Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => One Life, Live it, Celebrate it! => Topic started by: Cazikins on October 13, 2010, 08:58:48 PM
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It is nearly 3 weeks since I gave up smoking (after many, many years).
I am on patches to help with the cravings but they are getting less frequent. The worse time is first thing in the morning & after eating my main meal.
80% is down to willpower. I would not have attempted giving up if it hadn't been for 3 events that occured in the last 2 years.
Event number 1:
:'( My brother being diagnosed with throat cancer 2 & 1/2 years ago. He had given up smoking 10 years before but it still got him. After succesful major surgery, chemo & radiotherapy he is now doing ok (although he has a weak voice which he hates). Now why didn't that event jolt me into giving up smoking??? god knows. All I know was that I was so shocked by it all that it sent me into a downward spiral of stress & anxiety. My menopause seemed to stop me from doing anything that could put my life under more stress (which I know giving up would) - so I buried my head in the sand & carried on smoking.
Event number 2:
:'(Being made redundant last summer after working for 8 years with the same company. This was a big shock & knocked my confidence terribly. I felt useless & vulnerabe to everything. I felt I had no control over anything in my life. In fact I felt under so much pressure & stress that at one stage I was afraid to go out & I really had to push myself somedays. I was eventually put onto beta blockers which helped somewhat. I eventually got a tempory job for 6 months but that ended in July this year, & I'm still unemployed. During this time I was also referred to a therapist for councelling (it was either I agree to that or the doctor giving me anti-depressants). All in all a very low point in my meno life, & once again I buried my head in the sand.
Event number 3:
:'( In April of this year I developed a husky voice which finally got so bad that I was referred to an E.N.T. specialist. I was imagining the worse case scenario...throat cancer like my BB. A camera was put up my nose & a polyp on my larynx/voice box was diagnosed. I was told that it was nothing more serious but it would have to be removed. I was told that it was caused by smoking & that I should consider it as a warning... but still I couldn't give up the old weed. It was almost 10 weeks after the initial consultation with the specialist that I finally got admitted to hospital to have it removed. Not a major op but I did have to stay in overnight. As I lay there in my hospital bed I thought to myself "blimey I don't have a craving for a fag, bet I will when I get home though", but I didn't. I knew if I lit up it would burn my throat. I went 4 whole days without one but on the 5th morning I was going mad for one.... but I didn't. The next day I went to see the nurse at my docs & she put me on a course of nicotene replacement patches. They are not brilliant but they are helping.
Now in the last 2 & 1/2 weeks I have felt 100% better :). I have not felt the need for my beta blockers & have not taken any for over a week. I have not had the constant diarrhoea that I have been suffering for the last 6 months plus. I wake up with a lot more energy then I have had for years, & I have energy to get more things done in the day, & I saw my therapist yesterday & she has signed me off saying I have definately turned a corner.
So I am now thinking what are the + & what are the - ???. Well I clearly know what the + are as I have stated above - but what about the -.
Well I use to eat tomatoes like sweets. I loved munching away on them, but now they taste horrible almost acidy.
I am eating like it is going out of fashion. I never used to fancy chocolate or biscuits (hardly ever had them in the house) so why is my fridge now stacked with penguin chocolate biscuits, & my freezer with choc ice's.
I was hoping that my memory might improve but alas no. I wrote a small shopping list out on Sunday evening. I wrote down bin liners. Now when I wrote it I knew I meant dustbin liners but when I went to the supermarket on Monday what did I get??? bloody pedal bin liners, I now have stacks of the blooming things & hardly any dustbin liners.
I have come to the conclusion that giving up smoking is the best thing I have done in years. Yes I wish I had done it years ago but I know that the menopause got in the way as there was so much worry going on in my life, what with trying to hold down a full time job & ongoing health issues ;) etc etc.
I'm really hoping that this is a turning point in my life. I would hate to think that I could slip back down the hole again & I know I have to stay positive. I have said that it would take a major tragedy to get me started again - but at the moment I am taking one day at a time.
I'm just hoping that this post (as long as it is) may just help someone else who has been a smoker for as long as I have to follow my lead. It is so hard for non smokers to understand the hold that nicotene has, & how addictive it is. I do still miss that feeling you get from the first drag - but I know that if I tried it now I would probably feel very sick & light headed.
Love Cazi xx
:cat48: :cat48: :cat48:
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That is a great post, Cazi - thank you and :congrats: :peace: :ola:
Bixby x
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Thanks Bixby.
Just thought of another plus.
I use to roll my own & sit in the armchair & do a batch at a time. Then when I use to go to the loo, a load of tobacco use to fall out on the floor - it had gone down my top & sometimes even into my bra ;D ;D.
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Well done Cazi. What a great achievement and glad you can feel the benefit (even though you've noticed a few disadvantages)
Your post was very honest and open.
My husband visited the doctor today and there was a non smoking "drive" going on in the waiting room which he agreed to join. Apparently you get support and advice and he has an hour long appointment coming up! He says he'll need a fag after that!
He's tried loads of times to give up. I never mention his smoking as I do not smoke myself and have no idea what it feels like to try and give up. I will say well done of course when he says he's only smoked x number of cigars today for example but I would never ask how many he's smoked or nag him about it.
All the best, keep up the good work
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Well done Cazi, having never smoked i can relate this to a few things as i have no will power, but hopefully this will encourage a few of the ladies here who we all know want to stop. :medal: :congrats: Eddie. x
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Now - when father in Law was a prisoner under the Japs he began smoking because there wasn't much food and it helped to fill up the gut. So maybe that's why you are now eating for England.
Also: did you ever wake in the night for a smoke?
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Well done Cazi!
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Well done Cazi :ola: its been nearly 30yrs since i stopped, but about 4wks after my last ciggie, just the thought of one, made me feel sick, also the smell made me queasy, but like you i turned to Mars Bars ::) but having more energy, got me back into exercise, so lost the weight, but one step at a time, just for now enjoy the fact, you have done something you wanted to do and succeeded.. :-*
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What do you miss most about the weed ?
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Which is the habit though? The nicotine itself or the holding of something in the hand at certain times of day? Did you wake in the night for a smoke?
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Thanks everyone for your support & encouragement. I wasn't really expecting a pack on the back but it is nice to get it. 8) 8)
Also: did you ever wake in the night for a smoke?
Very rarely CLKD, only if I couldn't get off to sleep because something was on my mind. Occasionally I would get up, make a cup of tea, have a ciggie & do the crossword.
