BS: No Smoking-2years on

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 04:36 AM

BlueJay, he well remembers you, I am sure! We had such fun there! Thanks so much for the info. I had heard about that site, but didn't even tell him. He is very much a loner when it comes to doing things like that, so I doubt he'll do much, BUT I will tell him about it and about your kind offer. Like I said, though, I am not even sure he wants to quit and I know that has to be for anything to work. Good for you, for making the decision. I'll send you some good thoughts on New Year's!

kat

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: BlueJay
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 03:49 AM

nutty- Good timing. I remember reading, (with envy), your original quit smoking thread. Two years already? How time flies. I recently made the decision to quit, effective on New Years. I'm now 51 Y/O, and the health problems are becoming obvious. Ironically, my decision to quit is based partly on hearing the news that the Colorado Republican Dickhead legislature, in it's infinite wisdom is having budget difficulties due to the economy and pork projects favoring Denver highway development. So they cannot continue using their share of settlement money from the tobacco company lawsuits for it's original purpose, i.e. education. So they are pulling their funding from www.co.quitnet.com, an internet outfit dedicated to helping folks like me to quit smoking. Ah, the sacrifices we must make to provide for the folks in Denver whose SUV's never get out of the city.

Anyway, I visited this online site, and have found the inspiration to at least try and quit smoking on Jan 1. Kat, if Rog has even an inkling of interest in quitting smoking, have him visit www.co.quitnet.com. Sorry, I forget how to do the link. There are discussion forums and many other useful features. Right now it is free, paid for by proceeds from some tobacco lawsuit, but soon this money will be diverted for the greater good of pork.

Maybe Rog will remember me. I'm the skinny guy who used to go in the other room with him and smoke cigs when we all got together in Cheyenne. Maybe having a person he knows just about to give up smoking, and willing to support him any time he wishes will help. Clue him into the site I mentioned. People all over the country are VERY eager to help. They helped me make a firm decision to quit on New Years.



Nutty- thanks again for the fortuitious timing of this thread. It is just one more re-enforcement, and I need all that I can get. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: nutty
Date: 14 Dec 02 - 02:15 AM

Guest Smoking yuk!!!! My addiction was all connected with rewarding myself (low self-esteem). I'd think "I'll just do this .then I'll sit down and have a cigarette". I've still not found anything that I can substitute for that feeling of relaxation having a cigarette gave me but as Kendall said now the feeling soon goes away.

I congratulate all those who have given up but I thoroughly understand the problems of those who have fallen by the wayside.

My reward now is to have my real voice back .... both in power and tone. The joy of singing songs I love without worrying that I am going to run out of breath. Knowing that I am going to hit that high or low note like I used to 20+ years ago.
'Losing' my voice was a gradual thing .... I never really noticed .... but having it back makes all the 'pain' of the last two years worth while.

This thread is not the place for lectures or snide comments. A smoker meets that everyday in the outside world. There are many of us who felt like Ebbie, when it seemed that the world would tolerate anybody but a smoker.
Addicts to any other form of drug are given an enormous amount of help or support by various agencies .... lets be helpful and supportive here.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: kendall
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 08:08 PM

To Guest smoking yuk, it's easy for a non smoker to give advice, but, it carries little weight with the addicted.
When I quit (after 47 years) 6 years ago Monday next, I weighed 14 stone. Today, I weigh 14 stone.Quitting is only part of the process, you MUST also do some serious behavior modification.
I don't believe that about nicotine speeding up your metabolism; what I think it is, simply that the nicotine was used to fill a void in our psyche, and, when we quit, the handy thing is food. Neither will ever really fill that void, but, our ability to fool ourselves is so powerful that denial is our way of dealing with the addiction.
The only time I crave a smoke is times such as this; I would kill for a weed, but, I know that when I get off this subject, the craving will go away. It really is all in your head.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: GUEST,Smoking yuk !!!!!
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 07:49 PM

I've never even thought about smoking ...the thought has always turned my stomach....Its simple folks just use your brains..do you want to waste a fortune to die early...ruin the lungs of all around you...make your clothes your body and breath and everything around you stink foul...have yellow teeth and nicotine stained hands and home fixtures....spend your days coughing and wheezing and suffering panic attacks anytime you are unable to either obtain your drug or indulge your addiction.....Its a vile debased drug..every bit as vile as any of the more satanised hard drugs and is totaly unnecessary to your life...Get wise kick it now or dont even try it...

