I am going to Quit Smoking - PERMANENTLY

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/12/2009 04:16:44 PM · #1

As a result to this: Quit Smoking - PERMANENTLY. I started reconsidering trying to quit smoking again,
The first try was 5 years ago, and it was a total failure. I�ve quite for 10 months that time, putting in mind all what I�ve read about quitting smoking, the withdrawing symptoms start to decrease after 3 days, your body gets rid of nicotine in 8 days, in x months your longs start doing this and you can live happily ever after .. that wasn�t the case, not for a single day in those 10 months I didn�t crave smoking, not a single morning I didn�t wake up looking for my first cigarette with coffee, I am sure all the smokers or X smokers knows the routine. 3 months passes, 4,5,6 and still craving it, thinking about smoking again. 7,8,9 and 10 .. after 10 months, I woke up, got dresses went to buy cigarettes and a coffee.

I admire everyone that quite smoking, you all proved having a stronger well power than I do, or weaker addiction :)

2 Days ago, I was smoking in the backyard, when my daughter came over and started watching me smoking, she is 15 months old. The look in her eyes really scared me, for the first time she is not trying to reach for something, not to want to grab something that is in my hands, she was there just watching in silent and curious look in her eyes.

If you asked any smoker, what the worst thing might happen to them, what�s their nightmare when it comes to smoking, the majority �� I am included �� would say, giving the wrong examples to their children, and might contribute in indirect way leading them to smoke, by giving a bad example. At least this is my case.

Evaluation:
1-I started smoking 1991, this is 18 years, will be really hard to break this addiction.
2-Used to work out regularly, till I got a back injury a year ago, bulged disc, this is the worst injury I�ve got in my life. Mostly I�ll need to learn how to live with it. Did I mention weak knees?!
3-Over weight, I am 100Kilos, not really FAT, but I am on that category that you call �� hey .. you need to lose some weight �', most of this overweight happend after the disc problem.

Goals:
1-Stop smoking permanently, No cigarettes, No Cigar, No Cigarillo, Bibe, Shisha, Hokah or what so ever, Stop completely. Cold Turkey is the way.
2-Start working out, I�ll need to take this very slowly because of my back, will start by walking regularly or as much as possible. Might join Body for life
3-Eat healthy and lost weight, my objective is to lose 20 Kilos and drop down to 80.

Motivation:
1-I don�t want to stink no more.
2-Get rid of the exhaustion that I feel when running, get in better shape, play more with my daughter and watch her getting married and having kids of her own, hmm maybe teaching them photography as well.
3-I�ll reward myself with a 50$ monthly, and save it to buy photography equipments. Money is not the only motivation, but it helps.

Will be adding more goals as I go, re evaluate and adjust. If I didn�t break!!
Why I am doing this in here? I was setting my photography objectives on my portfolio page, when I realized there are no health objectives!!
Will be posting daily, weekly, monthly .. or whenever I feel like killing myself :)

frisca

Nikon D70

05/12/2009 04:20:32 PM · #2

Good luck to you, Ameed! I believe you can achieve your goals. I have done BFL and it really works! (mind you, I got knocked up, gained a bunch of weight and now need to lose it again..)

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/12/2009 04:23:04 PM · #3

Day 1

My first post, it�s been 14 hours without a smoke.

I feel ... weird
I woke up and the first thing I did was a green tea, not as strong as coffee, but to break the habit of coffee + Cig

I feel, like there is an ice cold hand squeezing my brain, some heat and headache.
I feel there is pain in my chest, for not smoking ...

Today�s objectives: Finish the day without a smoking, drink lots of water, play and take a walk with my daughter.

jotaga

Canon EOS-7D

05/12/2009 04:28:08 PM · #4

Congratulations!!
Best wishes to you on your jorney!!
I quitted one month ago... doing good until now...
Start slow... walk 60min daily for some weeks, then walk harder for some more weeks... then you start thinking about harder exercises...
Try nicotine adhesives... I´m using them right now... and they´re great to loose the habit of smoking... so you deal with the addiction smoothly, progressively reducing the levels of nicotine and forgeting all the "smoking triggers".
Eat smart and healthy, but dont start a "diet" now... one thing at a time...
And, once more...
... Congratulations!

PapaBob

05/12/2009 04:33:04 PM · #5

The first time I quite was for about the ten month period you quit for, about a year later I quit and have been good for 30 years so there is hope. Biggest thing fir me was the desire to quit, most people trying to quit always say they are going to try to quit for me I decided I was going to quit, will power is everything and if you want to truly quit you can beat it. Good luck, keep it up you will never regret it!

FireBird

05/12/2009 04:36:33 PM · #6

Originally posted by AmeedEl-Ghoul:

Day 1I feel there is pain in my chest, for not smoking ...