Which is the habit though? The nicotine itself or the holding of something in the hand at certain times of day? Did you wake in the night for a smoke?
For me I think it is the "hit" that the nicotine gives you CLKD. I have never taken any form of illegal drug but I would imagine it is similar.
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Well done Cazi :) - it's no mean feat giving up the ciggies. I gave up almost thirty years ago... and cannot now understand how I smoked at all. Occasionally I'll joke that "I could do with a ciggie now" or "think I'll have a ciggie" when I'm feeling fed up - but I know I'll never go back... the very thought makes me heave.
Pam xx
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It's 4 weeks now & I'm still off them :banana: I'm really chuffed with myself. 8)
Everyday is a challenge, but somehow I beat the demon :diablo:.
It is getting easier but I still have to check myself from time to time.
I have smoked ciggies for almost 30 of my 50+ years of being alive... how bad is that :o
I am 4 weeks out of a 12 week programme. I just wanted to pack it in altogether but Smoking Nursie said NO. I must use the necotine replacement patches. I must admit they are very helpful, & I feel I am getting there.
Thanks Pammie & Fleurie & all you others for your support - I'd be lost without you all.
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Cazi you are a third of the way through your programme, i would think the first few weeks to be the hardest, so you have done well, this on top of everything else you are coping with,.....well good on you girl.. :congrats: xx
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:congrats: :congrats: :congrats:
Bet it was nice to go to your interview knowing you weren't smelling of stale ciggie smoke. Now less people smoke, I have to admit that I notice the smell on people more.
Bixby x
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Work will be better too, in my last work you had to walk outside and the full length of the building to a corner full of smokers in the rain. I worked for the biggest branch of a certain supermarket, so a good walk to do in 15mins, when they (i don't smoke) also wanted a cuppa, you had to go to locker upstairs, then out. I thought 15 mins flew in without doing all that.
Eddie. x
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The reason I asked whether you wake for a smoke in the night is because those who are truely addicted to nicotine will crave through-out 24 hours so will have to wake to satisfy that craving. Those who miss the social side or miss holding a ciggie at certain times of the day are not addicted to the nicotine. So it's finding something pleasurable that replaces the social side which is difficult because we are engriained in our daily routines so much.
The habit of getting out of bed, putting on the kettle and lighting a ciggie is common. But true addicts rarely sleep 'properly' as they wake for their next fix of whatever drug it happens to be, nicotine included.
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The reason I asked whether you wake for a smoke in the night is because those who are truely addicted to nicotine will crave through-out 24 hours so will have to wake to satisfy that craving. Those who miss the social side or miss holding a ciggie at certain times of the day are not addicted to the nicotine. So it's finding something pleasurable that replaces the social side which is difficult because we are engriained in our daily routines so much.
The habit of getting out of bed, putting on the kettle and lighting a ciggie is common. But true addicts rarely sleep 'properly' as they wake for their next fix of whatever drug it happens to be, nicotine included.
Thanks CLKD for clarifying that - & there was me thinking I was a true addict... ??? ???
Funny thing happened on Monday. Normally as soon as I'm ready to get up I slap a patch on straight away, wait 5 mins then get up, get dressed & make a cuppa, however on Monday morning I was wakened by my dog scratching at the door to be let out, so I jumped up & let her out etc. About 3 hours later I kept thinking of ciggies & the thought wouldn't go away. Normally when this happens I dismiss it from my thoughts as easy as anything, but on Monday it kept returning. Then I realised that I hadn't put a patch on that morning because of the dog.
I never thought that the patch was really doing that much good - just goes to show how much I'm still addicted dependant on it.
Thanks Rosebush, Bixby & Eddie for your support & yes it is nice not to be smelling all smokey. I'm getting there slowly.
I go for my follow up next week at the hospital. I bet the specialist is going to be well chuffed I've given up the weed. She told me back in July to give up but I ignored her. Just hope the polyp doesn't grow back too soon & the op was 100% sucesful.
Love Cazi xx
:cat48: :cat48:
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A true addict doesn't think of anything else : your dog would have had to wait until you had had your 'fix' ;). We can be drawn into habits which we may then keep to as a means of security. They don't have to be bad for us and essentially, smoking isn't - it's what is in that ciggie which is the 'bad' part, not necessarily the habit. In the same way as I chew my nails, even after I was shown all the 'bugs' etc. in the muck from under the nails I still continued chewing >:( and now it's the skin around my nails :-X
Many drugs take time to withdraw from the body. I had an AD which I was told I wouldn't need to wean off, but felt really ill once I tried to stop taking it. Eventually it took 9 weeks of gentle reduction before the effect wore off ::)
How are you today? What have you choosen to do instead of light up? By the way, a Consultant who deals with addiction gave me the 'hint' about waking in the night ;) I didn't pluck the idea out of thin air .....
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CLKD. That's such a good point, i could picture my brother in the same position, lighting up before seeing to the dog. It would be the instinct and desire that acts first. Eddie. x
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I'm sorry CLKD but I do feel you are judging my situation too deeply. :-\
You say I am not addicted to ciggies because I do not wake up in the night to satisfy my craving, well I don't understand that at all. ???
As soon as I got up in the morning I was smoking, & as soon as I put it out I was thinking about the next one, & timing myself to when would be an acceptable time. If that's not an addiction then I don't know what is.
Does an alcoholic drink through the night to stop the craving?. I once read that you should consider yourself an alcoholic if you can't go 24 hours without a drink.
Maybe I was dependent & yes it was a habit, & not addiction after all, but how about just a bit of support & encouragement instead of trying to determine if I am a proper addict or not, all I know is that it had a tremendous hold over my life.
How are you today? What have you choosen to do instead of light up?
Walk my dog...
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I'm not judging you at all. That is the trouble with the printed word! >:( I am merely pointing out that by realising you did not wake in the night desperate for a ciggie that your body is capable of going without even if you need to wean off the nicotine which you say has had a tremendous hold on your life. Also once a person decides to give up whether it be on a diet, nicotine, alcohol, the substance is there, a constant, in their life. The more people they tell the more they feel they will be judged if they 'give in' .......
I sat with the Consultant many times when he explained to people who told him they were 'addicted to ..... ' that they didn't wake in the night therefore ;) ....... most of them lit up the moment they got out of bed. Most of them got to the point when they didn't need to do so. Little steps!
