Quitting Smoking - update and reassurance needed

self ^ | 12/4/11 | self

[Marie]

A couple of months ago I posted a thread that I was trying to quit smoking and asked for advice.

I tried going cold turkey, but only managed a few days. I finally went to the doctor and got a prescription for Chantix.

I'm right at three weeks smoke-free now. I quit taking the Chantix about a week and a half ago (horrible nightmares and seriously screwed up sleep) and I'm past the 'cravings' stage. I really only think about smoking a couple of times a day, but I'm not fighting the urge to smoke any more.

This is the point where I usually fail. Week three.

Since I quit, I've been dealing with a constant, low-level anxiety. It's like a panic attack that won't stop. I'm very sensitive to noise and even mild stress pushes me into a horrible place.

This is not 'craving'. This feels like the worst, never-ending, PMS attack ever.

I've been through this before and, as I said, this is when I fall. I start to think that this is how I'm going to feel forever. That I'm never going to feel normal again.

In the past, I've given up and started smoking, not because I wanted a cigarette, but because I knew that this horrible anxiety would go away as soon as I had a cigarette. I actually have made the choice to smoke rather than be crazy.

I need to know that this does eventually end. That I'll one day feel normal again. That I'll be able to concentrate and think and not feel like I'm having a panic attack. That this is part of the process and that it does get better.

[FrankR]

My wife is cigarette free for three months now, using e-cigs.

They come in different nicotine strenghts and you can slowly decrease the levels to zero. You get only the nicotine - which does have some redeeming values, but not the 700 odd combustion chemicals that are the main contributors to lung disease.

Each e-cig is about a pack and a half of regular cigarettes, so you wind up at about $2.50 a pack, average.

There is no odor, no fire, no ashes, and yet you still get to do the "habit" things involved in handling the "cigarette", yet only exhale odorless water vapor.

It's a lot less trouble than smoking a real cigarette, you can even smoke in bed with no danger. The "fire" in the e-cig is an LED that glows orange when you inhale.

She has tried everything from patches, to pills, to cold turkey, and we feared she was hopelessly hooked (after 30 years of smoking) but the e-cigs did it.

They also come in zero nicotine, and flavors, like chocolate, cherry, and methol.

I'd like for her to quit those too, but even if she doesn't, it's a 1,000 times better than real cigarettes.

[mewzilla]

I’ll second the suggestion to talk to your doc again. Also, is there a local smokers anonymous group that you could contact for suggestions? A friend/loved one you can call when things get bad? If you’re a person of faith, how about your pastor/minister/priest? Another idea, if you have the time and inclination, how about volunteering if you don’t already? Or a time and brain consuming hobby? Might be time to learn a new skill. Do you work out? If not, talk to your doc about an exercise program. In the meantime, Marie, we will continue to keep you in our prayers.

[deweyfrank]

I chewed tobacco for 30 years. Tried many times to quit. One day I sat down and figured out how much money it was costing me ($60 every 10 days). Then I figured out what I could buy with that money and guess what? It became a no brainer. Haven't had a chew in 2 years.

[oh8eleven]

This is the point where I usually fail. Week three.
Interesting - I quit smoking in 1981 and I remember wanting a cigarette at three weeks and again at three months.
How did I quit? First, you have to know that you really want to quit. I tried many times, but knew I really didn't want to (you can't fool yourself).
On the weekend I decided to quit, I had 5 cigarettes left in my pack and I said I'd make them last for a week.
Then I only lit up at critical times - after a cup of coffee, with a beer, etc. But each time I put out the cigarette after just a few drags.
The following weekend I had one butt left and I tossed it.
One other factor - smoking is an addiction, but it also includes the hand to mouth habit. I used tooth picks ... when I felt like a cigarette, I'd just reach for a toothpick. Some use Life Savers.
It wasn't easy, and you can do it too if you really want to. Think of the money you'll save.

[edh]

Hang in there!!!! I quit 2 months ago and know what you are talking about. Nicotine addiction is very powerful. Some people can beat it with minimal side effects. People like you and I get what I call “the crazies”.

Look ... you know why its happening. Just laugh it off. You are not going to die. People that know you are quitting can shrug off your anxiousness ... you’ll be sane again shortly :-). Just enjoy “the crazies” for a while. They will pass.

For the love of God though .... DO NOT FIRE UP A CIGARETTE!!!! You already got through the substantially difficult part!!!! This part is the hard part. Just give it a bit more time and you’re going to feel a heck of a lot more normal. Nicotine rewires the reward center of your brain for the most part. It takes time to undo that!!!

Just let the episodes pass and keep it in your mind that you’re not dying. If you have a panic attack ... so what. Yes, they’re horrible. However, side effects of smoking for a lot of people are substantially worse than a panic attack.

Also, take solace in the fact that, even though you feel crazy, this small mental disorder you are experiencing is NOTHING compared to “liberalism” ... look at it as an opportunity to catch a glance into the mind of the enemy :-).

Again, you’re going to be fine. This is very, very, very temporary.

[CAluvdubya]

I smoked for 30 and finally quit about 4 years ago...maybe 5.

Anyway, get on a mild anti depressant. It will help and then you can get off of it when things calm down.

Also, I used the patch and my doctor told me to use it longer than called for. That helped as well.

Good luck!

[spacejunkie01]

Trust me when I tell you this: Every single time you wait through the craving, they will come farther and farther apart. When you first quit, the cravings are every five minutes. Every time you let it pass, the next one comes farther away.

You WILL get to the place where the urge to smoke will be weeks and then months apart. Probably not ever years apart because at that point you will be way past it.

