Post for everyone who QUIT evil fags

largepants · 04-01-2012 10:57PM

I've been reading this thread for the past couple of days and great to see all the encouragement from all the 'been there, done that' crew.

Had my last smoke (I hope) on Monday night at around 10.30pm. I wasn't that heavy a smoker (maybe 8 a day on weekdays and could be up to 15 at weekends) but I said I'd have to give it a lash. Taking a couple of those Nitquitin lozenges a day and to be honest I finish them gross. Only take them when I'm really bad. I mistly chew a bit of gum which usually works ok.

One thing I'd like to know is whether a person who gives up smoking automatically puts on a few pounds? Or is it a case of you only put it on if you eat a bit more due to appetite returning? I need to lose a few pounds anyway so don't really want to put on any more. I am planning to start doing a bit of exercise from next week on.

Best of luck to all those who quitting and keep it up.

mud · 04-01-2012 10:59PM

largepants wrote: »

I've been reading this thread for the past couple of days and great to see all the encouragement from all the 'been there, done that' crew.

Had my last smoke (I hope) on Monday night at around 10.30pm. I wasn't that heavy a smoker (maybe 8 a day on weekdays and could be up to 15 at weekends) but I said I'd have to give it a lash. Taking a couple of those Nitquitin lozenges a day and to be honest I finish them gross. Only take them when I'm really bad. I mistly chew a bit of gum which usually works ok.

One thing I'd like to know is whether a person who gives up smoking automatically puts on a few pounds? Or is it a case of you only put it on if you eat a bit more due to appetite returning? I need to lose a few pounds anyway so don't really want to put on any more. I am planning to start doing a bit of exercise from next week on.

Best of luck to all those who quitting and keep it up.

I lost two stone in the months following my quit

I used walking and apples to satiate my cravings. Stayed well away from crisps and chocolate and drank lots of water. You really don't HAVE to put on weight.

spider77 · 04-01-2012 11:10PM

Day 2 down for me and the first challenge of work day also over with. Colleague asked me if I wanted to go for one today and felt great but strange to say 'no thanks'. I found this evening tough for some reason amd had broken sleep last night. I lasted 4 months the last time I tried so know the first few days are some of the worst. Roll on 1 week. I am dreading the first night out in a social setting with alcohol already though. That is how I cracked last time. Anyone recommend the e-sig for that or should one just stay clear of smoking areas for first few months?

Biglad · 05-01-2012 11:35AM

Remember that no matter what people tell you, NOBODY enjoys being a smoker and EVERY smoker would love to do what you are doing and QUIT.

Being able to tell somebody "no thank you I don't smoke" is the best thing ever!! All smokers are secretly jealous of non-smokers. This "I'm only smoking 5 a-day" or "I need a cigarette to calm my nerves" is all nonsense. Cigarettes put up your heart rate and blood pressure as soon as you light one!! They calm nothing :-)

What if you put on a pound or two in the first 4-6 weeks? With your regained health put on a pair of runners and go for a good walk in stead of lighting up and maybe even a little 2 mile run to start with after a while, simple. Fruit, water etc. will all help you kill that urge to eat something.

Stick with it people, it is so worth it, it might be the hardest thing you've ever done but the rewards are tremendous.

largepants · 05-01-2012 11:44AM

Into day 3 now and has prob been the worst one even though I wouldn't have had a fag by this stage of the morning anyway. As per advice above I'm drinking plenty of water. Found the first two day kind of easy. I plan on going for a few pints at the weekend so that'll really test me out.Time to dig the heels in. This is one battle I ain't losing.

Boom_Bap · 05-01-2012 11:54AM

It was approx 9:47 on Dec 31st 2011 when I stubbed out my last cigarette.
Smoking had become something that I did not enjoy anymore, so my last excuse of being a smoker was gone. So it was time to kick.
I've been pretty much OK since then. There have been a couple of times were I had massive urges, not for the nicotine, but because of the habit.
Driving - I'd always light up when driving, this is the hardest routine to break.
Work - The days are much longer. I got a massive urge for a smoke yesterday, I was in a pretty stressful situation...well perhaps I made it out to be more stressful than it was. But I managed to fight it.

My one problem now is snacking. Taste buds are coming alive again and I need something else to do. I now need to quit snacking.

Biglad · 05-01-2012 12:02PM

Boom_Bap wrote: »

It was approx 9:47 on Dec 31st 2011 when I stubbed out my last cigarette.
Smoking had become something that I did not enjoy anymore, so my last excuse of being a smoker was gone. So it was time to kick.
I've been pretty much OK since then. There have been a couple of times were I had massive urges, not for the nicotine, but because of the habit.
Driving - I'd always light up when driving, this is the hardest routine to break.
Work - The days are much longer. I got a massive urge for a smoke yesterday, I was in a pretty stressful situation...well perhaps I made it out to be more stressful than it was. But I managed to fight it.

My one problem now is snacking. Taste buds are coming alive again and I need something else to do. I now need to quit snacking.

Your doing the right thing there, keep it going. I was/am in Sales and on the road a lot with the usual stress. 40-50K miles a year and a lot of my smoking was behind the wheel or when the phone would ring I was lighting up...

