Mike.

Well, I am confusing. I have been down these paths, a few times. Yes, 8 days again. No wait, that is 9 days. Quit meter, I don't like "distracting signatures", I skip them even if they have meters in them. Skip away with my posts. m/

Yes, I remember that. m/

I'm sorry T. I looked through my OS's for a couple of hours now, I am going blind trying to find a link to that article on the Addictiveness of Nicotine, and I couldn't find it. Over the years, I may come up with it yet. If I do, I'll send it to you. m/

My mind feels like it, has about had it today. Time to shut it down, and do something different, than sitting here and reading. But, wasn't it you I read recently, that you kicked the "urge to smoke in the balls", or something like that? Give me a moment, to get out of this thread, and kick away. m/

You bet Trace. I know who you are "not quoting", and that's cool. Really! I don't wish to sound argumentative. Now, I wish I could help T. a little more ... hmm ... what have I done in the past that "helped", with jangled moods, due to nicotine cessation. 1) I stayed active, and posted lots on Quit Smoking sites. It helped, even when I was only really helping myself, as I posted frequently. 2) I took the situation I found myself in, as much as I could, "One Day at a Time". 3) I read the accounts of other's, who were before me, and how they had coped, and how they felt better, after time, and "tried" (not always very successfully), to remain faithful and hopeful, that the miracle would happen for me too, just like they, (it did, by evolving slowly). 4) I bitched and complained, when I had to. I argued and fought with the guys, that I knew could handle a good fight. 5) Oh, I read and read online sources & books on the process of quitting nicotine. I became an expert "in my own mind", and didn't mind telling anyone who cared to read. lol (I did that lots). 6) I enjoyed seeing my quit get healthier, and even blogged about it. Bitching in it, outlining slow improvements, spouting random thoughts and feelings about it all ... 7) I had to push myself to keep going, lots. It never has been easy for me to quit. By that I mean, it was "painful". I took solace in the fact, that I have the ability "to push myself" and seemingly "go against the odds", and do what didn't seem possible, out of just pure stubbornness. ... and in spite of myself, it got better ... That's all I have now T.

Hi Trace. I know there is lot's of conflicting information about this, even between the teachings of authors on respected Quit sites. I believe, the actual withdrawal of nicotine upon cessation, is over at no longer than 72 hours. On Nicotine Withdrawal: http://whyquit.com/pr/050212.html "Why fear the 72 hours needed to rid the body of nicotine and move beyond peak withdrawal?" http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Benefits_Time_Table.html @ 72 Hours, "Your entire body will test 100% nicotine-free and over 90% of all nicotine metabolites (the chemicals it breaks down into) will now have passed from your body via your urine. Symptoms of chemical withdrawal have peaked in intensity, including restlessness. The number of cue induced crave episodes experienced during any quitting day have peaked for the "average" ex-user. Lung bronchial tubes leading to air sacs (alveoli) are beginning to relax in recovering smokers. Breathing is becoming easier and your lung's functional abilities are starting to increase". The healing time of nicotine cessation for stabilization of neuron-receptor sites, is found by researchers to be, from studies I have read, to be 10 - 12 and 6 -12 weeks, respectively. One study: http://www.drugabuse...th-to-normalize

Great to hear from you, too. I am pissed I can't find that great article yet. I am sure a link of it is somewhere in all my OS's, that I haven't cleaned up yet. When I find it, I'll forward it to you. "Stick with the plan and program" my friend, and you will be fine. Hint! Think of all the longer quitters, on how they have come out to the other side of Nicotine Addiction, feeling better than ever before. I'll stop now, cause I know I'm preaching. Kind regards.

Hi T. Thanks, for sharing. This is an important question. One I have answered many times in the past, that people need to be aware of sometimes, when nicotine cessation, is problematic with moods, sleep etc. during the first while of quitting. I'll "cut to the chase with you" :) Please read the following links, and the links that are provided in the main body of the information. It basically states how some of our Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in our brains, take a while to up regulate. (I have seen 2 different studies, but this one states the time frame is 6 - 12 weeks. Both find the outside time of this healing of our brains to be 12 weeks. There are other changes in our brains, including the the dopamine channels, that are affected by nicotine, that have to also, be normalized again, during the "healing time of our cessation". I know which link I want for this, I'll try to find this too. Links: http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2009/10/abstinent-smokers-nicotinic-receptors-take-more-than-month-to-normalize http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=210248 Edit: Here is a link to something John over at WhyQuit. com has written, that talks a bit about Dopamine channels, and how they are "kidnapped", (my term): http://whyquit.com/pr/050212.html Unfortunately, I cannot find that great article, written by a researcher right now, that goes into depth, on how the addiction of nicotine, effects our brains, more than any other known substance, (he compared alcohol, opiates, benzo's I believe and others), Basically he proved, that nicotine, hi-jacks, our natural brain neuron-receptors, and dopamine channels, to addict us, in ways, that our brain sees nicotine as normal neurotransmitters. Then, went on to show how the brain must again normalize itself, over time, to a state where it provides normal moods without artificial stimuli, as in this case with nicotine. Again. Basically our brains will revert, to a "normal state", "after the healing phase", and after that, we no longer are affected with any physiologic mood effects of nicotine cessation, after the 6 - 12 week period.

