posted on February 17, 2001 07:47:22 PM new
Hey Rocker! This is for you and anyone else who’s ready to quit smoking. I hope you’re still in the quit smoking mode because I’m ready to join ya! Here’s the deal. You said that one of the reasons you wanted to quit was because of your dad’s death last year. I'm sorry to hear about that. I took from your post that his death was related to smoking too? My dad's been gone a long time now, but I can relate. I didn’t know my biological dad well because of divorce and he stayed overseas. But, he was a heavy smoker and he died when he was only 37 of a heart attack brought on by pneumonia and complicated by the fact that no matter how sick he was he refused to quit smoking. I was 16. I remember being at his funeral and thinking about how sad it was that we’d never have the chance to really know each other. It seemed to me that he had chosen his cigarettes over me... It’s a feeling of sadness mixed with anger that I still carry. I don’t want to do the same thing to my kids...
Then, as if to really pound it into my head this week, I’ve just finished another run of tests and the word from my neurologist is that the problems I’ve had the past few years is probably not multiple sclerosis (good news) but appears to be small strokes - yikes! Guess what her first advice was? Yep, gotta quit smoking NOW!
The truth is I love smoking but I don’t have a choice anymore. I’ve smoked since I was 13 years old with a small hiatus around the age of 20 when I actually managed to stay away from them for 3 years. Dumbass went back to smoking though... so, here I am.
We have to do this... I have to and I know you really, really want to - so, let’s kick it together! Here’s my ideas —
The trick for me is trying to separate the psychological from the intellectual. I’m smart enough to know that it’s stupid to inhale poisons into my system....duh! But, for me - smoking has become as natural as breathing...
First, I’m changing from menthol to regular... since I don’t like regular I won't be quite as likely to light up.
The trick for putting the cigarettes down 100% is that I have to ease myself into it. BTW, Rockeryou may have passed this point, but if it’s still giving you hell, then think about whether this approach will help.
The Big Idea
The psychological zap is the part that always nails me when I try to quit. So, the first step in my new plan has been to isolate the triggers points that cause me to light up. I made a list. It was a long list. For example, I always smoke while I’m at the computer. So, beginning this week, the new rule is “I never smoke while I’m on the computer.” I can smoke at any other time... but NEVER while I'm on the computer. In another week or two I’ll add “I Never smoke when I watch T.V”.... Then, I'll "Never smoke after supper." See where I’m going. I’m breaking the habits one at a time. Eventually I’ll run out of times/places to add to the list. Then, I'll be a bonafide non-smoker! What this does for me is eliminates the panic moments that I go into when I think of quitting - while it’s also eliminating the habits. Brilliant!!! Applause! Applause! LOL
O.K. that’s my big idea. Anybody else ready to join the smoke out?...
or, tell us how you quit smoking,
or how you would have quit if you’d ever been stupid enough to smoke in the first place?
Not paranoid anywhere else but here!
[ edited by mybiddness on Feb 17, 2001 07:50 PM ]
posted on February 17, 2001 07:54:25 PM newmybiddness There's a sign at one of the Cancer Treatment centers in Dallas. It says "If you smoke menthol we can't help you" Scary, huh?
[ edited by december3 on Feb 17, 2001 07:55 PM ] edited because I can't spell tonight.
[ edited by december3 on Feb 17, 2001 07:56 PM ]
posted on February 17, 2001 08:18:44 PM new
mybiddness...Congratulations on starting to quit. You've got a great incentive if it means your health is in danger. I know your kids will thank you for being with them as long as you can!
posted on February 17, 2001 08:28:52 PM newSnowey & Njrazd Thanks. It really is a good place for me to start. It's where I chain smoke the most and it will automatically cut about 3 - 4 smoking hours out of every day. I'm not patient enough to get up and walk away from the computer to smoke... especially if I know I can light up again in a few hours. I know I have every reason to just put them down. But, for me cold turkey and straight jacket would be synonymous.
