Posted 11 June 2013 - 06:45 PM

Very similar to Hell week, just less intense. I've actually been off the patch since Saturday. While exercising, I took it off because it wouldn't stay on. I forgot about it until the next day and never put it back on. With the patch, there was really no irritability and I had trouble sleeping. Without the patch, I find myself snapping at innocent people and losing my patience quickly. I also have trouble staying awake past 9, which is odd for me - a night owl. Hopefully, the grouchiness and inability to stay awake go away with time. Now, I am waking up very early without the alarm, 4 a.m. or so full of energy! A month ago, if someone asked me if I would consider going bike riding at 5:30 a.m. I would have said never. It's almost euphoric how much energy I have. I'm really trying to take advantage of being smoke free by exercising daily and eating better. Just can't afford to gain weight - I am only 5'3", so 5 lbs. would seem like 10 to me. Ditched the ice coffee and diet Dr. Pepper for water with frozen fruit for flavor - and I never liked water.

I am already starting to breathe better and it can only improve. Clearly, I still have a lot of moments (and hours) that just really suck, but am starting to see some positive benefits and feel great right now!