Ok, today is the day...

[Dixieland Dancer]

Hey Anna, Have you considered using the patch to help you ease the withdrawal pains? I know of several people who have successfully quit by using the patch initially.

[Pam]

Anna I am just seeing this thread so I am assuming you have been off the nasty little things for 24 hrs.?? maybe. Congratulations for taking this step and then telling everyone! There's nothing like accountability! My hubby smokes and has been talking about quitting for years and years. He did tell me once that if he ever quit he wouldn't tell me, but just wean himself off them slowly, because he wouldn't want me to say "AHA! there you go smoking again!" I think you are much more brave and I commend you for your determination! Maybe this thread will help others too. I am sure there are other Pet Talkers and lurkers out there who just need a nudge, and you are the girl to give it to them! Hang in there! It seems like the pupsters are already giving you a helpful diversion! I know it's hard or my hubby would have quite years ago! (((hugs)))

[anna_66]

Originally posted by Pam
My hubby smokes and has been talking about quitting for years and years. He did tell me once that if he ever quit he wouldn't tell me, but just wean himself off them slowly, because he wouldn't want me to say "AHA! there you go smoking again!"

Mark is exactly the same way!
Yep, it's now been about 35 hours, I know that isn't much, but I'm on my way

I must say, my chest feel even worse today than it usaully does

Thanks Candy for suggesting the patch, but my biggest problem is what to do with my hands, and the fact that when I smoked, I went outside. So now I just feel bored to death
I'm sure I'll get over it though!

[ChrisH]

Anna, 35 hours is a long time when you are quitting. you are doing just great!
Your chest feeing worse today is normal, something to do with the body getting rid of stuff....... okay, I found this

Will I cough more after I stopped smoking?
Answered by Dr Carl J Brandt, NetDoctor international medical director
Yes, your lungs will start to 'clean' themselves and you will probably bring up more mucus as a result. You should start to return to normal within a few weeks.

And about restlessness.....

What should I do about restlessness
Answered by Dr Carl J Brandt, NetDoctor international medical director
Feelings of restlessness will only last for five to eight minutes at a time.
Here's what you can do instead for the five to eight minutes:
remember why did you decided to quit cigarettes.
think of something healthy to buy for dinner.
take a look at something - anything - and describe it to yourself in detail.
Furthermore, focusing on your breathing will help both physical and mental restlessness.

Thinking about you
Chris

[Ann]

Well, you've been off them for 36 hours now! I think you're doing great Keep it up *hugs*

[Randi]

Anna, I wish you the best of luck with quitting, I know how hard it is as a smoker. I've never really tried seriously to stop, but I've been down to 2 a day! - better than nothing. I find it easier not to smoke all morning, but sometimes I put a patch on and I can avoid smoking until quite late.

Anna, if you set your mind to it, you can do it!! And it's true, the urge often goes away after 5 min. Go and drink a glass of water or juice, that helps!

Good luck!!!

[Edwina's Secretary]

You will go through physical withdrawal. You are taking a chemical out of your body. My face was numb. I felt like ants were running through my veins.

It is worth it!

I found mints were good as the strong flavor negated the desire for tobacco.

As to the reward....my husband quit about a month before me. The FIRST day I was completely without cigarettes -- a Saturday -- he said we needed to go sign some papers??????? He took an advance on all that money he would be saving by not smoking and bought a little Harley. Of course I was in no condition to argue.

I did tell him if he EVER starts smoking again -- the little Harley goes back!

It gets better! The first few days are the worst!

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by anna_66


And Richard, I am NOT letting anyone close my fingers in a drawer

sorry, i didn't say that that was a last resort!

[mugsy]

YOu know Richard, you really are sick puppy!! Mike is sitting here laughing hysterically at your story.

Anna, I think Richard is just fibbin'!! lol

[Dakota's Mommy]

So, hopefully you're still going strong and we're so happy to hear it. We're all so proud of you, you're doing great! You're well on your way now, just keep up the good work. I'm really thinking of you right now as you make this change in your life!

[Cataholic]

Well, Anna, I am sending positive thoughts your way! I hope when I meet you on 3-30 you will still be smoke free!!!!! I believe substituting one habit for another is good...like, if you had to go outside to smoke, maybe you can now go outside and take the crossword, or take up knitting (hey, don't laugh, I want to learn how to knit!), or start walking...stop just standing still thinking, "I want a white stick".......

[Stenograsaurus]

Keep up the good work, Anna!!!!

[anna_66]

Originally posted by mugsy
YOu know Richard, you really are sick puppy!! Mike is sitting here laughing hysterically at your story.

Anna, I think Richard is just fibbin'!! lol

You guys really are weirdJ/K! Thanks for keeping me pumped!

[lynnestankard]

I'm so proud of you Anna - sorry I missed this yesterday.
I think you're doing great - just remember every hour without a cigarette gets you nearer to good health.
I reckon the mints are the best too - something with a strong taste is much better at taking the 'pangs' away.
If the problem is something to do with your hands - take up cross-stitching!!! You don't have time to smoke when your busy stitching!
Good Luck - you're being kept in my thoughts - go on girl, you can do it!!!

Lynne

[Rottieluver45]

Good luck! How`s it going so far? My mom just quit too! She`s having a really hard time but she`s getting thru it!