Yep, that's right, I am done, finished, I quit!
Smoking that is. Today is my first smoke-free day! Yippeeee!!!
I have smoked for almost 26 yrs! I started very young...sigh. Wish I never had now.
Last week my hubby's nephew who is 36(a year and a half younger than me) had a quadruple(yes 4) bypass!
We used to go sneak out by the garage at family reunions and such, my smoking buddy in 
the family. Well as a former nurse I know exactly what that surgery entails and man, oh man is it rough. He made it through with flying colors(Thank God!), but it got me thinking. Thinking about the control these stupid little things have over my life. What they are costing me and could cost me, really.
What I thought is that I want to be here to see my sons have children and laugh at them and say "see, you were just like that when you were a kid"
I want to retire with my hubby and sit side by side watching the world go by, I want to see the surprise on the faces of the Top Producers in my area as I come up behind them and pass them..
I want to see what 2035 is like! I want to be here!
So I started taking a new medicine called Chantix a week ago. You start small and then double and then double the day you quit. The premis is that it blocks the Nicotine recptors in your brain, thus keeping withdrawl at bay more and tricking your brain into thinking there is some in there after all. Marvelous. Some GI issues, but you know I figure it is worth it to be free after all these years! I am so excited!
Today it the beginning of the rest of a healthier life for me! Wish me luck y'all!
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood's Real Estate Expert!
RE/MAX Elite
615-661-4400
Vanessa - Good for you. I wish you the best of luck.
I have noticed that more and more younger people are having heart attacks and strokes and they are smokers. My grandmother died a long painful death due to those nasty cigarettes. I know it must be hard to stop, but try to remember that you want to be here for your loved ones. Stay strong. They say as soon as you stop the lungs start to repair some of the damage.
Vanessa be careful with the Chantix it will depress you. There have been three reports that I know of that cite related suicide to that drug. I'm with the you on quitting but I am doing it drug free. If I get anxious about having one I pop a dumb dumb or piece of gum and get my hands busy on something else so my brain gets busy on something else.
I wish you success but please be careful.
Good for you! Here's to a GREAT '08! Could you call my wife and convince her to quit?
www.mattcrow.com
Be of service. The rewards will come!
I smoke on and off and have for years too. I quit and then go back after I start gaining weight because I am eating too much. I quit sometimes for 1 year and still go back so stay strong and be determined to beat this bad habbit as I still am trying.
Vanessa ~ Good luck! I am going to direct you to the same site I directed TLW to - www.quitnet.com. It was a big help to me to read about others, help others through and post.
I also found that Chantix did not work for me, although insurance covers it and not Wellbutrin XL. I had better success using the Wellbutrin but had to pay full price for it (unless it's changed since).
Woo Hoo! Congrats on taking charge of your life!
I quit in 1992. I was up to almost 2 packs a day and had smoked for almost 20 years. I started when I was 13! I went to smoking cessation classes given by the Heart Association. They told us that nicotine stays in your body for 48-72 hours. After that, it's all mental. Carrots and celery sticks became my friends!
Have a HEALTHY and Happy New Year!
Vanessa, good for you - and your pocket book too!
Best wishes, it'll be tough but you can do it because you want to!
Real Estate Client Referrals - Thanks, I have a couple bags of dum dums and toostsie roll pops as well as a bag of Werthers... here goes nothin!
I will come back and answer more comments later. I feeling a bit tense :.) so I am off to walk it away on the tread mill. Thanks for all the support, it will help in the time to come!!
Kathy- Last tiem I quit I did the quitnet site and the wellbutrin. The latter made me nutso and the former was not much either way. However, that may have changed with my willingness qotient if you get my drift...
Thanks for the the info and the support, it helps!!
Good for you!!
My husband has had the Chantix sitting on the shelf. He hasn't taken the plunge yet, as he's waiting for me to take the plunge with him! I plan on going to the doctor in January to sign up for it too, so we can do it together. I'm tired of being a smoker. A friend of ours warned us against the side effects, which is what made my husband hold off on trying it. Funny thing is, that friend has now started taking it and is doing well.
They say that you should not have any alcoholic drinks - at all - while on this, as it can play with those depression factors.
Good luck -- you've got a ton of support here!
Fantastic!!! You will feel so much better (eventually ha!). You will find how wonderful it is that you are not running around trying "hide" the smell with gum, perfume, etc.
Best of luck!
Vanessa,
Congratulations on your decision to quit and best of luck sticking it out.
