BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking

Subject: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: nutty
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 05:44 PM

I've just smoked my last cigarette and now I'm going to clear the ashtrays freshen the house and go to bed

In the morning I will wake up a non - smoker

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: mousethief
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 05:47 PM

Way to go, Nutty! You can do it!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: nutty
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 05:49 PM

me again --
I've just found out why the threads keep posting themselves

If you hit the TAB key instead of Caps - the damn thing posts

See I'm getting ratty already and I've only been a non- smoker for five minutes

YOUR SUPPORT WOULD BE APPRECIATED

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Allan C.
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 05:57 PM

Quitting is, at the end of the day, a promise to yourself. You are the one who is betrayed if you fail to keep the promise - nobody else. It is up to you.

You have the strength to do this. Do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: DonMeixner
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:02 PM

Nutty,

Quitting smoking was harder than learning to yodel. I would suggest that you keep a supply of grapes around to help you with the craves. They helped me and they get rid of ashtray mouth in the AM better than crest and a bottle of scope. Plus you get fiber too.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:04 PM

Let me know how you get on Nutty, I am an expert in 'quitting' in that I've read everything, tried everything and haven't managed it yet.....I'm rooting for you, girl!!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Bardford
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:08 PM

Nutty,
Good for you. Quitting is one of the most difficult things to do, but once done, the rewards are many. I quit about 8 years ago after a 17 year habit. My process was simple in concept, hard (at first)in practice: I just kept putting off my next smoke. I've been procrastinating for 8 years now. After a while, I began to consider myself a non-smoker. Keep with it. You will get through this. Obviously you've made the decision. That's probably the biggest obstacle. People who don't want to quit, likely won't, so you're off to a positive start. Best of luck.
Bardford
pink of lung and phlegm-free

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:08 PM

Yeah, I'm with Morty. Its easy to stop. I've done it thousands of times.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:12 PM

Well, they told me that I quit smoking, my love life would improve. I believed 'em, and quit smoking in 1994. I'm waiting for "them" to keep "their" part of the bargain....
-Joe Offer, still hopeful-

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: John Routledge
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:23 PM

Nutty

I stopped twice - 30yrs ago for 5yrs and again 22yrs ago to date.

THE DIFFERENCE. First time I considered myself a smoker who had been forced to stop. This time I spent 3 months persuading myself I was a non-smoker before stopping.

The secret is believing that you are a non-smoker. I needed this concept to give myself support.

Good Luck in your efforts GB

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:32 PM

Try acupuncture. I did over 8 yrs ago. Halfheartedly---one visit only. Never have I had a desire for a cigarette since. I had smoked for 40 yrs over a pack a day.

The acupuncturist does not know how it works, and it does not for everyone, but for me it did.

Good luck.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:34 PM

Good luck ~~~~

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Llanfair
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:35 PM

The patches are quite good, if you find the longing for a ciggy hard to deal with, I used the middle strength ones for 2 weeks, and the little ones for a couple of days after that.
I found that sucking a lolly whilst driving helped, the long-lasting ones like chuppa-chups. I have my coffee in the morning whilst checking mudcat, instead of smoking.
My name is Bron and I am a nicotine addict. I love the smell of someone else smoking, but I no longer have to go to work to support my habit. I stopped on January 1st 1999.
On January 1st 2001, I will stop eating so much and get more excersise!!!
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 06:47 PM

I smoked for more than 25 years before I quit 22 years ago. In those years, I had "quit", using will power, five times. The longest I ever went was five days and I was angry/paranoid/weepy/miserable the whole time. What eventually helped me the most was what one brother told me. He told me to not even bother to try quitting until I was ready. And when I'm ready, he said, it will be do-able.

The day came when I realized that I didn't want to be a smoker any more (I still wanted to smoke!) and that the fact it would be hard to do had nothing to do with it- I didn't want to be a smoker any more.

So, on a Wednesday I started telling people that I was quitting on Sunday- and I let myself smoke as much as I liked that week.

Then like you, on Sunday night I threw my remaining packs in the stove, washed the ashtrays and put them in the cupboard, except for one or two for visitors, and went to bed.

It was MUCH easier than before. I knew it was just a matter of time before I didn't crave it as badly. And it was- although for years I occasionally dreamt that I lit a cigarette and was so upset in the dream, because it meant that I had to quit again. I did take a lot more unplanned walks and I also didn't linger over my cup of coffee. And I drank LOTS of water.

