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January 13th, 2009
Hola
posted by Cocaine_Blues on 11:16 am
So I'm new to this site, and to this group. I quit smoking on New Years Day cold turkey after 4 years of daily smoking. I've quit many times before, but nothing ever stuck. I've quit for 2 weeks at a time before, but never longer than that. I've had minimal cravings since I quit, which is a shock to me. But I'm loving it, and taking it a day at a time!
November 12th, 2008
New Page.
posted by menace1019 on 12:19 pm
New to the group but I have also recently quit smoking with a little help from chantix, I know thats kinda cheating but It worked! It has been a total of 4 months and 16 days since my last one. It is a battle and people only need each other in support! New page in my life, newlywed, new home, healthier lifestyle, New Book. This website just helps me and reminds me everyday on what to do. LIVEstrong!
August 24th, 2008
Back from vacation
posted by bpatterson on 9:07 am
I have been out of town for a couple of weeks and just got back on line with Livestrong. It was great to read all of the new posts. I have been smoke free for 11 months now. I still have cravings sometimes, but the cravings are all mental as opposed to physical. Sometimes, in the middle of doing something I will stop and think, I think I'll take a smoke break, then I realize, oh I don't smoke anymore and I just go about my business. For everyone new to quitting, it does get easier. The benefits far outweigh the negatives. After awhile it will become something of pride to say you are a non-smoker. You can check into non-smoking hotel rooms. You don't have to go outside at parties and resteraunts to smoke. I know these sound like silly things, but they have now become a source of great pride for me. Hang in there, it does get easier. One thing I do that really helps, is in the morning when I first wake up, before I even get out of bed, I say to myself, today I am non-smoker. Just saying I am a non-smoker is an uplifting thing for me. Good luck everybody.
August 20th, 2008
Powerful Posts
posted by Tcalz on 6:28 am
Two very powerful previous posts by our new members to this group. I want to live, I want to see my children grow up, I want to be with my life partner, I want to stop smoking forever.
The majic genie that can grant these wishes is in us all - it's not as easy as rubbing the lamp - it takes a ton of self control, help from our friends and loved ones, sometimes a medication, changing of habits, food (gloriuous food!), and support groups like LiveStrong. Whether you turn to a higher power, the power within or the power from others, you can succeed at this. Welcome, and congrats on your choices!!!
Comments
by Tcalz on August 25th 2008 at 12:07 pm
...and today marks 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days (and 8 hours)!!!
August 16th, 2008
want to live
posted by rwcole77 on 8:45 am
I have smoked of and on for many years i have two boys in college and a wonderful fiance who i love dearly tho quitting smoking is the best thing i did on july 21st it is sometimes the hardest thing to do every day.It is NOT EASY but i know deep in side it is for the best and I believe thats what keeps me going ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!
August 15th, 2008
Been a few weeks, struggling to stay strong...
posted by bsoldier on 10:54 am
... I have been smoke free for a few weeks now but it seems that every day gets harder and harder. I have noticed however that the number of cravings have decreased, but the intensity of them are much stronger than I expected. Now all I have to do is find some time to work out between 10 hour work days, moving to a new house, and raising 2 kids.
August 5th, 2008
Day One - Here We Go
posted by SammyM on 9:20 am
I've been wanting to quit for a long time now; I've smoked about a pack a day for 8 years. Of late, when I wake up in the morning my chest aches and workouts are pretty tough. So...this morning I decided today is the day. It's only been a few hours and I'm already coming out of my skin. Eeeek! I also work at home, which is tough, because I used to really enjoy getting up from the desk to go sit on the deck and have a cigarette as a way not to go crazy here in my home office. Anyway, it's nice to have this group to check in with for support.
July 15th, 2008
2, 2, 2
posted by Tcalz on 11:42 am
That's 2 Months, 2 Weeks and 2 Days Smoke free!! Thought I'd share the news - I never thought I could make 2 hours, but it really does get easier. You have to COMMIT to STOP!!
