Will I still be me?

Jaime · January 4, 2019

So today is my 3rd day without a cigarette. I’m 39 and have been smoking since I was 11. I have always enjoyed smoking and never really thought I would ever stop. This is a spur of the moment decision. I haven’t even told my husband. If I am going to do this I don’t want people talking about It, which will remind me to smoke. My main struggle is that everything I enjoy, I reward myself with a cigarette. What a beautiful sunset, time to smoke a cigarette and look at it. Stuff like that. I always thought of it as a choice not an addiction. Until now!!!! Whenever I get a craving or even think of smoking my lungs get really tight and painful. Is this normal? Another thing that really concerns me is that I’m going to change. Smoking is a huge part of my relationships with family and friends. . We go out and smoke a cigarette together and socialize. I’m honestly really scaired about this. What am I going to do with myself when chatting with friends. I don’t remember the last time I was in a social situation without a cigarette in my hand. How do you get through this part of it? This is making me feel really sad like Im grieving the loss. I know that sounds crazy.

jillar · January 4, 2019

Welcome Jaime and congratulations on taking back your life. I didn't tell anyone except my husband for about six weeks after I quit. And I only told my hubby so he knew my excuse for being a bigger biatch then normal lol.

You WILL be a different person. You'll be a happier, healthier, better smelling person And you can still totally hangout with your smoking friends, maybe not now, but eventually. I stayed close to home for the first couple of months because I didn't trust myself enough to not cave to the craves. And it was totally worth it

johnny5 · January 4, 2019

9 minutes ago, Jaime said:

I know that sounds crazy.

That doesn't sound crazy at all. It sounds perfectly normal for many smokers.

Smoking became such a huge part of all of our lives that it is hard to imagine life without cigarettes. All of us here made changes in order to live a smoke free life. For some, those changes were more difficult than others, but with time we see that life as a non-smoker is worth the early stress and struggles that can come with quitting.

9 minutes ago, Jaime said:

Whenever I get a craving or even think of smoking my lungs get really tight and painful. Is this normal?

As far as your lungs feeling tight and painful whenever you get a craving, I'm not sure how common that is. Still, you are doing incredibly horrible damage to your lungs and the rest of your body when you do light up so I could see that being a reaction.

Stick around this site and read up on experiences others have had in their quits. You will see that a lot of the anxiety you are feeling is normal and it is possible to fight through it and eventually lead a healthier, smoke-free life. Heck, you are already on your way. Congrats on your third day smoke free. Those first few days are the toughest but things do get better as long as you don't light back up.

Jaime · January 4, 2019

Did your cravings come in waves? I get the thought of smoking in my head and I am able to block that out pretty good but then my lungs hurt almost like an aching feeling that lasts like a half hour or so. I’m hoping that’s normal.....

johnny5 · January 4, 2019

Craves do come in waves early on but they do taper off as time goes on. It is good that you are able to block the out pretty good and with time, that should get easier.

If your lungs hurt like that, you may want to see a doctor though, just to make sure everything is ok. Your doctor will probably be happy to know you are quitting smoking.

Jaime · January 4, 2019

I might check in with the doctor if it keeps up. It just happened again and I noticed I was taking big deep breaths to get through the craving. I think it’s anxiety and I’m over expanding my lungs. Lol

Reciprocity · January 4, 2019

Hi Jamie and welcome to the Quit Train

There are a vast number of quit symptoms and what you mention about your lungs may be one you are experiencing in the early days of your quit. You may be tensing up when an extremely strong craving comes upon you and that could be causing your pain. If you continue to be concerned about tit, please see a doctor just to be sure it;s nothing serious.

In terms of how we adjust to life without smoking well .... we just do the longer we remain quit. It's a journey and education about nicotine addiction is a huge part of that journey. That and the kind of support you'll find here among other quitters who have taken that same journey. You can learn new ways to reward yourself for the completion of tasks and when you get together with friends or family. One thing I can promise you is that quitting smoking will be much heakthier for your lungs than continuing to smoke. The other huge benefit is that you will be free from nicotine ruling your every move in life. No more running outside to get that fix, No more worrying if you have enough smokes to last till morning. Improved finances big time over time. The list of benefits goes on and on. Jump in - commit and follow through on that commitment. It's very doable Jamie

Edited January 4, 2019 by reciprocity

Reciprocity · January 4, 2019

7 minutes ago, Jaime said:

I might check in with the doctor if it keeps up. It just happened again and I noticed I was taking big deep breaths to get through the craving. I think it’s anxiety and I’m over expanding my lungs. Lol

Deep breathing is an effective way to deal with cravings. Do it slowly though, as if you were smoking but you are now breathing in fresh air Inhale a normal volume of air, hold for a few seconds then exhale slowly. Repeat this multiple time for a few minutes. That should relax you as well as give you that inhale - exhale similarity to smoking that you;re missing right now but without the damaging effects. Jillar calls it the Jillar Air Cigarette. Mock smoking but with no actual cigarette.

Wantsit · January 4, 2019

32 minutes ago, Jaime said:

Did your cravings come in waves? I get the thought of smoking in my head and I am able to block that out pretty good but then my lungs hurt almost like an aching feeling that lasts like a half hour or so. I’m hoping that’s normal.....

Tital waves Jaime!! But as time goes on it gets so much better I promise. Before you know it it you won't even think about them or at least very long Stay strong and adjust the way you think and break your habits you used to have when you would light up. It will surprise you just how much is habit and not need. You will get passed this and feel so much better.