The one thing I learned clearly: All those other times that I 'quit', when I had put an unopened pack in my drawer "just in case"? I know now that that meant that deep inside I knew I wasn't going to quit. This time I knew I was.

Congratulations on quitting. It remains the one thing I am proudest of.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: NightWing
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 07:00 PM

Good for you, Nutty! I'm working that way, too. Trying to taper some to make it easier when I get off them for good.

One thing I've been told is a successful tactic is to tell your friends and let them help you, especially in giving you encouragement when it's hard and reward when you hold off.

Good luck!!!

BB,
NightWing

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: kendall
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 09:43 PM

On Saturday the 16th, I quit four years ago, after smoking for 47 years. The love of my life (at the time) helped with positive reinforcement. She is gone, and I still dont smoke. Now, will power alone will not do it! You MUST be ready to quit. After a week or so, there will be no nicotine in your system, but, the desire to smoke is still in your head, and will be for some time. Whenever you want to smoke, get your mind on something else immediatly!! I cant stress that enough...it's a bitch of an addiction and I sympathize with you.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: sophocleese
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 10:01 PM

Way to go Nutty. I just talked to me brother who quit nine months ago and he was amazed to discover the joy of simply taking in a deep breath and feeling that it was clean. It sounds like you're serious about quitting and that's great because it means that is possible. Many people using different methods have quit completely.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: richlmo
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 10:07 PM

I wish you the best of luck. I have just come from the Intensive Care Unit of a nearby hospital where my mother in law is probably going to die in the next few days from her 40+ years of Camels. I quit after 28 years of 2 packs a day 5 years ago,the day I had my heart attack. You are doing the best thing you could possibly do for you and your loved ones. Sugarless gum is my new addiction. Hang in there. You won't be sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Dec 00 - 10:38 PM

You've got my support. I haven't had to walk in those moccasins but I know it's tough. We're on your side. Keep us tuned in to how you are doing. Remember, if you slip up and have one it doesn't have to be the end of your efforts but it will make it harder to keep your determination in place.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Jimmy C
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 12:50 AM

Good luck to you. I quit 12 years ago after smoking for 30 years. I just challenged myself and found it quite easy, I lost the constant craving after 2 weeks and graduallt it went away all together, and now hate the smell of tobacco. I did not need the patch, chewing gum (which is another thing I hate) or anything else., However, temptations did arise early on when I would be out having a few drinks with friends and some of them would smoke and offer me one etc,that was a real test. Don't give in, eat lots of fruit and most of all try not to think about quitting.
Get your mind on other topics, like counting your steps while walking, reading licence plate numbers, try to identify the make and model of cars etc. Keep your mind away from tobacco. Drink water, chew toothpicks, anything to keep you off them. If I can do anybody can because I really enjoyed a smoke. Keep at it and you will succeed. Again good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Banjer
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 06:45 AM

My quitting came about not for reasons of health, but because I did some simple math. I statrted smoking at age 14. I woke up one morning 25 years later and realized I had but one cigarrette and no money to get more until I got paid teo days later. Laying in bed trying to figure out how to raise the price of a pack of butts ($1.65 at the time) It suddenly dawned on me how much I was sending up in smoke. Each payday I would buy a carton for my wife and myself. We would both run out by the middle of the following week. I would then buy another carton to get us through till the following Friday. 3 cartons each week times $11.00 (carton price = $33.00 x 52 weeks = $1,716!

At that time I was heavy into HAM radio and I needed some pieces of rather expensive equipment. I realized that If I quit sending money up in smoke I could buy what I needed with no problem. I informed the missus of my decision, told her if she wanted to continue to smoke she would have to start buying her own and it has been thus ever since. I am able to spend money on things that I want and have something to show for it, while she continues to blow smoke.

What I guess I'm rambling on about is try to think of something you REALLY want, like maybe a new instrument, or maybe even to be able to travel some, or anything....and promise yourself you will have these things. That will help build your will power to quit. I admit those first few days were rough after 25 years of lighting up, but If I did it, I'll bet you can too! I have been smoke free for 12 years now! Good Luck to ya!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 06:53 AM

As a non-smoker brought up in a smoke-filled household I wish you all the best. Both my mother and my wife's father died of smoking-related illnesses after much suffering. My parents gave up when my father retired but in my mother's case the damage had been done. My father is still alive at 84 (luckily, still pretty fit though prone to coughs and colds) but regrets the wasted money he spent on cigarettes over 5O years. " I could have bought a house" he always says.
My wife smoked a little when I first met her, switched to little cigars but gave up altogether to avoid the regular winter bronchitis she was prone to (it worked)
RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: GUEST,Kernow John
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 01:21 PM

