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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsEx smokers.....post your quit date. 5-2-2005.
Gonna be 13 years in two days.
applegrove
(118,915 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)applegrove
(118,915 posts)Historic NY
(37,461 posts)Dr's ran a scan last year to completely check my lungs. No signs of any degeneration.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)I worry about all sorts of lung stuff......hope it never happens.
applegrove
(118,915 posts)You. I had a lung xray this year and a tiny bit of me was afraid it would show something.
Laffy Kat
(16,393 posts)It's been a while. I still have dreams that I've blown it and I wake up so relieved.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Laffy Kat
(16,393 posts)Jane Austin
(9,199 posts)I think I'm such a failure and then I realize it was just a dream.
Whew.
sharp_stick
(14,400 posts)around March, 1999. I don't remember the exact dates because I'd quit so many times I gave up making a big deal out of it. I remember after about 5 weeks or so actually thinking this might be the one.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)I think such an accomplishment.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Laffy Kat
(16,393 posts)I don't. I can no longer stand the smell, even. I do still have dreams that I've started back, though, and I'm always so relieved when I wake up.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)at it. Id have to get a job just to pay for my smoking habit......yikes theyre so expensive now.
Squinch
(51,087 posts)later and decades shy of 80, I know I won't ever smoke again.
MuseRider
(34,136 posts)because it took me so many times over so many years to finally do it. I am content not remembering although nobody believes me but I never thought it would take because I never wanted to quit.
Been at least 25+ years with one oops in the middle that was controlled by the lozenges, thank god for them.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Thanks. It is really hard but it finally took. Today, I really do not want to smoke but occasionally I will get a nicotine craving. It seems odd after all these years but probably is fairly common. It is gone quickly this far out.
liberalmuse
(18,672 posts)Wow, it just occurred to me it's been almost 20 years!
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Good for you.
onecaliberal
(32,996 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)onecaliberal
(32,996 posts)Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)5:30 am. Cold Turkey after 42 years of pack plus a day. Some day's three packs. Down side was,food taste's so darn good. BTW,chest x-ray two years later,pink lungs once again. No more Colds or Flu.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Congratulations......
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,778 posts)Was a while ago.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Jane Austin
(9,199 posts)Too hard to ever do it again.
You gotta just do it, and then you're through!
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)and good for you, congratulations.
shenmue
(38,506 posts)KT2000
(20,605 posts)iwillalwayswonderwhy
(2,603 posts)Its getting better
Crutchez_CuiBono
(7,725 posts)A glad day it was too.
tirebiter
(2,539 posts)Because I never started.
pbmus
(12,422 posts)Response to a kennedy (Original post)
Post removed
hlthe2b
(102,526 posts)It isn't just a matter of whether you are "strong" or not. Addiction changes brain chemistry.
madamesilverspurs
(15,820 posts)Amazes me what they're selling for these days, last pack I bought was $1.30 and that seemed outrageous; they were 29c when I started.
.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)I started smoking when I was 18, I know how stupid......get passed the "formidable" early teen years, and start at 18. Hate to say it was 37 years of smoking.
Canoe52
(2,949 posts)A pack cost 45 cents when I started, $3.85 a carton if I remember right.
Itchinjim
(3,085 posts)Must have quit one hundred times before this one stuck. Lesson for those trying to stop: Never quit quitting.
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)winter of 1992
Behind the Aegis
(54,057 posts)Congrats to you!
airmid
(500 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Last edited Tue May 1, 2018, 10:23 PM - Edit history (1)
Just so happy youre off the terrible habit. Good for you.
KPN
(15,677 posts)about 2 other April Fool's Day quitters.
LSFL
(1,110 posts)Had a little spot on my chest xray. It turned out to be an artifact, but it scared me so bad I quit after 15 years of smoking.
katmondoo
(6,457 posts)Runningdawg
(4,531 posts)and yet every min of every hour I think about lighting up. This thread is giving me a major fit right now. Still waiting to see those benefits I was told would be almost immediate....no improvement in smell or taste, my BP is up by 15 points and my Dr who said the insomnia and nightmares would go away in a week was wrong, they have gotten worse.
So REALISTICALLY, from former smokers, when will I start being glad I am doing this?
Tobin S.
(10,418 posts)I stopped having the cravings after a couple of months. This is how much money I've saved since I quit smoking almost 6 years ago: $20,903.66. Your blood pressure will improve. You are just stressed right now. If you need further instruction, look up what it's like to have emphysema.
bluecollar2
(3,622 posts)I had a hard time quitting and I understand exactly what you are going through
I found it helpful to drink a large glass of water each time the craving came on. Not sure why but I think it was a way to satisfy a craving.
A friend told me she substituted grapes.
It took awhile for the occasional urge to go away, but the constant craving subsided over time.
Eventually you will begin to notice the benefits...the ability to breathe deeply being the best one.
