This could very well be my last morning..

[C.Ann]

of sitting here smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee!!

Today is "D" day.. I'll be picking my DD up at her house in about 2 hours or so and then we're off to the lake for our "quit smoking" effort..

Sheesh - I started getting cranky just "thinking" about it last night! If that's any indication of how this is going to go for me, I'm in BIG trouble! Maybe I'll get lucky and find a bear I can wrestle with or something.. LOL

For all who have quit - how did you handle the mornings - when you first got up? I think that's going to be one of the hardest parts for me..

Wish us luck - I know that I'M going to need it!! And say a prayer that DD & I don't kill each other and are still speaking when all is said and done.. LOL

 

[grinningghost]

I hope you can do it! I always say if my Dad (who smoked for 45 years) can quit cold turkey - anyone can. Visiting my Mom's house is much more pleasant without the smell of smoke hanging in the air. Keep that in mind when a craving strikes.

 

[Roemama1]

I don't have any advise except to say....

GGGGOOOOOOO C.ANN!!!! You can do it!!!

 

[meandtheguys]

I started drinking my coffee in a different location, sounds dumb, but it helped a little. I also had t keep reminding myself to breathe deeply. For some reason that made me feel better.

My SIL and I quit together, and she became, for lack of a better word, stupid! Her brain went south, and thus we laughed our tushies off at her antics.

Good luck and best wishes!

 

[C.Ann]

Actually I want to quit drinking coffee too - but I know that I shouldn't try to do both at the same time - and that I have to "wean" myself from the caffeine so I don't end up with killer migraines..

For now I think I'll just try to limit my coffee intake to about 3 cups a day - and then start backing off from there after a week or so..

 

[dumboiu]

Originally posted by C.Ann
of sitting here smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee!!

Look at the difference in these lungs. Now, go enjoy your coffee sans the cigarette!!!!!
http://library.thinkquest.org/3230/comp.htm

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would not worry about the coffe, C.Ann, at least now, it won't hurt you. As for the smokes, break your day into sections. Oftentimes we talk about taking it a day at a time. Sometimes that even is too big in the beginning. Make it through the early morning, then the late morning, then the afternoon and so on. Before you know it, it's night and you made the day. After about 2 weeks, you have the worst behind you and your body starts to freshen up. You WILL do it. When tough, stop by for support, don't give in. My best.

 

[meandtheguys]

Maybe you could switch some of your coffee to tea, if you like tea. That might lessen the connection. I tried several times to stop the caffeine, but with my freaky thyroid I truly NEED a bit of a jump start. I even thought about starting smoking again, because I don't get jumpy from nicotene. Are you using the patch or anything like that?

 

[ripleysmom]

I remember what helped most when I quit smoking. Whenever I had the craving for a cigarette, I would put off having a cigarette for an hour. Then the next hour I would put it off again.

After a day of that, just remind yourself that you have gotten that far and that if you have a cigarette you will have to start all over.

That's what worked for me.

 

[stinkerbelle]

C. Ann - did you look at this site that I posted a few days ago?

www.lifesign.com

I highly suggest it...it weens you off...rather then cold turkey...buy the time you are 3 weeks into it, your cravings are gone.

It alters the TIME in which you smoke.

Example - week one, you smoke as you normally do, everytime pushing a button on this little machine...so it 'learns' your habit. When you turn it on on Day 8...it will say "ok - you can't smoke for 10 minutes, or 34 minutes or whatever." That way - you'll HAVE your morning smoke - just not at the same time as you have your coffee...if you're used to coffee/smoke at 8...that first smoke might not be until 9. It breaks your habit.

It *is* rather pricey...but my mom was successful with this...and when I quit, I plan to use this myself.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by meandtheguys
Maybe you could switch some of your coffee to tea, if you like tea. That might lessen the connection. I tried several times to stop the caffeine, but with my freaky thyroid I truly NEED a bit of a jump start. I even thought about starting smoking again, because I don't get jumpy from nicotene. Are you using the patch or anything like that?