Maybe it's more of an obsession than addiction? How was your body feeling when you were "soon as I put it out I was thinking about the next one, & timing myself to when would be an acceptable time" ? how much physicality was there? I remember when I was weaned off ADs I felt queasy, frightened, tired, unable to function 'in case I felt worse than better' once I stopped the meds.. This was on medication which was supposedly 'non' addictive >:(
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Sorry CLKD, you are too deep for me...
If I wanted that much info about giving up smoking then I would have gone to a professional Consultant, & not come on here to post my feelings & experineces that I hoped others might find helpful... maybe I was wrong. :-\
I hear what you are saying, but do you understand what I am trying to share with fellow smokers?...
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I think you are doing brilliantly Cazi :foryou:
CLKD - are you saying that smokers are not addicted to nicotine? I have not met any who actually wake up in the night because they are craving a fix. I wonder where you got your information from?
Taz x
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Well done Cazi. You're doing great ;D
I stopped smoking some years ago, having smoked for several years. I never crave ciggies now and rarely think about the fact that I was a smoker. But when I do, it still feels good to have given up. Something else to look forward to......
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Cazi you are now entering your 6TH WEEK.. :foryou:
I used to smoke many years ago, but did not inhale, so when i stopped it was not so difficult, although i did have to have a second go :-\ had a good reason, so that helped..
BTW are you saving the money you would have spent on ciggies, my friend did this for nearly 7mths, then spent the lot, knowing she had quit for good. :)
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From a Consultant who deals with addicts on a daily basis ;)
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Smoking addicts?
Taz x
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Well done Cazi it sounds like you're winning the battle :great:
Over-analysing is a bit pointless and a waste of mental energy if you ask me.
I'll just give you that well deserved pat on the back ;)
Catweazle :-*
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Yep. You've been really strong and brave, i've had to give up the occasional beer, because of my op, and although i'm not addicted, i did enjoy it and miss it. It takes a lot of courage to give up anything.
Eddie. x
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Day one of my hubby trying to give up smoking today. He has patches and an inhalator, hasn't smoked today but he says he's climbing the walls.
I don't know how to help. I'm torn between whether it's best to say nothing much about it unless he mentions it for fear of "nagging" or whether to keep asking how he's getting on so he doesn't think I'm not being supportive.
Well done Cazi, you're doing really well.
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How is hubby doing Ariadne?. Tell him it does get easier.
I cut down the strength of the patches tomorrow, I go from 25mcg to 15mcg. I stay on that for 2 weeks then go down to 10mcg for another 2 weeks & then I stop altogether.
I feel like a fat round barrell at the moment, but one thing at a time.
Love Cazi xx
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He's doing Ok thanks Cazi. He hasn't had a cigar since November 1st but he is VERY quiet and a bit fragile, easily upset by family things etc. He's not been bad tempered at all though which I'm pleased about - and Lord knows my stepson has given him plenty of reason to be bad tempered and resort to a cigar or three.
I do hope he can keep it up. I think it would help if he could say he actually felt any better for giving up but he says he feels no different at all. Except he says he hasn't spent the money in his wallet for ages ;D
He sees his NHS non smoking "lady" once a week for a consulations and she will advise when to change strength of patches etc. I imagine.
Well done to you and hope it's still going well for you.
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13 weeks tomorrow. :banana:
I have been off patches now for 10 days, I stopped them a bit early because I was getting a rash from them (same thing happened with HRT patches). I think it's the adhesive - it got all red, blotchy & itchy.
I have not been sleeping well since stopping them, in fact last night was the first night I got a decent nights sleep in over a week. They do say that giving up nicotine can disturb your sleep. Several nights I have had to sleep in the spare bed - hope it starts to improve soon.
Oh & still eating too much. ::) ::)
Love Cazi xx
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But YOU'RE NOT SMOKING and that's brilliant! :congrats: :parti:
Bixby x
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13 weeks that's fantastic (http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/rulez/t2027.gif) (http://yoursmiles.org/t-rulez.php?page=)
Things will only get better. Well done you!
Catweazle :-* :-*
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Well Done! :congrats: .......
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Well done from me too Cazikins. :) Eddie. x
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Hi Gang,
Got sent over here by Bette.
Cos of my lovely early meno , am going down the egg donation route this year.
Its gonna cost a bomb and obv want it to work so I know I will have to give up :'( :'(
Dont want to / cant just yet......just got my 1st prescription for HRT today and dont think I could handle all of this cr*p at the same time.
Just ordered that Allan Carr book - and am puffing on my electronic cigarette (after just having stubbed my real one out) as I type this.
I luuuurve my fags - I want to cry at the thought of not having one - seriously :'(
Al x
PS Trying not to be selfish + I know I should be thinking about the child but it really hurts - anyone know what I mean ? This isnt going to work if I'm not positive........
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Hi Stella - have you started the HRT in readiness for the egg donation? It is really exciting for you and I can see how you perhaps feel that at the moment it is not a good time to try to give up the ciggies. Do they still run the NHS smoking clinics? A couple of friends of mine have given up using this route and they found it really helpful.
You can do this. Just think of what you will achieve at the end of it all.
Taz x
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Afternoon all
I gave up smoking 15 months ago and I was a fully paid up member of the 'professional 30 a day smoker brigade'. I always said I would only try to give up once and thankfully I did, however it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. If you think mood swings are bad in the meno, you should have seen me day 2 of my quit!!
I quit using the smoking drug Champix which I would recommend.
The only down side was, I personally thought giving up smoking increased my meno symptoms a great deal. I know the medical profession will disagree and everyone is different but my hot flushes increased a lot. However...I much prefer being an ex smoker than a smoker, the pros outweigh the cons.
My advice to anyone trying to give up is you MUST be mentally prepared, as quitting requires self belief and balls of steel. The other thing is you really must want to give up yourself, I don't care if your kids, partner, parents or the milkman want you to give up (they do not matter), it must be all about you.
Good luck
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Good idea Taz- thanks - will have a google ! and yes its for the donation as well as a big osteoporosis thing in my family.
Harry's girl - you are so right ! Had an old gp who never used to criticise - said the same thing - "Give up when YOU are ready cos then you will find the reason eg health money etc. Doing it for others will fail."