Hang in there...it is tough but it can be done.
Submariner
(12,515 posts)Just 2 years ago after 52 years of smoking 1 to 1 1/2 packs a day.
Follow Tobin S. advice. Keep going. The craves will end soon. Hang in there you will be glad you did soon.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)So proud of you, and it WILL BE ONE OF THE HARDEST decisions you'll EVER make. Keep with it, the time will go by. From a former smoker, you will be glad when you live long enough without health problems caused by smoking. Your family, and friends will have you around longer and healthier then if you didn't quit. HANG IN THERE. It's been a month.......I PROMISE IT WILL GET BETTER.
Glorfindel
(9,747 posts)"I actually feel good!" Please, hang in there. I know how hard it is, but truly it is worth it! For some reason, drinking lots of water helped me with the craving.
Crutchez_CuiBono
(7,725 posts)Try to relax and go for a walk. Hopefully, you can see immediate results like not hacking up questionable stuff in the shower everyday, and not having everything smell like smoke. Wash your jacket etc so you aren't reminded when you put it on everyday. It's a great new thing you've done. Congratulations!
Runningdawg
(4,531 posts)I do what I can. My husband smokes 3 packs a day. Every single member of my family smokes.
MuseRider
(34,136 posts)You will feel it soon I would imagine. Were you coughing? Are you still and is it as bad and as nasty? Try a quick walk down the block. Could you do that before and/or is it better? Awwww, I am sorry you are not feeling it yet. That has to make it hard to stay quit. It will come I promise. Even if you never really feel that much better you have to know your body will be SO much better for it. If nothing else think of the money. Man, when I quit it was cheap compared to now, it must really help to quit now. Think of that, it should really add up.
BP is likely up because of the stress of quitting. I never heard about nightmares with smoking, that sounds odd to me and as for insomnia, well that just happens to some of us I think. All of those things getting worse can be caused by the stress. It REALLY stresses your mind and body to quit.
Deep breaths, water really does help. I pictured some asshole sitting in a large and beautiful office behind a large and beautiful desk rocking back in his plush leather chair with his cowboy boots (dunno why that) on the top of his desk drinking a big shot of whiskey and chuckling to his board about all the money they were making off the stupid addicts who kept smoking. That helped me when the keeping going got hard.
Much luck to you. It is so nice not to have to worry if you have enough with you or if there will be a place you can smoke (that was never a problem when I was smoking). Think ahead.
liberaltrucker
(9,130 posts)rurallib
(62,482 posts)the cravings went away -
This was long before any commercial aids for quitting.
Heard it on the radio one day in 1974 - I was done smoking shortly after that.
progree
(10,941 posts)As for physical, energy, smell, taste and all that, I don't think I noticed a difference (all that was 20 years ago). But I was about a 3 pack a week smoker (or about 1/2 pack a day). I think the ones who feel big physical benefits when they quit are ones who are like 2 packs/day.
But it is really worth it! I craved smoking a lot more in my smoking days than I did even a month after quitting, let alone years after when I have no interest at all, maybe a rare little moment of slight desire. Far far less intense and far far less frequent than all the other desires I deal with -- I want a whopper with cheese. i wanta take a nap. I wanta pee. i wanta I wanta do something other than what I'm doing .
applegrove
(118,915 posts)lit I don't want one. Keep going.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)Youll feel that hit in your lungs.
Just remember that if you havent given in within a month, then you have already won the worst battle. Try doing things that you didnt used to do when you smoked. If you never smoked while taking a walk, then take a walk when the craving hits you. Try to avoid things that trigger the urge. All these can be resumed once your cravings start going away.
One day very soon youll surprise yourself because you havent thought of smoking for many hours. Then that will turn into days.
Congratulate yourself every time you resist successfully.
Good luck, and remember that most of us quit many times before we were successful.
WhiteTara
(29,736 posts)Tobin S.
(10,418 posts)A lot of people seem to think that they are going to feel terrible and feel those cravings forever. It goes away, and probably will sooner than you think if you can just hang in there.
bluecollar2
(3,622 posts)get the red out
(13,468 posts)Trueblue Texan
(2,451 posts)Best decision I ever made. Life opened up after I gave up smoking 3 packs a day. Honestly.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)3 packs a day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.......wow, just can't imagine doing that now. Was shocked when all the bars and restaurants wouldn't allow smoking. How far we've come, smokers are looked on with distain now. Who knew. Congratulations on quitting and welcome to the club.....
Jake Stern
(3,145 posts)Smoked for 19 years.
Glorfindel
(9,747 posts)The nicotine patches did the trick! It will soon be 25 years, and I have never regretted it.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Not even sure if it's available now. 25 years....wow, good for you, and congratulations.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)In 1995 I was in a double blind clinical study to see if Wellbutrin could help people stop smoking. They told us that when they did a clinical study of Wellbutrin as an antidepressant a bunch of the subjects claimed it took their urge to smoke away and they were able to quit.
