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underpants

(182,632 posts)
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:10 PM Apr 2020

*EXHALE* 14 whole days without a cigarette

After tonight it will be 14 straight whole days since I had a smoke. I've smoked 34 of the last 37 years. Pack a day at least. Lots of life changes during this "time off". When I read that smokers who get the virus are 3X more likely to die...that was it for me. I knew I'd never get a better chance or have the motivation.

On the 5th I had 3 around morning coffee and then I slapped on a patch at 9AM. None since. Not counting the 5th in my total.

I quit over 10 years ago the night my daughter came home from the hospital. Lasted 3 years.
I don't know if the technology of the patch has changed but I haven't had any nicotine cravings this time. I still WANT to just have a smoke in the morning and about this time of night. I'm using a double eraser headed pencil I've kept for 20 years planning to quit AND Altoids - it replicates breathing something in. Other than that it really doesn't cross my mind. Lots of gum.

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*EXHALE* 14 whole days without a cigarette (Original Post) underpants Apr 2020 OP
Keep going! ZZenith Apr 2020 #1
that is exactly what did it for me some 45 years ago rurallib Apr 2020 #4
Interesting. And doing long exercise is a good thing. LizBeth Apr 2020 #8
Stay on the intertubes to keep the fingers busy. Addiction sites and applegrove Apr 2020 #2
Good for you! Keep it up. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #3
Running underpants Apr 2020 #19
Bravo! The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #28
10 days tomorrow. We say it like that because we have almost made it thru today, LizBeth Apr 2020 #5
Awesome. underpants Apr 2020 #15
Isolated at home myself. I was having groceries delivered but would have to LizBeth Apr 2020 #41
Not at work was helpful to me. I quit after I retired and it was surprisingly easy. Midnight Writer Apr 2020 #56
It was the period at the end of food though. Now, I am having a tough time stopping the eating. ;) LizBeth Apr 2020 #64
Congratulations! femmedem Apr 2020 #16
may the days become years. Wonderfully said. LizBeth Apr 2020 #42
good Job! We know it is hard, but oh boy is it worth it! rurallib Apr 2020 #6
I am rooting for you! It's so worth it. jrthin Apr 2020 #7
Awesome! MelissaB Apr 2020 #9
A coworker quit using the patch and Fire Balls. If you get tired of the Altoids Lochloosa Apr 2020 #10
I've always heard that cinnamon was a no no underpants Apr 2020 #18
Hooray! Yonnie3 Apr 2020 #11
One day at a time, WVreaper Apr 2020 #12
Congratulations! femmedem Apr 2020 #13
Been there. It's hard. jls4561 Apr 2020 #14
You're through the worst of it, keep going jberryhill Apr 2020 #17
Yeah I think so underpants Apr 2020 #24
That's a lot of money jberryhill Apr 2020 #27
At least $2,000 a year underpants Apr 2020 #33
Mine is up to average, 8 a pack. And I stopped wine too. There is another 20 a week. LizBeth Apr 2020 #43
Funny underpants Apr 2020 #61
So PROUD of you, underpants. Haggis for Breakfast Apr 2020 #20
Chantix. I've only had one night of bad nightmares. underpants Apr 2020 #26
Nothing works for everybody all the time. Haggis for Breakfast Apr 2020 #35
I smoked cigs for 2 years in the early '70s Cha Apr 2020 #21
I'm so proud of you, my dear underpants! CaliforniaPeggy Apr 2020 #22
😁 underpants Apr 2020 #23
Days become weeks, Dave in VA Apr 2020 #25
Thanks. They used to take us on school field trips to Phillip Morris underpants Apr 2020 #31
Never made the tour Dave in VA Apr 2020 #37
Keep setting goals then doubling them after you've reached them. Gidney N Cloyd Apr 2020 #29
Way to go, underpants! Ohiogal Apr 2020 #30
Whew. That must've been horrible underpants Apr 2020 #32
I had some good motivation.... Ohiogal Apr 2020 #34
As a 30-year ex-smoker, I know this is huge. Laffy Kat Apr 2020 #36
Congrats to you! mokawanis Apr 2020 #38
Congrats underpants Apr 2020 #39
BRAVISSIMO !!! fierywoman Apr 2020 #40
Congrats. Hang in there. captain queeg Apr 2020 #44
Nice Job! NoRoadUntravelled Apr 2020 #45
Congratulations.. Stuart G Apr 2020 #46
Good deal, man! my money's on you! marble falls Apr 2020 #47
Nice! Iggo Apr 2020 #48
Good! think of ur lungs if temptation arises: LUNG/BREATHING Exercises: appalachiablue Apr 2020 #49
You can do it! BigDemVoter Apr 2020 #50
Congrats! Are you noticing benefits? IronLionZion Apr 2020 #51
Yeah underpants Apr 2020 #60
A running smoker, ambitious. Good for you. I bet you feel it in the running. LizBeth Apr 2020 #65
I actually did a couple marathons underpants Apr 2020 #66
Wow. I have been the healthy smoker too. Eat right, exercise, don't get sick, sleep well. LizBeth Apr 2020 #68
Hang in there my friend bluecollar2 Apr 2020 #52
Congrats, underpants.. Permanut Apr 2020 #53
Good for you, Undies! Harker Apr 2020 #54
That's Fantastic!!!!!! calimary Apr 2020 #55
Inch by inch it is a cinch Mira Apr 2020 #57
Keep up the excellent determination, Underpants! Niagara Apr 2020 #58
Oh I can't wait to get to those numbers underpants Apr 2020 #59
Yea you. Why was quitting not intention, great that you are day 78. LizBeth Apr 2020 #67
Congrats! Keep going. My father quit cold turkey after ARPad95 Apr 2020 #62
Well done! Dworkin Apr 2020 #63