Had a bit of a booze last night - finally the tears about all this meno came. My husband know me better than I do and said it was well overdue ! He knew that cheery, feisty positive attitude had a hidden thing underneath . ;D :'( :o
Dont think its all out yet (am a big believer in having a good blub rather than keeping things in - that way lies depression). So might poke myself in the eye or watch Rocky LOL to get a bit of a blub going :D
Where can I buy some willpower please ?? ;D :valkyrie:
Will keep you all updated - if anyone is interested........I can assure you it will be very humerous if nothing else - I am a bit of a TMI person !
Thanks for your support :-*
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Yes, please do keep us updated. :) Hopefully it will be good for you to share and also might help others who are facing the same challenges.
OH always encourages me to "let it all out" too and it does help - always feel better when I've told him something, even if it's something I feel silly or ashamed about feeling. :-\ :'(
Bette x
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Well done Cazi........and everyone else who is quitting the weed. I know just how hard it is for you.....
I have gone 8 weeks now without one after having been smoking for over 30 years. I had stopped for a few days as I had a bad tummy bug but decided to have a go and keep at it even once I recovered.
I have given up in the past for short bursts, the longest time being 6 months. Mostly as I was going through IVF. I'd start off determined but with each failed IVF attempt I'd be reaching for the ciggies again.
I'd been reading about how smoking can make the hot flushes worse. Having suffered drenching sweats for over 3 years and not having found anything to stop them I was hanging onto to this and it made me even more determined and I was SO looking forward to all those benefits.
Well...the hot flushes have got much worse since I stopped....really snot fair!!!! :bang: :bang:
.....and I'm not sleeping well but then I never did really.
It does get easier though. For the first couple of weeks I'd get up in the morning, have breakfast and a cuppa and find myself heading out the door afterwards out of habit (I never smoked indoors, only outside). Now it doesn't occur to me.
It's true that you have to do it when YOU want to and when YOU feel ready. Nobody else should make you do it.
I am gaining weight though, eating too much!! :boobs: :boobs:
just waiting for the libido to come back........ :jiggy: :jiggy:
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Blimey Ladies !
From a Mega Puffer, COngrats for doing so well !!
Dont know how much that means to me - at the mo I cant see myself going without for a week :o :o so well done for coming so far.
What planet are we on LOL - Meno, stress from IVF, giving up fags.....dont fancy anyone's chances if they hit us at the wrong time :angryfire: :diablo:
Although I am not "in the zone" yet am having a practice run (or is it called trying to cut down...)
Am puffing on an electronic cigarette (How do you know when the cartridge needs changing?......TBH I think I would get more out of those sweety ones you had when you were a kid) while simultaneously muching on twiglets
This has disaster written all over it - you just KNOW I will crunch on the e-cig in a minute ;D and a fun packed trip to the dentist.
Keep going girls.....am sending you all virtual Twiglets n hugs !
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For the brave ones and the tempted and the "Have to"s
Just to keep you up to date....
Had a web chat with an NHS advisor......explained I was finding even the thought tough and she basically said " You must want to" and that was that.....cheers mate LOL :bang: :bang: :bang:
So had a google + found a fab site , full of proper "normal" people, some struggling, some going through it, some have got over it, some just living day to day, trying to make their life better, all gone through bad stuff but sharing it all, and all of them lovely, non judgemental, funny + friendly (remind you of any other sites ? ;) ;) ;) ;) )
Have told them about you guys and your fab support + I'm gonna put a link to here. :D :D
Loads of advice n stuff......my fav was:
"For every fag you dont have you're making inroads"
Now thats proper advice, if you're listening NHS :peace:
Al xx
PM me if you want the link
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Come on girls, we can do it.
We know it isn't going to be easy, & yes you do have to have will power, & yes you do have to be in the right frame of mind - but if you can get to that place YOU WILL DO IT.
My last fag was 24th September 2010. Patches helped a great deal, I still do often have the "urge" to light up & take a deep drag but I know if I did I would hate myself for doing so. The "urge" goes after a few seconds because I think how awful I would feel if I gave in & also how far I have come.
For me there will never be a substitute for cigarettes, it is (hopefully) a part of my life that is over. Yes it was enjoyable but I knew it would probably kill me in the end or give me some awful cronic lung disease.
Take each day at a time. Every day when you get up say to yourself "today I have decided not to smoke", it helped me.
Good Luck All.
Love Cazikins xxx
:cat48: :cat48:
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I am on my 6th day of not smoking and wanted to share it with you all.... I am under the nurse for non smoking and have got patches and an inhaler (only tried that a couple of time and only have one capsul in it probably puffing air and all the the mind that it helps but dont care ::) )
Probably not best time to start giving up as found out on Tuesday we are going to be made redundant in a couple of months... so after 13 years at same job will be awful.... also with the meno... so no job ... no fags... and concurring the meno all at once... I will deserve a medal if I come out the other end ;D was going to put the non smoking off for a coupe of weeks but then thought ... will there ever be a good time ... and when I havent got a job will need all my money so wont be able to afford it so gotta go for it now !
wish me luck :)
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Good luck, Lozz and sorry to hear about your job. :hug: Will you get a decent settlement to tide you over while you look for something else?
Bette x
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As a smoker, it's never a good time to give up smoking Lozz, but the fact that you are contemplating & going through with it 8) it is a definate PLUS. :)
Just take 1 day at a time & you will get through it. It isn't going to be easy, but you will get there.
xx
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Hi Lozz
I'm so sorry about your job, giving up smoking is very difficult but you can do this sweetheart. If it helps when I gave up it saved me £180.00 per month.
xx
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Bloody Hell - I nearly cracked today... :beat: :beat:
I can't believe it, I actually thought about how much I was missing the old weed... that first drag, the way it hits your lungs... ::)
But then I remembered how bloody hard it was to get me to where I am today.
Come on Cazi you can do this. I may have hit a brick wall but I have not stumbled.
I will get there - I will bloody beat it.
It will NOT beat me.
xxx
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Well done you :congrats: :ola: :clapping: :parti:
Just remember all the reasons you gave up - life has got to be better without it!
Bette x
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Come on Cazikins !!!
Keep going Gal !
You;ve broken the back of it now!!! :party09:
:clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:
Loz - hope you still holding on too :D
Keep going my brave ladies - will need your support soon ;)
:bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
Al xx
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And lets not forget Neicsey, you know you need to do it. xx Eddie. x
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Well done love ;D i gave up last july and its bloody hard isnt it?but well worth it,keep it up!x
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11 weeks now. Been doing fine but OH was a pain in the arse today. I was SO tempted!!! Luckily I don't have any to hand and the moment has passed now. >:( ;D
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11 weeks now. Been doing fine but OH was a pain in the arse today. I was SO tempted!!! Luckily I don't have any to hand and the moment has passed now. >:( ;D
Well done annifanny :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:
It does get easier & the moment does pass.