Sandy
Jeanie- Hi, how is your son? Is he still home for the Holidays?
The Chantix does have a bit of GI upset, but if you titrate up like it says, always eat before taking and do water it eases up....I am so behind you and hubby when you do it! Just keep saying it over and over. "I will not smoke for this hour." I am about 18hrs smoke free! Yeah!
Ok, I think I replied to everyone now. thanks you so much for the emails and all the support. I am going to do it this time, i can feel it! 19 hrs! Ok, so now I have to get in the car and do some errands. i have been avoiding it all day. I always smoke in the car. Courage is being afraid and doing it anyway...
So I will see y'all when I get back. ;.)
And before I forget...
A big shout out to the powers that be at AR for this message, it is so awesome that they are paying attention and supporting their members. AR rocks!
"We really support your decision to quit smoking!!! It isn't going to be easy, but when you have the urge, just blog instead :) "
Awesome to hear, Vanessa! Stay focused and don't look back!
Brian Wilson, Zolve.comp
Brian- Hey, thanks for the support! I am now at almost 23 hrs smoke free! About 50 more to go and then the acute physical withdrawl will be over. I can do eeeetttt!!!!
:::::Playing the Rocky music in my head:::::::
Gotta warn you folks, me off of nicotine might be a bit scary at times....
Vanessa -- you go girl! If you want to quit, I know you can do it. Quitting is not something anyone can make you do. . .you have to want it so bad that you get over all the hurdles and succeed.
My mom quit after 40 some years with the habit and a severe case of emphysema. She was never able to quit (even knowing it was slowly killing her) until she had an episode where she couldn't breathe and nearly died. She took seven cigarettes, put them in the kitchen drawer and never smoked again. Was it easy? No, but she took advantage of all the things available then (nicotene gum, patches, etc.) and these things helped her over the hurdles. But it was too late for her. The emphysema had progressed too far and she eventually succumbed to it. . .
Vanessa, be proud of yourself for making the choice to quit now, before your health has reached a point of no return.
I know it will be hard on you, but it will pay off in the end. You will be able to smell better, and when you start smelling other people that smoke...you will think my gosh I can't believe I smoked! I have a friend that has been taking Chantix, and she has been quit 2 months now. Good Luck!
Congratulations Vanessa,
4 years ago I quit too after smoking 28 years. It was the hardest thing I did and it took me quite a few tries. I always rememeber how hard it was and that keeps me from ever trying it again!
Sincerely,
Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain www.SeattlebyDesign.com
Hi everyone! Not to worry I am still smoke free! I woke up about 30 ins ago! I have never in my entire life slept pass 6 or 7 AM! My hubby is gone to work and did not wake me up! I have to rush and get ready to show property in an hour, 30 mins from here. Nothing like jumping in with both feet eh? Anyway, I will come back and answer comments later.
Just wanted you all to know I am almost 39 hrs now!
Come on the State needs the Tax Dollars generated from cigarettes, and do the Tobacco companies. If we quit, we are putting the poor farmers out of business, as well as the workers who are paid to make our cigarettes. You know you want one. HAHA!!
Congrats for real, you may just inspire me to take the plunge and quit as well.
Great, keep it going! But I am confused, I don't smoke and would LOVE to wake up before 9:30 a.m.
..O-nooo, .don't tell me that's the secret.
Ok, really, really I am going to answer and read comments sometime today. Just got home and am off to wash and clean my car. Ugh, smells awful and I must have it removed! Did really well on the drive both ways, had some carrot sticks to hold in my hand(go on laugh, it worked) and some suckers and werthers for the mouth. Jammed 80's tunes and took the weiner. I keep taking her and she will have to be in my ads! lol! I am in a pretty good mood considering, the biotch from ( sounds like well) is nowhere to be found yet...;.)
Chad.... bite me! LOL Come on , do it buddy! Take the plunge, if I can(I am a total baby) then you can!
Betcha! Wanna bet??!!
Oh yeah, forgot;
44hrs Smoke Free!
I stopped myself from buying a carton of smokes today and just bought a pack. I have to go visit my Family tomorrow for the year and they cause me to smoke, and drink. Plus the kids in the car for so long, and I can't smole with them in the car, it would kill me. So because of you and to prove to my self I will take the challenge and plunge with you starting January 2nd. By then you should be well into it and advise me accordinly, and keep me honest and accountable.
When my wife figures out what happened and who inspired it, she will likely be calling you with many thanks. Congrats on the 44 hours though. As a fellow (soon to be ex-smoker) that is one hell of an accomplishment. Im proud of you!!!