I see that this is not that clear for anyone wanting to follow instructions, to be sure they have notifications on the Main Board for any "New SOS Threads". Below, is what I did: 1) Click on the "The S.O.S. Board header, on the main board -> to the far right, click on -> "Follow this forum" -> Check the box for "Receive notification" -> choose from the drop-down list -> "Instantly" -> and below in white, click on "Follow this forum". 2) Click on my name on the top of the Main Page -> "My Settings" > on left list, click on "Notification Options" -> on the " Notification method to use for topics in followed forums" -> place a check under "Notification List". Now I have notifications, of newly started SOS threads, on the top of the Main Board. If you want, you can have emails sent to you, too. I don't. I hope this helps.

I read one a few hours ago, in my doc's office waiting room. Let's see if I can remember it now. A woman was talking to here neighbor about her recent fishing-trip with her husband. She said, "I did it all wrong, again". "I used the wrong hooks". "I talked too loudly". " I reeled in the line too quickly". And, "I caught more fish".

That's very true, Jenny. Let's have our babies, who have stumbled on this thread, check out this Stop Smoking Recovery Timetable. m/

I don't know what it is with medical offices and hospitals, (well I do; it was just an opening line). This past summer, I sat down in the large waiting room of my doctor and his partners, to wait to be called. This office I have been going to with frequency, for about 20 years. That day last summer, I looked to my left, to see a person, I hadn't seen for almost 40 years. Strange, given all my visits to the docs, I hadn't seen her before then. She was an ex. girlfriend I shared a house with, for a couple of years, in our earlier 20's. She was only about 5 feet away, facing directly to me. I said softly to her, hello "..." . She looked up and couldn't place me. I said a couple of other things. She remained puzzled and started looking like she was not too happy with this guy, striking up a conversation with her in a doctor's waiting room. I checked out the only other person, who could have been listening to our meeting, who was sitting facing me, directly in front. She was giving me the uglies, probably thinking I was an old lecher. I know I couldn't stop myself from smiling at this situation, which when I took turns looking at each, made it all the more comical in my mind. I said ... "You don't remember, me?" I'm Mike "...". Ugly, was really frowning at this point, and I could see "..." looking perplexed/worried, when then the light-bulb came on ... and she said, Oh! What happened to you? You used to have hair and a beard." I said, "I shave them now". I didn't make any comments, about how she has changed, though she has aged well. She jumped out of her chair, and sat next to me. Before long, she had her shoulder up against mine, and a hand on my leg. When I noticed, how we must look, I checked out ugly. She was looking at me, with a big smile on her face, so I guess she *then* approved. lol. We talked about our families, blah, blah, you know the catching up stuff. I asked how her sister and brother in-law who used to be close, and spent much time with us, were. She indicated, that he is in palliative-care, dying from lung cancer. Not too much longer after bombing me with that, she was called and left to go see her doc. I haven't seen her since. I wish I had, had the presence of mind, to ask her if she still had that diamond-engagement ring I gave her. She wouldn't give it back to me, when I broke off with her. I guess, I was a little out of line, asking for it anyways. lol Coming home from the hospital last week, I took a cab. By the number of the cab, I knew it was the cab that used to belong to a friend, I knew well, again in my early twenty's. I asked him if it was still "...'s" cab. He said no, he bought it from his wife, after he died, a while ago. During our conversation, I asked what my friend had died from, and it was Lung Cancer again. Both of these guys used to smoke. There are other friends, that have died smoking relating illnesses, but only those two I heard of this last year. Smoking kills ...

Hey, "Methinks", you should post more of this stuff. It's encouraging to read ...

Not today!

Not trying to be a smarta$$ here. I want to hear responses. The reality is I don't have much comfort. I just finished watching a video interview of three NHL GM's, after their GM meetings in Florida. Besides the interesting information they shared about their jobs and responsibilities, what had stood out, was their responses, to the question by the interviewer, on how they deal with all the stress of 24/7 positions. I was thinking of my situation, as I was walking back to the computer in relation to their responses, and here is this thread. Oh joy, I'm going on too much again, but their responses were: 1) Healthy family relationships. 2) They all work out, not just for the physical benefits, but more to "shut off their minds", and relieve stress. 3) Surround themselves with "good" people, and delegate responsibilities. 4) They rely on each other for mentorship and friendship. 5) Recognize that they are not going to please "everyone", and to stay focused at what is important in their lives, and keep it front and center in their minds, as they go about their days. 6) They talked a lot about things being a process. Some things, get done quickly and some take much longer, and some they have to accept, isn't going to be the way they want it to be. 7) *Edit*. On further reflection, I realized, I missed listing the *most* important one. Two of the three added, they didn't bother with, what other people that weren't "in the know", thought or said about them and their decisions. I'll listen now.

I would bloody that son of a bitch, if I could catch him.

Here's your answer today. I'm finishing up the sixth day of cessation. Go Habs!