I'm quite surprised that I haven't felt the need to light up since going back to work - I really thought that if I was put under a bit of stress I might give in but I haven't.
I do feel a lot better health wise - I don't have the hacking smokers cough anymore but I do wish I could lose some of the weight that I have gained (almost a stone) :rant:
What is so annoying is the fact that smoking causes heart disease,(so I gave it up) 8) being overweight causes heart disease - but giving up smoking has made me put on weight. :rant:. I can honestly say that apart from the first 6 - 8 weeks I have not been eating anymore then I did whilst smoking. In fact it is a lot less,so I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. :sigh:
Anyway Ladies, we are all doing bloody brilliant so keep up the good work.
Love Cazi xxx
:cat48: :cat48: :cat48:
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;D.....21 days me and OH have quit for a saving of £210.00... amazing
I havent had chocolate since the day I quit either as that makes me want a ciggy so am saving on all that aswell... not sure what I miss most ha ha... not had a beer either yet just cannot risk it... maybe another month or two... so I am depriving myself of smokes, chocolate and beer .. I deserve a medal I think and going though the Meno and waiting for my redundancy date...hmmm maybe two medals..... :o :'(
well done to all fellow non smokers... we can do this .... ;D
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hey Lozz, hang on in there. You've already proved you're a strong person!!
Had a big row with OH last night. Would you believe we were assembling a new bed that had just been delivered. He was cursing and swearing (as usual) I got peed off and told him to grow up, he said to me "get used to it"! :cuss: :argue: :cuss: :bang: arsehole...it's been 20 years for heavens sake.....Like I wouldn't be used to it!!! :cuss: :cuss:
he slept in the spare room last night and has avoided me all day. We have guests for a meal tonight too......
I REALLY NEED A FAG RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! Help me!!! :cuss: :bang:
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aww hope you survived the urge... you have done so well dont give in now... you would be so cross with yourself. You have come so far :)
I am off work with a sore throat n the normally aches that go with the coldy virus... and havent thought about cigs that much... as a smoker, as ill as I would feel, I would still have the odd smoke... crazy... am pleased with myself struggle now and then but know this will go eventually.
Miss the one after my dinner the most but as Alan Carr states in his book... that one is no different to the others in the box its made of the same crap as all the others so why should it be so special ... hmmm :-\
Am still using my patches, looking foward to the day that I forget to put one on as I havent thought about it ;D .... probably a little way off yet
Well done to everyone who has quit :-*
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We are all doing so well girls. :clapping: :clapping:
We have been tempted by certain situations etc... but we haven't given in & that is a MASSIVE PLUS.
but as Alan Carr states in his book... that one is no different to the others in the box its made of the same crap as all the others so why should it be so special ... hmmm :-\
I started to read Alan Carr's book (no not the comedian, someone else) before giving up smoking. He made a lot of sense but I was not ready for it. He does make a lot of sense Lozz. Fags are full of harmful chemicals that can do so much damage...
I REALLY NEED A FAG RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! Help me!!! :cuss: :bang:
Oh blimey annifanny, I do hope you survived matey :hug:. I know how it feels but you can get through it - just take a step back, remove yourself from the room & re-think. Focus on something completley different & hopefully you will get through it.
Love Cazikins xxx
:cat48: :cat48:
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Love post Cazi - glad you are still doing so well :foryou:
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Well, a week on and we're only talking when necessary, still in seperate beds. I think we need to have a really good talk, clear the air....
I'm still not smoking though......believe me I've been SO tempted this week. BUT I'm not going to let HIM be the cause of my downfall!!!!!
>:( >:(
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Annifanny how you doing ? I hope everything is sorted out and you are back on speaking terms... and you never gave in and had a ciggy... shows how determined you are as if you wasnt you would of used the row for the excuse to have a smoke... yep have done that before... almost waited for something to go wrong just so I could have one... not this time.. since quitting I have found out I am being made redundant within the next couple of months... I was so near to having a smoke.. so near... but then thought ... not going to be able to afford it if I have no job so whats the point... also to go through those first couple of weeks again when I decide to quit again ... aww no thanks ... so still not had one since 17th January ... also still no chocolate and no alcohol either !! god I sound sooo boring .. ha ha.... still on my patches n think I will be for some time yet
really hope you are ok .. havent been on the forum for a few days so only just seen your post here
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Lozz, well done you for hanging on in there despite all the $hit going on for you.....keep it up :)
I've not weakened yet, hardly believe it myself. Still not talking much with OH, still in seperate beds......I keep thinking "RIGHT, lets have a good talk" but then I just sneak off to bed with my book...just can't be bothered to try now... :argue: :rant:
Well done all you brave girls....keep strong!! :hug:
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Fantastic to all the ladies who are beating the ciggies
I smoke but I dont have 1 sometimes till miday even later
Never have one when I get up I really only smoke in the evenings
Yet I get through 15 a day?
Do I want to give up to be honest NO not yet
I have so much shite and worry over things that giving up at the moment hold no attraction for me
ood thing about NON smoking places is that when I go out at night I may only leave the Pub/Rest for a couple of ciggies entire night
I normaly have 1 before I go in then say have a couple during the evening maybe 3 if its a long night
Before in Pubs it would be one after another go out with 20 come back with 2
I know its bad for you but so is alcahol far worse in fact as it affects more than just YOU
Drink causes poverty violence Divorce DUD loss of work heart attacks strokes diabtease liver damage kidney failure cancer
I lo0st my baby bro to the drink not the weed we accept drink as socially acceptable and yes I know the speach
Most people are sensible drinkers maybe they are but if you have a couple of glasses a wine in the evenings every evening
YOU HAVE A PROBLEM everyone should have at least 2 free days clear after having a few drinks if you cant you have a problem
Like smoking it is an addicitve thing and people should be far more tolerant and understanding
I always say light up a ciggie and its as if your a mass murderer yet spew up after getting drunk and people laugh they dont get it!
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:clapping: :clapping: "HERE-HERE" I'm in absolute agreement Suzi.
