BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 09:50 PM

Elizabeth, first off- be a little easier on yourself. It is HARD, there's no way around that. I told myself that the fact it would be hard for me to quit wasn't the issue; I no longer wanted to be a smoker. (Still wanted to SMOKE, you understand. *G*) Guilt is not a motivator- at least it is not, for me. The moment WILL come when you tell yourself "I'm just not going to smoke anymore." That, for me, was the moment I knew that I could do it, I COULD quit. All those other times I had TRIED? Just plain will power never did it for me; there always was a moment when the anguish wasn't worth it. The longest I ever went without a smoke, using will power, was five days, and I was an absolute bear. But deciding, ahead of time, that I no lnger was going to smoke did it for me.

In your case, having medical conditions already must bring in a bunch of other elements that complicate the decision. No doubt you are telling yourself that you've already done the dameage, you couldn't stand the stress, what's the use, yada, yada, yada. Just remind yourself that even though some damage is not reversible, some other symptoms will almost immediately improve. And the quality of your life is really what you are trying to affect.

{{{{{{{{{HUG for Elizabeth}}}}}}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Elizabeth
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 09:07 PM

WOW...finally found a website that talks it like it is! I am mortally embarrassed to even write this as I am a 70 yr old lady, with COPD, advanced emphysema, been in hospital w/pneumonia every 3 - 4 mos. for the past 2 yrs, been on nighttime oxygen for 2 yrs., now on daytime oxygen also for the past few months.
Have managed to stay out of hospital for the past 9 months. And yes, here it is....I am still smoking. Started way back when I was 17 when it was "cool" (remember that?), smoked for 50 years. COPD hit me rather quickly. I have 4 wonderful children, 7 beautiful grandbabies, a loving and supportive pair of sisters & lots of friends, etc. If that's not a lot to be grateful for, I don't know what is. BUT....I am still smoking. Guilt is my first name these days. I do manage, about one day/night per week this past month, to go for 24 hrs without a cigarette. I just wanted to share my story with all you great folks involved in helping each other...and yes, I know that what I am doing is surely suicidal. For an intelligent woman, I am stupid when it comes to this. Just nice to know you are all out there! Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 05:08 PM

WAY TO GO!! You're right -- it is a tough, nasty, and also bad-smelling habit and very hard to walk away from.

But it is COMPLETELY worth it. I am twice as alive as I was when I first quit. DON'T back down. If you backslid, just quit again. You CAN get through.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,mike
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 04:29 PM

Quit 6 weeks ago today, feel great. Quit 15 years ago for 5 years, and one puff and was back until 9/9/04, the day my bro was diagnosed with emphasema. He can't go 3 days without yet. what a stinking habit

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 25 Aug 04 - 09:13 AM

Huzzah, Greg. Tough fight, ably won!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Aug 04 - 03:34 AM

Well done,Vectis and everybody. I havent quite made the year yet, but I passed 11 months a couple of days ago. I think I've got this beaten, the temptations are no longer so strong, and perfectly copable with.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Aug 04 - 11:00 PM

JP, I too was one of those who couldn't figure out how to have my usual coffee when it was such an incomplete experience without its longtime companion, a cigarette or three. Discovered that if I walked around with my coffee rather than sitting down with it, I could do it.   That was a big moment for me- reinforced the fact that I was in charge and I was choosing not to smoke..

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: s&r
Date: 24 Aug 04 - 04:41 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 09:18 PM

I just got back from Sidmouth festival where I celebrated a complete year without a cigarette (with Morty with whom I shared my last one) I was on Inhalators (dummies) for nearly a year and am now on gum. I realised that,having smoked since I was 5, I was on a long haul but haven't given in.
Keith Kendrick has a wonderful theory that people have a "Movement Memory" and if you can break that you can kick the habit that goes with it. I think I have overcome the movement memory and now have to kick the adiction to nicotine.
It's been a long haul and there is still distance to go for me but I reckon that the improvement in my singing voice is soooooo worth the struggle.
I want to be able to sing when I'm 80. I've got a chance of that without cigarettes; with them I'd be dead most probably, so the struggle is MOST DEFINITELY WORTH IT!
I went to a hypnotherapist to start the "cure" the best £50 I spent in my life.......
Still an addict but a non smoker
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:45 PM

