Somebody suggested in the comment section over at Uppity Woman’s that those of us who are quitting, have quit, want to quit have a space on a blog to share. They say the more support you have, the better your chances of quitting. So! here it is!
The wonderful family at Uppity’s have already pitched in with some great suggestions. Keeping your hands busy, chewing on coffee stirrers, have cut up fresh fruits and veggies on hand.
I started Chantix – today is day three- so far not bad because you can smoke for the first week while the drug builds up in your system. My older brother used Chantix and has not smoked since- he is 66 and smoked since he was 12- 2 packs a day!
So everybody is invited- whether you have already quit and have some tips, are in the process and want some company in your misery, are thinking about it and need some company or just friends who want to encourage (or torment) us!
What shall we name our new room?
So I updated the name of the room-
Today is the first day of quit week on Chantix- it’s 11 am or so and so far- so good- the Chantix is really taking the edge off- the urges are not as frequent as I thought they would be- but still as intense as i expected.
So I keep saying to myself- breathe, breathe, breathe- who knew Lamaze breathing would come in handy in so many situations? I am sucking on candy canes, drinking lots of water, gargling with minty mouthwash (I smoked menthols) eating oranges and grapes and generally just pacing around the house! I would love to do some early Spring cleaning- but that is not happening with my back-
I cleaned all the ashtrays and got help to get the curtains down so they could be washed- wish it was warm enough to open the windows- oh well-
thanks to all who have been walking this way with me- check out the lovely videos FF linked yesterday- and see if that doesn’t make you quit!
Breathe! Breathe! In with the good air- out with the bad!
Gosh I don’t know about a name…..Bad Habit would be cute, but Nunly might come over here and slap our wrists with a ruler, LOL! I’ll have to think about it.
I’m in the thinking about quitting category, LOL! I know I need to, but life just keeps throwing crap at me and I think how can I quit smoking when X is happening.
I have plenty of friends that have quit and several said Chantix worked well for them. I have some just haven’t used it yet. I did try Zyban or Wellbutrin a few years back and OMG! That stuff made me as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof and so doggone angry. I didn’t crave cigarettes, but psychologically I thought damn I need to have a cigarette to calm my ass down…..truly weird, LOL!
I know several people that have quit using the e-cigarettes they slowly wean themselves off starting with the stronger cartridges, then the weaker, the finally the nicotine free. I have one of those too. Hey I recently used it when flying. It does give you a taste similar to a cigarette and the feel is very similar. The draw on the e-cigarette is close to taking a drag of a cigarette, but not exactly the same. What I don’t like about mine is that the cartridges I have which are full strength give me too much nicotine. I can only take four or five puffs and I’m buzzing from the nicotine. To me that’s not really a cigarette replacement so I need to order the step down cartridges.
But again I know several people that weaned themselves this way and swear by it. In fact they still carry their e-cigarette with the non-nicotine cartridges for those weak moments. They say using the e-cigarette separates the physical nicotine addiction from the psychological (doing something with your hands) addiction.
I wish all the quitters the best of luck and look forward to hearing how things go for you. Hey I see something right there……who the hell wants to be in a group of quitters???? Gotta come up with a more positive name!
I agree with the more positive name angle! Positive thoughts!
I am going to look into the e-cigarette thing- finding out today I am going to have to have back surgery sent me for a loop!
My Mom tried the Wellbutrin and had similar reaction to yours- though I knwo people who have had success with it.
hey if my brother can do it- I can! He was already smoking when I was born!
Maybe I can get my husband to try the e-cigarettes? that I think is going to be the hardest part- trying to quit while living with a smoker- but he works second shift so it’s only a few hours a day we actually see each other.
maybe I should think of the money I am going to save- but not in the name of this page- don’t want the gov to know I might have a few more bucks- Obie will be redistributing it!
HMMM- This IS our own version of health care reform, and we ARE redistributing some wealth from the cig company to ourselves——have to think on that
Ideas from helenk at Uppity Woman’s
PMM
would smoke free room work for a name.?
The end of the smoked filled back rooms
fresh air
fresh ideas all the time.
no smoke and mirrors allowed
I like the no smoke and mirrors- another swipe at D.C.
keep the ideas coming- FF has promised a graphic!
