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G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required

NOPE

I would go by the advice of your doctors and ultimately the decision is yours. There is no right or wrong decision as some claim there is. If your doctor's advice sets off red flags, question him or her and if they don't provide real answers and instead quickly recite CDC talking points, find another doctor. My point - if a doctor cannot answer questions which you have the right to know and simply rely on the same information that you can get from the CDC/FDA/NIH websites (their information leads to many questions), you might as well use Google for medical advice. Not a good idea and neither is taking medical advice from a CDC mouthpiece who is afraid of losing his/her medical license. As far as shingles, I've had it twice. Both times I was denied a vaccine for it because I wasn't old enough (have to be at least 50-yrs old). I'm glad that I didn't take it when I was eligible because my doctor told me that each time somebody gets shingles, it's a much milder form than the previous infection. In my case, this was true. I'm sure this isn't the same experience for everybody; nothing ever is. As far as big pharma, CDC and the FDA is concerned, I used to trust them completely. Once I started digging into the big tobacco lawsuits and watching and reading the junk science our own government was purposely putting out, I grew skeptical of these institutions and what motivated them. They did not have the health and well-being of society as their main motive. Heck, it wasn't even a motive at all, during those times. Money was. Politics was. Greed was. It still goes on today as big tobacco has spun a wide web into third world countries to capture young children. It's a disgusting, evil thing to watch and yet only concerned citizens ever voice opposition. Where is the CDC/FDA and our elected officials to reign this in? That's a rhetorical question. Fast forward to January 2020 to present day. I gave the NIH, CDC and the FDA the benefit of the doubt but watched their messaging very closely. It wasn't adding up early on and is even worse today. It reminds me so much of big tobacco and the junk science that harmed so many. I do not trust anything coming out of our medical institutions right now and they will need to be gutted for me ever to consider trusting anything coming out of them. COVID-19 is real. I had it and survived it. Over 1.5 yrs later, I'm still dealing with its effects. Thankfully, I live in a part of the country where I have access to some very good doctors who actually practice medicine and science. They're not afraid to dissent from the MSM narrative and help patients. They tell you the truth - the good, the bad, the ugly and even tell you when they don't have an answer. They treat patients and do not tell them to go home until you can't breathe and then go to the ER, like my former doctor did. Unacceptable. Demand better. No settling allowed. While we live through these very difficult times in which our elected and appointed officials alike, have undermined basic trust in what is supposed to be the foundation of medicine in this country, it's ever-important to listen to all arguments with an open mind, play devil's advocate with yourself and see if your own conclusions still hold water. Or, has your bucket of knowledge sprung a leak or two? We owe it to ourselves and loved ones. We have to be an assertive participant in our own healthcare, even if that means offending arrogant physicians. The good ones, don't mind patients asking questions, even challenging questions and in fact, they expect it and they will give you their honest opinions.

NOPE…

Here's a skillet, since you asked. You're right, you didn't learn anything and never will until you understand that you have to keep your quit separate from everything else in your life. You have to keep it separate to protect it. Smoking was part of every waking moment of our lives. You cannot approach your quit the same way because regardless of what happens in life, your quit is protected elsewhere and cannot be touched. It must be treated this way. This will not be the last time a work trip is extended. More stressful things will happen too. People close to you will die, get sick, lose jobs, divorce and so on. None of that is an excuse to smoke. There are no excuses - only a choice to smoke which proves that you don't care enough about your quit to protect it. Today, your goal should be to implement a new mindset and a place for your quit where nothing can get at it. Protect it as if you were protecting a loved one from a murderer. Love yourself enough to protect yourself from an addiction that is trying to murder you. You will do this. No options. Tuck your chin and ride out the cravings. The more time you put in between your last cigarette, the easier it gets. Eventually, you will not even consider smoking. It won't enter your mind. Continue to learn about this drug addiction, treat it as a drug addiction and keep your quit separate from your daily activities. Trust me. It works.

NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOPE!