Thanks A.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:43 PM

Proud of ya, JP!!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:20 PM

I purchased term life insurance this week, twenty year term (age 45). The smoker rate was 3.33 times the non-smoker rate.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:14 PM

By the way Lady in Love, it's normal.
One's irritability levels go through the roof.
Take a breather from him till he gets his rage and compulsions under control.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:07 PM

(apologies for the typos, etc. above)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:07 PM

I quit a 36 year, pack and a half a day addiction, cold turkey in January 2003. I decided that patches, nictone gum etc...were all crutches and either you wanna quit or you don't. (To each his own of courae.) But with me it's all or nothing. It's like being an alcoholic only with tobacco. I can't be one of these people that can smoke 5 cigarettes a day for the rest of their lives. If I have one puff I'll find a way to bargin or rationalize it and then I'm smoking, and I'll head right out the door to buy a pack.

I was motivated by my children and I was miserable for the 1st 3 months. You have to completely re-learn ALL of your behavior over again because everything you've ever done you always associate with having a cigarette. And then you have to learn how to do everything WITHOUT having a cigarette. It's very hard. I think I'd rather be a junkie. :-)

I couldn't get up in the morning and drink coffee for the first 2 months because I knew I'd want a cigarette. I couldn't go to a bar because (a) I'd smell the cigarettes and (b) drinking would make me want one. And alot more.

Here I am now 19 months later and I still get urges and the urges really annoy me. I am told the urges will never go away but thankfully they are few and far between and don't last more than a couple minutes.

I tell my kids that it is such an insidious addiction that you are so much better off at never having smoked, than to have smoked and then quit. The good news is, I have saved enough money to have recently purchased a very nice custom Martin!

Do I regret it? Not a chance.
A very clear vision of an unconsolable son of 12 years, standing my coffin at my funeral was and is a very powerful motivator for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 07:05 PM

It is usual to go through a bad time withdrawing from any addiction, and nicotine is no exception. Make him drink lots of water, take long walks and try to exert himself. What is happening is, among other things, a false personality is coming off and it can be very painful. At least that is my take on it. Changes can go on for up to 12, even 18 months in my experience, in different degrees and kinds.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,almost former girlfriend
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 06:11 PM

I've got big problems. My boyfriend's personality has taken a complete nosedive since he decided to quit smoking about 4 weeks ago. He chose teh patch followed by gum this week - the gradual approach. He is treating me so awfully and he is like a stranger to me - someone that I don't even know. Is this normal?
lady in love

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Muskratpete
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 10:57 PM

To anyone trying to quit smoking, I would advise checking out this website: www.quitsmokingonline.com. It is a wonderful, and free, course that helps you painlessly quit cold-turkey. It helps you understand that the psychological addiction to this nasty habit is much worse than the physical addiction and it offers a zen-like approach to quitting smoking. It's worked for me....a couple of times!!! lol

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,peedeecee
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 10:45 PM

I quit 5 months ago, after 46 years of fairly heavy smoking. To do it, I used all the help available -- the patch, and 2 Zyban a day. I'm now off the patch, down to 1 Zyban a day. I don't smoke any more and never will again. Cravings come like waves -- they build, then recede. All you have to do is wait it out, and it will go. Orange juice helps. Water helps. Stubbornness helps!

Good luck to you. At one time I smoked 60 a day, and (as everyone says), if I can quit, anyone can.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 09:10 PM

If you really just smoke "a couple cigarettes a day", GUEST,j - ie one, or at most two, why feel obliged to give it up anyway?

But if you find giving up is a desperately hard thing to do, it sounds to me like you actually take a few more than that.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: s&r
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 02:32 AM

Thirty some years ago a friend (now my wife)said, "Don't ask for help, just do it."

Nobody makes you smoke, but a lot of people make it harder to give up. Change your social pattern for a while; expect to feel a bit grotty while you give up. Good luck, it's worth it.

Stu

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,j
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 01:02 AM

just quit and am having really bad axiety symptoms. I wasn't a big smoker but somehow my couple cigarettes a day are proving very hard to give up...especially when i am out and about with friends. wondering if I should get on anxiety meds from doc or just wait it out?
any ideas?
J

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 11:16 PM

All right, Iz atayed outta this danged thread 'bout as long as I can....

