I Quit!!

Someday-C.R.N.A. · Nov 6, 2005

Congratulations!!

Deciding that you truly WANT to quit is an important step.

I also found the information at http://www.whyquit.com very useful. I spent some time reading through that site, and it made me feel better able to tackle my "demon". Knowledge is a very useful tool, and I found that site very educational.

I used Smoke Away to help me quit. I liked the idea of not putting more nicotine into my system. They have a help forum (doesn't cost anything to join) at http://www.smokeaway.com - click on the "join the forum" link. Even if you don't register and participate, I found that reading some of the threads was helpful for me.

I tossed a half a pack, about 7 packs in my carton, and a two pack a day for 13 years habit in the dumpster on April 16th of this year @ 2230 hrs.

Remember that NO quit smoking aid is going to "make" you quit. YOU have some work to do, but the pay off is SO worth it.

GOOD LUCK!!

Retired R.N. · Nov 6, 2005

Congratulations for deciding to quit smoking. For many people, quitting is NOT easy, and if you are one who "backslides," don't be too quick to criticize yourself. If you remember, you didn't become a smoker overnight, and you probably won't become an ex-smoker overnight either. No matter how many fresh tries it takes for you to quit smoking, each try gets you one step closer to your goal of better health.

You may find that you need to make some other changes in your lifestyle also. I suggest that you avoid smoke-filled rooms whenever possible, even at the risk of being labeled antisocial. Most of your friends will support your efforts to quit, unless they are smokers who feel threatened by your decision because it makes them feel inferior. You have to make some choices about whether you want to risk a future with lung cancer or COPD. Best wishes for success!

Siouxz2 · Nov 6, 2005

Contratulations to all the quitters on this thread. I am at 15 days. My annoying little cough is gone. I have found http://www.quitnet.com quite helpful as well.

For those of you still struggling with quitting, it's tough but doable. If you try & fail, don't give up!! It is the rare person who succeeds at quitting on their first try. Consider the times you couldn't do it as practice.

royr · Nov 6, 2005

I QUIT Smoking!! I have been smoking for 17 years and I just can't do it anymore. My mom was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and it has already moved on to her esophagus. I do not want to die that way. Cancer is very common in my family. I know I am taking a chance with every cigarette.
Any words of advice? Any tips or tricks you have tried or that work? Thanks for the help.
Hugs :icon_hug:
Shannon

Good for you. Cold turkey really works if you have the will. Don't look at ciggs, touch them, or go where you can smell others endulging for at least 3 or 4 months. It is a day to day fight - so keep the faith and remember WHY it is you don't want them any more. You will do it and stay healthy! If you realy get the urge to pick one up, chew it and spit it out, don't light it. The negative response you get from your own body will keep you from picking up another one for a while. It really works.

MIA-RN1, RN · Nov 6, 2005

I quit cold turkey after about 13 or 14 years of smoking. You can do it! What helped the most was drinking lots of water, eating crunchy things and brushing my teeth whenever I had a craving. My husband and I did this together and we have been smoke-free for 9 years now.

Keep up the great work! :)

MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2005

:yeah: Good for you!

That is a HUGE accomplishment!

Princess74 · Nov 7, 2005

I quit smoking using the gum but got hooked on it, chewed it for 3 years(aprox 200 pieces a week) then started smoking again to try to get off the dang gum. I need to quit so badly! I'm going to try the patch this time. I've already purchased them but I have not figured out when i'm gonna start them yet.

nurse4theplanet, RN · Nov 7, 2005

there's no day like today!!!

is the gum that addictive? I had a mad craving yesterday and I nearly bought some...migraine headache/dizziness/irritable...you know the spill.

Is nicotine also carcinogenic or just addictive? The gum can't cause cancer can it?

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 7, 2005

:balloons: Congratulations. At first I thought you quit your job. :rotfl:

HONEYBEAR · Nov 7, 2005

Congrats...I quit smoking.....7 yrs ago....had to do it cold turkey.....tried all the patches, gum etc...nothing worked.....so cold turkey was the way to go....I have never looked back. I do not miss it.....you have to find the best way for you.....Good luck.....it is a tough battle but so worth it. You smell better.......food tastes better....you are healthier....so Good luck....keep us updated on how you are doing.

rn/writer, RN · Nov 7, 2005

You could make yourself accountable to those of us here who support your efforts. Post every day to let us know how you did. Maybe the knowledge that you'd have to "confess" a lapse will help you avoid it.

You have my support and admiration!

Shannon RN 2be · Nov 7, 2005

Thanks for the advice and support. Today is day 3 and it is a hard day. Today I am back at school and around all my friends who smoke. It's real hard not to go out before and after class. During smoke breaks are the worst because I don't want to stay in the classroom but I can't go outside with my friends. I know I can make it it's just a harder day then what I have had so far.

I will keep posting about my progress. I can't thank you all enough for all the support.

Hugs :icon_hug:

Shannon