Vanessa,
Great decision on your part! It's never too late to quit smoking!!!
I call cigarettes - "CANCER Sticks!"
Just think of ALL that money that you are going to Make by not spending on cancer sticks. Hey, go buy yourself sweet things for yourself and invest with that saved money!
For all those people who continue to smoke, I only see a neon light above them.... "future - quicker death." I've known people with emphysema. Horrible seeing them suffer just to take a breath and being connected to oxygen hose and roll around tank.
I wish YOU SUCCESS in your fight to kick the Cancer Stick habit.
Cheers, KIM. N. Padre Island, TX 60's today. Hoorah, not freezing.
OH MY GOD! Are you serious Chad?!!! You are so awesome! You rock!! You are going to be so happy with yourself!! What a great thing to give yourself! YES!!!!!!!!! Jan 2 it is!!
I am so tickled now.......hehehehehe
(doing the happy dance in my desk chair, Rosie the wonder weiner thinks I've gone mad!)
over 48 hrs now! Woohooo!!!!
I am in such a good mood I am giddly!
Lack of nicotene..naw! It's called FREEDOM!
COngrats...Its just mind over matter...most urges last 2 minutes or less...June 10 will be 15 years for me...
I removed all smoking materials, and completely changed my routines and habits...ITs worth it...Good Luck
Teri- It is stories like that, that have me praying that nothing is irreversable yet...I have done this a long time..but no more! It feels great! Really, I don't know if it is because I am really ready and excited about it or what, but it feels different than the other times I quit. Oh pray, pray that I continue. I have been out driving, on the phone and eaten. All without a cig! Yes!! Only a couple hard spots per day basically. And I have done the tread mill, carrot holding(see previous comment) and sucker chomping. It is so cool that everyone here is interested and supportive. makes it easier.
And now Chad is quitting too! Way cool, lets start a wave of New Years quitting! We can start an AR group. The Free Breathers or some such nonsense...
I am serious. I have only had a couple smokes since I posted. More out of habit than need. They really do not taste that good anymore. I only say Jan. 2nd because I have to go visit family, and its a smoke or a bullet and I love life to much HAHA!! I'll start it tomorrow though cold turkey and by the 2nd I will be done.
I've already identified my triggers so I will adjust those times and find something else to do especilly over my morning coffee.
I'll be honest and keep you posted. Feel free to "shame me" in the forum should I fail the mission at hand. I may email you a couple of times cussing you, just delete them HAHA!! I'll keep you posted.
Mark- I will say a prayer that your son becomes willing soon! Thanks for the support my friend!
Happy New Year!
Chad- Email, call, whatever you need! I am so proud of you and so darned tickled too! Hahaha, a bullet or a cig. Not much difference eh? one is a bit faster is all.
You family will be thrilled. My hubby cried when I did it... I have switched to caffinated Tea, so I get the caffeine kick but the drink is different...just a thought. Yes, lets encourage each other and tell what things work and what do not. Honesty is supreme...I will never shame you, but I might call you out! Ha! Rock on brotha! I am grinning like a cheshire cat! Thanks for the insperation to continue with you! We will have a bang up 2008! Just watch!
My husband quit (chew) 2 years ago - and until yesterday evening, hasn't said much to me about my smoking. He said in passing that the health expo is coming up in January ... and they gave him the patches and gum ... I've done the patches and gum - and still smoked (although much less than I normally smoke).
He knows that bugging me about my smoking will piss me off :)
Has the Chantix helped? I struggle with my weight and absolutely everyone I know who's quit smoking has gained weight! I would rather keep smoking than put on any weight - this is probably pretty vain, but I'd rather smoke than be obese. If the Chantix could help keep me from gaining weight, I'd give it a try. I tend to smoke when I want to eat ... so I have to find something to fill that need :) No, exercise is not my bag ...
Good luck - you're on day two - how's it going?
Rita- I have not eaten any more food than normal. I have eaten suckers, which I do not normally eat. The issue with weight is a physiological one. The merabolism decreases when nictotine is gone. It will normalize again in a while. I am using carrot sticks as a subsitute for a cig. Eating and holding them..lollow cal though! The Chantix is a wonder. I am so relaxed and not biotchy much at all. My hubby is grateful I can tell ya! :.) It is really keeping the urge away and I am not starving either. I cannot say that it will keep you from gaining weight or make you gain it. I guess that depends on you but I encourage you to try it. What will you lose? Just try it...and see... if you have 51% willingness you have enough!
