Hi folks, hope all are well and kicking those quits.
Today my brother came to visit - he used to smoke but quit about 20 years ago - I have been quit a little over 2 years. Anyhoo, he noticed I was talking a bit funny and asked what was wrong with my mouth. I told him I have 2 ulcers (cankers) - 1 on the tip of my tongue and 1 on the side of my tongue near the back. What's that from he says ... I replied well, remember I have oral sensitivity since I quit smoking, (I have fibromyalgia, the symptoms of which went a little haywire after I quit - oral sensitivity being one of my 'new' symptoms) and I had some coleslaw last Friday, I think it was that caused the ulcers. He replied, why don't you start smoking again then? That'll stop the ulcers ... erm really??
Well says I, I usually have it under control and I know more or less what I shouldn't eat and drink but sometimes I can't help having something yummy or it takes me by surprise - like lemon oil in my lip salve! More to the point though, I don't actually want to smoke anymore - I have no desire to smoke ... it's just not part of who I am any more.
He then told me how he would smoke if he could - if he could just smoke say up to 10 a day he would revert back to smoking but knows he wouldn't be able to stick at that so that's why he stays smober.
WOW ... he's been quit over 20 years but still wants to smoke??!! I just can't imagine thinking that way. And the only difference I can think of is 20 years ago Joel Spitzer wasn't all over the internet. Or maybe he was and my brother just didn't have a computer. Whatever ... the point is ... all over the internet, including on this very site, is a wealth of information that can change your attitude towards smoking and quitting. I have benefited from that 'education' whereas my brother remains convinced he enjoyed smoking and it helped him relax and all those other myths we were fed ..
Educate yourself people! It makes a world of difference. Ok so champix helped too in my case but really ... education :)