[TCRNCOB61]

I quit smoking 6 years ago this past Jan 10th. after smoking for 25 years. It was harder than quiting taking the pills I was taking for my migraines. Smoking was my comfort.

I walked into Walmart one day to buy a carton of cigs and came out with a box of patches! I used the patches for 11 days but I don't really think they worked very well. I too was very crabby for about 3 to 6 months (just ask the girls I work with!). (we have a party every year now on Jan. 10th)

[Thunderwolf]

Originally Posted by millerernurse

I have also been trying to quit on and off. It is hard for me especially since my husband still smokes so I have them readily available to me. It is such a mental issue and it's hard to fight it. I do not smoke at work, I chew gum but as soon as I get home I need to have a smoke or so my mind tells me that. It's definatly easier said than done to say just quit doing it. People who are non-smoker do not understand how tough it is. Like they say unless you've walked a mile in my shoes you can't really relate to my or any individuals situation whether that is addiction or pain ect. To any of you non smokers please don't lecture it does not help it does not have any effect at all. I know what smoking does and it's long term effects so please do not lecture.
If someone you know is trying to quit please help support them because it is a hard battle.

You raise a good point....lecturing doesn't help. Support and understanding does though. I feel your angst.

So....it is good to say this now...if you have not used, don't lecture. It falls on deaf ears, mine included. If you have or do use, lecture with caution...but only after you speak from your own space first or tell your story. One has to earn the right to lecture...and even that is done in moderation.

Great post.

Thank you.

[Thunderwolf]

I love reading these success stories...it gives one hope.

Keep them coming.

If you are currently struggling with the desire to quit, like I am...please tell your story too.

[mlvnurse03]

I myself do not smoke. But many of our patients have quit using that new drug-Chantix. Maybe you should give this a try.

[Suesquatch]

Chantix.

[NICU_nurse2b]

I too am a smoker. The only thing that made me quit was getting pregnant. The last time I stopped was for 7 years. Then 3rd semester of nursing school I started carpoolling with 3 other smokers. (not blaming them at all, just made it easier to start again) It was during the summer and we were craming 16 weeks into 10, very stressfull. I started smoking again. I feel horrible. My youngest daughter was born with congenital heart disease and swore I would never smoke again. (I smoked until I found out I was pregnant, but by then I was 6-8 weeks along.) She was not a planned pregnancy or I would not have been smoking at all. I NEVER smoke around my children or in my house, but they do know I smoke.
I can't believe how easy it was to start again! I will start working soon and really need to quit. (Pregnancy is not an option this time!!) When ever I even think of not smoking I have such anxiety. I don't remember feeling this way the other times I quit. I'm making this post the first step in quitting.

I have to agree with other posters, lecturing does not help and does fall on deaf ears. My husband does not understand why after everything we have been through, why I would start again. I don't understand it myself.

[Silverdragon102]

I haven't smoked but I have offered support to many as was part of my role in my previous job and know it is not easy to pack in but I hoped I never lectured my patients but offered them support and passed on hints/tips that others had given to me that helped them in their quest. My hats go off to the ones that keep trying and to the ones that struggle and stop you will find a time that is right for you and I hope you find the support in others to help you

[TheBean]

I quit smoking 7 years ago, after smoking for 13 years. I didn't use the patch, gum, or anything. Just did it cold turkey. I'll tell ya- it was really hard at first.

Busy hands helped but one can't always keep their hands busy. Going out with my friends was really tough, since I smoked a lot with them: Someone is late- light up a cig; drink in one hand, smoke in another. Also, waiting at a light in my car was tough- what does one do with their hands when you're just sitting there?

Once I realized that smoking for me was more of a means of displacing my anxiety, I was better equipped to handle not smoking.

When just telling myself to stop didn't work, I had my handy dandy little back-up: I had a small jar of cigarette butts in water that I would open up and sniff. That was discouragement enough.

[Thunderwolf]

Originally Posted by TheBean

When just telling myself to stop didn't work, I had my handy dandy little back-up: I had a small jar of cigarette butts in water that I would open up and sniff. That was discouragement enough.

You know, I may need to include that in my arsenal when I choose my quit day. Thank you for this suggestion.

[TAB_RN]

I quit 21 days ago. I used Chantix for 3 weeks. I don't have the urge - but the first week was BRUTAL! I was a WITCH! Not to mention, I quit 10 days before sitting for the NCLEX-RN. If I could get through that without a cigarette, I can do ANYTHING!

I now know, 21 days later, that I am done. I won't go back, because I don't want to have to do this again. I am past the nicotine and now past the habit as well. Now, if I went back - it would just be a stupid decision, so that is NOT going to happen.