You can do it too! Lets start a trend!!!! Come on!!! Do it!! Anyway, regardless of whether it is your time to quit or not, I truly appreciate your support, thank you so much! Happy New Year!!
I was quitting on and off, and finally quit after 10 years of heavy smoking. Since then never touched a cigarette. The key is never do it, not after social drinking...never.
Good luck to you.
P.S. You really started smoking at 11?
Chad- Lmao, yeah or a serial killer reasoning...lol. When ya quitting? Teus? You can do eeet!
as for family and smoking, I realize it is mostly habit. I am so used to automatically lighting up when I am talking to them. So next time I am going to "do" something while I talk. Like fold clothes or wipe the counters. Something to offset the nervous energy build up.
I'm way behind my smoking schedule today. When I get the urge I do something else. Only had a few so far. Im heading out tomorrow to visit family, and I know thats gonna push me over the edge. We are staying with friends for New Years Eve. They are non smokers, they will allow me to smoke in their home, but I never do. I take it outside, so I barely smoke there. Thats why I stopped and did not buy 10 packs yesterday. Once I do my semi annual visit to the family, and get through New Years Eve with a couple I will be done.
We don't get a chance to hang out with these friends to often. So once I get there my slippers go on, the keys get hung, and me and other husband crack a beer while the wifes go out and shop. I'll likely have to give up beer and coffee afterwords as well. They are strong triggers for me. I'm thinking jogging (or at least brisk walks) will have to replace all three for a while.
Chad- That actually could work well. It will tire the body and the mind...I noticed that I am not wanting coffee without the cigs..doing tea...dunno. I don't drink but I can see where that would be a huge trigger for a while...maybe not forever..depends. Have you told your family yet? Or are you just going to do it and let them see?
Just remember, you can do ANYTHING for an hour, right?
No, there are somethings I can't do for an hour, but thats not a subject we should discuss here in a RE Forum. Maybe next year I will explore that one.
I have not told my wife. She says I don't pay attention to her, so I will see how long it takes her to figure it out on her own. Something I can use against her HA!!!! I did not help that I complimented her hair cut (It was on the Calander) only to find out her appointment was cancelled.
Vaness et al-
How very brave in this day and age to come right out and say that you are or were a smoker! Yes, it is a nasty habit that will kill you, but I have noticed that the general public sentiment toward smokers has become so vile that it is a brave thing to even admit to the fact that you were once or are 'one of those'.
I had a listing where the home owner had a guest over who had smoked in the house shortly before we toured it...whoops! Many of the agents in my office refused to show the home again. The home was not smoked in regularly and it was a weird occurrance. Goes to show the absolute and resolute ostrocising that is occurring toward an entire group of people. Yikes!
I wish you all of the best as you head down the road to freedom from nicotine!
Blessings to you along the way.
Live good. Be happy. Live smoke free.
-Mimi
Mimi- Thank you so much for the eloquent blessing, I will take it!
Yes, it has become a plague or sorts, lepers in a manner of speaking. I am free today and that is all that I am counting! Thanks again!!
Chad- Doh! on the haircut, bad, bad...::::shakes head::::
I lay odds that it does not take her more than 24 hrs to notice!
Any takers on a friendly wager?!
YEAH! The physical withdrawl is over!
From now on it is all in my head( a most dangerous place to be by the way,lol)So now it is about changing habits and lifestyles.. I can do this, I will! I am off to eat ice cream and my big butt be damned! *wink*
day 3 is over! Goodnight all!
Ok, so last night I was on a pink cloud...This morning that mind is trying to get me!
I dreamnt about smoking! No kidding. Could smell it, taste it,feel it. Woke up positive I had done it. Wanting one real bad! Now the psychological fight begins I guess. Ack! I better be careful today. In my dream I even had it all worked out, my excuse etc...whew, glad to know it was not real.
I will not fall today! But, any encouragement you have would be well appreciated and used!
Day 4 - Starting rough, but will make it!
My best friends father died of a heart attack at age 42, he smoked 2 packs a day.
You can do it! We're all behind you!
My best friends father died of a heart attack at age 42, he smoked 2 packs a day.
You can do it! We're all behind you!
You go with your bad self sister!!!! Not worth it.... the toll it takes on our bodies..not to mention the freakin' cost.
I quit cold turkey about 7-8 years ago and never looked back.