ZZenith

(4,115 posts)
1. Keep going!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:14 PM
Apr 2020

I realized at some point that what I thought was a craving for a cigarette was actually a craving for oxygen. A session of deep, intentional breathe will satisfy more than a case of smokes ever could.

rurallib

(62,387 posts)
4. that is exactly what did it for me some 45 years ago
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:17 PM
Apr 2020

heard it on the radio. When you have the urge take @ 10 deep breaths and the craving goes away.
It really really works!

LizBeth

(9,952 posts)
8. Interesting. And doing long exercise is a good thing.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:19 PM
Apr 2020

I have been doing it in my very hot shower with the mist. Deep breathing.

applegrove

(118,501 posts)
2. Stay on the intertubes to keep the fingers busy. Addiction sites and
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:16 PM
Apr 2020

get advice. A crave lasts just minutes so log on there and ask for help and people will kick your ass and/or lift you up. Been quit for 12 years and it is such a relief psychologically and you beat yourself up all day long for the bad habit no longer. Vibes to you. Really hard to do.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,613 posts)
3. Good for you! Keep it up.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:16 PM
Apr 2020

Former smokers can start regaining their lung function pretty quickly, and you might help that recovery along by doing some deep breathing exercises. I'm a non-smoker and a singer, so I'm hoping that might improve my chances as a fat old person - fat people are more at risk so I'm dieting very strictly. Also it's harder to get food delivered these days so sometimes I go hungry but that's a good thing in a way, too. This situation does seem to compel giving up unhealthy habits.

underpants

(182,632 posts)
19. Running
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:33 PM
Apr 2020

I've always run but I can really feel the difference. Bad ankle right now unfortunately. Started coughing up crap just yesterday - my lungs clearing out I think.

No weight gain. I've been working out pretty steadily. Dropped 7 pounds so far but I was a doughy blob, totally out of shape. 100 sit up types things a day now.

LizBeth

(9,952 posts)
5. 10 days tomorrow. We say it like that because we have almost made it thru today,
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:17 PM
Apr 2020

which means we get the next day, or something. Yes. I have 9 days today. How many years? 4 decades. It is hard, but let this one be the one.... And yes, if I am going to get the virus, I do not want to have a lung so weak from smoking, though quitting now will only help minimally.

Good luck to you. Power in the quitting.

underpants

(182,632 posts)
15. Awesome.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:28 PM
Apr 2020

We can stay in contact if you want.

