Tyme2B

How are you doing Mike? One day at a time....heck, one hour at a time can seem like days! I remember & still have those moments but it's getting better. Extra tough when your spouse smokes. I know yours does. I give you credit for doing this...you are a lot stronger than you think. I believe in you & obviously others here do too. I always thought it was the smoke that relieved the stress...but it was actually the "time out" that relieved the stress. You can still take your "time out" but do something other than smoking. I chew, chew, chew gum!!!! That's what I go to store for now :) And I buy lots of gum so I don't have to go to that Variety Store very often!!!

Woman! You are inspiring! Despite a difficult journey you are still doing your Quit! Good for you! Not an easy road....but so worth it in the end. Nope! This word resounds through my mind constantly! You are going to get your Golden Year!

Good man! You have made a decision to Quit. Now get on with it...it sucks the first week but you will be ok. You know what you're in for. And you know you can do it. I'm thinking of you & wishing you success & all the best!

Treats for not smoking are WONDERFUL!!!! That makes me feel better...yes! We just returned from an amazing Vacation in Curacao....off the coast of Venezuela. Truly a gem in the Caribbean. Did that feel good? Oh YAH!!! Treat yourself! Even little treats make this all worthwhile

CPK you're doing just fine....what you are feeling is normal! Going to bed means tomorrow is a new day....a better day. Been there recently! You can't embarrass yourself on this site so don't worry! Your honesty is refreshing & fun AND you are doing great! Xx

I am being asked regularly "Do you feel better now that you have quit smoking?" NO I don't.....not yet. From reading & research I have done, the benefits of quitting smoking occur gradually over the first year post QUIT. I went into this QUIT thinking I would have a remarkable recovery within a month! Yeah right....NOT! After 40 years of smoking it's going to take time to feel the benefits of my QUIT. My Doc has told me it will take 10 yrs for my lungs to return to decent shape. But, at least there is a future....if I did not stop now, there would not be a future. I can say my cough has reduced in the morning & I have not had a cold this year.....normally I get pneumonia every year lasting a crummy 3 months. So, either not smoking or a lucky year has kept me healthier. That's good! The Insomnia.... which is gradually improving .....has made me feel like crap & dragging my butt around every day all day has not been fun. I blame it on the Quit. But no matter what, good or bad, I am GLAD I have said NOPE. That is something I can say that has definitely made me feel better! I said NOPE and I stuck to it. NO relapses....ever.

I blamed every ache, pain, you name it on withdrawal when I first quit....and I truly believed not smoking was causing all this terrible discomfort. I still believe some of the symptoms were certainly linked to nicotine withdrawal. But now that I can sleep again & have less aches & pains I feel good. If it was the nicotine withdrawal....I got through it. If not...I got through that "virus" too. Nicotine is not generally a prescribed treatment for anything!

I was afraid of the same as you Jackie. You have a wise & caring friend. I have been through hell with this Quit & there is no question in my mind: Nope, Nope, Nope....I NEVER WILL SMOKE AGAIN. I want to enjoy my grandkids! NO Relapses for this chickie!

How long have you gone without a smoke Mike? Are you ok? "Some of us needed a non smoking aid". If you need it....do it. It beats killing yourself by smoking. I am not ashamed in the least that I needed help initially. I am totally nicotine free after 6 weeks....smoke free for 6 weeks. You CAN do it. The longer you put it off the harder it is....but you already know that. I must say the thought of you holding a chicken & howling at the moon in your thong made me laugh though! Lol!

Ok Mike. I live in Canada & there certainly is such a thing as "social" psychiatry. Counselling is far preferred above meds . When people are unable to persue goals they are instructed on what goals to work on. You & I are trained in the same vocation. I understand the stress you have been through. I hear your pain. But Mike, You need to decide one way or another....am I going to smoke or not? You are a smart guy....well read & well spoken. I have not been on this site for long but I have been in touch with you several times....even on chat. Mike, you need to make up your mind. Our jobs are very stressful....few can understand....right? But there ARE other ways of dealing with stress that don't include killing ourselves by smoking. I DO understand and you know I do. Stress is not just from our jobs....we live our jobs...our identity is what we do. You have to decide on yes or no then stick to it. It has sure as hell not been easy for me either.....it would be easier to just give in & smoke. But when you are faced with live or die, you make a decision. Make a decision Mike. I will help you. Just reach out....there are so many great people here who want to help. I get where you are coming from....I too have been there. It sucks but it's life. You CAN Quit....if you really want to. A little tough love....but as a Colleague & dare I say someone who wants to help you.... I care. k?