Well everyone, day 4 is at a close. I made it through! Whew, today was a tough one for some reason..
But tomorrow I can say "I quit smoking last year" hahahaha
Happy New Year Everyone!
Ok, so I am Nearing the end of the 5th day Smoke Free! Yes!! I am doing it! Last 2 days have been hard, thought it would be easier after the 72 hr mark. Hmmm Guess I don't fit in the regular manual huh? Well, I am still committed and going to suceed. After all, I can now claim that
I Quit Smoking Last Year!
Heheheh, silly but that tickles me! You all are a huge part of how I am doing this. Literally when I have an urge and the time I come on here and invariably see a comment that helps or makes me feel part of. Thanks everyone!! So much!! What a cool place~
Vanessa,
I quit in December of 2006......my physician told me that after 7 days the nicotine should pretty much be out of your system...so it gets easier and easier...when you get in a stressful situation have a plan of what you will do if you feel like you want to smoke........call me if you need to.......(I can't stand the smell of cigarettes and have no desire whatsoever to light up now)......wishing you the best......
I remember how even though the "physical addiction" part was over, the "habit" part kept pulling me for several weeks - like I would be having a conversation with someone and not paying a bit of attention to wanting a cigarette, and my hands would be searching through my purse looking for my cigarettes. Getting in the car and NOT lighting up was the worst part for me. I kept a piece of candy cane in the car that I could pick up and hold when I got in the car (like a cigarette) and that seemed to help ease the craving. You are doing GREAT! I am very impressed by your positive attitude!
Sorry, that last comment was from me. I forgo to enter my name.
may 27th-1 heart attack-1 stent
NO MORE CIGARS!
july 5th-2 more stents.
You CAN do this.
my prayers are with you.
Congrats.
Best of luck.
So as DAY 6 draws to a close I am still SMOKE FREE!
I won't lie, this has been a little hard. But I am determined!
Also, I think my rear has gotten a wee bit bigger over the last week...sigh
Oh well...ain't nothin' but a thing...right?!
Vanessa - I think that's what tends to make women start smoking agan - the rear end thing, LOL! But that is something to work on later on down the road, right? I remember getting mad and stating that I should start smoking again because I had gained some weight and didn't like it - my husband told me to let him know when I was going to start again so he could order the oxygen tank. THAT stopped me cold! It took me about 3 weeks until I really started to feel like I was going to make it and it stopped seeming so hard. But each day got a tiny bit easier and all of a sudden I noticed that it was a lot easier. So hang in there. I kept telling myself that "I don't smoke". I repeated it over and over to myself, kind of like self-hypnosis or meditation. I had to keep myself really busy too, so I had less time to think about it. Maybe it's time to start a new little hobby - something that you have always wanted to learn or try.
Barb- Yes, I have been going around saying "I am not a smoker today" for the past 7 days! And I too have relapsed into smoking again due to vanity...but this time I am not going to fall!
I AM A NON SMOKER TODAY!
Beginning day 7. Full and busy day, wish me luck!
Calling Chad Baird ! Anyone seen him? Where oh where is my quitting buddy! Did he flake out?
Not have the oomph? Now Chad, you told me to call you out in the forum, so here it is!
Chad Baird- I challenge you to come and tell us all , have you quit smoking?
And if not why? When will you?! Come on buddy lets go..hehehehe
Ok, so really, let me know how it is going and if I can help.
You have to be ready and willing though..maybe it's not time huh?
Anyway....speak to us my friend!
:.)
Allison- If your ins. does not cover it can be expensive. But What do cigs cost?! In my book it's a wash~
Thank you for the support. I am now through 7 days!
I wish you success!!!!!!!!
It used to be the best way for me to quit was to end up pregnant LOL no seriously.... now I feel like I don't have a chance! I know I have the reasons... 4 beautiful kids (Iwant to be there for them as long as I can) or a long painfull death (the only memory that I have of my Grandpa on my fathers side)... yet something doesn't click with me....
I sincerely wish you success, NOT luck, but success and fulfillment!
**FYI my graphic word was mocambo, which when googled produced the following results: A venue in Toronto Canada, also was a nightclub in West Hollywood, a Hotel in Itlay, A record company and last (because I did not want to sift through all 240,000 listings) A Brazilian Population.....