In recovery, they tell us (or used to tell us) to quit what was going to kill us first. I sensed that nicotine wasn't really considered in the same life-threatening category as my drug of choice booze. Why? Well, its unlikely you would mow down an innocent while driving smoking. I believe this attitude did me a disservice all of these years because of the fact that I saw it as an aid to not drinking which allowed me to continue the slow-poison. When I did finally try to stop, it was so hard because, unlike booze, I could smoke and function at work, etc. In fact, it seemed to "help" me deal with life without booze. Yet for me, as for all of us, it was slowly sucking the life out of me. "Today, your goal should be to implement a new mindset and a place for your quit where nothing can get at it. Protect it as if you were protecting a loved one from a murderer. Love yourself enough to protect yourself from an addiction that is trying to murder you." This is exactly the mind-set that is called for in addressing any addiction INCLUDING smoking. Thanks for the tough love.

NOPE!

Thanks Dad, I can't remember you but I do know you loved me!

I don’t stop by often because I haven’t had a single craving since I quit on January 29th, 2021. But! I’ve surpassed 9 months smoke free after smoking for 20 years. I think that’s pretty spectacular and I just wanted to share it. I’ve saved almost $2000 since I quit as well! Fingers crossed for home ownership!

n O p E

@KatgirlI must admit that I really try to not pay attention to the news to much. The only thing that matters is your opinion and your doctors advice. Society in general, with the advance of technology has gone beserk. I have not even heard about the fertility issue. I can understand the concern that as a couple that experienced that first hand. They could never explain why my husband had a low count and not good swimmers. Was it because he was a preemie way back in 1959, was it because he came of age in the 70's when smoking weed was his thing and smoking cigarettes was mine. Who knows...there are so many things out there now that damage is being done to so many of our young people that won't be known for decades. My Mom passed a couple of years ago at the age of 90. She never drank, smoked and for most of her life did not eat meat. She worked hard, kept a huge garden with fruit trees, canned and preserved her food. She walked miles everyday when she got older. It was not her body that gave up it was dementia in the end. Each person must weigh the pros and cons of their life decisions and do what they feel is right for them. I wish I had not smoked all those years but that was a decision I made. I and I alone am responsible for that. I do not think we will know the damage or see a complete return to normal in our lifetimes. I just pray that society recognizes the danger of the possiblities in the future of the world and is more prepared than we were this time.

Linda. I did have two vaccines and will take a third when available. That said, I have never stopped wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home when possible. I do go out for groceries, the doctor, shopping when I just have to have a break from the house. This Covid thing is the new normal, it won't go away anytime soon. We just have to be proactive in how we react to it. My son thinks I am crazy but I have stocked up on everything I need to run smoothly. Now when he comes by he checks what I have. Now he remembers those times when he had moved out but came home and raided the pantry and the bathrooms. LOL I will not run out of TP, dog food, food for me, batteries, flashlights etc. It is a sad way to live but my old saying "safe not sorry".

I'm so sorry to hear about your relatives @Linda and hope for a speedy recovery.....

NOPE

Nope!!!!

Wow, I did not understand some of that, but that is I am not up on all the new stuff. I will say a diet of only beef does not sound wise. If you want to go with proteins, beef, chicken, pork and fish that sounds okay but your body needs the vitamins, minerals and fiber from vegetables. My husband did the atkins thing and lost a lot of weight. No carb of any kind. I wish you well on your journey. Keep us up to date. K

Good Evening to all my junkie pals, quick update for anybody interested. First of all, I've had no coffee since either Friday or Saturday. I'd like to say no caffeine but I've had a couple of sodas and by a couple of I mean one plus a little bit of chocolate. The use of kombucha tea instead of coffee has definitely made a difference in the intensity of cravings, the bloating and digestion. Another trial balloon I've floated up is eating carnivore for a few days. That is something I believe could be a game changer for those whose systems can handle it. I know just a couple of days and I started getting some new found energy. I'll be doing some research on that as far as it impacts lung function and circulatory repair. If I find anything of interest I'll update on this thread. If it's earth shattering I'll make a new topic so it can be easier to follow both supporting and detracting replies. I think tomorrow I will start a 90 day challenge of eating nothing but beef with salt as the only seasoning. The kombucha tea is really starting to intrigue me. It is a detox facilitator and I noticed this morning my chest was a little congested and I was hacking up some white phlegm. My mouth felt and tasted like I smoked 2 packs the night before and it had somewhat of a metallic taste. I saw some anecdotal evidence of someone that flushed a bunch of stuff after 6 weeks of drinking the stuff so I plan on continuing with it for at least another month. The last thing on the list of experiments is oil pulling. Search it up and try it out. I've done it for 2 days with olive oil but I think coconut oil might be a better choice. It makes my teeth feel smooth and clean and it is supposed to assist with detoxing. Anyhow, I'm getting to the point where I'm about to go all in on making the best me that I can. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and jeopardize my quit but what's the point of quitting if not to improve and get everything out of life that you can grab?? I'll have some other updates on the nerve issues in my back and the problem with my hip. Until then, stay strong and remember that I really do care deeply about each of you and want nothing but the best for all of you. Peace