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: mack/misophist
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 07:45 PM

I quit about eight months ago when I found out I have emphysema. Recently I had a really rotten patch and needed a lift badly. Smoked a whole pack in about two and a half hours. IT WAS WONDERFUL! It gave me something I needed and haven't needed since. Maybe that's what tobacco is for. Quitting again was no problem, by the way. I just stopped.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 07:37 PM

Yeah, Ebbie, the 'rebellion' stance is sure silly from a logical point of view, I agree. But that doesn't make the danged emotions any less real. It's the anti-smoking propaganda that really hits my 'rebellion' buttons ...

I really do resent it, and I'm pretty suspicious about it as well. If the 'powers that be' are truly concerned about people's health, why not plaster dire warnings and horrible pictures all over alcohol products, junk food and gas pumps as well? Those products, and so many others, are just as dangerous to people's health as tobacco, if not more so.

I suspect it's because there has been a powerful anti-tobacco lobby active in Canada for a few decades now whose interests are economic, not social. Tobacco grows on prime, already-cleared farmland in the heartland of Ontario (and central US) that has been coveted by land-hungry developers for many decades. These developers, the real 'engine' behind the anti-smoking lobby, provide a lot more revenue for the government than tobacco taxes. So the tobacco farmers are being forced out of business by the heavy taxes and anti-smoking propoganda, clearing the way for more!!new (ugly) subdivisions and all the revenue generated for the banks and the government by these developments.

Thousands of seasonal workers have lost their jobs in recent years as the tobacco farms are turned into "people-hives". And there is a heavy toll on the environment as well, as the population in these areas explodes. I live near this area, and I've watched it happen. But hey, as long as the rich are happy ...

Oh, and I certainly wasn't recommending cutting down as an alternative to quitting cold turkey. I know cold turkey works best for most people. I'm just happy to have broken the habit of smoking indoors, and grateful to be smoking less.

BTW I think one reason people tend to gain weight when they quit smoking is because nicotine is a stimulant, speeding up the body's metabolism. Without the nicotine, metabolism slows down and your body burns less calories even if your eating habits don't change.

daylia

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 05:58 PM

Congrats Nutty 2 years already :-)

Its 18months since I gave up , I still miss them and have put on lots of weight. I have the most awful sore throat just now ( can't talk!!!) so glad I don't smoke any more, it would be much worse.

Well done to all who have given up.

Mrs C

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Chip2447
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 04:46 PM

I was one of those who "Quit" about this time two years ago. and fell off the wagon completely (with considerable weight gain) a little over a year later. I am however, gonna give it another go. I just need to determine which comes first quitting cigs and then fighting the REALLY considerable weight gain, or getting the weight under control first. I am smoking about 1/2 of a pack of ultra lights per day, whicn is far better than 1 1/2 packs of full flavor 100's a day that I used to consume. Now, to get rid of 100 pounds.

Chip2447

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 03:55 PM

daylia, there are a couple of inherent problems in your stance.

*Smoking 10 or fewer cigarettes a day simply ensures that each cigarette will taste better, imo. It's very difficult to give up something that tastes that good to you. And something that tastes that good to you is a teaser to smoke more of them. (I tried a number of times to cut back; it never worked. Only cold turkey did it for me.)

*A young person's immune system can ward off diseases that older people's faltering systems may not be able to. And when an older person's system is already dealing with heart disease, cancers of various types or high blood pressure, or more, it's another blow to also have to give up something at the same time.