CM xx
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Bloody Hell
thanks Coffee its so rare for someone to say I agree or yes your abso right
My lovely baby brother light of my life I will NEVER get over his death BOOZE so socially acceptable
Hey hes a great fella as he knocked back the booze that killed him fell in to the road one more than 10 ocassions
People never think drink can cause so many illnesses he was 47 been drinking since he was 14 (we booze younger in England)
My Dad took him out with him from 16 going out on a Friday with Dad for a drink or 5 and everyone knew everyone seemed to do it
We migrated to Ozz took we took our son out on his 18th bought him his first legal drink Bobbles said I will buy you your first
After that you buy your own now we knew hed drank before we bloody did in Pubs at 15 in UK
Bobbles had seen my Dad with my brother It had made him think twice there was only 4 years between Bobbles and our John
I do think with my brother it was genetic even so having a Dad who encouraged him didnt help at all probably made him worse
Noit a real man unless you drink Bobbles gets that now from most of my male family members when we go home to Cheshire
They dont get it that yes he likes a beer and yes he loves his wine but getting pissed as a newt at 55 no way Jose
I know this is slightly diff to Ozz where its constantly discouraged to drink under 18 but after that go ahead fill your boots
Vommit every weekend NOW you can drink so do drink to PROVE your a real man
I wish more people could see the results of booze many of my pals give me grief about smoking while they are getting pissed onwine They think its normal to have a glass or 2 Sun to Thur then Friday and Saturday drink a bottle a night and sometimes more
Yet Im the baddie who goes down to the bottom of the garden well out of anyones way while they are sluring their words !!!!!!
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Totally agree Suzi.
My cousin started drinking at 14, was going in pubs with her dad every Saturday night, then it went to sundays and so on.
She is a real alci now shes 57, and 3 of her kids were born with soo many problems, mentally and physically!
I think its a crime to let people keep having kids who wont even try to stop getting pissed while they are pregnant....every time I think of her kids Suzi I could cry, and of course her 2 eldest are going down the same road. Tragic! I cant even look at her, I really hate her for what she has done, oh yeah as I said shes 57 and looks about 70! There's another side affect of the booze! With smoking your only hurting youself, with alcohol you leave so many victims. I think its a BIG problem in this country now, and is the reason for so many of the problems we have.
CM xx
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I think so too I wouldnt say for one moment that smoking not a bad thing it is its YUK
Even me who smokes I dont like sitting next to someone whos permo smoking away BUT
Id prefer that to sitting as I often do next to people at a rest or at a BBQ getting smashed
You cant hold a conversation with them
They get argumentative or lovey want to hold you (sod off) to me they smell as horrible as people who dont smoke say smokers do
The ruination of lives through drinking though is worse
I heard on the Radio here 4BC It was before Xmas that more money is actually spent on drink related health and social issues
Is 2 billion more than smoking and now Obesity is the major cause of sickness and death and the most exy here in Ozz
Ok I grant you its probably cos heaps of people have given up smoking and thats bloody brilliant
Like to see the anti drinking Lobby become now as powerful as ASH is and start on making Booze as socialy unaceptable as smoking
It may take another 20 years or so but lets face it whod have thought even in 1999 no smoking in pubs or any where by 2006
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Totally agree Suzi.
My cousin started drinking at 14, was going in pubs with her dad every Saturday night, then it went to sundays and so on.
She is a real alci now shes 57, and 3 of her kids were born with soo many problems, mentally and physically!
I think its a crime to let people keep having kids who wont even try to stop getting pissed while they are pregnant....every time I think of her kids Suzi I could cry, and of course her 2 eldest are going down the same road. Tragic! I cant even look at her, I really hate her for what she has done, oh yeah as I said shes 57 and looks about 70! There's another side affect of the booze! With smoking your only hurting youself, with alcohol you leave so many victims. I think its a BIG problem in this country now, and is the reason for so many of the problems we have.
CM xx
IM sorry what an awful thing for you her and her kids drink is a bad thing for so many people but society wont accept that yet why
Cos societys run by men and men drink here in Ozz they dont smoke anything like the men in Europe
Group of about 50 people BIKERS only people who smoke are the women on Trivia nights Im the only one who smokes out of 25
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I wish I could stop smoking, I really do, as you say it IS bad for us, but I would still rather sit next to a smoker at a "do" than someone who is so pissed he doesnt know his arse from his elbow...and the next day they don't have a bloody clue about how they made a real show of themselves. For me its a no brainer, as you said Suzi, if they can do it with the smoking they can do it with alcohol! x
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Sorry been away......reading Allan Carr, settling into my hrt, busy with work (might be losing my job tx to cuts ) so now may not be a good time to say.......
Have booked an appt with hypnotherapist for tomorrow :'( :'( :'(
Tried puffing on my efag this evening + all I could think about was..................FAGS
Oooooooh - feel scared.......how will I survive without them ??? ??? I know i know it sounds daft but.......
Think I need hypno to give me the confidence to go to the therapist :o :o
Think I need a drink (sorry cant do beer as well).....what have I done ?
There is life after isnt there ?
My bl**dy mate said "Oooooh Al, wont it be good not to want a fag"
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Wish me luck - or help me chicken out ;)
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Good luck - you can do it! Got to be worth it - but you know that really, don't you?
Sorry to hear about your job. :'(
I had hypno and found it much better than expected - very relaxing, still listen on my i-pod every night to help me to get to sleep.
Keep posting - start a topic each time you want a you-know-what! ;D
Bette x
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Oh Bette,
Thankyou for replying :-* :-*
Am in such a tizz :o :'( :o :'( I want a magic wand :'( :'( :'( :'(
Have no problem relaxing - I luuuuuuurve my bed + am the envy of everyone I know that I can drop off like that....I hope that continues + I'm not up digging fag butts out of bin ;D
Got to be worth it - but you know that really, don't you?
If I'm thick enough not to allow all the medical + money reasons make me stop, what on earth is going to ?
I'm scared.....but what of ? That ruddy Allen Carr goes on about "feeling free"...why am I so scared of stopping? I wont be the "rebel" anymore ? I wont have that wonderful crutch for all occasions (stress, boredom, hunger, confidence, relief, post dinner, pre dinner, have a good b*tch about that girl in the office, need 10 mins away from my doolally parents / in laws, etc etc etc)
Its gotta be something..... I cant be expected to cope with all of the above on my own ! ;D :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
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Stella, don't beat yourself up. It has to be the RIGHT time when you do it. It's obviously not the right time for you just yet. You'll get there..... :)
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Just to update you.....