Today�s objectives: Finish the day without a smoking, drink lots of water, play and take a walk with my daughter.

Congrats. The hardest part for me was getting started. You've done that. In less than one week no nicotine will course in your veins. From then on it's all in the mind. I still wonder after 25 years sometimes, when I see a pack of Marlboros in a transparent shirt pocket, "Wonder what one of those would taste like?". But I would never start smoking again. As for your weight, I've struggled with mine for the entire 25 years since I quit. I'm up in weight right now but will soon be walking again and it will come off. If your back can stand walking, you can lose the weight.
When losing weight by walking, speed doesn't matter. It's how far you walk each day.
You can start with one step if you have to. I know you can do better at both because you have motivation I don't have; Your daughter.

Message edited by author 2009-05-12 16:36:54.

Joker1114

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

05/12/2009 05:00:41 PM · #7

congrats! i wish i had the will of a worrior like yourself
ive try to quit maybe once or twice but didnt have my mind set on it and somthing sent me back to where
i had started. i would like to quit myself with in the months end, mainly to get healthy but for also
my girlfriend of 5yrs has just quit about a month ago and well now i hear it all the time (you know what i mean)
but for me im very much under weight as you can see

so im kinda hoping i can substatute food and snacks for the cravings and hope to gain a few while i quit
If you find walking/running is a bit to much on your back and knees you might want to try getting in the pool and doing some swimming
the weightless enviroment has very little inpact on the knees and feels great and im sure wont be to bad for your back.
but good luck! keep us up to date. were here for you!

Message edited by author 2009-05-12 18:07:21.

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm STM Lens

05/12/2009 05:59:53 PM · #8

If you want motivation to quit, put a pic of your kids on your cigarette pack and every time you get out a smoke, think of the following:

Your kids smoking, "Just like you."

Your kids playing and you unable to play because of the oxygen tank you have to lug around.

You kids crying at your funeral and having to grow up without you.g

Rompy

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/13/2009 12:24:11 AM · #9

I am telling you, READ THIS BOOK. I say it everytime a thread like this comes up because I really feel so strongly about it. I swear, I don't work for the company or anything! :) It just really helped me and TONS of friends of mine who you would never think would be able to quit. Best of luck. You can do it! And congratulations on making the best decision you could make.

Sirashley

Nikon D7200

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

05/13/2009 12:35:20 AM · #10

Honestly, I can tell you that everyone I have ever known that has quit smoking has done so in a different way. Some of my friends quit with the patch, others with will power, I even had one friend who got hypnotized, so that she could quit smoking (it didn't work either). Honestly, its a personal thing. I quit 5 years ago, and to tell you the truth, I simply woke up one morning and said "I quit!". Now it wasn't easy, in fact, it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I quit drinking coffee and alcohol as well, because it went hand and hand. I began to exercise and I bought a kayak, and began kayaking. I stayed away from places where people smoked (here in florida, that's relatively easy because of the tight restrictions on smoking), I had to stay out of sports bars though. I stayed away from it all together for the first few months. It was a complete lifestyle change.

So to you I say good luck. It is certainly not easy, and those who have never smoked don't realize the difficulty in quitting. I can tell 5 years later, it is but a distant memory, but again, for everyone its different. So good luck and stay strong.

Retroesque

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

05/13/2009 02:11:33 AM · #11

Cheering for you from Austalia!

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

05/13/2009 12:20:53 PM · #12

Day 2

I wish I can say it is easier than Day 1, It is not.

How do I feel:
1- I have an intense feeling my lungs are shrinking, whatever amount of breathing I do is not supplying enough oxygen. My breathing is heavy, trying to keep it under control, It is like scuba diving, you have to control the rhythm and keep it going slowly, that¡¦s exactly how I feel.
2- Chest pain and headache are increasing, intense dreams, woke up at 4 am from headache and thinking about smoking, big glass of water and back to sleep.
3- A little aggressive, seems little things offend me, try to remind myself nothing is really that bad, it is just that demon inside me that I am trying to cast out, there are no Sam or Dean to help in here, it has to be me. I apologize to the sales person who tried to sell me a spa membership, I was a little rude, my first time ever to interrupt a sales person like this, I know they are doing their job and trying to make a living.

Thinking positive:
1- The first time in almost 20 years ¡¥¡¦ except the time I tried to quite before ¡¥¡¦, that I put my hand close to my face and actually can smell my skin, no cigarettes smell.
2- I¡¦ve put a perfume and it lasted for most of the day. I can actually smell it and enjoy it.
3- I¡¦ve spent 3 hours with my daughter, playing .. working on the backyard, keeping myself busy not to think about smoking, the result .. a day smoke free .. and more back pain �º

Today¡¦s objectives:

1- Today¡¦s objectives: Finish the day without a smoking, drink lots of water, play and take a walk with my daughter.
2- Control my temper a bit more.

frisca,

jotaga,

PapaBob,

FireBird,

Rompy,

iamwoman Thank you guys for your support, whenever I am feeling down, I go through your replies and read it again and again, knowing they are intended to me, really helps. Thanks once again.