Nutty
Hang in there. I started like Banjer at the age of 14 but didn't give up till I was 53. One day I just decided I needed a new computer and the only way I could afford it was to kick the habit.
My doctor asked how I did it so I told him the truth SMARTIES he didn't believe me till the lady in the village shop told him it was true but she also told him how I kicked the Smartie habit. I used to empty the tube on the shop counter and take out one colour and throw them away. I got rid of a colour a month the the Smartie habit was licked as well.
I really am willing this for you Nutty as I know how much better I feel and how my family also appreciate it.
KJ

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Mrrzy
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 01:28 PM

I did not quit out of willpower, and there is little I admire more in a person than quitting cigarettes on purpose! I only quit because I developed an allergy to tobacco; I actually kept smoking for nearly a year after that, despite the immediate nausea/headache, because of how much I liked SMOKING. But I've seen my sisters quit out of willpower, and watch my Mom still smoke her 5 packs a day... and here is a trick they learned: It is the same muscles that light cigarettes as a) answer the phone b) write letters c) sit at your desk d) etc. That is, it isn't that when writing letters you are TEMPTED to smoke, it's that writing letters INVOLVED smoking for so long that the association is too hard to get around. So the advice is, expect to have your life completely turned around for a while. Expect not to be able to write letters, answer the phone, or do your normal things that you used to do with a cig - AND ALLOW YOURSELF TO MIND! It's OK to be all pissy because you can't write letters without reaching for the cigs! You have years of un-learning to go through. I quit smoking in 1978, mind you, and I still, to this day, have trouble with certain actions and situations making me crave having a cigarette. I just laugh at myself now, can you believe it, 22 years later and I still want a cigarette sometimes! But in my case, were I to try to have one I'd get soooooooo sick... which again is why I admire so very very much people who aren't allergic and STILL STOP SMOKING! You go, Nutty! We're all pulling for you! Except maybe Spaw, who's probably doing something else for you!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 01:29 PM

From someone who's quit before....if this is your first time, it will be your easiest.... It gets progressively harder each time you try to quit, my experience. Then again each person is different, so the successful method varies from person to person. The patch is popular, but in my mind I don't think it would work for me, therefore I would have less success than someone who was enthused about this method.

The first four times were cold turkey, and they didn't work out too well, although I did stay nicotine free for a whole year once. The last time was gradual reduction, and I've been off smokes for 8 yrs. I got it down to 5 ciggies a day, and on the night before I quit I finished a half-pack and went to bed. That was it, except for dealing with all the cravings. Each day gets a little easier, though for me I didn't stop craving them until about a year later. That seems rather daunting to most people, and perhaps other ex-smokers would verify my experience. I think that's why it's so hard to stay nicotine free. If you can make it a year, you can probably live the rest of your life relatively easily without cigarettes.

I, like another poster, used to dream about them. I'd dream I lit one in my sleep, forgot I had a cigarette in my hand and put my arm under the pillow. Then I would wake with a start, thinking I'd caught the bed on fire. The subconscious mind is a weird universe. Still, I could taste them in my dream, smell the smoke, detailed and vividly. That should give some indication as to the power of the addiction. Heroin addicts have better luck kicking heroin than cigarettes, even though the physical hold heroin has on the body is far stronger than the hold nicotine has. So, theoretically, if you can successfully kick nicotine, then you should be able to overcome just about any addiction, or at the very least you've proven to yourself that you have a formidable amount of willpower.

Sometimes that willpower comes from outside of yourself. The turning point for me - the moment of clarity when I knew I had to give those killers up - came when my 3 yr old son sidled up to me with a crayon cradled between his fingers, sucking on it in reverent imitation of his dear old dad. I owe him.

The power of nicotine can't be taken lightly. Respect the hold this drug has on you, because you'll always be a nicotine addict. If I'm ever diagnosed with terminal cancer and only a few weeks or months to live, the first thing I'll probably do is go out and buy a carton of my old brand. In the way some people are at once fascinated and repulsed by a gruesome car wreck, you have to stand in awe of the absolute control a chemical can have over one's behavior.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: DougR
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 01:39 PM

You've REALLY got to want to quit for it to work. I hope you REALL do!