Snack on healthy stuff, take a chewing gum or something to divert your mind from the craving. I played Angry Birds a lot which helped lol.

Most importantly you recognized that you do/did not enjoy smoking and that nobody really does. Keep up the good work and do not give in, you will win this battle I promise!!

drunky monkey · 05-01-2012 07:20PM

yeay day five today !! so glad i stuck with it day 3 is by far the hardest ! now i feel its just about changing habits ! still having alot of oh i would kill for a smoke now moments in work but deep breaths and a drink of water and its over ! keep going everybody !! its only going to get easier ! every day without a smoke is something to be proud of !:D

spider77 · 05-01-2012 11:18PM

Thanks Biglad for all the encouragement in your posts.

Day 3 is over and I'm still going strong thanks to this forum as it keeps my mind occupied at night when I get strong cravings!. I had LOTS of moments today where I thought I would love a smoke but just went and did other things like walking, calling everyone on my phonebook etc etc. I was even told at work today that I was less cranky than normal so mood swings are not affecting me yet! I am now noticing every smoker I pass though - its like that Ad for quitting where every smoker looks like a giant cigarette - now I get the Ad! Today was very tough but only took 2 pieces of gum and hoping to cut that out now too over next few days. Hang in there everyone. Only side effects I am seeing sofar are mouth issues but that might just be the gum.

Biglad · 06-01-2012 12:26AM

spider77 wrote: »

Thanks Biglad for all the encouragement in your posts.

Day 3 is over and I'm still going strong thanks to this forum as it keeps my mind occupied at night when I get strong cravings!. I had LOTS of moments today where I thought I would love a smoke but just went and did other things like walking, calling everyone on my phonebook etc etc. I was even told at work today that I was less cranky than normal so mood swings are not affecting me yet! I am now noticing every smoker I pass though - its like that Ad for quitting where every smoker looks like a giant cigarette - now I get the Ad! Today was very tough but only took 2 pieces of gum and hoping to cut that out now too over next few days. Hang in there everyone. Only side effects I am seeing sofar are mouth issues but that might just be the gum.

Keep up the good work Spider77, it will get easier as time goes on. So what if you feel like taking an extra bit of gum, at least your no longer smoking, you get sick of the gum after a while anyway. Soon you'll start feeling sorry for smokers huddling in bus shelters on a rainy old cold day lol
Enjoy the new found freedom!!

largepants · 06-01-2012 10:27AM

Jaysus I know what people mean by day three. Bloody nightmare. Still hanging in there though. I must ask this. Anybody suffer with stomach cramps while quitting. Had to get up in the middle of the night last night with them. Getting a few during the day as well. Is it hunger pangs? Or merely a coincidental stomach upset?Great to see others are flying at the moment.

mud · 06-01-2012 12:17PM

I went through all manner of tummy upsets etc. I have a theory that it's to do with the nicotine releasing its grasp on your body.

largepants · 06-01-2012 12:55PM

mud wrote: »

I went through all manner of tummy upsets etc. I have a theory that it's to do with the nicotine releasing its grasp on your body.

Thats grand so. Its most likely got to do with quitting so I'll grin and bear it.

mud · 06-01-2012 01:04PM

Drink loads of water. Just keep flushing it all out

Eoin · 06-01-2012 01:05PM

Yep, sounds about right:

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings to smoke
Irritable, cranky
Insomnia
Fatigue
Inability to Concentrate
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Constipation, gas, stomach pain
Dry mouth
Sore tongue and/or gums
Postnasal drip
Tightness in the chest

username123 · 06-01-2012 01:20PM

largepants wrote: »

Jaysus I know what people mean by day three. Bloody nightmare. Still hanging in there though. I must ask this. Anybody suffer with stomach cramps while quitting. Had to get up in the middle of the night last night with them. Getting a few during the day as well. Is it hunger pangs? Or merely a coincidental stomach upset?Great to see others are flying at the moment.

Yeah, I had a bad stomach on the night between Days 1 and 2, and very slightly again on the night between Days 2 and 3, that was it then. I didnt connect it with quitting cos Id been ill over xmas and just thought it was the tail end of it, but now that you mention it - yeah, maybe it was connected!! Totally grand after that though, so if it is a thing, its short lived!

Day 6 here and had a big pang this morning as I was heading off to the gym, a fishermans friend took care of it and all good since!

spider77 · 06-01-2012 09:11PM

Day 4 nearly over. Wknd going to be hard. My skin is gone to crap now. Getting spots on face that I have not had in years. I assume it's toxins exiting. Must drink more water. The app called myquittime on the iPhone is good. Sends u messages each day and tells you how much u have saved, how many u would have smoked. It's scary seeing how many you smoke add up over time !!! Hanging in there for now.....

largepants · 06-01-2012 09:54PM

Like yourself spider77 I'm into day 4. Stomach is still not the best and getting a few headaches as well. Cravings ain't too bad to be honest. Its certainly not the worst part. Hoping the worst clears up over the weekend.

Must get that app for the phone too. Keep it up folks.

username123 · 08-01-2012 11:18AM

Yippee!!!