I hope this helps Rocker She's really trying hard to quit too. She's the one that inspired the thread!
posted on February 17, 2001 09:46:08 PM new
LOL MyBidness YOU RULE!!! I cracked up when I saw this thread! EXCELLENT PLAN ya got there!!! Ok truth is NO I AM NOT READY AND NO I DON'T WANT TO QUIT!!!! LOL!! BUT - I know I really should and need to. I've been down to one or two cigs a day tops. I still haven't been able to kick it completely. I am waaaaaaay too psychologically attached. I think the plans you're making are very smart!! I've made some "rules" for myself (only buy ONE pack a week, etc.) Ya know what's been really helpful so far? My therapist suggested this and I was thinking "Yeah yeah" but she's RIGHT (as usual), this really helps - she said to take the money I would be spending on cigarettes every day and put it aside. Well it was pretty quick I had $19.20 in that envelope. (In just 4 days.) You can SEE it adding up and so it's hard to spend it after that. Also, when we are ready to really quit all together, there's this cool "Quit Meter" program you can put right on your computer desktop. (I can email it to you & whoever wants it once I figure out where I downloaded it to LOL) You enter the date & time you quit, enter the amount of packs you smoke a day and how much they cost - and then once you've quit, this meter will tell you how many cigs you haven't smoked, how much money you've saved,etc. It's really really cool! I made it ten days last time. LOL! But I'm gonna use it again when I quit all together again. You have some very positive ideas there, MyBid! And don't forget to be easy on yourself...
"progress not perfection". We have been smoking many many years (I started at 16 and I am 40 now!) and it is not realistic to think we can un-do something overnight we have been in this habit of doing for so many years.
Rocker
posted on February 17, 2001 09:54:56 PM new
I meant to also say - I'm sorry about your Dad. I understand. And yes my Dad died as a direct result of his smoking - lung cancer killed him last year January 22. He had been a 3 pack a day smoker his whole life, until the last few years which were NOT pretty. He was bed-ridden and on oxygen 24/7. Also his vocal cords were paralyzed. He could only talk in a whisper. He would try to "yell" at me about smoking and whisper "You are going to end up like this!!!" It was horrible and sad and scary - and it is a very sick addiction that has a hold on me even after being witness to this for the last few years of my Dad's life. I pray to him now to help me fight the obsession with smoking. Sometimes I really do feel like it works... at least for a while. I think the problem is my willingness. I know this is beatable, I know it really is mind over matter. I know this in my gut. Good luck to us both!!!
Rocker
posted on February 17, 2001 10:01:27 PM new
Okay girls and boys, this is a wonderful idea. Keep it going. I have just given up the dreaded cigs after smoking for more years than I care to think about.
I am now going on for 4 months and I can't say it is easy, because I would be lying. At least now I don't think about smoking all the time. I was like you Mybid I would sit at the computer and chain smoke, I kid you not it was one afte the other. Anyway to cut a long story short, I went cold turkey. It was really hard to start with but gradually I found that I could go a couple of days without even thinking about having a smoke.
Sometimes when I have a bad day I will go to reach for a smoke and am really glad that I don't have any, because that just shows me how easy it would be to start again. I know that I have to continue with this or it could kill me. Today is my 43rd birthday and I really want to live to see 50 and one day grandkids. So for my sake and my kids' I know I can't ever give in to this and start smoking again.
Okay I have had my say now. But I will be here when you are ready and when you need support.
posted on February 17, 2001 10:51:50 PM newNettak Thanks for the inspiration. It always helps to know that someone else found a way to kick the habit. I'm already rethinking my initial plan. It might take too long. Maybe I will eliminate the computer and the travel smoking this week. Then, add to the list next week... moving fast forward so that I'll be completely off of them within the month. Then again, maybe I should bite the bullet and go cold turkey. I don't know... it's a battle I'll keep re-assimilating. I have very little confidence of making it cold turkey. I've tried too often and the stress was unbelievable for me. Maybe I have to attack it one area at a time until it's annialated!
Rocker Waaaahhhh! You were the one that motivated me to start this thread.... dammit, ya can't give up now.
O.K. I understand how tough it is better than anybody - well as much as. I would love the program you mentioned. It sounds like a great added motivation.
I'm quitting for a lot of reasons - first and foremost for my family but also because the doctor scared the hell out of me.