Joker1114: Oh yeah, I totally understand what you are saying, I¡¦ve been there for 10 years, and honestly, I feel sorry for my wife having to go through this, I hope this will be the end of it. Btw, thank for the swimming tip, its true I¡¦ve done that once and it really worked for me. I¡¦ll look today for the nearest swimming pool and I¡¦ll try to start by going there twice a week. Thanks Pat appreciate your help.

Spazmo99: Thats really strong images, but exactly what I need, thanks.

Sirashley: There are also some laser surgery I've heard of to help stop smoking, one I know tried it, 500$ and in a week he got back to smoke again, I think he smokes even more. I've tried the patch the last time, and the side effects were crazy. I'll see if I can compensate that with well power.

Thank you all,
P.S, Still didin't tell any one, not even my wife with my attempt/quiting smoking. I'll see how long it will take her to reyalize.

BAMartin

Apple iPhone 5

05/13/2009 12:26:45 PM · #13

I know that it might not feel like it now, but it does get easier. I quit about 2 months ago, and the first few days were very very hard. Keep reminding yourself of all the reasons you want/need to quit. Hug your daughter often. Keeping yourself busy is the best thing you can do.

Hang in there and know how much your family will appreciate this.

FireBird

05/13/2009 12:28:17 PM · #14

Originally posted by AmeedEl-Ghoul:

Day 2

Thank you all,
P.S, Still didin't tell any one, not even my wife with my attempt/quiting smoking. I'll see how long it will take her to reyalize.

She'll probably smell the difference today! Keep your nose to the grindstone. You've got the right attitude and are using good strategies. Maybe a .5 to 1 mile walk today too if you got time. Tomorrow, if not. Just another couple of days and the nicotine will be out of the bod! I wish losing weight were as easy as quitting smoking. Don't start on an eating binge Ameed. Food is going to start tasting VERY good starting in a day or so. Be careful. Keep up the good work!

MattO

Nikon D4

05/13/2009 12:51:26 PM · #15

Quick story about my time with the cigarettes. I smoked a pack daily from the time I was 18. When my wife and I decided to have a child, I told her by the time he was delivered I would have quit for my health, and the health of our baby. My son was born and as hard as I had tried I just couldn't put them down, this was Feb of 1997. I never smoked in the car with my son, and went outside to smoke at home. While on a call for the company I worked for at 1:30 in the morning on Feb 2, 1999 I got back in my truck and started down the road, I grabbed the pack out of my shirt pocket put one to my mouth and started to light it. I took it back out of my mouth tossed the cig, box, and lighter out the window. I haven't touched one since.

I had previously tried the patch, gum, prescribed pills, and even therapist. You know what got me to quit and made it work? I had finally made up my mind that I wanted to quit. And quit I did. Cold turkey never touched another one, and now I hate the smell of them. Its tough to do under any circumstances due to their effects on the body, but if you make up your mind that you want to, it can be done. Keep up the good work.

I was able to quit on 2-2-1999, that was 2 weeks and 2 days before my son's 2nd birthday. I figured all them 2's had to help somehow.

Matt

jotaga

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/13/2009 01:33:44 PM · #16

Congrats for day 2 !!
Start counting the cigarretes that you did not smoke!! This will hardly improve your motivation!!

mpeters

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/13/2009 02:21:11 PM · #17

You can do it! Day 2 of a new you.

Message edited by author 2009-05-13 14:21:21.

Balko

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

05/13/2009 02:44:00 PM · #18

Go for it. I stopped Feb 3 2008 after 39 years! I don't even think about cigs any more unless I see someone smoking or hear/read it.
Good Luck.
Yes You CAN!!

Message edited by author 2009-05-13 14:44:46.

BJokerud

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

05/13/2009 02:53:50 PM · #19

I have nothing to add to this. I just want to wish you good luck, for yourself and your daughters. Remember that she can smell the perfume from you now, and that alone must be a motivation. I have never smoked, and if someone that does are to close to me or the wind takes the smoke in my direction, I tend to get seizuers if I don't move away. So in a way, you're doing me a favor to, and the rest of us in the world that are allergic to this crap. Best of luck to you, and I really hope you can make it! Buy something nice to yourself and your daughter from the money you save =)

Lockke

Nikon D90

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/13/2009 03:02:21 PM · #20

Good luck... this is something that is completely 100% in your own control. Set your mind to it, be determined, and enjoy every minor success along the way. I smoked for 6 years and 3 years ago quit cold turkey. It wasn't easy, but I just found other hobbies to occupy my time. As for the headaches, take an advil or two for now, and they will eventually stop coming. I get headaches when I first start dieting, but after a week or so or fewer calories, they go away. Same thing with nicotine. You can do this.

aneyra

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/13/2009 03:28:11 PM · #21

Congrats on your second day. Keep it up! A friend of mine tried different options and he finally did it cold turkey (the next option was going to be drinking a cold tea made out of tobacco and water).