Marti your post is wonderful! I so enjoyed reading it! Wonderful perspective & you are doing a great job!

Like you. I'm fighting it Runfree not every day but the bad cravings really suck when they hit. I chew gum. It helps. And I sleep if I can't get my mind focused on something else. We have better days coming. Just need to be strong & patient....it WILL get better. As for grumpiness, I can't say I have had that, but I do have little initiative to do things I used to enjoy. I'm kind of sad..this too is normal. And I have read that once our endorphins stabilize, life straightens out & returns to normal. We're Newbies so we have a ways to go but it WILL get better!

Great information. Thank you Beacon & Maryland. Guard the Quit with sneak attack cravings.

January 28, 2015

Welcome Tony! I am just a little behind you in my Quit. Insomnia was my biggest problem too. It has finally settled down & I can sleep again. I only drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning & no caffeine after that. It does get better. But I must admit to you that I did finally take an Over The Counter sleep aid which helped my sleep habits to return to normal. Congratulations on your Quit! This site is a wonderful support & really helps through the tough times.

Thank you! I'm glad my quit is safe too. I would have been so angry with myself if I had given in....don't even want to think of that as a possibility ever....the cravings do pass although some seem to be more intense than others...

Everyone....THANK YOU! I am doing much better today. I went to bed rather than blow my Quit. It worked & I was better this morning. I have been out all day & no bad craves. Man did it hit me badly yesterday. Writing the SOS made me realize I was NOT going to the store. Yes it is uncomfortable but I don"t want to let myself down OR any of you wonderful people down. Thanks so much for caring. xo

i don't want to smoke....I have been smoke free for nearly 6 weeks. Bad, bad day. I am drinking water, taking deep breaths, chewing gum, trying to distract myself.....but I WANT a cigarette....no I don't....I think I just should go to bed & sleep....it helps. I am NOT going to the store. Truly....a very bad day of fighting off the cravings....worst day yet.

Like the "new normal". I think that is exactly the adjustment we go through. I am just about 6weeks into my Quit & have experienced fatigue as well but it is definitely getting better. Insomnia is gone. You are doing great! The Process just takes time.

As a Newbie I am so grateful for all of these posts. Thanks!

Hi Ricki. I started my Quit 6 weeks ago & I can certainly identify with your feelings of fatigue. I think some of us may be prone to a little depression with our Quit and our "new normal". Even mild depression can cause fatigue. The insomnia goes away & we find new ways to deal with day to day stress & life. There is an elation & pride that occurs as we progress into our Quit because we are able to say Nope to the cravings & stay away from the store! We are in control now. It is easier with keeping busy & doing something positive when those nasty cravings threaten our Quit. I'm finding it easier now but I admit there are times the craving can be strong. Old habits die hard but better that we kill the habit than kill ourselves. You are doing great! I don't always post on the board but I read it every day. The wonderful people on this site help us to remain strong & optomistic that we WILL win! It's a process and with any worthwhile process time is a requirement. We just have to be patient (even though we may feel irritable) and keep pushing through. I find chewing gum helps....keeps my mouth busy & feeling fresh. No more stink on my breath, clothing or hair! That I am really happy about! We CAN and WILL succeed...we can do this! One day at a time & soon we will be feeling better & proud of our huge accomplishment. Stay close to the Board. It really does help to identify with others who have been through this, even though we will all have both similar & individual responses to our Quit. You are doing a great job!

What a time you have had Jess! I am so happy to hear you are doing well now. 4 months is awesome! I will remember you when I get to 4 months...good job!!!

Thanks for sharing Markus.....people's personal experiences are so stirring...I never want to smoke again

Thanks Maryland...I hear you & I am trying to use regular gum now instead of the nicotine gum. Same flavour. And it usually works. I guess I have been quitting smoking the same way I get into cold water....bit by bit instead of just jumping in with both feet all at once....and no question it is sure not as fast to adjust. It has kept me on the train but I know it has to stop & stop soon. You always have great advice