Around two or three years ago I started having blurred vision and serious memory lapses. The doctor (different one) at that time didn't even ask about my smoking... she thought it was something else. In the back of my mind I wondered, but I never asked because I didn't want to hear it.
Now that it's slapping me in the face I'm having to really seriously look at what I've let cigarettes do to my life. I used to make a damned good living as a writer. I had a great freelance business writing marketing materials for small companies. I know it sounds like bragging but my work was so good that people would RUN to buy whatever I was selling... no joke. Right before my memory got zapped a literary agent listened to a reading of 2 chapters of a novel I wrote. She actually interupted the meeting to walk across the room and give me her business card. She said I had to contact her as soon as I had a couple more chapters finished. That's gone now. My writing was something precious to me. I've actually grieved over it like a person would grieve over a death.
So, what happens with the next stroke? What if it's not a "little" one? Do I forget my kids names? Do I forget how to tie my shoes? No, I can't NOT quit. I've got to do it and it's just a matter of finding a way to do it that doesn't give me a stroke in the process. It just pisses me off that a stupid thing like a cigarette is controlling my life. Only another smoker will understand how you can watch someone you love die a smoker's death and still have trouble putting them down. I understand totally... but, I'm going to win this battle and I hope you'll be ready to join me soon.
posted on February 17, 2001 11:11:23 PM new
I'm getting off of the computer now. But, not to smoke. I've just added another "non-smoking" zone. No more smoking before I go to bed... or after sex. LOL Not paranoid anywhere else but here!
posted on February 17, 2001 11:22:44 PM new Rocker Waaaahhhh! You were the one that motivated me to start this thread.... dammit, ya can't give up now.
NO NO NO I'm not giving up MyBiddness! Are you kidding? I just went from a pack a day to two cigs a day!! And that's only until I can stop completely. I meant it, I really have been chewing on straws and Twizzlers and Super Bubble! LOL! My jaw is killing me!
I've been obsessing over this whole thing. I really am trying so hard!
I may have to go to sleep soon too just to keep fighting this urge!
G'night MyBid and HAPPY BIRTHDAY NETTAK!!!!!
posted on February 18, 2001 10:23:11 AM new
Hey Rocker I'm so thrilled to see that you're still on track. When I read your first post last night I thought you were saying you had thrown in the towel. What a relief! Btw, what are twizzlers? Is that the licourice sticks? I'm going to the drug store today to find stuff to "occupy my mouth." LOL
It's been 16 hours since I've had a cigarette. (yeah me) I must have dreamed about it last night because I didn't even want one when I woke up this a.m. I started to get one about an hour ago and realized that I was getting it out of habit but that I really didn't want it... too cool. I think I'm going to try the nicotine gum to help control the withdrawals.
When I woke up I was mortified with having spilled my guts here... but I think it really helped me put it all into perspective - and it'll be here as a reminder to me of why I have to stay on course.
Hang in there Rocker Maybe we can actually make it stick this time! Are you having the nicotine withdrawals yet? I remember the last time I tried to quit I actually went into cold sweats... haven't had those yet.
posted on February 18, 2001 10:50:31 AM new
Congrats on everyone who is trying to quit! I wish I could say I am a non-smoker but it's not true yet.
I have smoked up to 3 packs a day since I was 13 (I am 43 now). I have tried it all -- Zyban, Nicorette, the patch, cold turkey, cutting down, and nothing has worked. My father, (also a heavy smoker), can no longer walk more than a few steps or do anything physical because of emphysema. It is heartbreaking to see such an active person reduced to gasping for breath on a trip to the bathroom.
However, I finally think I MAY be able to quit. Last fall I went on a low-carbohydrate diet, and amazingly much of my ciggie craving has gone away. I now often go for 8-9 hours without a serious craving -- and am down from 3 packs a day to 1/2 pack a day -- without trying! I had heard before I started the diet that a side-effect was lessening of nicotine craving, but I never gave it a second thought because I am SO addicted that if nothing else worked, why would this?
However, I cut back on cigarettes without even noticing I was doing it. One night I just realized I had been puttering around the house for several hours without even thinking about smoking.
