Mee

Oh Linda, you are definitely a brave soul. I am guessing you are a paramedic? There is no comparison here. The one is an addiction, the other is the awesome person you are. I actually smoked through radiation for breast cancer. The fear of death was not enough for me to quit. Nicotine addiction has a powerful hold over your brain. The further you get away from it, the more you will focus on how awesome you are

Steven, good for you deep breathing through those feelings. Quitting never affected my sleeping, so I slept a lot in the beginning. Know that you are stronger than any crave and that you can keep that quit going. You can do this!

Vent away Linda. We all have been there. Once you get the nicotine out of your system, quitting is a matter of changing your thinking. You need to find a way to redirect those thoughts. When I would get the urge to smoke, I would close my eyes, take a deep breath and imagine my body healing. Find something, anything to distract you. I am in Ohio, which is pretty close to you. It is very cold here and we are suppose to be getting a lot of snow. We are on the horizon of things getting better. Hang in there. Always post when it is tough. You have many friends here.

Barney, Barney, Barney! What works for some may be different than what works for others. I found the Nope pledge very beneficial to my quit during the first year. We are all addicts and have to realize that we will make the choice the rest of our lives. Don't be critical of how someone addresses their addiction!

Keep that beautiful quit going

My husband is the six million dollar man. He has also had 3 rotator cuff and achilles tendon surgery. He did a physical job all his life I think we probably helped put this doctor's kids through college. I am so excited about being able to walk the dogs together again.

His surgery was done in the outpatient surgical unit and though he is in the hospital, it is an outpatient area. Dr likes to keep them at least 23 hrs. (which is still considered outpatient) to treat them with high doses of antibiotics. My husband stayed an extra day, because they were having a hard time managing the pain because he can only take certain meds. I am glad he stayed because the care the first couple of days is 24/7. I am on the way to bring him home now.

He is still in the hospital so they can get his pain managed before he comes home. I will be bringing him home tomorrow. At least this time we know what we are in for. The first couple of days are the toughest but you can't keep my husband down long.

You are doing great Linda. It will get better each day. You are going to love the non-smoking person you have become.

Wow jillar that is pretty impressive 8n California.

Yes and it is supposed to cause rain and snow all across the U.S. I am sure your are excited about the rain.

Hollyleaf, this group also saved my life. I had smoked for 42 years, attempting every possible way to quit, until I stumbled across this forum. The members here guided me through the journey and helped carry me across the finish line. They helped me understand that I had the power to change my life. Make this forum your new addiction. There is plenty of friendship, education and humor.

Hollyleaf, just keep marching forward and don't look back. Yes, get rid of any leftover cigarettes because they are too much of temptation. I promise each day you will become stronger.

Welcome to our forum Annien. Just stopping is the only way you can quit. Smoking is such an awful addiction that keeps robbing us of life. Stay close to the forum because there is plenty of help here. You can do this!

Llinda, I am a crafter. Crafting has gotten me through many difficult times in my life. There are so many groups on the computer and women anxious to teach you. Like this forum, I have made friends all over the world. Maybe you have some craft you would like to share with others. Yes this pandemic sucks. I am finding it very difficult, especially since the weather has gotten cold and we are spending more times indoors. Keep telling yourself that this too shall pass.

Linda, you can rant, scream or even cry but don't smoke. I became addicted to this forum when I was quitting. I complained plenty and there was always someone who jumped in and helped me get through. We are here for you too. I promise it will become easier.

If you do not accept the fact that you have an addiction, you will relapse. I never thought I would be free of that ball and chain around my neck. It controlled every aspect of of my. Why would I want to be enslaved again. I don't! You need to become smarter than your crave. You need to understand that any relapse just leads back to your addiction!

Linda, that is the addiction waving it's ugly head at you. Stay strong. Each day without smoking gives you power and strength. You can do this.

Opah, glad you are okay and solidly on the right path with quitting!

@Judithis too shall pass. I never used a swear word before I started quitting. I had been married 41 years and found that tears and yelling had not affect anymore. The day I let my first f*** out my husband took notice! I loved the power I gained with my quit! Yes, I was crabby in the beginning of my quit. Now, I mean business!

Great going Deb. 20 days is awesome. Keep that wonderful quit going.

The day will come when you will walk by those smokers and just think yuck! I find this is me nowadays!

Wow jillar. This is great way to present it!

Linda, I am so glad you are back. Don't let smoking rob you of anymore of your life. Ten days is awesome and well getting the nicotine out of your system. Now is the time to change that pattern of thinking that leads you back to smoking. They are just thoughts and you can power through them. Stay close this time and shout out when you want to smoke. We will be here to bring you back to your senses!