sorry another question

[Karyn]

Ok sorry another question for anyone that has done the gum or lozenges. So when you finally quit the gum or lozenges did you go through the withdrawal period, like a new hell week? Just curious. Thanks

[Graciedonovan]

Karyn, don't be sorry for asking questions. There are no dumb or stupid questions here. During my last quit, I tried the gum, but it gave me headaches, and besides, it tasted nasty. I switched to the patch. I've seen commercials out now that claim the gum has been improved to be more like real gum though. I never tried the lozenges. I used the step down method with the patch, and it wasn't bad at all. My understanding with the gum and lozenges, is that you taper off gradually, so no, I wouldn't think it would be like hell week.

By the way, I remember you posting about going through the American Lung Association program. How is that going for you? Hang in there girlfriend, I know you can do it.

[Karyn]

Thanks Patti!!!! I am still doing the American Lung Assc. program. Kind of behind though on the modules but will catch up and I am getting ready to fill my perscription of Welbutrin, and start reading Alan Carrs book too.

Still not sure on using those aids or not, but dont want to suffer more than I know I will at first. But also kind of think I am prolonging the inevitable if I use the gum or lozenges if that makes sense. But alot of the newbies and some of the oldbies on here have had a good success with them so not sure.
I know that different quits are different but have done it without those things last two times and made it 10 months, but stupidity put me back at smoking, and I am sure I wouldnt be on gum or whatever at 10 months. So I did it before without it so that is the only reason I am hesitant.

[Bubb]

Karyn...no need to apologize for asking questions. That's why we're all here.

I know it's easy for me to say but try not to be concerned about being rid of the gum, patch, lozenge, whatever. Focus on not smoking. I think some quitters worry too much about nicotine levels in their systems. IMHO, a day without inhaling cigarette smoke is a day without smoking. Quit smoking aids are just that...aids. They help to take the edge off; to give the user a boost in the fight against smoking. When you snuff out that last cigarette and move on with the aid, (whichever one(s) you use), the day will come when you will feel you'll be able to go without it. When you quit smoking, you'll be on your way to take control of your life. You won't be ruled by the beast and your addiction. No, you will not have to suffer through another hell week. .

What you can do in the mean time is to develope a plan. That is, when the beast is knocking at your door and you feel as though you're going to burst unless you have a cigarette, what are you going to do? You have to have a plan. Are you going to light up or are you going to take a walk, jog, shower? When you find yourself in a bit of a confrontation with someone or something.....will you light up or will you follow a pre-determined plan?

When you're in the grasp of the beast and you feel you just can't stand it any longer, it's sometimes a good idea to sit.....sit and ponder your next move. You must get a hold of yourself; you must take control. There are no easy fixes, there is no magic. Each quitter must go toe to toe with the beast and beat him. There is no other way.

[Karyn]

Thanks Bubb!!!! You were and still are such a big help.
You are right, and I am working on what I am going to do to replace the smoking in times of stress or whenever I get the crave. I am doing the American lung Assc. thing and in one of the modules you go through they take you through that exercise of planning on what you are going to do. Not at the module yet but I have been thinking about it, quite alot actually.
My first thought is to drink a big glass of icecold water very slowly, then hop on my exercise bike for 5 min.
But I just remembered my husband got rid of the bike, so maybe pop in a tae boe (sp) workout tape.
This will only work at home. Last time I would head out the door to the park in my back yard and walk and walk.
Now it is so cold.
Any ideas anyone???

[slim]

I day without puffing is one day quit!

I like that concept. You know I quit cold turkey but I would much rather use a quit aid than smoke. I was just to stubborn to use NRT's and to stubborn to smoke when the beast came a calling. I beleive that what Bubb said is acurate info and a message you should take to heart.

You know that one movie (now I hope someone helps me out on this..was it Pretty Woman?) where at the very end of the movie the old bum guy is walking down the street saying loudly "What's your dream" well picture me saying "what's your plan kar-an" Perhaps Bubb would make a better character for that one ;D Maybe the two of us could sing it together "Whats your plan man" What ya goona do when the beast comes a knocking........ Ok

i best stop

people are laughing
you get the picture


When is that day again?

[Don]

Karyn, don't let fear of withdrawal keep you from quitting. Like any fear, the fear is worse than the reality.
You will not die!
You will not be comfortable at times but that will pass.

Jump in and swim.


Exercise\walking is a wonderful to keep yourself committed with quitting.

[Elaine]

I quit using the lozenges and no, there isn't another "Hell week" when you use your last lozenge.

[Graciedonovan]

Slim gave me an inspiration Karyn. Does anyone here watch the TV show "Cops"? I don't very often, but hubby loves it. I love the song that opens their show.

"Bad boy, bad boy, whatchadonnado when they come for you, bad boy" or girl in this case. The "they" in this instance is the cravings/nicobeast/whever. Make a plan Karyn for when "they" come for you.

I think I'll also take Slims advice and stop now. If you have never seen the show, you'll think I'm a raving lunitic. But then... (lol)

[slim]

Now that I think of it....

at those moments of truth...

I sometimes freaked and went to bed
Sometimes I would do deep breathing (not like stalker or anything) Deep in hold, let 1/4 out..hold, let another 1/4 out, hold, etc
I also surfed the net and came here to post...I would type stuff up, you know paragraphs, and then delete it.
I always tried to be positive...like...this crave will end any minute now...yep...it's moving towards the door..i can feel it.
ohhhhcan i feel it. A good craving/urge/calling is a sign of healing, makes you feel alive, you feel better when you beat it, for one day it only shows up on Saturday's and then everyother week and so on.
I ate alot...don't recommend this one.
i took a shower (loved that one)
i played golf with non smokers.
I avoided big triggers for awhile.
I internalized the mind set that i choose never to have another puff! No matter what.
Smoking is not an option even if the beast brings me to my knees and he did.

I think you'll be fine! :-)

when is that day again?

[Karyn]

OH my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D
You guys are cracking me up.
I dont remember the guy in pretty woman, but I do remember Cops.
Ok I need everyone to send me messages saying
"bad girl bad girl whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you" Tee Hee. I love it.
Thanks everyone for the replies. Really truely even though I am getting siked, I still regress but come here and you make my day and give me so much inspiration.
Thanks Elaine, that helps knowing that.
Slim I like all your ideas, that gives me a start.
Don you are right and I need to repeat that to myself...
"you will not die" but keep it in my head that I may die if I keep puffing.
Slim the day is Janurary 31st 2005!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My rebirth shall we say.

[Barby]

Karyn, I can understand your concern about using HRTs and just prolonging things. I'm using the patch and couldn't have quit without it! It will be interesting to see what happens when I go off it.

A suggestions for you if you want to go cold turkey. Have the gum or lozenges around just in case the beast really gets nasty and drives you completely up the wall. You can take a piece of gum or lozenge to get you past this horrible craving. You'll only be using it when you absolutely need it and not on a regular basis.

Maybe that will help. I know you'll succeed with your quit. You're so ready and so prepped for it!

Barb

[Karyn]

Barb thank you!!!
That is good advice and will most likely take it.
I am going to do Welbutrin, so may get some gum or something just in case.
I really shouldnt matter as long as I dont take a puff which I have no intention of doing.
Thanks again

[judyb]

You're gonna do fine!! Keep that can do attitude and a lot of "weapons" around to beat the beast. AND come here for inspiration!

[Karyn]

Thanks Judy.
Can you suggests some of your weapons for me???
thanks!!!