Made it to a week!!! Today is Day 8!!

I really feel like its a milestone reached. My next 'big' milestone (in my head anyway) is 21 days.

I am having trouble dropping off to sleep, once asleep Im grand, but I seem to be having trouble getting there.

Hope everyone else is doing good!!! Check your teeth people, mine look better than they have in years!!! Its like Ive been for a cleaning!

Sinuses still feel better too but Im disappointed to say, I havent noticed my taste any better - not yet anyway!

largepants · 08-01-2012 11:27AM

Fair play username. As a matter if interest why 21 days as the next target?

Into day six today. Went out for pints last night and it was very very tough. Thats another bridge crossed I hope.

YumDeiseMum · 08-01-2012 11:52AM

drunky monkey wrote: »

was not a new year resolution though ! too hungover to smoke on the 1st ! stopped to think about it on the 2nd and decided i will give it ago !

Thats exactly what happened with me monkey, but its worked for me so far so I'm not gonna knock it lol

Well done username, day 8 for me too.

saywhatyousee · 08-01-2012 12:02PM

Day 8 here too cant believe how easy it has been so far was dreading it because i was telling everyone i was giving up after new year so i had to do it found day 2 the hardest.I say i have put on half a stone already:pac:.Having trouble sleeping though keep waking up every 3 or 4 hours.

largepants · 08-01-2012 12:49PM

saywhatyousee wrote: »

Day 8 here too cant believe how easy it has been so far was dreading it because i was telling everyone i was giving up after new year so i had to do it found day 2 the hardest.I say i have put on half a stone already:pac:.Having trouble sleeping though keep waking up every 3 or 4 hours.

Good stuff. Half a stone.:eek: Do you find yourself eating a lot more?

username123 · 08-01-2012 01:00PM

largepants wrote: »

Fair play username. As a matter if interest why 21 days as the next target?

Into day six today. Went out for pints last night and it was very very tough. Thats another bridge crossed I hope.

Well done largepants!!! Thats a BIG bridge!!

On the 21 days, well its HIGHLY scientific

Its supposed to be 21 days to truly break a habit and according to this timeline:

Brain acetylcholine receptor counts up-regulated in response to nicotine's presence have now down-regulated and receptor binding has returned to levels seen in the brains of non-smokers.

I like things happening in my brain that makes me like a non smoker

Well done YumDeiseMum and saywhatyousee as well!!

saywhatyousee · 08-01-2012 01:53PM

largepants wrote: »

Good stuff. Half a stone.:eek: Do you find yourself eating a lot more?

No it was more of a a joke i have noticed since i quit i am eating breakfast now though. Breakfast before was a cup of tea and 2 fags i usually would not of eaten till 2 or 3 hours after getting up

spider77 · 08-01-2012 10:00PM

Day 6 down for me almost. The weekend was tough but I managed to go to the pub with another smoker who was also quitting and didn't have one even though they kept talking about 'them'. I am doing the couch to 5 K now just to take my mind off it in the evening. I find driving in the car difficult especially on the longer journey. A big pack of mints seems to do for now and ringing people on handsfree

. I am sleeping fine and have no cough. Great to see the back of the morning choking/coughing and my car smells so much better!! Hope everyone else has a good week ahead.

sarahbro · 09-01-2012 03:33PM

Had last one last night. ok at the minute but heading into work now and will find that tough. pockets full of gum tho!
Anyone else doing it without nicotine patches gum etc?

StickyMcGinty · 09-01-2012 04:05PM

sarahbro wrote: »

Had last one last night. ok at the minute but heading into work now and will find that tough. pockets full of gum tho!
Anyone else doing it without nicotine patches gum etc?

Just started today, didn't really plan it but got sick of feeling trapped.

Decided to go cold turkey. Have tried gum and patches before but find that you get all the health benefits but the addiction just keeps on rolling.

In work today, I've been drinking lot of orange juice and scoffing apples and oranges the first sight of a craving as recommended by other threads here. It's strange - 1 minute I'm fine the next I'm dying for one. Definitely more than 6-7 cravings a day or whatever avg number was that I heard before! Think i'm getting 6-7 an hour!

3 more hours of work then home time and a new test begins, will get out for a walk this evening to try and distract myself...

username123 · 09-01-2012 05:05PM

sarahbro wrote: »

Anyone else doing it without nicotine patches gum etc?

Well done and yes, day 9 here, cold turkey.

StickyMcGinty wrote: »

JDefinitely more than 6-7 cravings a day or whatever avg number was that I heard before! Think i'm getting 6-7 an hour!

On days 2 and 3 for me it was more like the entire day was one giant crave, my mind was just obsessing on cigarettes the whole time. But like anything else your brain gets tired and bored of thinking of the same thing all the time so it finally shut up and moved on!!

StickyMcGinty · 09-01-2012 05:14PM

username123 wrote: »

On days 2 and 3 for me it was more like the entire day was one giant crave,

It's been a bit like that for me today, I've seen lots of comments though that day 2 + 3 are the worst so I'm expecting a challenge.

Can I ask, what did you do to fight the cravings on day 2 + 3?

Post for everyone who QUIT evil fags

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