Comments
by bpatterson on July 30th 2008 at 1:49 pm
congratulations, Tcalz on 2, 2 and 2. Hang in there.
by Tcalz on August 1st 2008 at 7:58 am
Thanks - here's an update (according to Silkquit)
3 Months, 3 hrs. - I haven't smoked over 1,000 cigs, and I have saved over $400 in that time. Here's the link http://www.silkquit.org/stop-smoking/default.aspx
Excellent personal info daily on your progress.
July 8th, 2008
out of town
posted by bpatterson on 3:52 pm
Welcome to the new members. I just came back from NYC for a week and I know what you mean Tcalz about the smoke. someone smoking on every corner. i seemed to have crossed the line where now it just smells bad to me, unless i have just finished eating. then i still get that small twinge. been smoke free now for 10 months. still get the craving every once and now, but so far between they don't really bother me. hang in there everybody, it does get better.
July 2nd, 2008
First day
posted by nathanvieten on 3:33 pm
Hi im nathan, and today is was my first non-smoking day. I live in sunny spain and over here in europe (especialy in southern countries) the news that you better not smoke hasnt yet sunk in. Smoking everywhare in public life. But anyways, congrats on all your progress.
Grr nathan
July 1st, 2008
No Surrender!
posted by Tcalz on 12:00 am
I know I should be tested - vigorously - to not smoke. But this is getting ridiculous! Played golf with a chain smoking, cigar chompin group of friends. Every hole was another test from tee to green. "How about a cigar? I Brought some Cubans from Canada?" "Are you sure?" "Want a hit of this?" YESyesyesyesyes!!! I want a hit of everything before I hit them! But I didn't succumb. I instead made a game of their smoking, made fun of their smelly clothes, breath, and even clubs. I made it!
Around every corner is another test - literally - everyone has to smoke outside now, so they ARE on every corner!
I'm tested, enticed and lured, but there will be no surrender.
Whew - when do I graduate!
July 1st, 2008
i quit to live
posted by miarose4950 on 12:00 am
i just recently started accupunture for the 2nd time in a 15 year span to quit smoking. the first time was very unsuccessful only lasting 1 month.you must stay out of a non-smoking situation no matter how much you want to quit,seeing and smelling the smoke gives you the urge.this will be my first week as a non-smoker,so all out out there wish me luck,and luck to you all.this is a important goal for me,as we all know how unhealthy it is,and expensive.even when i was smoking,to smell it on someone else is terrible smell.
Comments
by bpatterson on June 23rd 2008 at 1:04 pm
congratulations and good luck. quitting is a great goal. trust me, even though it sounds trite, if i can do it anybody can do it. good luck.
July 1st, 2008
1 year 8 months!!!
posted by gails1116 on 12:00 am
I quit smoking with laser therapy. I smoked a pack a day for 30 years and really tried everything with no results and terrible withdrawl. This worked so well for me and other people I know have also had success. I can not understand why something that can really help people is not being acknowledged by healthcare professionals. My biggest fear was the withdrawl and there was none. For the first time I can honestly say I will never smoke again. I never felt like that before. I wish everyone trying to quit the best of luck and good health!
Comments
by bpatterson on June 18th 2008 at 12:59 pm
What is laser therapy for smoking? I agree that the medical community does not do enough to let people know of the different aids for quitting smoking. I quit using the inhaler which is thru perscription only. Always thought it was ironic that I could buy ciggs without a prescription, but not the inhaler to help me quit.
July 1st, 2008
3 days smoke free
posted by eperrenoud on 12:00 am
It has been three of the hardest days of my life. I decided to quit because I need to be a better role model for my 2 kids. My husband is in Iraq and will be home soon and quit smoking while he was there. I didn't think it would be fair for him to come home and be tempted everyday.
Comments
by Tcalz on June 18th 2008 at 7:22 am
Those are three great reasons to quit! Your kids and husband will have a better YOU because of it. Congrats!! I never thought I would make 8 weeks, but here I am, smoke-free and still loving it.