Havent given up (even he admitted I would need a couple as it is sooo deeprouted ;D....
But
Have really cut down. TBH I think I may have / could possibly have done it if it wasnt for all the insecurity going on with my work, plus I am on a "leadership" ::) ::) ::) course next two weeks with a bunch of testerone fuelled newly promoted little ****s :cuss: :hotflash:
But at least its a starting place with the stopping ;) ;D
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Ive also cut down quite a bit Stella, I must admit I do wear the patches, so they help, my doctor told me not to worry- every cig we don't smoke is a BIG PLUS I think Ive cut down at least half...for me that's grrreat ;D
I think your grrrreat too Stella, well done girl ;)
cm xx
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Hello Stella - You have so much going on at the moment I'm surprised you have not doubled your daily intake of cigarettes! It must be really hard and frankly you are doing very well. As I've said, quitting was the hardest thing I've ever done but it's worth it in the end. Keep us up to date, and good luck xx
CM - Well done on cutting down, small steps at a time. I would love to be a 'social smoker' but I know that one would lead to another and so on, damn.
Funny story - When I first quit, I was climbing the walls (as you do) and a friend (non smoker) told me the best thing to take was a 'fisherman friend, that will stop the craving she said!!! Honestly I nearly smacked her!! Some non smokers think it's just like giving up chocolate for lent!
However I must admit stopping smoking made my meno symptoms much worse. I am not trying to put you off but just be aware. St Johns Wort really helped when I quit (no good if you are on HRT).
xx
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Thanks Harrys-girl,
but I have to ask - did you try the fisherman friends? ;D
cm xx
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Take one day at a time. Don't think about it long term (well not yet anyway), look upon it as a test that you need to take for one day only - tomorrow is another day.
When you have got through one day without one, the next day will be a bit easier as you will be so darn proud of yourself for going yesterday without one.
Hang in there girls - I will have gone 6 months next week without a ciggie. Yes I have been tempted & sometimes I forget I have even given up, like the other day when I was waiting for the dinner to cook (well burn actually as that is the norm with me :oops:). I thought I'll just have a quick fag & check the oven again. It was really weird.
Love Cazikins xx
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I think you ladies who have given up are wonderful.
Cazikins, 6 mths is great...I sooo wish I could do it, I have halved my ciggies, but Id really like to stop completely...no willpower thats me, as soon as something negative occurs, I light up!!
cm xx
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Cazikins, that is just when I get the urges funnily enough, when I'm cooking. I quite often would pop outside for a ciggie while waiting for the spuds to cook or something. It's the main times I seem to miss them now.
4 months now.......and yes, my hot flushes got much, much worse when I fiirst gave up but they do seem to be calming down again now....and I'm sleeping better.......
trouble is the weight is still piling on even though I've cut down the food and I'm exercising more... :boobs: :boobs:
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Hello girls
You are doing so blooming well, you should be very proud of yourselves. I am officially 18 months today (how clever am I!!)
Weight gain is a huge problem anni, I managed a 2 stone gain! However I have started new diet today...The Dukan Diet. Low carb, will let you know if it is any good.
Once again, hang in their girls. xx
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Hi Annifanny, I have put on a stone since packing up the weeds >:(. The nurse at my docs said I must now work on losing it - this is the same nurse that helped me pack up smoking but she has not offered any "patches" to help me with it. ;D
It's a no win situation. If you smoke it's considered to be bad for your heart.
If you are over weight it's considered to be bad for your heart.
What's a 53 year old menopausal woman supposed to do? I mean I've got to have some pleasures in life.
On the plus side...
When I went to see my doctor the other week about a bladder infection ::) (there's always something aint there), she said she has now put it on my medical notes that I AM AN EX SMOKER. :ola:
Hi Harrys-girl, please let me know how you get on with the diet. I hope it works out for you.
Take it one day at a time Coffeemate & don't put yourself under to much presure to do it. Have you considered nicotine patches? they might just give you that extra bit of support.
Love Cazikins xxx :cat48: :cat48:
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Oh Girls,
Well done all :-* :ola:
And a special :-* to coffee mate for cutting down.......the purists will prob moan but its fab to get that far.
Am so embarrased :wub:.......although hypno cut me down, the work thing pushed me up again. So I went for a top up session and........ ;D ;D ;D tho its not funny really - am back to smoking MORE - God knows what he put in my brain.
I am now obsessed with smoking - as soon as I stub one out I am counting the minutes till the next one :-\ :-\
Have called him + told him I shall leave any more top ups for a while - thankyou!
Am on the Paul Mckenna cd now......still puffing. Got pharmacist tomorrow - though he knows about my progesterone :madeyes: :cuss: :angryfire: and, well, he gave me the "you're having a laff" look.
And hubby keeps making sarcastic "packing up going well then ?" comments.
Aaaaaarrrrgggggh!
And I'm stuffing my face with left over popaddoms + wine!
Ahhh thats better - thankyou for the soap box.
Sorry again :-\ :'(
Please inject my brain with willpower ;D btw am not going on Champnix cos he reckons will make me more :stupid:
Al xx
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HEY STELLA
I smoke and have cut back a lot IM happy with that acheivment
I give myself little goals dont have a ciggie before mid day
Even if I really really want one Dont take a break outside to have a ciggie have it inside
Do things its mazing how soon that desperation goes and its OH Id like a ciggie now but you can wait!
Dont stuff your face dont swap one addiction for another and Obesity is even more of a problem than smoking relates diseases
Go easy on your self OK remember your not sticking Heroin in your arm smokings bad but Drink is even worse affects more people :hug:
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My doctor told me ages ago that there are great advantages to be had, for every ciggy we DONT smoke, so cutting down a little is better than nothing I suppose.
I dont drink alcohol, I have the same aversion to it that some peeps have to smoking, yet Im supposed to put up with their boozy breathe, because for some stupid reason, alcohol is acceptable...crazy!
Well done everyone..for giving up though, I do envy your will power, Id love to give up, for my health and my purse! :(
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Thanks Suzi + Coffee Mate,
You are right - we all work better with a carrot than a stick. OK lets see how far I can "push it" this evening.
Cant smoke inside at work - thats one good thing.
Got my e-fag (know its cheating) but when I get the urge later, will have a puff on that rather than normal cig.
