge. Fully feel the physical and mental and emotional pull of the cigarette until it goes away.
It's called suffering well. You just do it. The thing that is hard to believe is that it will go away.
People who quit smoking or go through anxiety attacks frequently believe that they will always feel that way. That it is unbearable to feel that way.
This proves that is a myth. A myth-belief.
Although it may feel really bad and hard - you can do it.
Try it and see for yourself.
If you give in to it and let it grow and consume you don't despair. Try again next time. Don't ever give up. Trying makes perfect. It doesn't matter how many times you have to try before your time takes.
That is how new habits are formed. By not giving in to the old. By trying something new. Minute by minute if need be. Step by step.
Also, speak with a health professional if this gets hard and you are feeling tired of trying. The stress we generate from trying not to be stressful can be self defeating.
Let it go. Let it go by letting it go through you. Like a wave or a cloud. It will dissipate.
I promise. I did this until I didn't need to do it anymore.
It works.
Best Wishes.
Even smoked Marlboro reds for a long time.
I say all of that to say this: One of the best tips for me when I stopped smoking was an exercise or process taught to people who have anxiety disorder or panic attacks.
They tell the sufferers to try and not get carried away by their feelings but to let them flow through their body until the feelings have dissipated. To relax and let it happen and that seems to shorten the attack.
The same thing can work for those of us who have strong reactions to quitting smoking. The urge to smoke can feel almost overwhelming at times especially when you first quit.
The tip is to let it flow through. Sit still and suffer the urge. Fully feel the physical and mental and emotional pull of the cigarette until it goes away.
It's called suffering well. You just do it. The thing that is hard to believe is that it will go away.
People who quit smoking or go through anxiety attacks frequently believe that they will always feel that way. That it is unbearable to feel that way.
This proves that is a myth. A myth-belief.
Although it may feel really bad and hard - you can do it.
Try it and see for yourself.
If you give in to it and let it grow and consume you don't despair. Try again next time. Don't ever give up. Trying makes perfect. It doesn't matter how many times you have to try before your time takes.
That is how new habits are formed. By not giving in to the old. By trying something new. Minute by minute if need be. Step by step.
Also, speak with a health professional if this gets hard and you are feeling tired of trying. The stress we generate from trying not to be stressful can be self defeating.
Let it go. Let it go by letting it go through you. Like a wave or a cloud. It will dissipate.
I promise. I did this until I didn't need to do it anymore.
It works.
Best Wishes.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Stop Smoking for 23 Days and Counting
Husband has 23 days of not smoking under his belt and it's really showing. Almost no cough and his snoring is better which means better sleep and more energy.
I think he sees how much the Chantix altered his moods but we will still give it credit for getting him started. It did help and we didn't notice the mood changes until around the second week.
He has started chewing gum to help with that ex - smokers need to do something and it seems to help. He had tried three different gums: Juicy Fruit, Stride and a sugar free berry flavored one. His favorite so far has been Stride. He says the flavor lasts longer than the others.
Best Wishes.
I think he sees how much the Chantix altered his moods but we will still give it credit for getting him started. It did help and we didn't notice the mood changes until around the second week.
He has started chewing gum to help with that ex - smokers need to do something and it seems to help. He had tried three different gums: Juicy Fruit, Stride and a sugar free berry flavored one. His favorite so far has been Stride. He says the flavor lasts longer than the others.
Best Wishes.
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
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
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Celebrate Quit Smoking Anniversaries
My own 10 year stop smoking anniversary will be on October 16, 2008.
I really quit close to midnight on the 15th but declared the 16th as my first full day of being a non-smoker.
I feel special to be in the double digits.
I remember when being smoke free for one hour or one day seemed impossibly intimidating to try.
I quit for good minute by minute.
Time takes time and it does pass. This too is temporary.
The desire to quit will outweigh the urge to smoke more and more until one day you realize it's been TEN YEARS since you even held a cigarette and even though you may feel like lighting one up on occasion you won't because the time you've put in is too important to give up.
BUT, if you do, just see it as practice and practice makes perfect. Mark Twain said he quit smoking a hundred times a day. Well, one day it will take. It will.
I thought giving up smoking would be like the end of the world but it's really the beginning of a whole new world. One where you can go anywhere, anytime you like because you are not held back by the bad habit any longer.
I think I'll go to the movies and out to dinner. I'll be able to enjoy the show and the meal without worrying about what part of the movie I can miss to go smoke or hurrying up a good meal to go out to smoke. I'll just smile and breathe and be thankful that I finally did one of the best things for myself that I could ever do.
I had help and I'd like to thank, in no particular order; God, the good inventors of nicotine gums and patches, my family for understanding my emotional changes, my doctor for giving me the OK to use the nicotine gum for a longer period of time, xanax for helping me stay calm and be able to sleep and the stop smoking message boards that are all over the Internet. Being able to read and share the same thing others go through is priceless.
Most are encouraging, all are helpful.
Good luck and celebrate every cig. you don't smoke!
I really quit close to midnight on the 15th but declared the 16th as my first full day of being a non-smoker.
I feel special to be in the double digits.
I remember when being smoke free for one hour or one day seemed impossibly intimidating to try.
I quit for good minute by minute.
Time takes time and it does pass. This too is temporary.
The desire to quit will outweigh the urge to smoke more and more until one day you realize it's been TEN YEARS since you even held a cigarette and even though you may feel like lighting one up on occasion you won't because the time you've put in is too important to give up.
BUT, if you do, just see it as practice and practice makes perfect. Mark Twain said he quit smoking a hundred times a day. Well, one day it will take. It will.
I thought giving up smoking would be like the end of the world but it's really the beginning of a whole new world. One where you can go anywhere, anytime you like because you are not held back by the bad habit any longer.
I think I'll go to the movies and out to dinner. I'll be able to enjoy the show and the meal without worrying about what part of the movie I can miss to go smoke or hurrying up a good meal to go out to smoke. I'll just smile and breathe and be thankful that I finally did one of the best things for myself that I could ever do.
I had help and I'd like to thank, in no particular order; God, the good inventors of nicotine gums and patches, my family for understanding my emotional changes, my doctor for giving me the OK to use the nicotine gum for a longer period of time, xanax for helping me stay calm and be able to sleep and the stop smoking message boards that are all over the Internet. Being able to read and share the same thing others go through is priceless.
Most are encouraging, all are helpful.
Good luck and celebrate every cig. you don't smoke!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tips to Quit Smoking-Motto's
One of the motto's most often used in quit smoking message boards is:
"I'd rather be an ex-smoker with an occasional urge to smoke than a smoker with a
constant urge to quit."
The author is unknown to me.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Tips to Quit Smoking
A practical way to get through those urges that can hit even if you are using a nicotine replacement product is to cut a plastic straw in two and stuff one of the sides with cotton or tissue.
Draw on it as if it's a cigarette and the sensation is very close to smoking a filtered cigarette when you draw the air through the cotton or tissue and this can be very calming and satisfying.
Some people don't like using an idea that is so much like what you are trying to quit but it really can help you stay with the plan to quit smoking.
Draw on it as if it's a cigarette and the sensation is very close to smoking a filtered cigarette when you draw the air through the cotton or tissue and this can be very calming and satisfying.
Some people don't like using an idea that is so much like what you are trying to quit but it really can help you stay with the plan to quit smoking.
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