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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 10:55:04 GMT -5
Post by Muymelissa on Jan 4, 2005 10:55:04 GMT -5
Hi everyone! My name is Melissa and I am 27. I have smoked since I was 14, so half of my life. On saturday Jan 1, 2005 at 2pm I layed my smokes down and put on the patch. I am at the 69 hour mark and I have only had 2 puffs since then. I kept telling myself one drag wouldnt hurt (NOT) And then I found this board. Now I know I can do this. As I said I am using the patch and it seems to be working for the most part. I think I can tell when it's wearing off and I am some what worried about becoming dependant on it. I am having some really freaky dreams at night too. But after reading your posts I know that its normal. My husband Mark is also a smoker that refuses to quit. He smokes around me without a thought. I think I am doing farely well considering I have an inconsiderate man lol. Most of my family smokes as well so I am quite sure its going to be hard to not be at risk constantly. I pray to God today is better than yesterday. Yesterday I nearly stood on my head all day trying not have one smoke. Anyway I am so happy I found you all and look forward to your kind words of wisdom.
"One Moment at a Time" Melissa
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 11:05:39 GMT -5
Post by Elaine on Jan 4, 2005 11:05:39 GMT -5
hi Melissa!
I was surrounded by smokers too -- but thankfully I don't live with any smokers. I am sure it makes it tough but after a little while you will realize what an ugly thing it is to watch someone smoke. You hang in there, it does get easier.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 11:55:47 GMT -5
Post by Don on Jan 4, 2005 11:55:47 GMT -5
No doubt it will be a challenge to quit surrounded by smokers. But understand you are quitting for yourself 1st. Hopefully Mark will be supportive for you in your journey. Sadly there are times when other smokers feel threatened by a quitter and will try to tempt\sabotage your quit so they don't have to face the reality of their own addiction. Stay STRONG! You need only to look at those addicted souls around you to reaffirm your need to break free of this addiction. This is doable. We are all here as proof of that. And, we are all here for you as well.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 11:55:50 GMT -5
Post by judyb on Jan 4, 2005 11:55:50 GMT -5
Welcome, Melissa! Congratulations on your intelligent decision to quit smoking and for your bravery in doing it in a situation that's not that easy. With determination and the right attitude AND support you can do this! Many have quit in similar situations to yours, so don't feel overwhelmed. Come here all the time, post any questions/observations/bi*ching that you may have. The support here is second to none!
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 12:01:39 GMT -5
Post by Muymelissa on Jan 4, 2005 12:01:39 GMT -5
Thanks all for the warm words. The day feels like it is just creeping by. I sit here typing to keep myself from thinking about the overwhelming urge to smoke or throw myself over a cliff lol. I am going to go and buy the biggest bag of candy I can find. I think the habit part is bothering me more than the actual urges. I need to be doing something to keep my hands busy. How long does this last? Again thanks everyone for the kind welcomes.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 12:05:23 GMT -5
Post by judyb on Jan 4, 2005 12:05:23 GMT -5
Think about going to your grocery spice aisle and getting some cinnamon sticks. They really were helpful in getting me thru the urge to stick something in my mouth and satisfied the urge to "gnaw" that usually happens when you first quit. They also give your hands something to do!!!!! ;D
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 12:10:12 GMT -5
Post by Don on Jan 4, 2005 12:10:12 GMT -5
And if you're reasonably close to the store (and not blocked by snow) walk to the store to keep yourself busy.
Driving was a HUGE trigger for me. It was also the place where I could smoke freely since at the time I had agreed to not smoke in the house around The Wife and The Boy. (The Girl has never been exposed to a smoking daddy).
Keeping busy and sleeping are good ways to keep the craves at bay.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 12:12:27 GMT -5
Post by judyb on Jan 4, 2005 12:12:27 GMT -5
Another great "chew toy" for the newly quit is the plastic stick found beneath Chupa Chup lollipops. The lollipops are fat free and delicious!!! You can order some here www.candywarehouse.com/chupachups.htmlif you can't find them at your favorite candy store
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 12:24:39 GMT -5
Post by ncpops on Jan 4, 2005 12:24:39 GMT -5
Hi Melissa
Youi've started the journey...and it sounds like there's very little support at home. Keep your focus, your goal is reachable.