It worked.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)and thanks for this.
blue neen
(12,335 posts)The brand name form of Wellbutrin (generic--Bupropion) used for smoking cessation is Zyban. The generic name of Chantix, on the other hand, is Varenicline.
Chantix and Zyban are both effective in helping people to quit smoking. They just work in different ways.
The important thing is that you were able to quit. I worry so much about my son. He hasn't been able to beat it yet.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)I stand corrected.
Quitting smoking was the best thing I ever did for myself. Funny that every once in a while, out of the blue I suddenly get a ravenous urge for a cigarette that really surprises me but just as quickly the urge goes away by itself. I figure its just a ghost knee jerk flare up of some dormant synaps that flashes for a few seconds.
ADX
(1,622 posts)Tikki
(14,563 posts)I had quit at least 2 times before. Once for a couple years. But in early 2004,
I actually knew this time it was for good.
Tikki
MaryMagdaline
(6,859 posts)Bayard
(22,233 posts)When I was married the first time. Started running.
Have always wondered if that's when my asthma and chronic bronchitis started. I only smoked 4 years, while I worked at Philip Morris. All the free cigs you could smoke, and a carton a week for management. I did it to try and stay awake, working 3rd shift, and trying to go to school during the day.
liberaltrucker
(9,130 posts)Still struggling.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)this no longer a smoker journey. Its so hard but if you really want to quit, you WILL prevail. One day at a time.....read all the suggestions here. We all understand what youre going through. Do different things with your hands......I found that when I was driving, I moved my hands from where I used to drive, while holding a cigarette, to another place on the wheel. It was odd having both hands on the wheel AND in a different place, but gradually it worked. Be conscience of when you did smoke and change that behavior. So proud and hoping you can do this. Keep positive, treat yourself, never give in, AND you will kick this horrible habit.
liberaltrucker
(9,130 posts)Each day it gets a bit better. Getting hooked on peppermint
Life Savers, though! Yeah, I know what you mean about
the hands.
Runningdawg
(4,531 posts)I used a dead e-cig for a while. Just to have something to hold in my hand and occasionally put in my mouth. Then I chewed on straws. I went through a box of those in no time at all. Finally about 2 weeks in, I was able to give up the hand-to-mouth habit. Lots of people suggested candy and gum but I didn't want to replace one habit with another. Watching TV or a movie is hard and believe it or not, I don't like popcorn. During those time I find a bowl of dry Cheerios does the trick.
justgamma
(3,667 posts)Candy didn't help because if you inhaled you'd choke. Spraying a breath spray allowed me to inhale and felt like smoking and it gave me something to do with my hands. After a couple of weeks, I didn't even need that.
Smoked for 40 years and quit 7/23/2015. The Scope and deep breathing took away my cravings. I never struggled. I swear by Scope.
liberaltrucker
(9,130 posts)Squinch
(51,087 posts)It's such a relief to know that you aren't killing your lungs every day.
Floyd R. Turbo
(26,708 posts)Kaleva
(36,403 posts)dameatball
(7,411 posts)Oops......made a typo the first time
BarbaRosa
(2,685 posts)KPN
(15,677 posts)I remember because my Dad had told me the year before that he quit (successfully after about 30 years of smoking I might add) on April 1st so that he could be reminded that he'd be A FOOL if he ever smoked another cigarette. Yup, he chose April Fool;'s Day for that purpose. Worked for him, and it worked for me a year later! Haven't had a smoke since!
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)April Fools, but so happy you quit....congratulations.
KPN
(15,677 posts)Nictuku
(3,621 posts)Over 40 years a smoker
NWmountainman
(19 posts)10-15-2017 I still want one, but I'm hard headed...
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Jake Stern
(3,145 posts)Especially when I'm really stressed out.
HeartachesNhangovers
(816 posts)I was 5 or so. I gave it up after that.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Gidney N Cloyd
(19,847 posts)It was weekday. I pissed off so many people at work there simply was no turning back. They'd never have put up with me a second time.
It gets easier and I found there was just more time for other things. I spent a lot of time smoking, planning for smoking and making sure I always had my smoking things with me.
Worried senior
(1,328 posts)May 11.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Congratulations
rurallib
(62,482 posts)did deep breathing as I mentioned in a post above - the logic being that smokers only breathe deeply when they inhale and it is actually the deep breaths they miss.
It worked.
progree
(10,941 posts)Congratulations to you and everyone else that has quit the nicobeast.
UTUSN
(70,788 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)congratulations on quitting.....hope your health is good.
UTUSN
(70,788 posts)bluestarone
(17,122 posts)After many attempts!