I know you can do it! Keep us posted on how things go.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/14/2009 08:04:08 PM · #22

Day 3: It is getting worst.

I�ve made my mind, I am not going to smoke again, my body was fighting my well the first couple of days, now it is getting frustrated with the fight. Whatever the reason, my mind wont submit, whatever the stress and the craving, my well wont surrender.
You might get the feeling I am exaggerating , makes it looks like a war .. well .. it is. You see these movies when an addict tries to break his addiction of morphine or cocaine or whatever, it is close .. not as severe .. but you get the idea.

Aggressiveness Ohmmeter is sky high. Had a conflict with my wife over a very silly thing. No right or wrong sides in here. It seems that every one I get to talk to, I end up either rude or picking up a fight. Even voting on challenges, I just finished voting on Motivation challenge, and I don�t recall being rude this way ever in my life, wasn�t conservative on the scores, I gave plenty of 7 to 10s, but I recall couple of pictures that I left some extreme honest critique. Extreme Honest = Rude.

Decided to channel my energy to something else, short term goals .. clean the garage and the car.

Geared up with all the cleaning kit, got all the hoses, rinsing washing vacuuming, exhaust my body to the maximum to give it something else to think about �� don�t forget I have a back problem .. what I was doing is like running the marathon for a healthy person ��. While brooming the garage somehow Sarah found a cigarette butt and picked it up to her mouth, unconsciously I screamed NOOO at her, the frightened look in her eyes from my reaction killed me, of course she doesn�t understand all of this suffering is to avoid guiding her to this path, to find a cigarette in her mouth .. now .. what the odds!!

I am mostly keeping to myself for today.
Symptoms: Headache still here, advil is helping a little, but it is back in no time, the chest pain is decreasing, but still noticeably painful, still seems like whatever I do or however I breath, can�t seems to get enough oxygen, or satisfy my lungs, they are not getting what they are asking for. As I mentioned .. increase of negative emotions and aggressiveness.

Btw, I am stating everything as honest as possible, not to make a hero out of myself, Not at all. I believe it is possible, I believe I can do it. 4 days ago .. I couldn�t even dream of reaching that far. If someone brought the idea of quitting smoking, I would�ve found it very amusing and entertaining to think of. What I am doing here is to present a real demo to our smoker friends on how it�s going to be, if you have a clear idea, it is not going to be as mysterious or scary.

Day 3 Summary: Dramatic increase of aggressions and depression. Be careful not to lose who are dear, it takes ages to build love and trust, it takes but seconds to break all of this.

Note: I am really surprised, my third day without smoking and no one noticed, not even my wife, maybe if they did they didn�t show, but .. really weird. �� Maybe I still stink !! ��

Today�s objectives: Finish the day without a smoke, drink lots of water, spend a little time with my daughter.

P.S, a special thank you goes to Barbara

BAMartin for her support, I was feeling really down that I didn�t want to post today, her PM gave me motivations. Thank you Barbara,

FireBird: Thank you so much for your encouragement, I am trying to do my best.

MattO: I am sure your son will love you more when he reads this one day, You are giving me more hope and setting a wonderful example, thank you.

jotaga: Oh boy, I smoked an average of 25 cigarette a day, this mean I didn't smoke 75 one, the old me would think it is 75 opportunity I missed to have fun, the new me would think .. man this is really scary, I am just trying to imagin having 75 cigarette in front of me and smoke them all together .. really frightening, I wonder how much did I smoke in 18 years?!

mpeters,

Balko,

BJamy,

Lockke, and

aneyra Can't thank you enough guys, when I am really down, I keep on reading this thread over and over .. Knowing the talking is about me this time, give me all the support I need.
Thanks an love you all,

jotaga

Canon EOS-7D

05/14/2009 08:30:30 PM · #23

Hey man!! Congrats!! Keep on going!!
Sent you a PM!

BAMartin

Apple iPhone 5

05/14/2009 08:36:25 PM · #24

You are very welcome. I was in mostly that same position just 2 short months ago, so I completely understand. Please believe me when I say that it does get better, and sooner than you might believe. Hang in there, we can do this together. Believe in yourself, this is a wonderful thing you are doing for yourself and your family.

Retroesque