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

Well - I have a box of patches, but they're past the expiration date so I don't know if they're still any good or not..

Have a fresh box of the nicotine gum, but don't know if I'll be able to use it because my stomach is so sensitive..

Mostly what I did was load up on lollipops, Life Savors, cinnamon mints, etc. and I've packed a TON of activities to keep my hands busy..

Can't stomach tea at all but I guess I could try "jump starting" my mornings with ONE cup of coffee and then may some orange juice or something?

And DAN - you're right.. I'm definitely going to have to break this down into "hours" - the thought of an entire day and night is just too overwhelming for me..

 

[meandtheguys]

I know some pharmacist will prob. jump allover me, but the patches are still fine, most likely. Skip the tea! And for now drink all the coffee you need! OJ gags me in the morning! Good job on the activites and mints!

I know this really isn't my problem to solve, and thanks for listening. It is nice to deal with something that doesn't involve a dispute over legos! Enjoy your time with DD!

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by meandtheguys
I know some pharmacist will prob. jump allover me, but the patches are still fine, most likely. Skip the tea! And for now drink all the coffee you need! OJ gags me in the morning! Good job on the activites and mints!

I know this really isn't my problem to solve, and thanks for listening. It is nice to deal with something that doesn't involve a dispute over legos! Enjoy your time with DD!

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

Thanks! I was wondering about those patches.. I mean if they're still "sealed", I can't imagine how the nicotine could "leak" out of them..

Thank goodness my DD has their travel trailer up there on our other lot because if we get on each others nerves TOO much we can go to our "separate corners".. LOL

Actually I don't know if DD is planning on "cold turkey" or weaning down over the next 4 days.. I forgot to ask her and just assumed we would be doing "cold turkey"..

Should be a VERY interesting four days!!!!!!!

 

[barbeml]

Good luck...you can do it!!

 

[HollyJoy]

I wish you all the luck and willpower in the world!

 

[LauraR]

I wish you all the best. My mother tried to quit a few times when I was a teenager and got severely cranky. I'd get so I wanted her to smoke again. Now I wish I had been more supportive and toughed it out with her, because she's still smoking. Remember that as soon as you stop smoking your body starts to heal itself, and as hard as it may be quitting, what you are going through is buying you time with your family later on. Good luck!

 

[Disney Doll]

Good luck!!! Stay strong!!!! After you get over feeling lousy, you really will start to feel better!!!

 

[snoopy]

First of all, let me say Way To Go, C. Ann!!!

I wasn't one to smoke in the morning, I always had to have my breakfast before I would smoke, but I know many people who quit find that "wake up" cigarette the hardest to give up. I've heard that drinking orange juice first thing in the morning is a great way to combat the urges. Also, change your routine. If you usually sit in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and a cigarette, go out on the patio and have a cup of tea instead. You only will be craving the nicotine for a couple of days, after that its just about breaking the habit and changing your routines. After awhile, you won't be able to believe all the time you spent smoking!

Its been 10 months for me. Be prepared to gain a little weight. Its going to happen in most cases. I found taking a walk when I wanted a cigarette the best way to combat the urges. Also, drink lots of water! Helps flush the nicotine out of your system.

Try www.quitnet.com for support - also, if you need a friendly shoulder to lean on, feel free to PM. I've been where you are. If I can do it, trust me, so can you. I have never thought of myself as a person with a lot of willpower, and really am amazed at how easy it was once I set my mind to it.

Best of luck, C. Ann!

 

[snoopy]

Oh, another thing, I quit cold turkey and would highly recommend it over patches/gum/Zyban. It totally sucks the first few days, but once you've gone to Hell and back, its over. There is no weaning off the patches/gum/Zyban. JMO, of course, everyone is different.

 

[C.Ann]

Okay gang - thanks for all of the support..

I'm outta here! On my way to my DD's house to pick her up now..

If you never hear from me again, just remember the kinds of things that go on up to "that" lake when I'm around...........

Pop Daddy can fill you in on all of the gory details.....LOL

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!

C.Ann