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Rowana (at work)
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 02:15 PM

Great decision, Nutty. I quit two years ago this Sunday. I approached it as a life-style change. The new me was going to be a non-smoking me. Truthfully, I was growing bored with the inconvenience - always having to go outside in rain, snow, etc. I knew I'd need help in the beginning. My doctor wrote me a prescription for Welbutrin. (spelling may be wrong) It's a non-habit-forming antidepressant. Continued to smoke as I took it as this is how it works. After the third week I simply stopped smoking. NO CRAVINGS. I took the pills for three additional weeks then stopped them. Don't have the desire to smoke; partially because that's the old me. It's not always easy to quit. Good luck to you!

Rowana

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 03:02 PM

I'm convinced that the only way I could quit was to get my depression under control. The two were related. Just to show you that it is all in your head, most of the time, I dont think of smoking. But, when I get to talking about it, or thinking while writing about it..I want to smoke! You MUST get it off your mind or you are sunk..guaranteed! Now, whenever I hear someone say they enjoy smoking, I'm apt to say "Yeah..sure..and denial is more than just a river in Africa" The fact is..we smoke to avoid the discomfort of NOT smoking. We go through withdrawal symptoms between cigarettes, and, the craving will go away even if you DONT smoke. So..find out WHY you smoke, and deal with that rather than trying to focus on the symptom itself.The psychological reason is far stronger than the physical craving. Thats why the desire lasts long after the crap is out of your body.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Gypsy
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 06:55 PM

I think that it is tobacco companies that put out the propaganda as to how hard it is to quit. It's not...just don't do it. When you think you want a smoke, tell yourself that you don't HAVE to do that anymore, with the emphasis on HAVE. I smoked two to three packs a day for over 20 years, and when i stopped, i stopped. no craving. The craving is only physical for 3 days, then it is medically gone. It is the programing of the head that you need to work on. You will have absolutely no problem with this. And with cigarettes running upwards of 4$ a pack, that will help for your incentive! All the best!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: okthen
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 07:19 PM

I gave up, using patches,even tho' I was going through a very stressy time, I lasted 8 months and when the apparent stress ended, I started again. Dumb and dumber,dumb to have started and dumber to have started again once I had quit.I can't stand the smell of it, I have asthma and a pain in my chest, and still I smoke. I've got a pack of patches in my bag (for 6 months)and have written down the name welbutrin, I don't want to smoke but it gives me a break.

Maybe I'm trying to commit suicide but don't have the guts and want "something" to take the decision for me?

good luck to those you who can.

cheers

bill

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 07:41 PM

You will quit when your time comes.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 07:42 PM

You will quit when your time comes.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: nutty
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 07:57 PM

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement
I have to admit to getting help in the form of Zyban but as I am diabetic , the grapes, lollipops, even the sugar free products ( as i'm allergic to sacharine ) are out of bounds - except as very occasional treats

Day1 has ended - it's been pretty hard ..... my dogs would tell you just how hard...........but I got through and will face Day2 as it comes

This contact is very important so I'll let people know how it goes

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 09:00 PM

Congratulations, Nutty, on going through Day One. It's a very important day.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 00 - 11:03 PM

Concentrate on the positive...dont give the desire to smoke the power to make you knuckle under. We are with you all the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Terry K
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:53 AM

Well done nutty. I gave up despite being the weakest willed person I know!

In my day, in our part of the north east, if you didn't smoke by the time you were 13 you'd get beaten up. Some peer pressure!

It still gives me a real kick to know that I am a non-smoker and I still give myself a mental pat on the back. Worth it? - I should say so!! And I gave up 24 years ago.

It sounds like you know you're in control of your own life decisions now so that will make the mental side much easier than for those who approach it half-heartedly.

Cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 05:27 AM

Still cheering for you Nutty.....can you hear? Go Nutty, Go Nutty, GO,Go, Go!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 08:02 AM

If I'd known you were in the audience last night I would have offered some words of encouragement during the concert. Keep up the good efforts.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Dani
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 08:09 AM

It's about the hardest thing I ever did. It took many, many tries. It's been over five years now, and still I know if I smoke even one, all the hard work would be for naught.

Like so many other things, if you haven't experienced the addiction, you can't understand how stupid it makes you.

But having just begun to experience my body as healthy and strong after wasting the body I was blessed with, I can tell you that it's worth it in the end. You will heal, and in ways you didn't even know needed to!

