Welcome, Becky

[Dot]

Hi Becky...it's good t have you here. Tell us a little more about yourself...are you using any quit aids, etc.?

I really think group support helps so much. Even if noone answers your questions right away, it's sometimes good just to come here and type your feelings, rant and rave, or pat yourself on the back.

Sleep disturbance and wild dreams seem to be "normal" for a while. Ask your doctor for a sleep aid, or try Tylenol nighttime or something like that.

Has anyone suggested a "quit meter"? You can download one from Silkquit, and it keeps track of your days, cigs not smoked, etc. ...it's amazing how fast they add up!

For the time being, just concentrate on yourself and ignore the world. When you get an urge, try to think of something else immediately. Change your routine as much as you can...eat in a different spot, sit in a different chair, etc.

Give yourself a nice reward for each little victory!!

Dot

[becky5123]

Hi, Dot! Thanks for your thoughtful and wise words. My birthday was on Dec the 23 and I told my family that I would be smoke free by my birthday. So funny that I said that and around a week before I came down with a horrible allergy attack, that was the day that I said ok this is for real I'm done with this and haven't smoked since. I am not taking any aids to help cope. I am doing this cold turkey. I’m shocked that I haven't taken anything because I’ve always smoked and it controlled me, I use to not be able to do anything without smoking. I have been keeping myself busy and around people who don’t smoke. For example, I have been going to the stores but dragging my husband to all of them with me because I am sort of afraid I’m gonna crack if he’s not there to say something.

I have a quit meter but I don’t think it works properly because it doesn’t have the days or the amount of money saved correct. I will look forward to downloading one from silkquit.

As for sleeping……… sleeping at night is getting better, but I also noticed that I have been starting to sleep during the day too. It hasn’t been that bad until yesterday and today, I feel like a little kid who wants to throw the biggest tantrum. I feel like I’m hanging on the end of the rope here. I almost stopped by the store to buy a pack just to have only one, but I kept telling myself not to because I know if I smoke one then I will want more and this cycle will never end. I even sat there trying to con myself into buying it, I swear I feel crazy at times. I just want to know when this will get a little easier?
I can say that I am happier because I can breathe better already and I have a lot more energy, which is weird…. I feel like I just can’t sit still.

[slim]

I posted this for you in another thread. You are doing great! Keep making good decisions and don't let the nicobeast breath! I was wondering how far along you are in days quit?
Here is a link for you to check out:

www.angelfire.com/ca5/auntiesplace/



Becky,

Good for you on staying strong and keeping your quit. The nicobeast will attempt to seduce you back in your weakest moments. Be ready for those times and know that it will pass! I will post a step by step process for quitting and withdrawal in another post...so look for that. All the things that you describe in your post.....sleepless ness, being moody, hand to mouth actions....like eating the kitchen, are completely normal. Your Mind and body are fighting your decision to quit and the nicobeast (habbit) is on you often, especially early on. When you are craving....take deep breaths, get active, change your routines, go to sleep, take a shower, whatever it takes and it will pass. Drink more water and try to eat healthier snacks.

Tell your family and friends that you are goingt o be abit moody for a few weeks and show them the form:

Official License to bi*ch

I, _______________________, in my continuing
fight against the nicodemon am hereby granted
the license to bi*ch as much as is necessary
to win my battle. I apologize to any I have
offended but ask your indulgence and support
in my on-going campaign for freedom.

Signed,


----------------------------
Post it on your desk at work, the refrigerator....just know that it will get better. Smoking is not going to fix anything...just make it worse.
keep the quit Becky!

[becky5123]

One week, six days, 1 hour, 56 minutes and 19 seconds. 196 cigarettes not smoked, saving $44.15. Life saved: 16 hours, 20 minutes.

But In reality......... IT FEELS LIKE FOREVER!

Thanks for your post slim, this nasty nicobeast seems to have instant replay in my head, its so frustrating.....

[Dot]

Becky, as hard as it is to accept, there's a whole "new" Becky coming out from the cloud of smoke! By this time, the nicotine is out of your system, so the symptoms now are just the habitual things we need to change. Plus there are hundreds of other chemicals in cigarettes (I don't have the list anymore), and who knows how long it takes our bodies to clean them out.

It helps to think short-term....I won't smoke for the next hour, or the next day, etc.. I've always tried to aim for double the time I've quit....I KNOW I can quit for a week (I just did!) so I will now quit for another week....that sort of thing.

I also believe in rewards....each time you get past an urge or meet a goal, that's a little victory.

If you ever need to just chat, I'm on yahoo messenger as "mudderofj", and am online quite often.

Dot

[slim]

2 weeks is a huge accomplishment! The first 2 weeks are the hardest to manage. It does seem like it's forever...I remember well. Down the road you will see what i see and know that your struggle right now is all WELL worth while!!! It does get better promise

[becky5123]

How long has it been since you last smoked?

I have been working out most of the day and eating sunflower seeds! Tomorrow night will be hard Im seriously considering staying home just to avoid all the smokers! I did fine on xmas eve but I just dont know.....

[Dot]

Becky, it must be your decision whether to go out for New Years. If you are the least bit uncomfortable about going out to party, by all means stay at home in your own nest. I know we live in a smoking world, and it's impossible to avoid it altogether. But I know at two weeks I personally wasn't strong enough to deal with lots of things, and felt best just hiding here at home. As time goes by, you have to do all of the things you did as a smoker, and each time you face a challenge you get a little stronger.

You will have lots of New Years to celebrate, especially if you don't smoke!

Dot

[ncpops]

Hi Becky. Good going ... it's nice to hear from someone with the determination & strength to manage a cold quit. I quit coffee first, then caffeine, then cigs. I Used pills, patches & a lot of shouting! It takes time. Find your trigers and be prepared with chewing gum or such. Someone here once said "cravings don't kill, cigarettes do". KTQ

Jimpops
since 3/00

[Don]

Hello there Becky, Welcome!
Two Weeks in...in for a penny...in for a pound...KEEP THE QUIT GOING!

Tomorrow is a new year...what a wonderful to start it!!

btw..in my state a smoking ban takes affect in bars and eateries...even those who don't want to quit are going to be in for a rude awakening.