I don't plan to quit completely until I have lost some more weight but I have faith now that I'll be able to quit when I am ready.
One other thing we did was make our house "no-smoking" -- it is much harder to smoke without thinking when I have to quit whatever I am doing to go outside. And the house smells better too. AND it is better for the computer -- cigarette smoke gets into the works and builds up gunk just like in your lungs, on the walls, windows, etc.
posted on February 18, 2001 11:17:36 AM new
Hi nc I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I guess that's the point that we're all trying to avoid. Seems we always like to believe (at least I do) think that it only happens to other people... it's that old I'm invinsible crap left over from the teenage years, I guess.
Is there a particular low carb diet you're following? I had no idea that diet could effect nicotine cravings but I'm willing to give it a try. I could definitely stand to lose weight... Blah!
When my neurologist called she mentioned putting me on Zyban. She said that it's actually an anti-depressant but that it had been found to significantly reduce nicotine cravings. I'm supposed to decide when I see her next week. Has anybody heard of Zyban?
posted on February 18, 2001 11:25:45 AM new
Let me encourage all of you who are quitting smoking. My hubby and I quit 19 years ago, both using the "Cold Turkey" method.
I lost my dad last August as a direct result of smoking. He smoked 3 packs a day for years, by the time he quit, the damage to his heart and lungs was too severe to mend. He spent the last 3 years of his life on oxygen 24/7, sitting in a chair too weak to do anything. He would have been 72 last Monday.
My older brother is about 14 days into his smoke free life. I hope he does it this time.
You can all do it...for yourselves and for your loved ones.
posted on February 18, 2001 11:34:54 AM new
Hi mybiddness -- I tried Zyban. It didn't do any good for me (of course, everyone is different) and I was never comfortable with the fact that it was doing something to my brain, which has enough trouble motorvating. My doctor, though, said some patients have success with it. I do better on the gum -- it gives my mouth something to do and it is self-dosing (I don't pay any attention to the recommended dosage which might not be smart, but I figure it's better than smoking).
I am doing Atkins -- aside from weight loss, and the ability to almost completely remove blood pressure medicines from my life after only 2 weeks, the lowering of nicotine cravings is an added plus. It might be worth checking into, if you are interested -- there are lots of bad things out there about Atkins, but I researched it for 6 months before I started and didn't find any scientific support for the claims that it's bad for you -- in fact, just the opposite.
It's not just for overweight people -- my hubby had about 20 pounds to lose (which he did in a month) and has been low-carbing ever since. Since he he has heart problems in his family, I was glad to see him cut out the sugar. He has almost completely quit smoking, also.
I guess our fathers may be helping us, at such a great cost to themselves, because we don't want to end up like them. I know that even why I started smoking, in 1970, there was not a lot of widespread information about nicotine -- I think the surgeon general report came out in 1967. And for our parents, who started smoking much earlier than that -- well, they had no chance. And if they were in the military, ciggies came with the rations. I know almost no man my father's age who is not a smoker or an ex-smoker.
posted on February 18, 2001 11:40:10 AM new
Meya, sorry about your dad too. It seems like we are a generation doomed to lose one or both parents to smoking, and many of us are repeating the same mistake. Sometimes I can't imagine lighting up that next cigarette knowing what it's doing to my dad, but I always do. And my mother, with a light case of emphysema, is still smoking. And my brother. I only have one non-smoking brother, and thank heavens my son can't stand the smell.
You should be very proud of yourself for quitting -- I was once acquainted with an ex-heroin addict, who told me the heroin was much easier to give up than the cigarettes.
posted on February 18, 2001 01:14:13 PM new
I quit smoking by taking Zyban and so did my husband. We were both very heavy smokers and I had tried to quit for at least 10 years and gotten nowhere.
I never thought it would work, but gave it a try and 4 days on the pills quit smoking with virtually no effort at all. I am serious, I suffered through craving NONE.
We both went off the drug early (we took it for 5 weeks, the program is 6 or 8) because taking the drug was hellish in the way it made us deliriously happy for no reason and we could not sleep much.
However...
