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08/16/2006 03:09:06 AM · #1 |
Well, not really, but it's been a looong day for me. You see, this was my 'target day' that I set. So this morning (actually afternoon for most people, but I work nights) I got up and put on a 'patch', and did NOT light up a smoke...for the first time in about 27 years. And believe me, I am defintitely not a casual smoker :-) (just ask toocool)
So I have just about made it through my first day smoke-free. And for me, that's what I'm going for, one day at a time! I've worn my patch all day, and tried to keep myself occupied doing 'stuff'. When I start to think about it (smoking) too hard, I quickly do something else and try to focus my thought elsewhere. I have a little stress ball, I think I've just about worn it out already just today! I'll probably have to get some more :-P I have discussed it with a few key people, and I am trying to stick to my simple plan. In difficult moments, I think of Sheila and my Tucker Rose, and my reasons for wanting to quit. I think of what 'rewards' I can give myself when I hit my milestone marks. And LOTS of prayer! It's tough. I think this is one of the hardest things I've ever faced in my life.
When I told Sheila that today was my day, she asked why. I said that I had thought about it hard, and decided that for me it was better to start on my days off, when I was more free to do what ever activity it took to keep me occupied. She said, oh great, why can't you do it when you're at work and not here! hehehe, guess I can't blame her :-)
So anyways, if you feel like it, and can send some positive energy and some strength my way, I could sure use it!
thanks,
taterbug |
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08/16/2006 03:14:13 AM · #2 |
Good luck. It is hard...there are many of us ex-smokers on here...we can all relate to what you are going through. You can do it.
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08/16/2006 03:36:38 AM · #3 |
tater, I had smoked for 14 yrs when my dad died from cancer. It was a motivational force for me as I did not want my daughter to have to lose her parent when she was only in her 20's. I think by keeping your sights on the ones you love most, it can help you.
A friend of mine had tried to quit many times over and failed in each attempt. She finally went to a hypnotist and has not had any urges to smoke since. If you would like, I can get the hypnotists name/number as they are downstate too.
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08/16/2006 04:13:53 AM · #4 |
Yes I understand what you are feeling, I am a reformed ex 40 a day smoker.I finally saw the light the year of the LA Olympics and set myself to be smoke free I succeeded but it was a struggle but I feel that I am in better health now than had I been still smoking.
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08/16/2006 04:37:42 AM · #5 |
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08/16/2006 05:05:38 AM · #6 |
I was once addicted to tea. One day I told my friend no more tea for me from now on. Its been more than 7 years I have not taken another sip of tea.
So be determined, and you can do it. |
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08/16/2006 05:43:26 AM · #7 |
A lot of it is down to mental toughness. Give yourself plenty of mental props (use whatever works), but make sure that you will be really cross with yourself if you fail - link in something that really matters, so that you will be seriously disappointed in yourself - that prospect should be a powerful prop (even in the midst of drunkenness!).
Good luck!
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08/16/2006 06:17:50 AM · #8 |
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08/16/2006 06:25:28 AM · #9 |
| I smoked for thirteen years and one night at a New Years Eve party my wife (girlfriend at the time) asked me if I would rather smoke cigarettes or go to bed with her...took about .000876 seconds to think about that one. Haven't smoked in 14 years. Good luck. All I can say is the grass smells greener on the other side. Hell everything smells greener after you quit smoking. |
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08/16/2006 06:44:02 AM · #10 |
Congrats, tater...you've made a wonderful decision and I wish only success and happiness for you!!! My parents both had to quit smoking when I was about 10 years old because I was so completely allergic to smoke, and I have seen how hard it is to do. My mom told me that what helped her the most was the fact that she had just bought a pack the night before she decided to quit...and knowing that the pack was "there," in her purse, and that she could get it out if she really wanted to do so, made her feel less pressured or something. She carried that thing around for weeks, and finally, after about 3 months, she tossed it...after never having opened it.
I know this has been posted on this site before but I couldn't find it...so here you go - from the American Lung Association:
When smokers quit, within twenty minutes of smoking that last cigarette the body begins a series of changes.
At 20 minutes after quitting:
* blood pressure decreases
* pulse rate drops
* body temperature of hands and feet increases
At 8 hours:
* carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
* oxygen level in blood increases to normal
At 24 hours:
* chance of a heart attack decreases
At 48 hours:
* nerve endings start regrowing
* ability to smell and taste is enhanced
The first year after quitting:
At 2 weeks to 3 months:
* circulation improves
* walking becomes easier
* lung function increases
1 to 9 months:
* coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decreases
1 year:
* excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker
Long-term Benefits of Quitting
At 5 years:
* from 5 to 15 years after quitting, stroke risk is reduced to that of people who have never smoked.
At 10 years:
* risk of lung cancer drops to as little as one-half that of continuing smokers
* risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases
* risk of ulcer decreases
At 15 years:
* risk of coronary heart disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked
* risk of death returns to nearly the level of people who have never smoked
7 Steps to a Smoke-Free Life
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08/16/2006 07:22:48 AM · #11 |
1st things 1st....I wish you luck taterbug.
I have an uncle and neighbor that both passed away from cancer. I still smoke. The #1 way to quit is that you WANT to. You can read all the stories how bad it is, see x-rays of bad lungs, have friends, relatives, neighbors, etc pass away.
If you don't WANT to quit, you won't. The desire to quit is first and foremost the most important part of quitting.
Some ex-smokers will say how easy it was to quit while others will tell you how horrible it was. Quitting effects each person differently. Some can hang around smokers with no problem after quitting, yet others CAN'T STAND even the smell of smoke.
P.S. My sister had hyponosis and it didn't help AT ALL. Then she tried acupuncture and quit for 5 years (I think). I went back to NY last year and was SHOCKED when she asked m for a cigarette. Something triggered her starting again, but I'm not sure what.
Message edited by author 2006-08-16 07:23:50. |
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08/16/2006 07:30:11 AM · #12 |
I've been off them for almost 15 years. It came down to finding that I had good reasons to quit; reasons which outweighed the urge.
I did it cold-turkey from almost 2 packs a day.
Just remind yourself why you're quitting, and remember to give yourself credit when you resist the urge successfully.
Good luck, man. |
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08/18/2006 02:56:51 AM · #13 |
Thanx guys :-)
Well, here it is, almost the end of my third day. It is definitely a battle, but I'm still hanging tough. Interesting to notice my sense of smell coming back. I can smell Sheila lighting up from the other end of the house!
And for anyone that is concerned about the well being of my stress ball-it is getting worn, but still alive and kicking :-) |
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08/18/2006 03:26:40 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
A friend of mine had tried to quit many times over and failed in each attempt. She finally went to a hypnotist and has not had any urges to smoke since. |
That's all well & good but now she clucks like a chicken everytime she hears the flick of a lighter.
Way to go Tater! Hang in there - I'm cluckin for ya. :) |
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