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Member Comments
By jmward89 on November 19, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Sad day locally Stephanie Spielman lost her fight with cancer.
By tdisom on November 20, 2009 at 05:17 AM
My prayers go out to her friends and family. May she rest in peace.
By angelovearth on November 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I'm sorry for your loss! RIP Stephanie.
By RickNJax on November 20, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Today is my last day as a smoker! I am having a regular day, thinking of getting up tomorrow and starting the rest of my life being SMOKE FREE! This has been a long time coming and I am excited about it. Life will be so much better not having to carry those cigarettes around, not having to pay the big bucks for each pack, and the clutter cigarettes make. I haven't smoked in my home for 4 years now, always go outside, and I will fill up my time initially by looking for help on this site. Wish me luck!
By tdisom on November 20, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Good luck RickNJax, You'll do fine. I'm confident you are going to make it. Your enthusiasm is abundant and your commitment seems genuine. Two characteristics of success. Stay positive no matter what and remeber were with you all the way. Good luck and best wishes.
By angelovearth on November 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM
You can do anything you set your mind to!
By Otterpond on November 20, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Still smoke free!
By tdisom on November 20, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By angelovearth on November 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Sweeeeeet!
By aquatink on November 20, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Tomorrow will be 2 months smoke free for me :)
Good luck everyone - Stay Strong!
By tdisom on November 20, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Wooooh Hoooooo!!!!!
By angelovearth on November 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Awesome! Congrats!
By angelovearth on November 20, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Weird. Yesterday I had a coughing fit and up came a goo with lots of those little black specks in it. I thought I was all done with that but I guess there's more in there. Yuk! I guess after 24 years, that's to be expected. Makes me scared to think about what my lungs look like. Good thing they can regenerate themselves! If only it wouldn't take so long...
By tdisom on November 20, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Yep, right when you think that parts is done.
By brown9190 on November 20, 2009 at 01:05 AM
I haven't had any this morning..... That's because I don't have any. I am hoping to make it to work with out stopping to by a pack! I feel like I'm on pins and needles!
By gilducha on November 20, 2009 at 02:29 AM
Try to be strong... You will be proud of yourself and better than ever.
By tdisom on November 20, 2009 at 05:15 AM
Good for you are on your way to a better fitter you. Use the mp3s on the resource page, they helped me through my commute to and from work.
By RickNJax on November 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I joined LIVESTRONG 5 weeks ago with the intent of getting on a diet. My goal was 20 lbs, and in 5 weeks I am down 12 lbs (target to go from 170 lbs to 150 lbs). I am a lifetime smoker, started exercising daily on the treadmill or walking during lunchtime at work. I am on a solid diet, watching calories and this web site has been awesome in helping me look at labels and the foods I eat every day. It is now time for me to quit smoking, I plan on retiring in a year and want to be smoke-free. I will need all the encouragement I can muster up, have tried to quit in the past and did not succeed, this time my mindset is good, so any advice will help me out.
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Glad you stopped by. You'll here this over and over again and nothing is more true, "Keep trying if your first attempt doesn't work." That is what got me to day 43. Also before you begin, plan what to with your free time and for urges. You can do it. Many people can attest to that including me. You have to be prepared and willing to try almost anything. I hope your time to not smoke is soon and I hope we can encourage and support 100% of the way. Good luck and best wishes.
By RickNJax on November 19, 2009 at 03:22 PM
My stop date is this Saturday, November 21. I have been thinking about this for a while now and feel I am mentally ready. I will need all the encouragement I can get, thanks for the reply
By angelovearth on November 19, 2009 at 03:57 PM
It's nice to have a date set. Now you need to think about what you'll do when the urges hit you. Get yourself a "quit kit" together. Are you going cold turkey? Get yourself some gum or some candy to suck on, or some carrot sticks to munch on, a straw to suck through, etc. What will you do when you get offered a smoke? What will you do when you want to run to the store and buy a pack? Think about all these things and more before your quit date. Look at the top of this page...you'll see "Resources". Tdisom has posted a lot of great helps to get people through the first steps. Check them out, they can really be of benefit. Good luck! I smoked for 24 years. If I can do it, ANYONE can! Use your mind's power. It's all within you!
By waynes on November 19, 2009 at 05:58 PM
It sounds like you have a plan and are committed. I struggled for 20+ years to quit. I finally ended my habit on January 28th of this year. I made the mental commitment, replaced smoking with a new habit of exercise and tracked my progress here daily. Keep up the great work. We're all here to support you.
By choosing_me on November 19, 2009 at 06:31 AM
So I'm down to my last pack of cigarettes and am so ready to stop! I have been smoking for 12 years. It quit being "enjoyable" many years ago. I smoke out of habit and addiction now. I told myself I would never start after seeing both of my parents struggle with this same addiction, but I did. My dad has Emphysema but FINALLY quit smoking about 6 years ago. He had smoked for 50 years!! I figure if he can do it after that long, I will do it too! I owe it to my children to take care of myself and be here for them for as long as God allows me to be. Prayer is an amazing thing, so please keep me in mind when you say yours! Good luck to all those taking this dare with me!