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: sophocleese
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 08:10 AM

Excellent Nutty!. Keep at it. We're behind you all the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: nutty
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 10:13 AM

Just got back from the Diabetic Clinic

The blood sugar is fine

The cholesterol is fine

The blood pressure is excellent

all I need to crack is the smoking

In weak moments I've been coming on line and reading your comments -- they are really helping -- Day 2 progressing OK (SO FAR)

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: GUEST,Chance, Fortunato
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 10:59 AM

You can do it. I'll tell you how. Now and forever when you are confronted with cigarettes (in thought or reality) simply DON'T TOUCH THEM. Don't pick them up. You can feel whatever you need to feel, say what ever you need to say. JUST DON'T PICK THEM UP. You can control your hands and your arms. You do it all the time. You keep your hands to yourself, don't you?

Oh and if you love a pint at the pub don't go for two weeks (harder than giving up the cancer sticks).

I did it 4 years ago. Oh by the way. Smoking scars the inside of your blood vessals. Then plac builds up on the scar. Pretty soon the blood can't get through. This is a bad thing for your heart (not to mention those who love you and depend on you).

How do I know? It happened to me and, later, my closest friend. He didn't listen when I told him. I hope you do.

Just don't ever touch another @#$%ing cigarette.

with hope and support, Chance

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:06 AM

GO, Nutty, Go! I'll check in every day to cheer you on! More often if it will help!

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: kendall
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:41 PM

Think about how much better you will smell....

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:50 PM

One warning, Nutty: your sense of smell may become overwhelming! It happened to me. I had read that smoking can destroy your sense of smell and I was curious about mine.

Well. My olfactory senses became so acute that I literally had to avoid certain areas. For instance, the candle section of a store, or someone else's dead ashtray or, once, outside a seafood place at the coast where they were baiting crab pots- that one literally made me retch all the way into the restaurant. If I'd been alone, I'd have made a hasty retreat. But once I was away from the offending odor I was fine.

In the midst of your feelings of deprivation- one of the recurring images I had was of sitting down with a cigarette to celebrate having stopped smoking- take note of the changes that are occurring in your body. Maybe thinking of it as a science project would help.

And there will be lots of changes. Guaranteed.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: nutty
Date: 16 Dec 00 - 03:53 PM

I'm reaching the end of Day 3 - amazing - the evening is the most difficult time and I can get really ratty but otherwise I'm managing much better than I thought I would

Taking one day at a time and counting the money in my purse is helping

I really want to succeed this time
I've tried so many times and failed - then hated myself for failing
I'll keep you posted

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Dec 00 - 04:16 PM

Some people will say- and do- the dumbest things. I had been smoke free for three weeks when I went to the doc because of an unrelated matter. While he was testing my reflexes on my knees with his little hammer, I told him proudly that I had quit smoking.

He said, Oh, how long ago? I said, Three weeks. He said, Ha! Then you can't really say yet that you've quit. I was seriously tempted to kick him somewhere in the crutch of the matter, but since then I've realized that all he demonstrated was that he himself hadn't yet been able to quit.

I knew a heavy-smoking woman with a bad heart condition who told people that her doctor said that quitting smoking would be too much of a shock to her system- and she never did. Even on oxygen, she unplugged the machine in order to have a cigarette. And she died.

I don't believe for a minute that the doctor told her that- after all, we all stop smoking somewhere in a 24 hour day, even if just for a few hours. I believe that within 24 hours your heart and lungs will start lightening up- they won't believe their luck!

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Hollowfox
Date: 16 Dec 00 - 04:50 PM

Keep at it, Nutty! I've heard many smokers agree that their smoking is part of one or more behavior patterns, like lighting up after a meal, just as you wake up, etc. so it might help to slightly change your various routines. Somebody said they check Mudcat at breakfast instead of lighting up (talk about substituting one addiction for another), and I'll bet there are non-electric substitutions out there somewhere. (Remember all those old cheesy movie scenes where the main characters start to smooch, and the scene changes to them smoking cigarettes in bed? Can't you just imagine one of them leaping to relax at the computer instead)
As for a non-caloric oral substitute, it's an old camping trick to suck on a button when you're hungry or thirsty. Toothpicks and matchsticks may be more common, but people can see them, and they splinter if you grind your teeth.
Best of luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: okthen
Date: 16 Dec 00 - 08:29 PM

o.k. then Nutty I'm joining you on jan.1st

I've got my patches, am psyching myself up,I've done it before I CAN do it again.

'caters keep checking in nutty (I) need your help.

cheers

bill

Subject: RE: BS: Help,I'm giving up smoking
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Dec 00 - 08:37 PM

I'm just checking in to get a progress report. Hang in there! This is really worth it!