...and thank your husband for his service to our country - I appreciate his sacrifice.
by bpatterson on June 18th 2008 at 12:57 pm
Congratulations on 3 days. I know its hard, but it does get easier. I have heard day 3 is the worst. I believe it. Hang in there, we are proud of you and your husband.
by eperrenoud on June 19th 2008 at 6:29 am
Thanks you guys. Today is my 5th day and I am feeling a lot better. I did use the commit lozenges for the 1st 2 days and that helped with the cravings and appetite control.
Thank you for your appreciation to my husband.
by moloko on June 19th 2008 at 8:55 am
Well, yesterday was one of those nights and i had a couple of smokes. The worse is actually realizing that your brain sends this chemical fireworks to your body, and how your plasure response is completely linked to a certain substance.
well, that´s all.
by moloko on June 19th 2008 at 8:55 am
Well, yesterday was one of those nights and i had a couple of smokes. The worse is actually realizing that your brain sends this chemical fireworks to your body, and how your plasure response is completely linked to a certain substance.
well, that´s all.
by chopin13 on June 19th 2008 at 10:15 am
Hang in there sister! The first four days were the worst for me. You're almost there! If you can make it after tomorrow, you will have mega motivation to never pick up again! Remember that you will NEVER have to go through these four days EVER again! Good luck!
by bpatterson on June 19th 2008 at 4:46 pm
good advice, chopin13. It does all work out eventually where the craving and desire becomes less and less.
July 1st, 2008
I quit
posted by bpatterson on 12:00 am
I know there are people out their who have struggled with addictions such as tobacco while they still maintained an otherwise healthy and active lifestyle. I did for years. I went to all of the charity walks and the Livestrong Challenges and still smoked. It was like I was hiding a terrible secret. None of my friends knew I smoked. I quit September of 07. I have been smoke free for 8 months. I still have the occasional craving, but I make it one day at a time and I constantly look to the future and role models like Lance to keep me motivated. I know there are others out there. Let's talk and share stories and tips.
Comments
by Tcalz on June 4th 2008 at 7:33 am
I'm 30 days smoke free - and loving it! I'm 53 and smoked for most of my life - worked out, played many sports, but always had to go out and have a smoke to 'calm down'. What a joke that was. My turning point came this past winter, when I had a severe cold, I was outside in a snowstorm smoking and coughing up a lung! Congrats B, I hope to continue to follow in your footsteps.
by bpatterson on June 5th 2008 at 12:52 pm
way to go tcalz. Trust me, it does get easier. I am now at the point where I very seldom think about a cigarette. Never have the physical cravings anymore. I will be in the middle of doing something sometimes and I think to myself "I am going to take a cigarette break" and then it dawns on me that I no longer smoke. That always feels good. Congratulations on your success.
by Tcalz on June 6th 2008 at 8:52 am
Thanks BP - I am being tested continuously by those around me who smoke - and even in today's 'non-smoking' environment, they are all around me. I never noticed who smoked. Now I can tell you who smokes as soon as they walk through the door! I didn't realize I stunk so bad as well. Glad to make it another day smoke-free.
by Cinzia on June 17th 2008 at 12:57 pm
Hi guys
I quit one week ago this past Sunday, yayyyy.
I had spent a whole month talking myself out of smoking. I already feel better.
I know how you feel Tcalz, the smell is... well...... can you believe we used to smell like that.
Congrats to you all for quitting.
by bpatterson on June 18th 2008 at 1:01 pm
congratulations Cinzia. Hang in there. Its great to be smoke free.
by moloko on June 19th 2008 at 8:53 am
mmmm.... i´ve been cutting the amount of cogarettes i smoke every day for a while now, but there are two i can´t seem to get rid of.
I think the hardest thing has been on weekends when i go to see a band or to dance, i guess the combination of having a glass of beer, music and a smoke is just so tempting.