Since you are all strong people , I have no doubt that you will win the fight against smoking.
onward to battle, we shall overcome, bring it on, and other and
assorted battle cries.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH ENOUGH TO STOP SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS, AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
One of my prime motivations for this is to get my breath back so I can sing again! (Well- I CAN still sing- just can’t hold the notes and lost the top of my range)
I went to a rehab for breathing and some of the things that they taught me were
breath in through your nose like smelling a rose
breath out through your mouth with pursed lips like blowing out a candle slowly.
I was on a tread mill just to build up endurance.
press in under your rib cage to expel air.
My goal was to walk through and airport without losing my breath.
I really do think all of you can win this battle
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE , STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
Fortunately I had voice training in my (long ago) youth so had quite a set of lungs and good breathing technique. My ability to project comes in very handy when the sound system fails at church!
When my Mom had her stroke last year the visiting nurse did a lot of those exercise with her- so I got the refresher course!
Appreciate the hints and the confidence. The Chantix program includes web and phone support too-
Liek The Little Engine that Could! I think I can, I think I can……
Everyone will get up in the Am and start singing this.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
helen- the new theme song! to be sung as needed, morning, noon and night! Thanks!
Every day and every time you overcome the desire to smoke, you can strut a little.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE, AND ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
you guys are great! So much encouragement! As I told UW in the comment above- the computer is one of the worst places for my smoking habit- so staying away from it- I will pop in and out- and keep you all posted!
I smell smoke. Okay, fess up. Which one of you is cheating?
…..folding arms…tapping foot…
Today is my last day of week one of Chantix- so my last day of smoking. Been staying away from the computer – it is one of my bad habits to sit and read the blogs while smoking. Gotta break that habit! It will be a pop in and pop out couple of days!
today you will decide which you want to be.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
http://www.veoh.com/browse/
It would help if I typed the right link
sorry
Thank you thank you!
MOM – here’s a link you may want to see. Load up the YouTubes.
http://brianunderwood.blogspot.com/2010/03/fsc-cigarettes.html
YIKES! Thanks- when the urge gets bad I will go watch those- hmm- and maybe I can trick my husband into watching them too!
Since everyone seems to be talking about this video, I thought I would remind you that the cravings will pass.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
This is a website that every day shows something beautiful and makes us think how vast the universe really is.
Take a look when you need something beautiful
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,AND ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
Helen! Thanks you so much- not just for this- but for all the support and links- things are going ok so far- other than the headaches- monster!
Pics like that help me just relax and breathe- glad I let my online friends know about the quitting- it helps to have so much support!
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/cat-versus-robot/3049900432
For the cat lovers
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
PMM I hope all is going well and the urges are starting to diminish. I wish your back was better. I’ve read that participating in some kind of physical activity when nicotine cravings hit you is a good way to get past them, but you’re pretty limited at the moment with your back.
Somebody- I got out yesterday and the day before in the yard- it was in the 60′s here and the snow is almost gone! The snowdrops are finally coming up- the problem was the heavy snow cover and the weeds and grass my husband did not pull last year- afraid I will have to take the whole thing apart- AGAIN! and just truck in clean dirt and mulch the hell out of it- {sigh- but there are well over a thousand bulbs in there!}
Fortunately that is a gall job and please God my back is up to snuff by then.
fall not gall- oops
Here is an excerpt from the Allen Carr book “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking”.
The whole business of smoking can be likened to a fly being caught in a pitcher plant. To begin with, the fly is eating the nectar. At some imperceptible stage the plant begins to eat the fly. Isn’t it time you climbed out of that plant?
I am climbing- slow and sure! I went to the bank today and they gave me a lollipop! It wasn’t that great- other than chocolate I am not a big sweet eater- but that stick lasted about an hour!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/070402/GAL-07Apr02-69859/index.html
Something to make you smile.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
PS
Do not eat the peep
Absolutely no chance of me ever eating a stale marshmallow- with EYES!
I like my marshmallows Girl Scout style- toasted and smashed together with Hershey bar wedged into graham crackers- beside a campfire under the stars!
The marilyn Monroe peep was cute!
Just think of the time you will save and the fun you can have with it.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE AND STRONG ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, EN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
How are you doing PMM? You’ve made it five days now. I know it must have seemed like an eternity at times huh? But I think the worst of it is over and now each day should get a little bit easier. Until suddenly without realizing it……you’re not quitting you have quit and you are truly an ex-smoker.