Vanessa: What a great idea to make a commitment to stop smoking! It is not easy, but it is definitely something that is worthwhile. Best of luck in your decision! Obviously it pushed a few buttons with all of the comments you've received. :-)
Sara Lee- Love the name by the way! Awesome marketing potential there! I understand where you are. I have been there for years. I have smoked for 26 yrs and was a nurse for most of my adult life. I knew what it was doing. I had multiple back surgeries and the surgeon said I must NEVER smoke. I did it anyway. Addiction is not about will power or morals. It is about disease and powerlessness. When I finally decided to love me enough to stop hurting me with this shit and then asked for help from my Dr and God. Now I am doing it. But it is a slippery slope somedays. This morning I almost had myself talked into a drag. Just one...no biggie...it would taste bad and I would not take another...
Yeah, right...Nope. Not doing it! When you are willing and the yuck of smoking starts to outweigh the fear of quitting, you will quit. I will be here waiting to help if you ever need me. Just like all of you are here for me now!
It can be done, just not alone maybe...some do it just snap and its over, others need more help. I am a wuss and need lots of encouragement and attention. lol.
Wow Vanessa......you sure have worked hard at this.....CONGRATULATIONS on Day 9....now not too many more hours and you start Day 10 .....I love all the support you have gotten, that should help amanda and Chad (did you find him) to quit.......,,,,
Don't Give Up.....We can all do it !!!!!
Thank you Kathy! You too!
Well, folks. This is the end of day 9. Made it another day. Yay!
No see no hear from Chad- Hope I did not offend or something...maybe just busy.
Ok, so this is day 10!
Weirdest thing.... this morning when I staggered into the bathroom after crawling out of my warm bed,I flipped on the lights (you know the 60watt vanity bulbs that go around the entire mirror, double sized) and noticed that even with raccoon makeup eyes a bit bleary too and a serious case of bed head, I looked ...different? No, not really but something I could not quite put my finger on. So I just stood there a minute trying to wake up enough to think of what it was... then it came to me and I moved into the mirror for a closer look thinking maybe it was time for glasses..lol No, really, I looked a bit (dare I say)younger. No not face lift younger or botox younger, but a little bit less fatigued, less faded sort of. A slight lessening of the depth of the lines here and there... just a little. But I noticed, even half asleep. Cool!
That was a nice way to start day 10....:.)
Vanessa------yea, Day 10.....I just put a New Post, just for us in the No Smoking Group......Ahh, I am going to go check my mirror.....hey I didn't even think of that as a benefit....
Day 10 alright!!!!!!!! Hey is the little dog still riding with you ???????
Well, did you look today Kathy?
Day 10 Smoke Free! YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
I am really doing it?! Wow! This is amazing! How cool is this?
For those who do not know my dog, she is 4 yr old Black and Tan Miniature Dachshund
and also my new driving buddy!
The Wonder Wiener, Rosie! Driving my hubby's SUV in Atlanta last year.
Congrats Vanessa!
Im not lost, im still with you. Still slipping in a smoke here and there though. I got slammed New Years day and been running since. I'm hoping by morning I will only be 1 day behind schedule, so I have not been posting much.
Ok everyone, ready for a bump?
I woke up in a horrendous mood, everything I saw set me off. I just had a hissy fit in my home office and threw the trash can across the room etc. A couple of the GI side effects are really really getting to me, I am irritable and my back is killing me for several days now. Any extra weight feels like triple to it so the 10lbs feels like 30 to me and hurts. So I had a rant and told my hubby (who is standing there looking at me like an alien just popped out of my body) that I wanted to forget the whole thing. Stop taking the med, get the few lbs off quick and just smoke.! I am right on the edge folks! Dunno if I am going to come through today or not. God it feels like being in a war all of a sudden. This is horrible, I have been doing so well and then poof, I am evil one! Praying...I know in my reasonable mind that it is my choice, the problem is I am not so reasonable this morning! I don't want to do this, but I do. Argggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Vanessa I have been following you through your daily posts and I think you are doing a wonderful job of getting thru. You are going to have days where it feels like this but take a deep breath, throw things and then move on. I know easier said than done but you will feel so much better in the long run. I am making my own progress and it is slow for sure but I am doing it without the help of the chantix. Down to a pack a week instead of a carton but it is hard no doubt. I am hoping by the end of the week that pack will be gone and I can resist the temptation to buy another.
Stay strong girl you are so gonna feel better.
S T O P D R O P AND R O L L, Vanessa.
Throw another trashcan if you need to. (I have plenty of holes in walls from trying to quit before. I once threw a monster sized hair spray can at a wall and the perfect circular dent is still there behind a picture. You can hang photos and patch walls later.