Nope!!!

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Nope!

@KEL Very well said and so true!!! Thanks for sharing

@MarylandQuitter You are a tough guy! You tell it like it is even if we don't want to hear it. I am lucky I do not have a job to worry about, no divorce (widow), most of everyone has already died, sick, yes but have been sick from things I had before quitting so they do not count. I already have the skillet for cooking but am not opposed to hit myself in the head if need be. LOL

NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no doubt Covid is real. Several of my friends and family have had it, and survived. As a medical professional, and a logical thinker, some of the info being disseminated makes me crazy. We are being told that no matter which initial vaccine we received, any booster will do….WHAT?? That sounds crazy to me. If I do get a booster, it will be the same brand, as my initial vaccine. I am very disturbed at how the media is treating people who aren’t holding the party line. Lately, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in the hot seat. I have noticed I haven’t seen his Insurance Co. commercials, since his infamous interview. How can you blame a man in his prime for worrying about his reproductive future, and deciding against the vaccine? Two of my 3 sons have the same concerns. One won’t get vaccinated, and the other made sure he got the J and J, only because he had to get vaccinated, as a member of our military. We are living in unprecedented times. I wear an N95 mask, whenever I venture out, which isn’t very often. I am not convinced that the flimsy things other people are using, to mask up, are effective. Again, common sense. I really hope I live to see the day, when life gets back to some kind of normal.

Linda. I totally respect your hesitation in giving up your home. I know you care deeply about your guy. I will never be in that position because that is what I have chosen. Keep your home until and split time between both places. Never give up anything that makes you feel safe and secure. I often think I should sell my home but I do love it. For now there is no where I would rather be. I am sorry that you were so sick after the shingles vax, I did not have any problems. I get every vax available. If we look back in history we can see the overall advantage. Look how far things have come. There are many diseases that have been eradicated by advances in science and medicine. My husband participated in clinical trials for his cancer. It gave him many more years with us and he would be proud that one of the drugs was FDA approved to treat brain cancer in children. It did not cure it but gave families more time together. Everyone's outlook on these things is different. For me if there is a vax to prevent or cause a lesser case I will take it. If I get sick with something that has clinical trials, I would do them. I have lived a long life, I am no longer afraid to step forward and help for the future. We are leaving here the same way. Better to leave something behind that might help others.

So sad to hear this Linda ....hoping they all make a good speedy recovery.... This Virus is still very much around ...

Arancini ( @Linda , making lasagna soon)

FRIDEE....

Enjoying following your journey Yoda.... Quitting the smokes is only the first part ....I always find it interesting what route a newbie takes ... Your finding new ways of becoming a better you ....I'm Lovin it .

Never go soft

I've done a bit of research on it already and it seems a lot less scary than quitting. LOL

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Love all the suggestions and appreciate the candor. Night night from Colorado.

@Katgirl, I didn't want to either but it was just easier since my Dr didn't have any left.

YAY Karen!

@KEL Congratulations on 40 days smoke free!! Great post!!!

Thanks for all the support and encouragement. Its a "we" thing and I appreciate each and every one of you. K

Congratulations Karen. Quitting gets easier with time. The benefits continue to accumulate. Enjoy.

NOPE…

Ian (my youngest son’s name)

Saw where the cancel clan is trying to memory hole this old classic. Meaning the appropriate response is to turn it up as loud as it will go.

I know without a doubt that I have extended my life by quitting smoking. Ever since that first morning f***ing days just never end.

One month and one (half ) day! Nine more days and I will be up to my longest quit of 40 days! Looking forward to when I don't count any more