I surfed the net alot. I would pick a topic, then search & read as much about it as possible. Chewing gum helped, patches too. I've always had wierd dreams so nothing disturbing there. Drink lots of water, water, water. Go to the non-smoking allowed mall. Enjoy the lights, watch the people, walk thru the stores. And don't forget exercise.
Jimpops
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 12:33:12 GMT -5
Post by Muymelissa on Jan 4, 2005 12:33:12 GMT -5
Yea I need to be excercising, all I have eatin in the last 3 days. I will be huge by the weeks end.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 13:25:27 GMT -5
Post by Graciedonovan on Jan 4, 2005 13:25:27 GMT -5
Welcome Melissa. As others have said, what you're doing is tough, but very doable. Stand on your head if necessary. A little unusal, but if it works, hey, go for it. Keeping busy is key. As Don said, walk if the weather permits. Or go to a smoke free mall as Jimpops suggested. I took up some old hobbies that I hadn't done in a while like cross stitch and needle point. Then I found my real love, quilting. In the beginning, I cleaned everything in sight. Wet hands can't smoke. Take long relaxing baths if you like doing that. As also suggested, sleep if you can. I personally was too wired to do that, but to each his/her own. IMHO the worst thing you can do is sit around and feel sorry for yourself. That's a real quit buster. I also took Judy's advice about the cinnamon sticks. Do whatever it takes to remain smoke free, except throwing yourself off a cliff.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 13:33:30 GMT -5
Post by lizzysgirl on Jan 4, 2005 13:33:30 GMT -5
Welcome Mellissa and good luck on your quit i,m surew you can stick to it! I used to buy sugar free mints they used to keep me from wanting to smoke and i also used to wash up a lot too as it kept my hands busy! there wasnt a dirty dish to be seen! lol anyway now 3 weeks 2 days since i quit cold turkey and it dont seem to bother me much anymore and there are a few dirty pots back as i,m not permanantly washing up to keep my hands busy anymore. Yes i still have the bad day but mainly just throw a wobbly at the ex to releive my stress lol. but its good to be smoke free! I kissed a smoker on new years eve and eugh he tasted like a ashtray never noticed that before when i smoked too eughh it was horrible.
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 14:18:18 GMT -5
Post by Muymelissa on Jan 4, 2005 14:18:18 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions all. I just went to Walmart and got a huge bag of twislers and lolly pops. Figure those things would help. ;D Everyone sayd to drink lots of water......does it curve the appetite or the cravings?
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 15:18:20 GMT -5
Post by Barby on Jan 4, 2005 15:18:20 GMT -5
Welcome Melissa. I'm just starting my 4th week using the patch, so I still consider myself a newbie. And if I can do it, so can you. I smoked a lot longer than you, and probably a lot heavier too. I still get nervous and you will too probably. Keeping busy is the key. I also chew a LOT of gum! Quitting while being around smokers is probably really making it harder for you, but consider it a challenge. Show them you're bigger & stronger than they are! Keep in touch and we'll all support each other thru this. Barb
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I'm New
Jan 4, 2005 16:23:50 GMT -5
Post by sandyf on Jan 4, 2005 16:23:50 GMT -5
Use the candy for the first while but not too long. I find when I eat a lot of sugar it triggers cravings and mood swings. The sugar gives you an instant boost but then your blood sugar crashes, leaving you, or me anyways, tired, irritable, and brings on nicotine cravings. I probably went way overboard so the effects were more pronounced.Remember when you can't breathe nothing else matters. Eventually you will get to the point that when you are around smokers you will pity their desperate drags on the weed and feel deep gratitude that you broke the chains of dependency.
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