Quitting smoking.. for real this time.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 22, 2008

Ewwww I couldn't ever get through more than a day or two of cold turkey but best of luck to you! Maybe you should get some of the gum just in case? Staying quit was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

missninaRN · Mar 22, 2008

I applaud your decision to be a healthier person!

rn32 · Mar 23, 2008

I quit smoking during finals 2 yrs ago. It is a bitter stuggle between the mind and addiction. Each day you can win the battle, just focus on your "whys". I kept reminding myself of all the reasons I wanted and needed to quit. Soon, I could go a whole day without thinking about smoking, then a wk, a mth, a year, 2 yrs! I am not going to say it was easy, but it is absolutely wonderful to be free from a cigarrette addiction. I still think about it every so often; the urge creeps up like an unwanted guest. I look back at my struggle and realize that I could never do that to myself again. just keep trying, you will see that you are strong enough to take back your life.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Mar 23, 2008

I need some support! I'm almost done with semester 2/4 and I'm getting migraines (triggered by cigarette smoke). I decided I'm really ready to quit, as it's come to either smoke and get terrible migraines or suck it up and quit. I've tried Chantix and Nicorette in the past but I decided I'm going cold turkey this time.
Any support would be greatly appreciated! :]

How was your experience with Chantix, besides not really quitting:wink2:? Did you finish the course of med? What were your side effects?

tachybradyRN · Mar 23, 2008

How was your experience with Chantix, besides not really quitting:wink2:? Did you finish the course of med? What were your side effects?

I did not finish the course of meds. I did the starting week and was fine, noticed that when I smoked, I wasn't getting that nicotine "rush" you sometimes get. Once I got into the maintenance weeks, however, the nausea was really bad for me. I started taking it with food, anything I could do, but I couldn't stand the nausea and I was getting really sick. Other people I know have had better experiences, but it just wasn't for me :[

Dorito, ASN, RN · Mar 26, 2008

After smoking for over 30 years I tried a new approach Monday the 24th. I went to get laser therapy. I've used patches, meds, cold turkey etc in the past but I've never experienced this type of rapid relief before. I haven't had ANY cravings for cigs since I quit. I know I still have to brek the habit part but in the past I had to give up coffee, alcohol and lots of other things because the cravings were so intense. So far I haven't had a cig since Monday and I feel great. It was painless. I have another treatment tomorrow and I feel like I had a massage when I got done. Good luck to you but cold turkey is tough. This may be an option for you.

sandygator, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2008

Allimariee,

I read your post celebrating 2 years of sobriety..that's wonderful!! People tole me that if I could give up alcohol I could certainly give up smoking...boy are they clueless.

I did, however, use an AA slogan to finally quit after trying everything known to man. "Let go and let God" I was only able to quit when I told God that if He wanted me to quit then He needed to do HIs will in my life. Today, it is still my will to get that pack. But I don't, and I know it's because of His will!

Best of luck to you!

Sandy

studently42 · Mar 31, 2008

Good luck Dorito! Well how is it going Alliemariee? Did you quit and how? I used Smoke Away and it's been three weeks. Smoke Away only helps (a little) the first week and since then it has been difficult, but I'm gonna make it.

BrokenRNheart · Apr 1, 2008

I am quitting too. I never was a big smoker - mostly a social smoker - I call it "part time smoker." With the last two jobs I picked up smoking heavy and was up to 2 packs a day for a couple months with the last job - chain smoking all the way home (hour drive).

I have been away from that job over a month now. I tried chantix and felt NOTHING. I had way better luck with Wellbutrin.

With nothing - just not working that job - I got down to about 1-5 cigs a day. Yesterday, I went all day with not one cigarette. I stayed up late to replace the zipper in one of my granddaughter's coats. I did break down and smoke a cigarette about 4-5am. I have not had one since (10pm here)

Not working that last job has helped me. Even the stress of everything that has come with it doesn't give me the urge to smoke.

Good luck. There is a new series about weight loss that addresses the reason for the cravings. I think that is one big factor. What you associate it with. I also needed to smoke if I was on the computer but I haven't had the problem.

I just hope I have it licked this time. I really wasn't ready and still wanted to smoke but I just lost the cravings.

PhyllisV · Apr 1, 2008

Best wishes!!! You are doing the right thing!

Phyllis

greatshakes · Apr 4, 2008

Allimariee

All the best with it. I have posted before about my smoking.I have given up for third time. First 4 1/2 years with hyponotherapy, snd time 6 months after staple in ear, zyban and patches combined. Took it up for a month and now on champix. not bad. just finished the first pack but no smoking for about ninteen days. You can do this!!!! I found my ebay site was good. I went to the board discussions and then Chin wag and then want to quit smoking. Made all the difference once I got a ticker going because it makes you determined to see it grow. When I gave up first time I saved $1700 so got permanent makeup. Ninteen days I have saved about $125 as 25 smokes would last me two days and cost about $AUD12.50 pkt.

Expect to feel sad, lost and angry as you're mourning and missing a friend in your life who had always been there as a comfort.

All the best to all quitters.