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)AS LONG AS YOUR NOT A SMOKER NOW.
bluestarone
(17,122 posts)Also CONGRATS on your quitting!!!!!
hay rick
(7,666 posts)Also gave up smoking on July 19, 1975. That lasted about a week.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)good for you.
hay rick
(7,666 posts)Decades later, a lot of people still know the exact day they quit. It's a big thing.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)lkinwi
(1,477 posts)The last cigarette of my last pack was supposed to be on the way to work on the morning of 9/11, but the twin towers happened and I decided to wait a week. Then I went cold turkey with lots of Creme Savers.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)TheDebbieDee
(11,119 posts)Chantix and all the other smoking cessation medications...
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)So happy it did it for you, and thank gawd youve quit.
Sampan
(121 posts)voteearlyvoteoften
(1,716 posts)wryter2000
(46,133 posts)Long time ago
WheelWalker
(8,958 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)sad thats why you quit, but so proud of you. Hope youre in good health now.....
doc03
(35,446 posts)BlueSpot
(856 posts)I vaped through May of 2015, slowly reducing my nicotine content as I went. But August 31 was my last real tobacco cigarette.
zanana1
(6,139 posts)I don't know the exact date, but it was cold outside. I still crave a cigarette every once in a while. I try to stay away from people who are smoking because the smell is a trigger!
Luciferous
(6,087 posts)argyl
(3,064 posts)Homer Wells
(1,576 posts)No urge to smoke since I quit
ailsagirl
(22,908 posts)Never went back to it. Good riddance, tobacco!!
Cairycat
(1,711 posts)felt great about it as soon as the nicotine cravings subsided ... a week or ten days. It was like having a ball and chain removed.
For a good decade or more though, I'd have dreams where I'd be driving, look down to see a half-smoked pack of Marlboros, and think, "I don't remember smoking those, but I might as well finish the pack".
About ten years ago I had a biopsy that was kinda rough and I wanted a cigarette afterwards - but a Pepsi hit the spot just as well.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)cigarettes to keep us addicted....to get out of our bodies. Withdrawal from all those drugs was the hardest part to get over. So proud of you for quitting. About that biopsy......howd that work out??
mindem
(1,580 posts)I have saved a small fortune. I can't imagine paying $8.00 or more per pack, uffda.
emulatorloo
(44,270 posts)whathehell
(29,110 posts)21 years.
comradebillyboy
(10,189 posts)2 packs a day from 1970 to 1988
deek
(3,414 posts)a kennedy
(29,772 posts)The Polack MSgt
(13,206 posts)I had tried to quit so often that this year I quit on Groundhog's Day
2/2/2018
So far so good
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)Hopefully that was soon enough. Was up to 3 packs a day before I quit. Started in the early 80s because this girl I liked smoked and I wanted to look cool. Never did. At least, not to her lol.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Good for you.
OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)i was winding down by then and new that date was coming up and figured I'd remember it.
mokawanis
(4,455 posts)I went in for emergency surgery to have my appendix removed. Had to go smokeless for 8 days while recovering in the hospital and when I got out I realized I could do without it. That happened after smoking for 42 years.
Having said that, I still defend people's right to smoke and I still very much resent the scorn and contempt smokers face from so many people.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)and god love ya for quitting.......
lunatica
(53,410 posts)I was part of the double blind study for Chantix. It really helped me to quit smoking. I smoked for 30 years and was up to 2 packs a day. Ivebeen a non smoker for 22 years.
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)I even hate to say I smoked for 37 years...... A pack a day except weekends...then it was 3 packs. Happy youre a non smoker now.
Duppers
(28,133 posts)Sept 1986.
At the time I was a 2.5 pack, semi-chain smoker. I walked 8 miles the first day I quit simply because I was going nuts - you know how it is. I gained a lot of weight and had my son 8mos later.
😁
And since I dont think people should smoke in the presence of babies, children, or teenagers, I never returned to the habit. My body and lungs thank me.
Kashkakat v.2.0
(1,752 posts)get a pack of cigarettes?"
Then I thought... No.
One day led to the next, and the longer I went without the more strength I had to keep going without.
Actually I had tried quitting 3 OR 4 times before, going a few days or a week before relapsing. I would advise any smoker to do exactly that, if they should relapse - just keep trying, and then one time it will "take." For me, I know I had to find reasons that I wanted to quit - I couldn't just tell myself no, don't do it.
By experimenting with not smoking, and paying close attention to how I was feeling, I was able to find reasons why I LIKED not smoking - ie being able to smell/taste food, being able to run up the stairs, losing the coughing fits, etc.
Loving everyone's quitting stories!
a kennedy
(29,772 posts)Bok_Tukalo
(4,325 posts)<POE>
Squinch
(51,087 posts)meow2u3
(24,776 posts)Quit smoking with the help of e-cigs. Still vaping, but I cut back to the point where I can go 4 hours without a vape.