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Hi Choosing_me glad you have decided to not smoke anymore. Sorry such unfortunate circumstances influenced your decision to not smoke. Hopefully, all gets better with your father. Although God does work in misterious ways. We all have been were you are now and hopefully soon you will be where we are, smokefree. It is not an easy thing to but it is do-able, and you "CAN" do it. Believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything. Good luck and best wishes.
By choosing_me on November 19, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Thanks tdisom! I think it will help to be here and be able to talk to people who have the same struggles as myself. I'm so excited to finally do this! Thanks for your support!
By mellask on November 18, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Even though I am doing well I still feel the need to track my progress here. I would be disappointed if I had to mark anything other than 0. Reading through everyone struggles as they begin their journey helps to keep me on track. I don't want to be there again. I have passed the hardest part.
By Otterpond on November 18, 2009 at 08:44 AM
I do come and read all the way through the posts each day. It has helped me stay motivated.
By tdisom on November 18, 2009 at 11:22 AM
You ARE doing very well!!!!!! Glad to know you are so motivated to stay an ex-smoker. Keep your confidence and keep educating yourself on why you shouldn't smoke and you'll be fine. Good luck and best wishes.
By Templetree on November 19, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Yes, same here. I feel I am doing really well, but last time I started smoking again after 9 months - the heights of stupidity on my part... I am really careful now to not let this happen again. It started with the occasional drag at a party and then spiraled out of control. No way this will happen again after all this effort to stay smoke free. This forum helps me to stay focused, it's a major part of my current confidence to stay smoke free!
By angelovearth on November 19, 2009 at 11:21 AM
That's what happened to me too, Templetree. I quit for 8 months and then I guess I had forgotten how bad it was, let my mind slip and wander, and took drags here and there until, very quickly, I was hooked again. I don't want that to happen again so that's why I continue to come here and try to help others in their efforts as, as the same time, they help me in mine. Whenever I think I might want to smoke, which is very rarely these days, I think of you guys here and that keeps me focused. So THANKS EVERYONE! It's great we can all help eachother!
By Otterpond on November 19, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Day 9. The folks noticed last night that the ash tray didn't come out for our regular cocktail hour. Hubby has not quit with me but he is voluntarily smoking outside now and not around. I'm sure he is smoking less as a result.
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Good for you!!!!!!! I am so happy for you, and hopefully soon he'll follow your lead. It is such a great feeling isn't it? Keep it up, we are still in your corner. Good luck and best wishes.
By MichiganManBlue on November 19, 2009 at 07:33 AM
O cigs for 6 weeks! Today makes 42 smoke-free day!
Finally, I am clean!
By choosing_me on November 19, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Congrats!
By Otterpond on November 19, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Cheers!
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Keep doing what you are doing, its obviously working. Congrats.
By Otterpond on November 18, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Its official - day 8. That means I've quit smoking for a whole week and then a little. That nasty little morning cough is almost all gone now.
By tdisom on November 18, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Congrats!!!!!!!!!! Day 8. Yep, those morning coughs really show you what was in those smokes. Mine are getting more clear but not gone and I'm on day 41. Keep doing what you are doing. Good luck and best wishes.
By gilducha on November 19, 2009 at 04:32 AM
Great! Do you still have craves when you play WOW?
By Otterpond on November 19, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I do indeed have that urge while playing but already not as often. The one I missed yesterday was a victory smoke after completing a major round of cooking for about four hours. But ehh... got past that too.
By choosing_me on November 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Are you using any aids like the gum or patches? Everyone has told me the gum works very well. My pack is just about done so instead of buying another carton, I'm buying the gum instead. It's still saving me money getting that.
By Otterpond on November 19, 2009 at 09:38 AM
Nah .. I'm not big on pills and aids as such. So far deep breathing and a new distraction for my hands is just fine.
By choosing_me on November 19, 2009 at 09:46 AM
That is amazing! Good for you! I too, am not big on pills at all. Too many side effects!! I feel like I need some sort of aid to get me started...but I may surprise myself and not need anything. We'll see I guess. But congrats on the 8 day mark!
By ArlingtonDeeDee on November 19, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Clean since July 9th, 2009
By Otterpond on November 19, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Very impressive. Do you find yourself needing reinforcement from time to time even after all these months?
By axa919 on November 19, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Smoke free 67 days!
By Otterpond on November 19, 2009 at 09:39 AM
WOOT! Happy dance for you :)
By DJCpilot on November 18, 2009 at 06:25 PM
To all of you that commented on my post with such positive and genuine advice, I thank you as you have touched me and raised my spirits. This evening I am going to start with deep breathing, exercise is something I do anyway, I actually ride about 30-50 miles on a bike, row around 15km on a machine plus daily walking of the dog. I wonder how much I can increase the speed/distance when smoke free.
