Discomfort on day 7??!

[Rob]

Yesterday I felt really good, energised, free etc. but today - day 7- has just been hell. Not sure if it's also related to the fact that I seemed that have picked up a cold a few days after stopping smoking - is that normal? - , but today I have had that nasty day 3 feeling all over again. A constant feeling of being itching inside, irritable, anxious. Difficult to describe but I'm sure it's a feeling we're all familiar with this feeling and can relate.

 

I thought this feeling was supposed to disappear after day 3-4. Is it normal to still have days like this, and do they stop soon? When I feel like this, my irrational brain wants to smoke.

 

I won't smoke, I've made a commitment to never smoke again, but the though of living like a junkie in withdrawal every day for weeks on end is... bleak. Maybe it's just a bad day, and they will come fewer and far between. I'm not sure what I should be expecting yet :/

[Devil Doll]

Unfortunately yes, this is common to have crap days where you say to yourself "I thought that this was supposed to be over by day XX", Our bodies are going through the process of getting back to zero. Some of us have experienced the "quit flu" (the cold) and quit zits (teenage years revisited). 

This is a great thread and discussion to read. 

http://www.quittrain.com/topic/3317-group-discussion-wk45-hey-you-smoked-for-42-years-why-on-earth-would-you-think-you-can-get-past-the-addiction-in-a-couple-of-months-cut-yourself-a/

[Rob]

Thanks DD! That thread looks very helpful :)

[Nancy]

Hope this helps...

One minute you feel fine, the next you feel like crying at the drop of a hat.  Other times you may feel like breaking something (or someone). 

Welcome to the roller coaster of emotions called quitting smoking.  Feelings of anger, stress, sadness, anxiety, and elation cycle back and forth, up and down, and take you for a loop-de-loop leaving you feeling physically exhausted and emotionally drained.

If you think you are on this ride alone, you’re not.  Many ex-smokers experience mood swings when they quit smoking.  This is because nicotine is a mood enhancing drug.  Nicotine works by releasing feel-good chemicals (called endorphins) in the brain awakening the reward pathway. When you quit smoking, you lose not only this chemically induced happiness, but the behaviors, habits and associations you’ve also created with cigarettes as a “friend,” stress relief, a crutch, and as a way to deal with a myriad of emotions. 

But smoking was never a way to cope with emotions. Smoking was a way tonot deal with emotions.  Smoking cigarettes literally teaches smokers to mask emotions behind a smoke screen.  Freeing yourself from behind that smokescreen means learning new ways of handling emotions more effectively.  Studies show that in the long run, ex-smokers are actually happier than when they did smoke!

The road to feeling more in control of your emotions may very well start with acknowledging that, at least temporarily, your emotions are out of control.  Try reigning them back in with these suggestions:

• Talk things out.  Call up a friend and vent.  Or consider finding a therapist.  If you don’t want to talk things out, then write them out in a journal, text message someone, or log in and use the three post rule!
• Increase endorphins, naturally. Doing things you enjoy naturally releases endorphins: exercising, gardening, spending time with friends, working on a hobby, and playing an instrument or sport.  It’s hard to be upset or sad when you’re doing something you love!
• Take a breather. Step outside and take some deep breaths.  Inhale slowly through the nose and out the mouth, counting to 10 each time.   Go for a brisk walk or bike ride.  Exercising outdoors has been shown to improve mood!
• Use rote responses.  These are mantras you repeatedly chant to yourself:  One day at a time.  This too shall pass.  Just BREATHE! 
• Ask your doctor about medications.  Some quit smoking medications can help minimize withdrawal symptoms (like irritability and mood swings) while others have anti-depressant or anti-anxiety properties (Bupropion).  Some herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort show promise in alleviating mild depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Learning new ways to cope with emotions takes time and practice.  You may not feel like yourself again for days, weeks or even months after quitting.  While the emotional roller coaster won’t come to an abrupt stop, the bumps and dips do eventually even out.  Hang in there!

 

 

I found the article above, here.

[beacon]

There may be ups and downs for awhile. This is an interesting article. I think it is a bit short sighted as far as time lines but it goes through alot of possible scenarios

 

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Symptoms.html

[BAT]

Hang tough Rob, it gets better. Stay positive. :)

[bakon]

It gets better. Lots of chemicals leaving your body. Its going to hurt some.

[El Bandito]

Hey Rob. Completely normal.

 

Don't allow your inner junkie to wallow in it. Just laugh it off.

 

It does get better.

[Still winning]

Hi ROb,

 

Another vote for completely normal. First 72 hours are actual nicotine withdrawal...those chemicals leaving all the parts of your body and your brain finding a new normal, takes a bit longer. If it helps I did day 3. day  and 6 weeks for those swine of a days...although everyone is different.  I think just accept that there will be some fabulous days and some not so, that it's all ok and is just the healing taking place. Don't give those junkie thoughts head room...it absolutely will not always be like this, these days are one offs and over time it gets better and better (otherwise no one would quit right!).

 

Don't fear those thoughts, embrace them. Advice that I missed the point on early days but maybe you will grasp it and be cleverer :)  It basically means each bad day/trigger etc you face down strengthens your quit and gives you ammo to wipe the next similar thought out quicker...

 

xx

 

Edited to say 72 hours...stupid sticky keyboard lol

[Pippa]

Hi Rob - yep unfortunately it is normal to feel crappy early on - I looked at it as my body detoxing ... The good news is it gets better and soon you will be amazed at how good you are feeling. In the interim keep posting - this board is a great place for you to vent and to get support :-)

[Rob]

Thank you everyone! Great articles, links and advice. All very much appreciated!

 

i have a feeling that today is going to be better - I feel like I've woke up on the right side of the bed today :)

[action]

Hi Rob, congrats on your quit :)

 

Yes, getting a cold when you quit is very normal, as are the other feelings you have described, which can persist past the 72 hours it takes to rid your body of nicotine... but, it's not all doom and gloom, and does get better everyday!

 

If you can stick around here, and read and post as much as possible, then it will really help you build a foundation for a lifelong, strong quit :)

[sharonsiff]

Hi Rob, not far from you as I'm in Essex.

 

It is normal for some of us to find the chemical detox is quite a rough experience. Hold onto the fact that once you do it, detox, you will never have to do it ever again...that kept me going.

 

This link is a useful timeline link Rob, you might find it helpful http://www.achoice2live.com/quit-smoking-quick-reference-guides/quit-smoking-side-effects-timeline/

[Doreensfree]

All normal rob....

Just throw yourself into all the different emotions....your winning your battles....

It really does get better.....when the light bulb goes on...it's like wow....

[Leanna]

I agree with what everyone has said so far. It is completely normal -- your body is getting rid of all those toxins from the cigarettes, so it's no surprise that there will be crappy days early on.

 

Someone described it as a detox and that's exactly what it is. It takes our bodies a while to adjust to change. It is kind of like when you change your eating habits and you feel terrible for a few days afterwards. 

 

Hang in there. Congrats on your quit! :)

[comrade simba]

Don't let yourself forget that having a whole week under your belt is a HUGE deal. Don't treat it lightly. I remember the first time I had a whole week off of cigarettes - and I lit up again. Took me thirty more years to start the next quit.