Keep up the good work. IF today you have already slipped, you get back up and you try again. Stick around in here and keep us posted.
Wow guys...throwing things and hissy fits....no wonder a couple people said they were afraid to pop into our Group....
OK, I have my riot gear on.....PUT that DAMN TRASH can down......take a deep breath, and walk outside.....OK.....walk around the hopuse if you have to.....or go wash dishes.....use that anger/frustaration for a postitive.....
OK, I hear something about MED effects.....is this that no smoking med?????? And how do you wean off it? Weight......OK, we both have an extra 10 pounds now.....but.....today, right now.....add some walking to your day, add some exercise, and add some water......one drink of water for each time you want a cig.....
Anyway, just calm yourself down.........we're here.....but it won't help you if you throw the computer LOL
Ok, just gotta wait for this to pass...it will, it always does. Gonna comment a bit then I am off.
Thanks guys!
Kathy- Just got your message on my cell! You rock for calling me from CA to remind me to just get busy with something, anything but a cig! Thanks!!!! :.)
I took the med down to 1/2 this morning dose. Dunno if that will harm or help..I am going to get on the tread mill too. Have been drinking a lot of water, more...The weight is a vanity issue but a medical one even more so. With the 3 spine surgeries any extra gets painful on my lower back fast, as the middle is wher it goes always. So have the heating pad on back now and will just muddle through today I guess.
As long as I don't smoke it will be ok, and like Amanda said if I do I can come right back and get back on the wagon. Ok, it is does not have to be as dramatic as it feels. Dramam is one of my addiction ways to get to me....
Vanessa -
How's it going today - you're on day what now? I'm still in the thinking stages of quitting - which is more than where I was a couple of years ago.
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Rita
Day 11 Rita! This one has been harder than all. But I had a little help from my AR friends this morning and I got through. Thanks to Kathy, made a world of difference talking and laughing with you this morning even though it was 8 ish in CA time.lol.
I am still a non- smoker today!
Yay Nessie! I am so proud of you and the fact that you have stuck to it. Please keep it up.
I grew up in a double smoking home, so I like to say that the first 18 years of my life I was a smoker - even in-utero. Nobody quit smoking or drinking way back then because of a simple pregnancy! My father traveled a lot so I was usually hanging my head out the car window like a cocker spaniel.
Three years ago, my mother moved into our home for 64 days. The last 64 days of her life. She smoked until the day before she died. Dragging the O2 hose out the backdoor of my house so she could smoke on the back porch. She didn't smoke that final day because she was in and out of consciousness.
That is why I have never smoked, I'm not virtuous, or self-righteous. I just plain hate it because of my parents addiction and that awful smell.
We know each other from other venues, I know that you are a fun person, with an excess of personality that needs to be shared with all of us. Please keep up the good work, for your friends AND especially your family.
Anna- Thanks for the continued support. I know I am a whiner..lol Just hard, I have not experienced anything, good or bad, without a smoke in 26 yrs. Just a long habit, it can and is being broken!
Love ya!
:.)
Hugh- I never touched the treadmill today...sigh. Don't feel like it, back hurting. Whaaa, whaaa,whaaa!
lol. I will make the effort tomorrow, walking is good for my back and helps everything else too!
Thanks for hanging in with me!!
Hi Vanessa - reading about everything you are going through is bringing it all back to me, and how hard it was. I remember the "homicidal maniac fits" (like when my husband asked me what was for dinner and I threw the plates on the floor and ran outside and sat there and cried for 15 minutes). Wow, it is hard. But it sounds like you made it through one more day. Bravo to you, girl! You can do this!
Definitely go do something when it gets hard - get your mind onto something else. Physical stuff like walking is especially good. And drink lots of water, it flushes out the nicotine from your body.
I had a horrible time quitting, absolutely horrible. But I have never regretted it for a minute (well, just for a minute when I gained a little weight, LOL) and I am still grateful every day that I was able to do it. Every day. You're gonna get there, I just know you are!
Kathy- Thankd Goodness for your call yesterday. The day ended up just fine! I am off to a big listing apt and just heard that I may have an offer coming in on a listing today. So I will have plenty to do!
Day 12! Yay!
Day 13 underway! I did not take any Chantix today. See post at non smokers group. We shall see how this goes now...have a lot to do with clients today so will be busy. I will check in later. :.)
Vanessa- I have not left you. I have been so over ran this week with clients, showings etc. But yes I have have been smoking, but very aware that I am smoking. I will now only smoke out of Need, not habit. Its a start. I hate being cranky to the kids, they just don't understand.