[Kit cat]

You could take anything in my life away from me, but you TOUCH my
cigarettes and I go postal!!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!! My 84 year old
mother still smokes to her hearts content!!!!!

[Kit cat]

You could take anything in my life away from me, but you TOUCH my
cigarettes and I go postal!!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!! My 84 year old
mother still smokes to her hearts content!!!!!

[KSCITYBOY]

Did it the same way had some of the sames experiences - about 1 year ago and I smoked for a long time, It gets better you just need to stay strong and not give in - I would grag a dum dum sucker or get up and walk for 5 to 10 minutes when I felt overwhelmed. Good luck - it gets easier and you will start feeling better and better. A good consistent exercise program helps a lot.

[trebb]

Hang in there - if you manage to get a few months under your belt, you will indeed feel "normal" again. It's very addictive and the mental/emotional cravings are the hardest to shake becaue the physical cravings are usually gone within a week. Soon you will discover that your bowels will move and your car will start even without a lit cigarette being in the mix.

The important thing is to not stop quitting, even if a relapse occurs - long-term determination will pay big benefits in the end.

I have offered up a prayer that you are successful - the Chantix is probably causing the inner unease because it has many mental/emotional side-effects - keep that knowledge forefront so you understand that it's the drug and not something else going wrong.

[fullchroma]

I never smoked but got addicted to nicotine gum. Love nicotine! Chain chewed for years. Switched to patches for a while and am now, finally, nicotine-free. It’s been two weeks. I still miss the gum. I deeply mourn the loss.

This little toothpick thingy helps. I keep them all over the house and in the car. Makes me happy to pick my teeth and the activity is GOOD for you! Healthy gums prevent heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and toothlessness.

https://www.perio-aid.net/perio-aid.html

Good luck!

[HiTech RedNeck]

Look freepmail — basically do not be afraid to get other appropriate physicians involved if needed for your peace of mind and/or physical health, and watch the caffeinated beverages or stimulant supplements in the meantime.

[gimme1ibertee]

BTW,Marie....prayer definitely works,not just to overcome a huge,ugly habit,but for life's other ills as well.I got a little booklet in my box of Nicorette that outlines some things that help with staying smoke-free.To this day I carry it in my purse.I don't get it out and look at it any more,but just knowing it's there is an odd sort of comfort to me. True story....I remember when I came home from the doctor's,after getting the Nicorette,I was so mad at myself and at that cigarette case I carried around,that I threw it across the living room and it fell behind the recliner sitting in the corner.
You know,that case stayed on the floor behind that chair for a good three months before I got up the nerve to retrieve it,handle it like a dead mouse and toss it into the trash.It's a very,very strong addiction,but like so many others,unless you handle it,it handles you.
You're wrestling it right now,almost in a chokehold,got it down,now hang on till it's choked dead.DON'T give up.You are at a critical point and you can get past this stage and move forward. Whenever I think about cigarettes, I just stand up,take a slow,full,deep breath and let it out.I couldn't do that when I smoked because the thick brown mucus in my lungs would rattle and tickle till I coughed uncontrollably. About two months after quitting I could do it and it felt so cleansing!! I've read that it takes a little over a year for your respiratory system to recover when you stop.That sounded about right for me. I was up to 1 1/2 packs a day when I quit. Now i'm a pack of gum a week girl.:)

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Is that really a nice thing to post on this thread? Not helpful to the freeper asking for advice

[rockinqsranch]

I believe I responded to your last post that I had quit smoking cold turkey after fifty years as I wasn’t about to pay for the Dems new insurance program with my tax money should I keep smoking.

I made up my mind to not light up basically, and that’s what I didn’t do. Never lit up another cigarette.

It is also important to know that I spend all my time here at the ranch. I don’t go anywhere except say the supply store, Home Depot for materials, Grocery store....other than that I don’t have anyplace where I would sit and socialize with others that might be smoking, or somebody is around me that is. I do go to the local doughnut shop, but nobody smokes there either.

It helps to avoid those places where some folks are inclined to light ‘em up, and keep your self busy with handi-work. Occupy yourself with something of interest that will benefit you, and keep your hands busy as well keep your mind off of your anxieties.

[rockinqsranch]

I believe I responded to your last post that I had quit smoking cold turkey after fifty years as I wasn’t about to pay for the Dems new insurance program with my tax money should I keep smoking.

I made up my mind to not light up basically, and that’s what I didn’t do. Never lit up another cigarette.

It is also important to know that I spend all my time here at the ranch. I don’t go anywhere except say the supply store, Home Depot for materials, Grocery store....other than that I don’t have anyplace where I would sit and socialize with others that might be smoking, or somebody is around me that is. I do go to the local doughnut shop, but nobody smokes there either.

It helps to avoid those places where some folks are inclined to light ‘em up, and keep your self busy with handi-work. Occupy yourself with something of interest that will benefit you, and keep your hands busy as well keep your mind off of your anxieties.

[rockinqsranch]

I keep getting that server messed up message that we usually get just before FR goes on the blink, as well a double posting.

Hope FR doesn’t go down in flames today.

[rockinqsranch]

I keep getting that service temporarily unavailable messed up message that we usually get just before FR goes on the blink, as well a double posting.

Hope FR doesn’t go down in flames today.

[republicangel]

Yes, it does get better. I went through smoking cessation classes through the Navy hospital here. It was pretty rough at first. First week, I felt like a drug addict needing a fix. I made it. I’ve been smoke free for 9 years now. I quit at Thanksgiving 9 years ago. Somehow I managed to quit while my husband was still smoking. He quit a year later.