Not smoking was easy and since going off the drug I have not had so much as one craving. It is as if the drug goes in and lifts the noose from around your neck and that is that.
We have not smoked in about 4 years but I don't even pay attention to the time passing, because I have truly not wanted a cig since day 4 on that drug. This, from a person who would wake up in the middle of night to smoke a few cigs. I was that addicted. Not smoking is the bomb. A profound monkey off my back.
edited because it wasn't clickable. If this doesn't work then I don't know how to fix it.
[ edited by bootsnana on Feb 18, 2001 01:58 PM ]
[ edited by bootsnana on Feb 18, 2001 05:46 PM ]
posted on February 18, 2001 02:41:02 PM new
Thank all for the encouragement and for sharing. Bootsana I just spent some time reading the link you posted - that was some great info and very helpful.
I was doing so well earlier today that I thought I should just cold turkey afterall, but... When I finally gave in and lit up I didn't stop with just one. Three cigs in a row.. I felt like a junky and I swear I think I would have eaten the damned things just to get the nicotine fix.
After that episode, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up the nicotine gum, regular gum and stuff to use as a diversion but I don't want any of it. Well, I guess I'm in a bad mood and doing the whining/venting crap.
VeryModern I'm glad to know that the Zyban worked for you. Especially since it sounds like you were at least as addicted or more than I am. I mean, if I wake up at night - I never stop to smoke. So, if it worked for you maybe it'll work for me too.
Thanks all... I'm hitting the shower before I start throwing things.
And here is a really cool site with lots of encouraging info, like the positive things that happen already after only 8 hours of not smoking, after 24 hours, etc:
http://quitsmoking.about.com/mmore.htm
I think I will pick March 1st to quit completely. I am saying this on this board because maybe it will help make it more real for me.
MyBiddness - Last time I quit, yes I went through nicotine withdrawal, but that only lasts about 3 days and that is not the hardest part for me. The emotional addiction is much stronger for me than the physical. I always go back to smoking later... like two weeks later, a month later, cos I miss it so much and don't have the willingness to hang in there longer. I hope I can do it this time.
Please don't be mortified at anything you've said here. It is all very real and that's how successful support groups work IMHO. It is apparant here there are many of us who feel/have felt the same things. This is how we help each other. Your comments are helping me because they are the reminders I need. I am always all too happy to go running back into denial and not face this huge problem - and that is what will kill me.
Meya - your Dad and mine could've been the same person, the story is identical. Wow so many of us lost our Dads this way. Very very sad. Maybe they will help us kick this.
Xellil - From 3 packs down to 1/2 is really really great! And yes it is harder to quit smoking than heroin according to the addicts I've known too. I kicked alcohol and drugs in 1985 ad believe me it was a piece of cake compared to this. In 85 I just got sick of it all and quit and it was no big deal really. I didn't have any the cravings at all. But cigarette cravings... oh man. This is a horrible addiction and I don't wanna be a slave to it anymore.
posted on February 18, 2001 03:24:26 PM newMybid, Zyban is really big here in Australia at present for people wanting to give up smoking, it has only just been put on the approved NHS list so that the government subsudises the cost. It is only a few dollars to buy it on script now, where as before it was up around $140.00US to buy and as was the case of my husband and myself that was way too expensive for the average person. That is why we ended up going cold turkey (the patches did not work for us).
If your doctor says it will not cause you anymore side affect illness why not give it a go. What can it hurt, and in the long run it may give you a smoke free life and chill you out at the same time. LOL
posted on February 18, 2001 04:27:35 PM new
keep going mybiddness and nycrocker! Sending you both support and good thoughts.
Mybidness excuse me I must have missed your vent could you do it again? LOL! seriously I must have passed right by it. This is a quit smoking thread after all you're supposed to let it all hang out here.
posted on February 18, 2001 04:54:58 PM new
Ugggg!!! I *do* hate good influences!!
I started to quit around mid December (that AND started working out AND dieting AND begining my quest to be a better person).....Don't know what the hell *I* was thinking.
Anyway, I went from two packs a day down to one smoke every hour, then down to one every two hours....and then blew my plan all to hell! Really no reason for it....I was just doing so good on my other things (well, except for that better person thing....that doesn't seem to be working out all that well) that I decided, "what the heck?!"