One of the saddest things I have read was by a man who was diagnosed with lung cancer. He said that what amazed him was how easy it was to quit smoking when the damage was already done, and he wondered what on earth made him think quitting was impossible.

I have a brother who smoked very heavily most of his life- 3 or 4 packs of Luckies a DAY. I swear he prided himself on it. Now, he is 70 years old, and in and out of the hospital with emphysema that keeps him from walking 20 steps without having to stop and gasp for breath. 'Tain't purty.

I grew up in a religious household; only my four brothers and I ever smoked. Until I faced the fact that smoking or not smoking was a health issue, not an issue of rebellion, did I start to feel bad about smoking.

Sorry for my rant. But my 'rebellion' button was pushed. For god's sake, rebelling against whom?? Yourself?

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 01:23 PM

Congratulations to all you folk who decided to quit and succeeded!

I've been smoking since I was about 10 years old and tried to quit a few times, but I'm still puffin'. What really helps me to cut down is to restrict myself to smoking outside only. I'm down to about 10 a day now, and I'm grateful my home doesn't smell like a dirty ashtray anymore. I also have more money in my wallet these days.

All the 'propoganda' against smoking brings out the 'rebel' in me I guess. Not very mature, probably, but I've been putting up with unsolicited advice about smoking all my life and it just brings up all the old "DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!" feelings.

Also, I've always enjoyed excellent health. I hardly ever get colds or flus, and when I do it's usually because I'm overtired and been around sickly non-smokers. That's the honest truth.

I'm sure NOT encouraging anyone to start or continue smoking, but here's a little story that comforts me when the propoganda gets to me and I'm down on myself for not quitting (yet).

Last year I was driving up a mountainside near Hope, B.C. An elderly fellow was pedalling an old bicycle up the mountain ahead of me. He got my attention because his hair was so silver, he was laden down with back-packs and gear strapped onto the bike, and that was a very long and steep grade. I was thinking "way to go, old man! I'm a few decades younger than you and I don't think I could do that!" But when I passed him, I got a real surprise. He was puffing on a pipe, smoke billowing all around him, and at his age still pedalling up that mountain. I wished I had my camera!

I thought THAT would make an excellent poster to counteract all the anti-smoking propoganda. Keep telling people that they are going to get sick, and eventually through the power of suggestion they probably will. Cancer is big business in Canada!

Tobacco is a mood-altering plant that the North American native peoples viewed as sacred. They use it in their ceremonies and prayers much as Europeans use alcohol. They believe the smoke carries their prayers to Great Spirit, and they offer it to their elders and healers - and musicians - in exchange for their services and advice.

IMO, using tobacco in a sacred manner, with respect for both oneself and the plant too, does not endanger one's health. The Indians, quite a physically healthy lot compared to the white folk at the time of 'first contact', did not smoke chemically-laden cigarettes just for pleasure until the Europeans arrived. Then the sacred use of be plant began to change to an economic one, and smoking became an addiction rather than a prayer/offering, and the health risks became apparent.

Maybe that was the 'karma' the Europeans earned for introducing the native peoples to deadly alcohol and firearms!

Anyway, again "way to go!" to all you folk who have given up what has become a dangerous - and certainly not 'sacred', habit. And now I'm going out for a smoke. Then I'll stretch out and do my daily half-hour 'power-walking'! Gotta keep those lungs exercised ...

daylia

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 12:50 PM

Congatulations to you all! Well-done. Now...if I could just get my Rog to read your words and actually want to quit and try it! At least he never, ever does it in the house or near me.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 12:41 PM

Wow! As an ex-smoker,too, I am so pleased for you.

As for gaining weight post-smoking, which I did too, I suspect there are a number of factors at work.

#1- All those years when I smoked, I didn't have to pay attention to my belly. At a certain point of each meal I wanted a cigarette.

#2- When I was hungry and didn't have the time or food wasn't available, a cigarette was a fine substitute.

