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My very first post, on day 16 of my quit, with updates... Day # 16 the hardest so far Started by action, Oct 28 2013 06:07 PM Afternoon All, Just looking for some opinions/advice. So I've been free from tobacco since 12th October (Cold Turkey), and I've had an almighty cough (and the flu) while my lungs tried to clean themselves up, and that really helped in stopping me having a smoke. I've just recently recovered and this day has been the hardest so far. Have had many many cravings for a cigarette. Been chewing normal gum to try and get over it, but it's been a really long, difficult day; really had difficulites concerntrating on work. It's been almost unbearable. Can anyone tell me in there own experience after how many days do the cravings lessen? Just writing this message seems to have calmed me a little, but just hoping to hear some friendly support and your thoughts. Thanks for your time all. Posted 29 October 2013 - 01:03 AM Wow guys, this is probably the most helpful thing ever. I thought I might get one or two people chipping in with a bit of advice, but the sheer amount of replies in such a short time has made me even more determined. Like I said earlier, hardly any of my family and friends smoke, so I'm not sure they really understand quite how hard it is. Was emotionally drained after today, and when I saw my wife she was supportive, but she's never smoked, so maybe she doesn't realise quite how hard it can be giving up... I quit once before for 6 months, and I have literally no idea why I had a relapse. But I am so sure that this time I'm gonna stag quit for good. And the cigarettes in my house are being given away tomorrow. I hope I can help others in the way you have helped me today. Hopefully I can get on here in time if I have a SOS moment!! Posted 29 October 2013 - 11:30 AM Thanks to all of you for getting me through yesterday. The important thing is that I still haven't had a smoke, and today I feel much better (atm). I also managed to offload my stash of cigarettes!! Just this morning, I took the car to the garage for an MOT, and walked the rest of the way to the office (about 20 minutes). Usually after this journey, I feel slightly short of breat, or have a stich, but this morning, I felt absolutly great after the walk - it's really amazing that so much difference is possible after only (nearly) 18 days. So, thanks again to everybody's kind words, and I'll try and post encouragement for others who need it, weather they be new quitters or someone who just needs a bit of help in hard times. --- (Special thanks to the following QT members for posting on my very first thread and making me feel so welcome; Jimmy, Sarge, Betsy, Holski, Tiffany, Armed, Jenny, Nancy, Beacon, Colleen, Pip)

I have found some nice chirpy lady on fitness tv who does yoga and says ass a lot. She's pretty real, I like her honesty, yes thank you my lovely, if I am working I want it to count, especially in the region you propose needs fixing. I'm not beyond asking for assistance and believe you when you say this will work. So Monday mornings are sorted. Having eliminated belly dancing, walking, running, bike riding and sex for various reasons, I have today discovered beach body. I mean I don't have a beach body, obviously, my bod is extending over and above yoga pants, god only knows what would occurif I put a bikini on! Waif like bimbo birds assure me I will have a "hot" "beach body" in no time if I follow their plan. you two lovely bimbettes have just won my tuesday afternoon when the ex has the kids for access visits. So i have Friday morning left and need something else. Cardio or dancing thoughts are in my head. But first I must check if I have all the stuff required for the achy legs I already possess cause ow! I am feeling happy and chirpy. Life is alright today. Tomorrow morning is not looking hopeful (on feeling alright, i think these legs will hurt) so I will enjoy today. Exercise this week and start regrouping on the work front next week I think. Time to get my slightly larger butt off of the I don't smoke program and back into the really real world where life just goes on.

Posted 25 January 2014 - 08:44 PM COPD is a horrible disease. Originally, I wanted to vent about it. Then, I thought it more constructive if I could help inform a new quitter understand what it really is. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. COPD is the umbrella term for sufferers who have been diagnosed with or show signs of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis. It is on my mind multiple times a day, most days. Today is an exception. The cold air is bothering me, my lungs hurt today, breathing is uncomfortable and I can't get away from it. I will never get away from it, not ever. I am a third generation COPD patient. Most of the time, I go without exacerbation's or flare ups. Both my mother and grandmother have it. My grandmother suffers the most, then there is me and my mom, she suffers the least. I do intense cardio 5 days a week without a problem usually. Days like today are harsh reminders, that it was I that tortured my own lungs. If you haven't quit, please do. No cure exists, but if you quit and treat the disease early, you can live a (mostly) normal life. Edited to add: COPD is no longer for the elderly crowd. You are not too young to have it. I was diagnosed in late 2012, at 37 and judging by my symptoms had it for 4 or 5 years at least. I feel lucky that I caught it early in stage one. I have a couple of inhalers, Dulera and Pro Air. Recently I saw a pulmonologist and he increased the Dulera dosage to 200 mcg. It really works to prevent the burning in my chest and throat during cardio. I use a nebulizer before cardio and for any problems breathing. I consider myself lucky that I can exercise the way I do.

I am a quit buddy whore, I have two cause I'm greedy like that. Just my new one talking about getting back on the train has reminded me I always wanted this. My older and yet strangely skirted (for a fella) and experienced one has reminded me all the way through that I have had this since day 1. I don't know as if I forgot that per se, I think I was safe...but I forgot the severity with which I wanted this freedom. Talking someone else through it and actually my beloved cousin asking me about it for him has reminded me I LOVE this quit. Amy and Stu, your refreshing ways remind me I love this quit, I love this support and this board. I was always ok, it was just life stuff and never to do with not smoking, which still remains the 3rd best thing I've ever done with my little life. I would do a hallelujah if I was that way inclined but I no longer am lol, so I will raise my energy and share the thanks with the next person I see who could use the support, cause THAT is what I do and THAT is who I am. I heal, I lead, I save - I do not wallow and whinge and whine. I will ALWAYS beat the craves because I don't want to smoke. There is no need to be afraid they will come again because if they do, I will smash them back again..and yeah, I may do that with a snot fest but hey, I never said I was a classy bird :) Ya know, I know it's coming again. I know from little things this board has said and reading what people have felt. It's ok, battle I can do, like I said in my first week I want and deserve this quit and I will do whatever it takes. I am and always was ok and that is in no small part from this support network. Powerful stuff! xx

So happy you are feeling better & proud of you for picking up and moving forward. Just like a NoSmo Warrior!