So I quit smoking...

[babar]

this is funny that there are some threads about smoking, but anyways....

I've smoked for 14 years (started at 16) no less than a pack a day. I stopped once, but my heart wasn't really in it.

So I've been smoke free for almost 3 weeks. I did it cold turkey and it's been so easy I feel stupid for not doing it sooner. I had a couple of bad days in the beginning, and once in a while I have a strong psychological urge, but it passes. I finally figured out that I'm mentally strong enough to beat something the size of my finger!! Also, I just couldn't justify spending that much money anymore. $5.50 is robbery.

But, when do I start to feel the benefits? I'm coughing more now than I was before, I'm still tired, and I still get winded. How long did it take for some of you ex-smokers to really feel better?

thanks,
Andrea

 

[Disney Princess 6]

But I SO commend you for quitting. Don't let the problems you mentioned lure you back into it. You will be so much healthier once you give your body time to adjust to this new lifestyle.

Congrats and keep it up!

 

[4greatboys]

Im not a smoker either I just wanted to say congrats!!

 

[piglet too]

Another non-smoker, but want to congratulate you on what you are doing!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Here is a short rundown, Andrea, a few months and you will be on a roll. http://www.startribune.com/stories/615/20215.html

You have the tough part behind you, the first few weeks, plus, you have your head into it. My best. If it gets tough, stop by here for some support, always here.

And ya know I am going to keep 'bugging' ya till you finally get to one of the Chicago meets. We'll probably have another mid-summer. Look forward to seeing you.

And keep up the great job you are doing, congratulations!!!!!

Dan

 

[babar]

thanks everyone, and thanks for the link Dan!! I do feel great about this. It's a relief to not have to worry if I'll have enough money for smokes, or having to run out late a night to get some more!! It's amazing how much of my time was dictated by my need to smoke!

I feel great, and believe me, I was one who was pretty stubborn about quitting. But this time I did it on my own, with no prodding, and I didn't tell anyone until I was sure I could handle it.

thanks again!!

 

[catsrule]

That is great, babar! conCATulations and good luck!

 

[zonelinks]

i really feel one shud take control over one's self...n not let a lil stck have control over u.
two words....
QUIT IT!
NOW
REMEBER WITH EVERY DRAG..U R ONE MORE STEP AWAY FROM YR LOVED ONES....
-------------------------------------------
http://www.zonelinks.com
-------------------------------------------
The Power Link Dimension

 

[snoopy]

Congratulations babar!!

I quit smoking 10 months ago, and also found it remarkably easy. I did not notice immediate benefits as far as my health, that didn't come until several months into it, probably 6 months along.

If you haven't already discovered this WONDERFUL forum for quitting smoking, let me be the first to introduce you to it. The folks that post here are a wealth of knowledge and support:

QuitNet

I urge you to register and join in. First of all, they keep track of how many days you have been quit, how many cigs you have NOT smoked, how much money you have saved. The forums are wonderful for meeting other people who have quit who may be struggling with the same issues that you are (for me it was and still is weight -- the only drawback to quitting smoking is I gained 30 pounds that I can't take off!).

Congratulations again, babar! As they say on Quitnet, Keep the Quit!

 

[mrsmom]

Way to GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I quit smoking almost 8 yrs ago and did it cold turkey too, I had tried many times but i think your body knows it's time and it's then easier to quit or your body has more will power then, but any way CONGRATS!!!! keep up the good work, I felt 100% better about 6-1 yr after i quit.
Kim

 

[VampHeartless]

GOOD JOB! I've seen people and I know it's really hard to quit smoking. As far as the benefits...well...not dying of lung cancer before your 50? That's probably a good one. Kudos though!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Way to go Andrea!

Lori

 

[Kitty 34]

Good luck to you Babar!!! I quit smoking 8 years ago in the summer. That following spring I rewarded me (and the family ) with our first trip ever to Disney!! I figured I had saved up enough $$ to help pay for the trip!! Been going ever since....smoke free of course!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My 1st year anniversary quit date is coming up on June 3rd!

Congratulations to you!

 

[loisg1]

Congratulations!! DH has been trying to quit forever - and has been successful from time to time - but just can't seem to eliminate smoking from the workplace environment. When he's home or we're on vacation, etc, he never smokes.

Keep up the fantastic job!!
Lois

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by snoopy
Congratulations babar!!

I quit smoking 10 months ago, and also found it remarkably easy. I did not notice immediate benefits as far as my health, that didn't come until several months into it, probably 6 months along.

If you haven't already discovered this WONDERFUL forum for quitting smoking, let me be the first to introduce you to it. The folks that post here are a wealth of knowledge and support:

QuitNet

I urge you to register and join in. First of all, they keep track of how many days you have been quit, how many cigs you have NOT smoked, how much money you have saved. The forums are wonderful for meeting other people who have quit who may be struggling with the same issues that you are (for me it was and still is weight -- the only drawback to quitting smoking is I gained 30 pounds that I can't take off!).

Congratulations again, babar! As they say on Quitnet, Keep the Quit!

----------------------------------

Thanks SOOOOO much for posting that link! I've just added it to my favorites and will start reading through it later today..

I'm gearing up to quit myself now and any additional help is greatly appreciated..

And to you babar - Congratulations! Hopefully there will come a day when you can say the same to me..

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I quit four months ago. I used the patch. It was hard, but not terrible. It does get easier although I still miss having a cigarette after dinner and with coffee. The thing that helped me is DH agreed that all the money we saved with me not smoking would go to WDW vacations so we weren't supposed to go back until July 2005 and now we're going back this July also. Hang in there it does get easier. It also helps me to think that I won't constantly be looking for a smoking area on vacation.

ALso, another thing that helped me was drinking lots of bottled water. GOOD LUCK YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[crz4mm2]

I quit in 1985. Cold turkey. I did it because of the cost. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done (weren't any patches, gum etc then!!). I am very glad I did though.
My mother has smoked for 50 years and recently quit. She did it cold turkey too. About the 4 or 5 week mark she just cracked me up. I took her to the Doc and then we went out for breakfast. IT was cool out, so she had on a light jacket. When we got to the restaurant she said "I need to wash this coat" I asked why and she said "it smells like smoke".... finally, after all these years she can smell again.

Do whatever you have to do to remain smoke free. It is the best thing you can do for yourself!! Best of luck to all of those that are planning to quit and continued success for those of you that have already stopped.

 

[jacksonsmom]

Congrats everybody that has quit smoking. That is wonderful

I quit cold turkey 12 years ago, never looked back. The first few weeks were the hardest, but I always fought my urges until they pass.

My DH quit smoking almost 6 years ago. He was a smoker when I met him. Not a heavy smoker, but a smoker neverless.

When we decided to try & start a family, he decided he would quit smoking as he didn't want his child/children growing up in a smoker home.
He also quit cold turkey & never looked back.

I think when you are REALLY ready to quit, it can be fairly easy.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Congrats to ALL of the ex-smokers!!! It's been 2.5 years for me, after a 17 year habit. With the cost of cigarettes it's really easy NOT to go back to it these days, isn't it? It is for me, anyhow!

Truth to be told, I never really felt bad when I DID smoke. The only significant difference I noticed was that my dog smells worse than ever!!!

Great job, everyone!