I’m not actively trying to quit at this point, but oddly I’ve cut back a little bit without really trying. By happenstance a couple of nights this week I missed my evening smokes and so I just decided I don’t need them. So Monday will make a week I haven’t had a cigarette after 8 or 8:30pm. Since I’m a night owl that’s pretty good…..OK compared to you it’s small fries…..but it’s a start. I think in another week I’m going to try and put off my morning smoke for at least an hour and work from there.
I still have my boxes of Chantix in my bedroom. Is everything still going well with the Chantix?? I’m kind of watching you and seeing how things go with you before I decide to take mine, LOL!
Somebody- Yesterday was the worst day so far- husband is off on the weekends- so I had to find ways to avoid being in the same room with him- he is still smoking. And of course it rained all day- so I could not get outside.
Poor daughter- I would not let her take my car this morning so I can drive myself to church- not riding in husbands car until I am beyond temptation. Besides which, just the smell of the smoke gives me a wicked headache now. Which is maybe a good thing?
The snowdrops have finally appeared and they have once again done the magical multiplying trick!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3754293779500828561&hl=en#
I watch this video when I need something to smile about.
Think what is possible when you try
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THE AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
http://www.ugoto.com/video_hilarious_telemarketer_pranks_caught_on_tape.html
I do not know anyone who has not laughed at this.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE, AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
MOM
I was just over at wallet pop.com and saw this. An inhaler that gives the taste of chocolate or coffee,
Lewhif.com
I do not know if this would help or not. Maybe you could find out more about it. the price is 3 dollars
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
Thanks Helen- I am still not smoking!
I think my ability to write was somehow tied to the smoking though- oh well- I will just keep on lurking and making comments and wait to see if it comes back
Another song for you to sing
It has been one of my favorite songs
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
http://juliesmagiclightshow.com/?pic=83
This is another website to visit when you need something beautiful and relaxing.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE AND STRONG ENOUGH TO QUIT SMOKING, MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
Hi PMM, just checking on you. I read on another blog about you wanting to start an herb garden. I’ve always wanted to do that too, it sounds like a wonderful idea. You can put all your pent up energy into the garden and then as you watch each plant grow they can symbolize your growth into a completely smoke free ex-smoker. Just think how much more aromatic those herbs will be with you not smoking and how much better all the foods you season with them are going to taste!!!
Somebody! I always love herbs- we already have mint and wild onions and some garlicky things that are everywhere but never get cloves- just the one bulb-
I want the medicinal herbs – penny royal, lavender, angelica, rosemary- there are so many I need to have a true apothecary- but the way the govt is going- I am going to need it
So how are things going PMM?? Have the cravings diminished?
How about the Chantix?? Are you handling it OK? How about the wild dreams everybody talks about??? (BTW the health care bill really passed that wasn’t a bad dream…..just trying to help you out, LOL)
I know you’re nervous about your surgery and rightfully so. I’m sure you’ll do fine. I know several people that have had back surgeries including two people that had rods put down their spines. They all did fine, those with disc fusion healed more rapidly than the others. You’ll probably have a couple of weeks that completely suck, but then suddenly you’re fine again. That’s the way it has been for everyone I know.
The Chantix is working well- for me- I could not take the two a day (when I tried to go to the two I got violent headaches) – but am not surprised as I am sensitive to a lot of drugs. So I take the one at night after dinner. It really works quite well- I haven’t killed my husband and he still smokes lol. The dreams were quite vivid the first ten days or so- now not so much. I would recommend it- I have tried everything in the past and nothing worked as well as this- 24 days since my quit day! The cravings and urges are still there but not overwhelming. They have a support website- I signed up and go daily in the morning with my coffee- as that is the hardest time of day for me- lots of good ideas there- I am very satisfied with Chantix.
Nervous does not begin to describe how I feel about the surgery- especially with the stupid bill having just passed- just hope the docs and nurses haven’t read it yet and haven’t gotten the memo about the micro-chip patient trackers.
I wouldn’t worry about the micro-chip just yet, trust me the government NEVER moves that quickly!
I hope you have a nice relaxing weekend and rest up for next week. Do you have some meals stashed away in the freezer? If not try to run out and grab some quickie stuff that takes little to no effort. You’ll appreciate it believe me! Also, just let the house be, whatever it is it will be there when you feel better.
