Stop smoking before school starts?

[uglyrunt]

I can't decide if I should try and quit smoking before school starts in August. At our orientation, the instructors made it perfectly clear that

there will be no smoking during our clinicals and we better not smell like

smoke when we get there. We will be sent home if they smell smoke.

They also stated that our homework should not smell like smoke when

we turn it in. I agree with the instructors completely and I want to quit

but, it's kind of difficult to get the will power when I'm scared out of my

wits about starting school.

My doctor gave me Chantix and Wellbutrin to help me stop but, I haven't

taken any yet because I'm scared of all the horror stories from both these

meds.

Is anyone else out there going through this?

Thanks

[bmackd2]

You both can do it. I quit about 3 weeks ago...I think. I feel so much better now. I really LOVED to smoke. However ridiculous it sounds it was one of my favorite things to do.

I still miss it a bit but I am so happy to have it done. I don't panic anymore when I am down to my last smoke and don't feel like going out to get a pack. I don't have to stop every time I go somewhere to pick up a pack.

My clothes and hair don't stink anymore. I am also going to have my teeth whitened since I am saving so much money now.

You can do it!!!! If I can anyone can.

[uglyrunt]

Thank you so much for your support, bmackd2.

[readytoroll]

I quit smoking about four years ago. I used the patch for three days, before it got on my nerves and I stopped. Quitting was one of the hardest things I had to do. There were plenty of times that I wanted to pick up a cigarette. Especially in the first couple of weeks. I had to learn to find other things to do when I wanted to smoke. I would eat some raw carrots or even chew on a straw, go for a walk with the dogs or get online and look for a recipe. I know it's hard, but you can do it!

[uglyrunt]

Congratulations readytoroll and

Thank you for your support.

[EMTBrooks]

Thank you all for the support for all of us trying to quit. It really helps to hear words of encouragement.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

I hadn't looked at this thread until just now and I wanted to comment about the Wellbutrin. I was not aware that it was used for smoking cessation. I have been off and on it for crying mostly related to depression because of dealing with many medical problems and cancer. My depression lifted right away and the only side effect I had with the drug was some insomnia which was solved by switching to the XL form of the drug. I just weaned off of it last week as a matter of fact.

I worked med/surg and stepdown units and saw enough emphysema and lung cancer to make me put cigarettes down a long time ago. When I read your post I thought of the 7th Day Adventist School out here and in Dayton that will absolutely toss a student out of class if they even catch a hint of cigarette smoke on their clothing. They also won't permit the drinking of coffee or eating of meat.

The hardest part of quitting is the initial withdrawal. There are different schools of thought on how quitting should be accomplished: slowly or cold turkey. Have you read the facts on both? (http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33567) This is the Quit Smoking Action Plan from the American Lung Association

• http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=117062

[readytoroll]

"The hardest part of quitting is the initial withdrawal."

Thats the truth!

[uglyrunt]

Thank you, Daytonite.

In the past, I've quit two times. Each time for one year.

Both times were cold turkey. I was depressed each time and my

personality became dry and dull.

I'm hoping this time, the Chantix and Wellbutrin will help.

[KansasFNP]

In my honest opinion, if you hope to help individuals achieve optimum health, then you must too help yourself to achieve optimum health. Plus think of the money you'll save!