As for my quitting progress, well still smoke free and only 3 lozenges on day 4. I have had a miserable headache all day and feel really tired but that is only to be expected.
To ALL you EX-SMOKERS and would be EX-SMOKERS KEEP IT UP!
By Templetree on November 18, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Keep it up! You are doing a lot of physical exercise, that's great! When I quit my performance in the gym shot up by at least 40% and my personal trainer asked me what's going on ,) As far as the headache is concerned I had them,too. Splitting headaches day and night for about 10 days. It'll go, try aspirin, it helped me. I believe the headaches come from the sudden oxygen rush into your brain.
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 06:14 AM
You are welcome very welcome. You'll see just how much your engergy goes up and you wont ever want to touch another smoke ever. About day 8-10 you'll get the morning coughs and you see another reason not to smoke again. @ templetree, you are so right. My energy went up about 40% too. I thought someone put something in my drink or something in the weight room. I went up 20lbs on the bench press on day 3. I really hope things workout for you. You can do it, Good luck and best wishes.
By angelovearth on November 19, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I used to smoke and exercise. hahaha I'd smoke before starting, right after I got back, and sometimes during long runs, I'd take one with, stop and smoke, and continue! hahaha How pathetic is that, right? I can personally tell you that since I quit, after about a month, my energy level has sky-rocketed! I now run TWICE the distance that I did before, (6 miles), and I have run the farthest I've EVER run (10 miles), all without nicotine. I am now training to do my first 1/2 marathon in the spring. And cycling, well, I can just do that forever now without getting tired or coughing up crap! So, I say, take the challenge and see for yourself! The increase and better feeling is AMAZING!
I felt like crap the first 10 days or so, tired, cranky, headaches, etc. It gets better quickly after that. Just remember the breathing and drinking LOTS of water! YOu can do it!!!
By misty51375 on November 18, 2009 at 09:34 PM
I quit October 7th, with the help of Zyban. I smoked for 20 years. It was actually pretty easy. I have quit before. Hoping this time I stay away from it for good. I love being able to smell and taste again.
By gilducha on November 19, 2009 at 04:29 AM
What about the side effects? Did you have any? And good for you, of course!
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 05:53 AM
Good for you!!!! We have the same smoke-free anniversary date. Its good to know you are doing well at this and I am confident this is your time to quit. I hope things continue to go well for you and we are all behind you 100%. Good luck and best wishes.
By brown9190 on November 19, 2009 at 01:28 AM
I have tried and tried to quit smoking and have been successful in the past. But I figure since I have been using this site for the last 8 weeks to loose weight I figured why not use it to stop smoking. I have 3 cigarettes left and then I throwing in the towel..... I know I can do this!
By gilducha on November 19, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Of course you can! Just try, all the times you need untill it works, because it will.
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 05:48 AM
Glad you came by. Glad you have decided to not smoke anymore. It is always a work in progress and sometimes we don't make it the first few times. Like gilducha said, Keep trying. Plan for your urges and free time. You can do it!!!!!!!! We are rooting for your success! Good luck and best wishes.
By angelovearth on November 18, 2009 at 07:37 AM
It's great to see all the new quitters here. This is the one time in life when I'd say quitting is a good thing. ;) We went camping for a while and on our return trip I realized that I didn't think about smoking not even once. I was a heavy smoker for over 24 years. I tried many times to quit. Each quit taught me something new about why I smoked and helped me get further on my next attempt. Don't beat yourselves up about stumbling. As long as you brush yourselves back off and try try again, eventually your mind will follow the lead of your bodies. I'm almost at 3 months now. Believe me, if I can do ANYBODY can!
By Templetree on November 19, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Hey Angel,
congrats for your almost 3 months!!! It's always nice to read your posts, very positive and upbeat! I am trailing right behind you...haha!
By tdisom on November 19, 2009 at 05:43 AM
Hi angel, Welcome back. glad to hear you had an awsome trip, and smoke free. Good for you!!!!!!!
By hapynhim on November 18, 2009 at 01:47 PM
I have smoked 1 today.
By tdisom on November 18, 2009 at 04:57 PM
One is better than a pack. Any attempt is a plus and very beneficial, ultimately, for your time to quit. You are just about over the hump. Pretty soon, all you will have to is just step over. "Don't be afraid." I know I was, but only good things are going to happen, trust me. Even if you don't make it your first try, keep trying. It gets easier with every try. Plan what to do for your urges and your free time before you go for it, especially weekends. You can do it. We believe in you, and are rooting for your success. Good luck and best wishes.
By jmward89 on November 18, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I am not a smoker but I use smokeless tobacco. I am on Day 3.
By tdisom on November 18, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Wow good for you, that is usually harder than smoking to choose not to do. There is no physical addiction (hand use) so it is strictly chemical. Would you mind sharing how you did it? There a lot of smokeless tobacco user that drop in every now and then. I think it could help some of them. Were glad you came and you are as welcome as anyone to comment and share. Were here and we are with you 100%. You can make it, just believe. Good luck and best wishes.