I’m sure we’ll all be checking in on you, hopefully you’ll be able to get online a little bit.
I might be away from my computer from Wednesday forward for a few days. Little somebody is having surgery too. She had this weird growth come up on her chest and a biopsy revealed it’s a very rare type of tumor. Thankfully at this point it’s benign but they are going to go in and cut the rest of it out and a chunk around it to make sure they got it all. They’ll take a nearby node too. So I’ll be nurse mommy again for a little while. But the good news is as far as we know this surgery will be the end of it, no chemo or anything.
I just thought of something PMM……if you get to feeling too nervous just think about little somebody. She’s 10 years old and has had several surgeries with yet another one next week. They put her under for chemo through her spinal cord weekly for months, then once a month for a few more months, then finally every 12 weeks for a couple of years. My mom had to have knee replacement and she was very nervous about the surgery. But she told herself if her grand daughter could do this over and over so could she.
Little somebody was really nervous at first but now sadly she’s a pro with anesthesia. Do you happen to have an ipod? Little somebody puts on her head phones and looses herself in music, that seems to help her.
Also, to help with needle pricks maybe you can get some Emla cream it numbs your skin, but you need a prescription. If not, you can put a little preparation H on the area with some Glad press and seal over it and it numbs you just a little bit. I don’t know why but if you take a deep breath in when they are sticking you it helps.
I don’t know if any of that will help you or not.
Oh and I thought of something else. Do you have one of those gopher things that picks stuff up so you don’t have to bend over?? You can pick them up at Target or Wal-Mart for about $10. I think one of those would be a good investment, not because I think you need to walk around picking stuff up….but if you happen to drop the remote or you can’t reach a cup in the cabinet. Well having one of those will really help you and save you some pain.
Thanks for all the suggestions- I feel like a wimp- what I am going through is nothing compared to what your child has endured. As long as I am not looking the needle pricks don’t bother me- for those I use good old fashioned LaMaze breathing-
The recovery is supposed to be 6 to 8 weeks- trying to get as much done this weekend as I can around the gardens and house- pain be damned- cuz nothing is going to get done while I am laid up.
Fortunately the weather is gorgeous this weekend so should be able to get some more of the flower beds weeded!
PMM to hell with the weeds. You are going to wear yourself out before the surgery and that will make your recovery slower.
I know exactly how you feel, but sometimes you have to let things go!
Years ago I tripped over a box placed behind me when I was standing at a counter in a store. On my first step I tripped and ended up doing a head dive on a concrete floor. I messed up my neck, shoulder and back. All total between testing and treatment is was about 8 or 9 months before I was really able to do anything. Until that time I had taken care of the yard. When you needed a machete to get to the mailbox my husband finally cut the grass, but he never edged, trimmed and certainly never weeded my flower beds.
Flash forward to the next spring when I was finally able to garden. My beds were completely grown over covered in weeds and vines, but guess what?? As I began pulling and digging out all those weeds underneath I discovered my beds were fine, all the plants were alive and thriving! Why because I had properly prepared my beds and I’m sure the same is true for you. It was actually quite a joy and thrill and a little bit therapeutic to uncover my beautiful beds. It was so satisfying and it made me feel as though everything was finally OK.
So stop worrying about those weeds, they will be there when you’re feeling better and probably have some friends, LOL! But what will be deceiving is that underneath that cocoon of weeds will lie your plants…..kind of like a butterfly waiting to spread its wings.
You know you shouldn’t be out there killing yourself over some weeds, so stop it already! Concentrate on resting your body so it is in optimal condition to heal. The better shape you are going into this the quicker you will recover. Remember once you recover you’ll be closing the book on this back stuff, in fact you’re like a butterfly waiting to emerge from your cocoon…..and what do caterpillars do in their cocoon?????
funny thing about weeds and dust, they always come back. You just enjoy the weekend and Easter. Throw things at the peeps for relaxation, make sure you eat chocolate it is good for you. I hope you feel better soon. Be very proud of yourself for not smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things to do. You did it and will continue to do so. Look in the mirror and yell ” DAMN I AM GREAT”
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
Just wanted to leave a note here too, to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers today.
Two months smoke free and counting!!!!