I've been thinking I need to get my ass back on the wagon but have been finding just about every excuse not to.
So, first thing tomorrow morning I'm back on my one every hour kick.
Of course, that means I won't be around here much as I can't seem to cut that tie between being on the computer and having a smoke.
[ edited by lotsafuzz on Feb 18, 2001 04:56 PM ]
posted on February 18, 2001 05:14:23 PM newrocker: I sarted taking Zyban a few days ago. They say to take it for 2 weeks and then quit.... My target date is also March 1st. Good luck to all of us.
posted on February 18, 2001 06:26:37 PM new
High Five bootsnana!
Wellbutrin is another anti-depressant and quit smoking aid. I can't go on any of these cos I am already on Effexor (for my depression disorder).
So March 1st it is! (Pinky swear) (Ya know what that is, right? We lock pinkies and shake on it.)
Mybiddness Are you with us for March 1? Or would you rather go at your own pace and do this on your own schedule... you seem to be doing just fine on your own plan! The exact date is not what matters...I just think it's great we're all trying.
Oh yeah Twizzlers are strawberry licorice. Yummy - nice and chewy for those times you could chew right through your cheek. LOL
Another thought is - when ya get a wicked bad urge, brushing your teeth seems to help a little cos then your mouth tastes nice and clean and helps you not wanna mess it up with smoke.
I gotta tell you guys, I didn't do so well today, I had FOUR cigs - and guess what - I can feel it already, I'm very short of breath today. See, it is amazing how quickly you start to breathe correctly again when you cut way down or quit. Just going from 2 back up to 4 made a big difference. Doesn't feel good AT ALL. Time to go back DOWN not UP. Sigh...
Rocker
This topic is 6 pages long: 1new2new3new4new5new6new
For example, I always smoke while I’m at the computer. So, beginning this week, the new rule is “I never smoke while I’m on the computer.” I can smoke at any other time... but NEVER while I'm on the computer. In another week or two I’ll add “I Never smoke when I watch T.V”.... Then, I'll "Never smoke after supper." See where I’m going. I’m breaking the habits one at a time. Eventually I’ll run out of times/places to add to the list. Then, I'll be a bonafide non-smoker! 
BUT - I know I really should and need to. I've been down to one or two cigs a day tops. I still haven't been able to kick it completely. I am waaaaaaay too psychologically attached. I think the plans you're making are very smart!! I've made some "rules" for myself (only buy ONE pack a week, etc.) Ya know what's been really helpful so far? My therapist suggested this and I was thinking "Yeah yeah" but she's RIGHT (as usual), this really helps - she said to take the money I would be spending on cigarettes every day and put it aside. Well it was pretty quick I had $19.20 in that envelope. (In just 4 days.) You can SEE it adding up and so it's hard to spend it after that. Also, when we are ready to really quit all together, there's this cool "Quit Meter" program you can put right on your computer desktop. (I can email it to you & whoever wants it once I figure out where I downloaded it to LOL) You enter the date & time you quit, enter the amount of packs you smoke a day and how much they cost - and then once you've quit, this meter will tell you how many cigs you haven't smoked, how much money you've saved,etc. It's really really cool! I made it ten days last time. LOL! But I'm gonna use it again when I quit all together again. You have some very positive ideas there, MyBid! And don't forget to be easy on yourself...
I understand. And yes my Dad died as a direct result of his smoking - lung cancer killed him last year January 22. He had been a 3 pack a day smoker his whole life, until the last few years which were NOT pretty. He was bed-ridden and on oxygen 24/7. Also his vocal cords were paralyzed. He could only talk in a whisper. He would try to "yell" at me about smoking and whisper "You are going to end up like this!!!" It was horrible and sad and scary - and it is a very sick addiction that has a hold on me even after being witness to this for the last few years of my Dad's life. I pray to him now to help me fight the obsession with smoking. Sometimes I really do feel like it works... at least for a while. I think the problem is my willingness. I know this is beatable, I know it really is mind over matter. I know this in my gut. Good luck to us both!!!