I did it completely opposite- NOT at work and busy. I just said to myself that I was going to relax and chill. I have nothing popping up on me causing stress no ups and downs.

LizBeth

(9,952 posts)
41. Isolated at home myself. I was having groceries delivered but would have to
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:27 PM
Apr 2020

run to the convenience store for cigs every couple days, lol. It is easier not leaving the house for anything and having none of the work pressure, for sure. I want another month at home. In a small handful of days, implement and increase in physical activity. But right now? I get to just keep on not smoking.

Oh Oh, so day 8 all of a sudden lungs feel full of smoke. All in the head. Amazing the power of addictions.

Midnight Writer

(21,719 posts)
56. Not at work was helpful to me. I quit after I retired and it was surprisingly easy.
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 12:15 AM
Apr 2020

At work, it was Break Time, have a smoke. Lunch Time, have a smoke, eat, have a smoke.

Like it was scheduled in your day.

Retired, I didn't have those "cues".

underpants

(182,632 posts)
18. I've always heard that cinnamon was a no no
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:31 PM
Apr 2020

I do have some cinnamon Altoids though. I really don't think about it much. I was laughing at myself today driving in the car thinking about how many I used to smoke just because. Crazy.

Yonnie3

(17,422 posts)
11. Hooray!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:26 PM
Apr 2020

It is tough, but it can be done. Keep it up.

I finally stopped over a year ago. I failed many times in the past even after being smoke free for a year.

I still chew the nicotine gum daily but have cut back. I found it better for me than the patch.

WVreaper

(620 posts)
12. One day at a time,
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:27 PM
Apr 2020

Eleven years ago, I had a heart attack, Doctor said quit smoking, Used the patch, and it took a lot of will power. Haven't looked back. No drugs or patches or any of that shit works unless you really want to quit. The patch is set up for one month at each level. I took two months at each. It was a struggle. Every now and then, I will wake up from a dream going "aw shit I just smoked a pack of cigarettes".
Only in my dreams!

femmedem

(8,197 posts)
13. Congratulations!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:27 PM
Apr 2020

Thank god I was never addicted to anything more damaging than coffee, because I don't know if I'd have the willpower to quit.

jls4561

(1,253 posts)
14. Been there. It's hard.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:27 PM
Apr 2020

You have a very good technique - something to do with your hands, something to do with you face. Hang in there - I did it 18 years ago and now I don't even smoke in my dreams (that took about 10 years).

underpants

(182,632 posts)
24. Yeah I think so
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:37 PM
Apr 2020

Going anywhere right now is rare. Stepping up to a counter and asking for a pack is another bump I’d have in front of me.

LizBeth

(9,952 posts)
43. Mine is up to average, 8 a pack. And I stopped wine too. There is another 20 a week.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:31 PM
Apr 2020

Lots saved in just a couple days. I am more a pack and half a day. So 12 or 15 a day saved.

underpants

(182,632 posts)
61. Funny
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 06:54 AM
Apr 2020

I have had anything to drink in 3 weeks. I didn't think sitting here drinking was very useful. Needed a good cleanse anyway.

Congrats again. I think hitting double digits means we've both mostly gotten through the impulse part of it.

Haggis for Breakfast

(6,831 posts)
20. So PROUD of you, underpants.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:33 PM
Apr 2020

It is NOT easy to quit cigarettes. Nicotine is addictive all by itself, but tobacco companies put chemicals into the cigarettes to MAKE them more addictive on top of that. Plus there's the 137 known carcinogens . . .

Everyone in my family smoked. I quite over 40 years ago. But it's been so hard on my brothers and sisters. I watched them attempt, fail, try again, fail, go smokeless for a month, then back on them again. For years. The CHANTIX treatment worked for most of them. Most insurance companies cover it.

Good luck. I'll be pulling for you.

underpants

(182,632 posts)
26. Chantix. I've only had one night of bad nightmares.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:39 PM
Apr 2020

Last Friday night. Ripped the patch off at 3am. I’ve heard bad stories about Chantix but hey if it works.