#3- I think one's metabolism is more efficient without the drug. When one is smoking, one's whole system has to work harder to extract the nutrients from one's food.

#4- As a smoker, I was used to having my hands in use. That was one of the hardest things for me to get around, after I quit. Food keeps one's hands busy.

#5- Food tastes better.

There are probably other issues but these are the ones I became aware of.

But CONGRATULATIONS to all of you! I quit about 25 years ago. Someone's cigarette outdoors (NEVER indoors) still smells kind of good and once in awhile I think it would be nice to light up but quitting smoking is still one thing I am proud of- I should't have started, I should have quit when my daughter wanted me to do, I could have saved all that money- but HEY! I quit.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 12:21 PM

been over a year and a half for me....

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Hollowfox
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 12:19 PM

Way to go, Nutty! Wow, has it been two years already? Congratulations to you all on wrestling with one of the toughest addictions in the world, and pinning it to the mat.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Auxiris
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:58 AM

First and most important, I'd like to offer you my sincere congratulations for having stopped smoking. I stopped smoking over 12 years ago now, though I do admit that I have to sometimes fight the desire to smoke. The price of cigarettes alone is a pretty good deterrent, as they can cost over 4 euros a pack here in France now! My very best regards,

cheers,

Aux

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: jeffp
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:57 AM

I smoked my last cigarette April 16, 2001. Gained 30 pounds pretty quickly and have taken 6 of them back off. I don't really have any cravings any more, but sometimes after a really great meal I would like to just sit back and light one up. One of the benefits is that now my chest doesn't heave when I climb 2 flights of stairs. My knees complain loudly, however. Also, my voice has regained some upper range and resonance.

jeffp

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:57 AM

Yep, count me into the 2 year gang *G*

Did put on weight & going to the gym a couple of times a week hasn't helped that at all. It's really helped my breathing & voice & the top notes seem much easier now!

Well Done All - Keep it up :-)

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:42 AM

It's been 7 months since I quit smoking an dI have put about a stone in weight on but I am trying to do something about that!!!

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Louie Roy
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:41 AM

Gave up July 9 1960 haven't puffed since,but did gain weight Louie Roy

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:36 AM

Gave up my pipe in 1985 and I still miss, especially when I'm fishing or just relaxing amidst the woods and streams.

Yes, I did gain weight. I'm working on that.

And Yes, I do feel better -- and I don't get up in the night coughing anymore, either!

Go for it. It's worth it in the long run!

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:29 AM

Quit in 1967. Some weight gain. Feel better (Still miss smoking.0 Oh well.

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: Brakn
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:29 AM

I gave up two years ago and haven't had a drag since. I feel great though I have put on a bit of weight. I was remarking to my wife on Monday that I don't have sore throats or colds anymore. Tuesday I come down with a sore throat and a cold. Right now I feel like death! Tonight I start 11 gigs in 10 days. I don't know how I'll cope but I know I'll cope better than if I was still smoking!

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: MMario
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:19 AM

Has it been two years already! congratulations!

Subject: RE: No Smoking-2years on
From: GUEST,maire-aine at work
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:08 AM

I quit a year and a half ago, and I felt better almost immediately. I must admit to having one or two since then, but I haven't gone back to smoking. I didn't gain weight afterwards, because a was overweight before I stopped. But lately I've been getting a handle on that too, and I've lost about 20 pounds, but that's just a start to what I need to lose. Good luck.

Subject: No Smoking-2years on
From: nutty
Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:01 AM

Well its time for another update.

2years ago I gave up smoking. It was something that I had tried to do so many times before , but this time, thanks to the help and support that I got from mudcatters, I actually made it.
It certainly has not been easy and I am still battling with the weight gain (something that never bothered me as a smoker) but I am able (for the first time) to indulge in some serious retail therapy - so who cares.

There were a number of other people who gave up around the same time ..... how is it with you folks?? .... I'd love to hear.

Also if you are thinking of giving up and would like an internet friend, I would be happy to give you as much support as you need . Just let me know.

Hazel