You wanta quit smokin'? Like when? Now? Okay, I'm sending you a 12 guage shotgun and one shell... Get it? No? Well, when it arrives yer smokin' habit will be over... Jus' stcik the shell in the shotgun, pick a peaceful place and....

Oh, you don't wanta quit smoking now? Fine, keep it up, you'll get the same place as the shotgun was gonna get you except after a lot of misery...

Oh you don't like that option either???

Then go lock yerself in the bathroom, look yer pitiful butt in the mirror and say "Hey, I don't smoke no more", "I'm not a smoker", "Smokin' in fir loosers".... etc., etc.....

Tilt!!!

Game over....

No other options.................

I'd say "Good Luck" but it ain't about luck....................

Bobert
(Been there & 17 years without a cigarette)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 09:03 PM

Why not just cut out the smoking and take the nicotine in a less socially disruptive manner, which doesn't do your lungs in, and doesn't run into problesm with "no smoking" environments ? 'snuff said.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 08:02 PM

jlo/jewell: hang in there. I stopped last October, it was awful, but it got steadily easier. I loved smoking,did it all my life, but I am now a NON SMOKER. I dont give people lectures, I dont think they deserve to die, I have not become a boring twat, but believe me I am a non-smoker. And you have also just become one. It may not feel quite like it yet, but it very soon will.HANG ON. If me and Amos and everyone else here has done it, SO CAN YOU.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 06:16 PM

One and a half years ago after a score of false tries over forty years, I smoked my last cigarette. Hardest thing I ever have done.

Absolutely worth it.


Absolutely possible.

You DO get through it.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Dani
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:37 PM

DO IT DO IT DO IT! Do whatever it takes....

Ask for help from everyone you meet!!

Guest, *you* have still bought yourself SOME time by quitting. Days, weeks, months with the people you love that you wouldn't otherwise have had. I'm sure of it.

My recent birthday celebrated *9* years smoke-free. But each of those years was made of up ONE AT A TIME not reaching in that pack, not buying them, not taking it out of the mouth of the person next to me. And you can make those decisions for yourself, one at a time.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Jlo (Jewell)
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:21 PM

TY Tom for your words of encouragement, I will fight as hard as I can to stay on track and eventually call myself a non - smoker. As for today I know I will probably just sleep the evening away so as not to have to have face the withdrawl, I'm already wore out! I just found out that my non smoking husband will get home about 2 hours later then he should because of work...UGH...just another let down!! But I will be strong (for now) and stick with it.
Thanks again...day 2 and hanging on by a thread...Jewell

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ed.
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:15 PM

GUEST: 26 Mar 04 - 12:01 AM

Thank you so much for your brave post.

I am still at the 'deciding' stage, but have printed out your post and placed it on top of my computer (I spend a good deal of my spare time here). If anything can finally help me 'take the plunge' I think that your post will be near the top of the list.

I wish you well, and thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:01 PM

Guest jlo -- i started tis thread last November as nicwit. I have been off cigarettes for eight and a half months now and will continue. It has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done but has been well worth it.

Although I went through major heart surgery in April, I probably wouldn't have faired as well if I still had been a smoker. I still have the disire for a cigarette, but not the craving.

Two days is a start; hold on tight to your resolve, and persevere. After about six weeks, things will start getting easier. You will no longer feel like rending your garments or pulling out your hair, not to mention tearing off your face.

Above all, keep this thread going and keeping reading and posting. I know it really helped me get through it -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:54 PM

14 (and a half) months for me. I have re-gained my sanity, and gained thirty pounds. I have a mild craving maybe twice a week, but now mild enough that the comprehension of long term emphysema esily outweighs the short term craving. My words of wisdom are fail, fail and fail again until you quit. That's the only way to beat the odds when there is such a high probability of failing.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:38 PM

EX-smokers tend to divide into two catagories - those for whom it is a constant fight against addiction (a day - by- day ongoing process) and those who broke a habit.