Haggis for Breakfast

(6,831 posts)
35. Nothing works for everybody all the time.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:52 PM
Apr 2020

You are not a cookie cutter. We are all different and we don't all respond the same to the same meds. You may need a different treatment. But take heart. I know you will find the right thing.

I had not heard about the nightmare thing. None of my sibs reported that. Yikes.

Years ago, they put me on something and it gave me VIVID, GRAPHIC, terrible nightmares - the stuff of slasher flicks. It took me months to figure out that it was the medication. So, I asked to be taken off of it. Then about three years later, another MD put me back on it, and yep, nightmares again.

All the best.

Cha

(296,876 posts)
21. I smoked cigs for 2 years in the early '70s
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:34 PM
Apr 2020

and so grateful all the time that I quit when I did.

They say you can't quit for someone else but I stopped for my kids and it was hard.. no patches.

Good Luck.. you can do it.

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,531 posts)
22. I'm so proud of you, my dear underpants!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:34 PM
Apr 2020

You have helped yourself and your daughter and wife so much!

Keep it going.



Dave in VA

(2,035 posts)
25. Days become weeks,
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:39 PM
Apr 2020

weeks will become months and then months become years!

Nearly 15 years for me now. Yes, it was very tough, but the rewards have been well worth the effort.

GO Underpants, GO

You Will Do This!!!

underpants

(182,632 posts)
31. Thanks. They used to take us on school field trips to Phillip Morris
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:44 PM
Apr 2020

Yes ON school buses. Official school function. We took the tour and got a PM pen supposedly with a shredded $100 bill in it. Adults got a free pack.

Not sure where you are in Va but yeah that used to be a thing in the Richmond area. I wonder what they considered a success rate on hooking kids even years down the road.

Dave in VA

(2,035 posts)
37. Never made the tour
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:55 PM
Apr 2020

I was about 10 when my dad gave me a transistor radio. It was the size and shape of a pack Marlboro cigarettes with all the logo stuff and everything. Fit perfectly into my shirt pocket. Thought I was the coolest kid around.

Oh, and all the candy cigarettes packs we would get on Halloween! So, the marketing truly does work.

Cheering for your success!

Gidney N Cloyd

(19,824 posts)
29. Keep setting goals then doubling them after you've reached them.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:41 PM
Apr 2020

Go a day then make it two days.
Go two days then make it four.
Go four days then make it a week
Go a week then make it two weeks.
Go two weeks then make it a month.

I just hit my 18 year anniversary. I still have cravings but I'll never put myself through the quitting process again.

Ohiogal

(31,926 posts)
30. Way to go, underpants!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:43 PM
Apr 2020

I quit cold turkey when I was trying for our first child. That was 33 years ago. It was hard, but if I can do it, you can, too!

Keep up the good work!


Laffy Kat

(16,373 posts)
36. As a 30-year ex-smoker, I know this is huge.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 09:52 PM
Apr 2020

Especially now while so much is going on. I promise it will get easier. Give yourself treats. Wish I could give you a hug.

mokawanis

(4,435 posts)
38. Congrats to you!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 10:03 PM
Apr 2020

I smoked for 42 years and quit, cold turkey, 4 years ago when I had emergency surgery. So glad I quit!

captain queeg

(10,103 posts)
44. Congrats. Hang in there.
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:21 PM
Apr 2020

I ended up using Chantix and it was fairly easy, which really surprised me. Whatever works for you!

NoRoadUntravelled

(2,626 posts)
45. Nice Job!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:32 PM
Apr 2020

And more than a little amazing to think that you're maintaining your resolve in the face of what is arguably the most challenging time in US history.

Iggo

(47,536 posts)
48. Nice!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:36 PM
Apr 2020


I did cold turkey. Nicotine cravings were a bitch. But they were...tangible. And temporary. And relatively brief.

But the smoking cravings. "I just finished eating. Think I'll have a...NOOOO. Can't breathe. Can't breathe."

Just know (and I know you know) that those are temporary, too.

Congratulations and Keep Up The Good Work!!!!!