I am proud of you though. Great job! I'll be in touch soon.
Day 13 is now over!
No Chantix today. Side effects bugged me...
Doing ok so far!
Day 14 almost over. 2nd day without Chantix eaither...
Doing good so far. staying busy!
Kathy- Yes, I am doing it! Yay!
Amanda- Come on girl, you can do it too!
Day 15 here I come!
Hi, Vanessa! My appointment with the doc (for the script) was rescheduled and is now on the 18th but I've cut down to about 12 a day versus' 2 packs already. I think I'm gonna be good to go. The first thing I did was rule out smoking in the house and car, then we had to implement a 10 foot from the entrance to the house rule, then we had to ban taking the laptop out by the pool! Baby steps. It's all good though. I'm too busy with clients, driving or being on the laptop indoors to smoke much!
Good for you on Day 15!
Day 17 over! Wooohooo!!
Going strong! Doing much better now....
Come one all you fraidy cats out there, you can do eeeeettttt!!
Very cool! It sounds like you have things well under control, Vanessa! Whew-Hew!!
Amanda- Never say never..lol. But I do feel stronger every day!
Day 18 done!
Today is 3 weeks!!!!
I can't believe it, I am thrilled!
I am going to make it this time!
Vanessa you've got it beat. It will get easier I,m praying for you I know you can do it.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Hugh- Thanks, every time I am having ahard time someone in the Rain comes calling. This place rocks!!
You rock too! Everyone here does, everyone...
I have been praying each and every time it hits me..I know that is why I am still ok...hugs!
I just got off the tread mill, 1.75 miles in 30 mins. Slow but steady. yest and today have been really, really bad. I literally have been in tears I want one so bad. The reason? Feelings..I don't like stress, disappointment, anger, fear or happiness,success without a modifier. Nicotine has been my modifier between feelings and me since I was 11. So it stands to reason that at 23 days I am a mad mess..
I spent 26 yrs the previous way, I cannot expect myself to learn to do this in 23 days or to be all perfect and happy and whatever..all I can do is just not smoke. the rest will come with practice and time.
Today I am not smoking, period.
Vanessa- Understood.......the whole thing, and the pride is very very strong that you are overcoming the "feelings" and sticking with your choice........
hey I just called you....and while we were on the phone talking about getting rid of the messed up urges to smoke....poof here comes this noise......a Firetruck pulls up outside my house.......Now is that a sign or what? LOL....
Laughing my butt off! There's your sign...
Kathy, once again thanks for the talk down.
Day 24 is now here and I am feeling ok today.
p.s Kathy I am going to trasplant your comment to my post I did yesterday
Accountability, Non Smoking and Madness!
Little did I know at last postong to this blog that a few short days later I would make the choice to smoke again.
I will not give up permanently....:.(
Eveyone who has encouraged me or supported me has been helpful!
Please continue to help others, it really is useful. This is simply the hardest thing I have ever tried to do, bar none.
Vanessa, when the time is right, you will try again. I quit more than once before I got it right, too. Sometimes the timing isn't right, but you'll make it next time. So I hope you can just look at it as another step along the road to finally quitting for good. And everyone who has ever succeeded in quitting smoking KNOWS how hard it is. When you decide to try again, the support from every one of us will be there again, you can count on that!
Hi Vanessa. Just wondering how it's going?
Hang in there... it took me a while to quit.
Vanessa,
Are you still off those things? I'm proud if you are and proud if you are not. It takes a lot of courage to quit and the average smoker quits 6-7 times before they are successful. You go girl. Later in the rain~Deb
good for you. one day at a time.
i've been seeing a lot of dead threads being resurrected today. this one is almost a year old.
Yes, a year old and obsolete I am afraid. I am puffing away again. But I will tackle this one again...
Vanessa
I was thinking about you this morning as I lit up. Though I have cut down i'm still smoking (my way to help boost the economy). Then this post got brought to life again. Funny how that happens. Hope all is well! Have a great Thanksgiving!
God bless you. Just take it a day at a time. It can be done. I was an on again off again smoker. Been clean for many years now. It can be done!
I think anyone who quits smoking and doesn't do it on Jan 1 has a much better chance of success. Getting a months head start before the new year will make it happen.
Now if I can just resolve to work out a few times a week.... I think I will resolve to do that Jan 1st.
:)
I pray that all is still going well Vanessa :)