There does seem to be a spectrum spanning these two extremes - but most seem to fall pretty solidly into one camp or the other.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:36 PM

1. YES it will pass. I guarantee it.

2. YOU are bigger than IT is.

3. You can get through it using your own strength.

4. Chermically, if necessary, use COMMIT lozenges.

5. Drink LOTS of water.

6. YES!! It will pass. Don't you DARE turn back!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From:
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:33 PM

Hello, This is day 2 for me at being smoke free. I feel so angry, frustrated, alone and so ready to go get a pack of cigarettes!! And yet, I still WANT to quit!!! My husband is such a wonderful man and really loves me a lot buut I need for him to pay more attention to the support I need to get thru this. My kids live over a thousand miles away because they are grown and on their own, neither of them smoke thank God, so I really can't get support from them. I reaching for stupid excuses why I should just smoke now and looking for lame reasons to blame others. Will this EVER pass?????????????? Will I truly be able to be a non - smoker EVER????? I have smoked for 31 years, since I was 9 years old, I want to quit!!! Any words you can pass along that might help?????

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: nutty
Date: 01 May 04 - 02:30 PM

Congratulations to you all ... it's over 3 years for me now yet I can't, like Amos , say categorically that I'm "out of the woods."

I've had quite a bit of family stress lately and there have been times when I would have killed for a cigarette.

I know that at times I reacted in a very different way and got far more wound up than I would have done as a smoker.

Personally, I have put on weight and now have a high blood pressure problem. The doctor tells I'm still healthier than I was as a smoker but it's difficult to see how.

The main advantage for me has been the amount of money I have saved and the thing that keeps me a non-smoker is knowing that I never want to waste that amount of money ever again.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 01 May 04 - 10:16 AM

I feel I am out of the woods and well-established on my life without smoking path. It's like a distant memory, although it has been only a year and a bit. It has taken a lot of adjustment, aside from the actual quitting, to get used to. But it is a done deal as far as I can see.

And if I can get through it, man, anybody can!



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 May 04 - 08:34 AM

GUEST thanks for your brave post well said. I am still going strong, but need all the encouragement I can get. My great sympathies to you, but thanks as well for what you say.
Vectis and Amos: keep going!!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 12:05 AM

Brave post.

Thanks for the courage to communicate.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 12:01 AM

Not wanting to upset anyone, I've left my name off this post.

I've been of two minds about posting on this thread -- I keep coming back and looking at it, wanting to post, changing my mind, then looking again. I've decided to do it now.

I quit smoking a month ago, after 46 years, and it took a combination of Zyban and the patch for me to do it. I quit too late. Although I don't have an immediately fatal illness, I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, mostly emphysema) and congestive heart failure. Emphysema is a progressive disorder, and I will eventually die of it. Congestive heart failure (isn't as bad as it sounds!) can be treated. Both make it difficult for me to breathe; I can't walk for long, or do anything that involves physical exertion. It's difficult to sleep.

My husband retires in one year; we have enough money to travel and enjoy life, and I, because of my stupidity for 46 years, have decidedly limited our options, our enjoyment, and the quality of our life together.

I'm in my early 60s: I feel so young! And I'm so, so angry at myself.

If this message helps anyone make the decision to quit before it's too late, then I will feel better about posting it.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 07:11 PM

Great idea re rubber band. I am now into my 14th month and going strong -- I really feel out of the woods. BBW has also quit now, so we're both out of the woods -- she's on her third month. Zippydedoodah!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 06:43 PM

Still off the ciggies. How is everybody else doing???

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 05:38 PM

I am using a diiferent method to sifle crvings when they occur. It involves putting a large rubber band around your wrist that fits snug, not too tight. When you have a craving pull back and snap the rubber band. The worse the craving is the harder you want to snap it.

It focuses your mind off the craving and on the pain and it WORKS!

CM

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:57 PM

I am now just begun my 12th week of freedom. More power to us all -- Tom

(formely Nicwit)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:54 PM

Ten and a half months, more or less....phew! If I bring it up and intervals I can milk it for a lot of sympathy!! Great!!! lol!



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:49 PM

likewise, vectis

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:48 PM

Well done Greg :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:41 PM

Hi everyone. Pleased to report I am still going strong having successfuly negotiated the perils of Christmas and New Year partying.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: The Barden of England
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 04:53 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: The Barden of England
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 08:15 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 08:43 PM

Well, bless her heart!