BigDemVoter

(4,149 posts)
50. You can do it!
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:42 PM
Apr 2020

I smoked like a train for years & years If you can stop smoking for 24 hours, you CAN stop!

IronLionZion

(45,380 posts)
51. Congrats! Are you noticing benefits?
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:44 PM
Apr 2020

I've never smoked. But supposedly you see all sorts of benefits after quitting:

What happens after you quit smoking? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317956

underpants

(182,632 posts)
60. Yeah
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 06:51 AM
Apr 2020

Running. I've always run but I feel a difference. I announced this on our daily staff meeting call on Friday. One of my coworkers said she'd thought something was different about my voice.

LizBeth

(9,952 posts)
65. A running smoker, ambitious. Good for you. I bet you feel it in the running.
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 12:28 PM
Apr 2020

I do in the long walks. Interesting with the voice.

LizBeth

(9,952 posts)
68. Wow. I have been the healthy smoker too. Eat right, exercise, don't get sick, sleep well.
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 12:32 PM
Apr 2020

But now, hitting 60, I am feeling it much more and I do not want to get old with it.

bluecollar2

(3,622 posts)
52. Hang in there my friend
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:45 PM
Apr 2020

I smoked a pack a day for almost 30 years...

Ended up on a ventilator after heart bypass surgery and I couldn't breathe on my own...

7 or 8 days sedated...I only remember them putting me under to put the ventilator tube in and the few hours they brought me into consciousness before they removed the tube....

Most terrifying moments of my life...

Congratulations on not burning another one...its worth the pain to quit my friend...

Permanut

(5,571 posts)
53. Congrats, underpants..
Sun Apr 19, 2020, 11:51 PM
Apr 2020

Quit 14 years ago, right after an angina attack. One of the hardest things I ever did, and one of the best.

Mira

(22,380 posts)
57. Inch by inch it is a cinch
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 12:17 AM
Apr 2020

Best present you can give yourself. It’s not supposed to be easy, or all could do it. I cut drinking straws to the length of a smoke and had them with me at all times. When it got hard, I locked myself into a bathroom and smoked that straw til I got dizzy.
I had a 30 year habit of at the end 2 packs a day. I thought I would be the last smoker on earth.
And then I made up my mind. No monkey on my back could beat that. I’ve been quit since May 5 1998 and I would not take a puff for a thousand dollars, because I will always be an addict to tobacco.
So don’t.
My life got spared to get ever so much bigger and happier.

Niagara

(7,566 posts)
58. Keep up the excellent determination, Underpants!
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 01:03 AM
Apr 2020

I'm currently about 78 days cigarette free, so I know that you can do this. I'm not sure if my quit date was on Jan. 31 or Feb. 1, so I use that later since my quitting wasn't intentional and I wasn't paying attention.




I ended up going cold turkey after a pack a day for 23 years. My mouth substitutes are Tootsie Rolls, Spearmint gum and Live Savers Pep O Mints, honestly I'm still dependent on all 3 items. I still need distractions on occasions and will go for a 30 minute walk when the weather behaves, sometimes more than once if it's a really nice day.



Oh yeah, I've been making myself 30 day and 60 day Nicotine free tokens out of milk jugs. It won't be too much longer before I can make my 90 day one.







underpants

(182,632 posts)
59. Oh I can't wait to get to those numbers
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 06:48 AM
Apr 2020

Congratulations. Funny just before Easter my daughter and I realized here was like no chocolate in the house. My wife had some Easter candy in her car (stashed away). Aside from me getting a haircut that's the only thing I think we forgot before we locked down.

ARPad95

(1,671 posts)
62. Congrats! Keep going. My father quit cold turkey after
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 07:20 AM
Apr 2020

25 years of smoking at age 40. He has since survived colon cancer (in his early 80s) and will be turning 90 at the end of this year. He never drank as he grew up with an alcoholic father.

Dworkin

(164 posts)
63. Well done!
Mon Apr 20, 2020, 07:42 AM
Apr 2020

Hi,

Well done on the quitting. Interested that you did it when your daughter was born. I did the same thing with booze when our daughter was born. Lasted 7 yrs.

Keep up the good work.

D.

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