Interesting discourse. My dad once told me, when I was a kid, "You know son, humans are the only imperfect thing in this world". He went on to blather about trees and birds and animals, all perfectly doing what they are predestined to do. He was most likely drunk at the time, (he was usually, when he thought he had something profound to instil in me). I thought about that, and agreed. Yes, we have rational thought. We aren't driven completely by biologic/instinctual drives. Through my childish eyes, I pretty much dismissed his rantings, to another, "stupid dadism". As I became older and had grown outside the wonderment of, "full bore ahead" of experiencing life, and had become aware of what I can be, I thought more about it. I think what my dad should have included was, we are "higher up on the food chain", because of our ability to choose. I have the responsibility for my being what I will. My personal awareness, hasn't always been pleasant. But it is mine, and mine to accept and to choose, what to do with. That's all I have control of. I make decisions from following my beliefs, to appease my sense of responsibility. I try to continue in this vane. My take on this.

Hey Marcus, The quit is solid. It will be fine. I was referring to the dragons, left to be slain. RunFree's sage advice and perspective on attacking them, impressed me. It is much better than I could have written. m/ edited <so as not to come across as a smart-ass>.

It "helps", to have others, put into perspective, what one is thinking and feeling. I was going to blather on about "Shakes" today. I have no need. Sgt. Sausage and RunFree, said it in five sentences. Sgt. Sausage: "I knew at the end of the second day, I can do this". (A paraphrase, probably. It was a long time ago). I took it to mean, he knew at the end of the second day, he *would* do this". RunFree: @ three months: "I feel like now I can just get on with it". On major changes: "I've been at the Start Over phase twice before...once in response to a death, once from a divorce. It helps to be completely open to possibilities. I know there are great things ahead. And it's also a shit load of effort to get there." I know you can connect the dots.

I will not smoke today.

This afternoon, the term homeostasis, came to mind. No doubt in part, because of the passing thoughts I have had since reading the discourse in this thread, yesterday. I think the purpose bakon had in starting the thread, was just that ... homeostasis. I could of entered into the dialogue or, posted this there but, it was enough to read and let the posters have their way with it. Please, disregard the intended pun term of "piggy-back", if "shitz and giggles", is not "in the cards" for you today but, I am of course doing just that, with this thread. I found myself thinking in part, of all the abuse, heaped on my mind and body, to only remain here, relatively unscathed. The term homeostasis, came to mind. I was outside, standing by my car enjoying the day, before getting in it to go and get my daily brainzap. I was wondering why I am still here, given everything. How amazed I was then, to be able to ... well, just stand and be in the moment and be. To enjoy the day, the blue skies, the warm sun, the peacefulness of it. And, homeostasis, was the only thing that stood out, amongst those thoughts in that moment, that could explain why I am. Of course, because of the medical term of it, my body like all living things, is always trying to reach a healthy state of it. A real miracle of life, when one thinks of the physiology and organic chemistry of it. Mostly, I was thinking of the psychologic thinking of "Homeostasis", (it is mentioned on that page), and not so much the physiologic part. Though, I was having flashes, of reaching towards the physical parts of it that are on my "bucket list". Including, getting back to the gym, start doing what my Naturalpathic doc, wanted me to get at a year ago, (special diet), and a very few supplements, that are really important, if one is bent towards, naturalistic living, (I am). Oh, speaking of diet, I reached my goal weight today. I weighed myself, (first time in a month at least), and I am now 5'10" and 159 lbs, (160 was the goal). I expect to loose a little more fat, as I put on more muscle in the gym, over the coming months, to remain at my healthy goal weight. I digress, so a new paragraph is warranted. Here, I am ... I felt invigorated with these thoughts of my, pursuing "my homeostasis". That was a kind of an epiphany for me. I have been stuck, with my wheels, spinning in the muck and the mire, and it hasn't been fun. Today, I was having "happy thoughts", (not the norm) as I was getting "zapped". I don't think that session itself, had much to do with it but, that is when the epiphany happened. I found myself looking forward to the results, of doing the things the docs want me to do, and the things on my bucket list, that compliment theirs. How can I frame this experience here? Well, thanks for that thread bakon. It got me thinking. That's no small feat these days. Tomorrow, I want to speak about "Shakes".

Two Saskatchewan hunters, Bob and Fred, were going on a hunting trip. They got to where they wanted to be and started walking. After about a half an hour of walking, they sit down and take a rest. Bob says to Fred, 'I'm not feeling too well". Fred says, "Well, we can walk back to the truck". Bob says, "Yeah, let's do that". So they start walking. About 15 minutes into the trip, Bob falls over. Fred panics and calls 911. The operator answers and says, "911, what is your emergency?". Fred says, "My friend fell over with a heart attack, I think he's dead, what should I do?". The operator says, "Well, first let's make sure he is dead". Fred says, "Okay". The operator listens and hears a BANG!!! Fred gets back on the phone and says, "Okay. He's dead ... now what?".

Well, I didn't. I just went to bed. So, I'm good! 'twas an eye-opener though.

IV Fentanyl, medicinal or not, Had me thinking of "just one red". Or, getting into my wife's Morphine Sulphate SR. (Even after 32 years of being clean and sober)