Wasnt getting p*****d btw LOL ! Just had one glass (not usually a wine drinker)
but was trying to see had that "stuffing something in my mouth" feeling........oooooh that sounds rude ;D ;D
My doctor told me ages ago that there are great advantages to be had, for every ciggy we DONT smoke, so cutting down a little is better than nothing I suppose.
Love that - thanks!
Remember years ago someone told me to break everything up into slices (like salami / pizza) and you'll be amazed how easy it is to get through things.
I know there are those out there who say best way is just Cold Turkey stopping, but honestly really dont think I have your kind of strength.
Well done to the CutDowners :) ;)
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Hey Stella, my mum managed to give up completely with her e-cig, she used to say its the "kick" at the back of the throat she needed, and with the e-cig you do get that "kick". We all need a crutch of some sort, don't we, some have pills others a little drink, with me its my ciggies.
Do what is right for you Stella, life's short enough, without having to be miserable,Id never consider going cold turkey, it may be OK for some but not me, I just cant do it, and thats that. Good on yer Stella, your doing brill ;)
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:-* :-* :-*
my darlings......with such non judgemental friends as you........anything is possible!
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I have been reading most of the posts on here about giving up smoking.
I gave up last August, I was having a operation on my eye in September and could have had to keep my head down for at least a week afterwards, so thought a month before, time to quit.
Patches worked a treat and by December was completely on my own.
I have found it a really long, lonely and difficult road to travel, BUT I am still not smoking and proud of it. I miss smoking like I miss a friend, I really do think its the hardest thing I have ever done. I actually dont want to smoke again, but would love to try a patch out again to see what it does for me!! lol
I have put on weight, over a stone, devastated, now I cant lose it, blame menopause and no ciggies to supress the appetite, low self esteem, depression. BUT I am not smoking. Often ask myself will it get better with time and I am sure it will and the best of this forum I know I am not alone.
Well done to all who have quit or cut down and thank you for sharing your experiences cos it is so important to know that we are not on our own .
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:congrats: Jane - you should be really proud of yourself! Have a :medal: from me.
Bette x
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Well done all for giving up or cutting down, its real achievement. Especially during meno with all the symptoms.
I've never been smoker, tried it in my teens then found my gran had lung cancer, so left it alone after that. So don't really understand the enjoyment and need for ciggy thing. Now chocolate that seems to be my thing....
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Well done Jane :yipi: :yipi:
You're right - it isn't easy. But we knew it was the right thing to do, & we knew we had to give it a good old try.... And do you know what???
We did it. :spin: :spin:
Now I wake up every morining & my chest is not weezing. :)
Now I wake up every morning & I'm not coughing & spluttering. :)
I now wake up every morning, & the first thing I'm not doing is grabbing a fag out of the packet & lighting it up. 8) 8)
I look back now & think "how the hell did I do it" I mean - I am going through a very difficuilt time of my life what with the menopause, being out of work etc - what a time to do it.... but I felt it was now or never.
I still live by my rule - & this is what gets me through it:
"TODAY I CHOOSE NOT TO SMOKE" & I say that to myself every morning.
Tomorrow is another day, but I am not scared about facing it.
Yes I still miss the old weeds.
Yes I still miss that first drag on a fag - there is no substitute believe me :( :(.
It's like the title of the topic says:
Good & bad points about giving up smoking.
;D ;D ;D
Love Cazikins xxx
:cat48: :cat48: :cat48:
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It's been 6 months now. I still miss them, still on occasions get a craving for one but I know that if I weakened and had one that I'd really hate myself.
I've gained about a stone in all but it does seem that I've stopped gaining now. Not lost any yet but there's hope!!! Harrys-Girl, how are you doing on that diet? I think I need it!! ::)
WELL DONE EVERYONE whether you're cutting down or quitting. It all takes guts and strength and thanks to all here who are sharing their experiences as it really does help.
:foryou: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Hi Anni
6 months is bloody fantastic! My warning though is...6-10 months was the hardest part of the quit for me, so hang in there sweetheart. xx
I gained 2 stone when I quit and even though I have always been an exercise 'freak' I could not get the weight off. HOWEVER I started the Dukan diet and I have lost 1.5 stone in 3 months AND I'm on HRT too. I am soooo pleased. It's a low carb but low fat diet, so you have to like meat but unlike Atkins you can not have fats. It's a love hate diet though, but it worked for me. I went up to a size 14 (which is big for me) form an 8-10. I have just got back into my size 10 jeans, so another ½ stone and I will call it a day. I bought the book from Amazon and it's worth £ 5.00 of anyones money ;)
I tried weight watchers, slimming world and Rosemary Conley but with no success...however I am a huge believer that there is no 'one size fits all' diet. It depends on you. A friend of mine has just lost 3 stone on the Rosemary diet though.
To quit smoking, go through the peri, start HRT AND cope with weight gain is enough to send most people mad...but I'm still standing girls ;D xx
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Thank you everyone for your comments. I agree with Harrys Girl, this 6-10 months time has been really hard, but still now smoked. ;D
I do find now I appear to be having what seems like panic attacks,low self esteem attacks couple of times a month which is not halped but having put on this weight. I had been slowly putting on the weight before I gave up smoking, and put on a stone since I packed up, but I am finding it really difficult to lose it, lose 2lbs one week up 3 the next :'(Its one very hard slog. My partner likes skinny women and as I am a size 18 at the moment up from a size 12-14, as you can imagine I am really beating myself up about it. Some weeks I can cope and then as I said above I panic. :'(
I am still plodding on, make a note of when I am feeling low and see if there is a pattern and be ready for it.
I have mentioned before I wont take HRT, because gaining weight has been mentioned. I knew I would put weight on packing up smoking I really cant afford to take HRT and put on even more.
Looking back, since the Doctors have stopped seeing me in the clinic for no smoking, I now go down once a month for a weigh in, it must be December-January time, I have lost, gained and basicaI ally have done nothing at all since then. Very very deflating!!
I am on primrose oil by the way and ymea tablets!!
Thanks for all your help
Jane xxx
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What a fantastic post Harrys-girl, wanted to say well done and what an inspiration to other people. :)
xxxx
That's very kind of you, however we females can cope with anything! ;)
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Keep going darlings,
1 day / 1 month / 6 months are all such achievements :) :)
Please take it from me I am soooo jealous of your willpower, much more than any supermodels body ;D
Everyone says its the best thing they've done - enjoy your power!
Cant advise on the weight loss - I've always been an exercise girl. Had to give up my normal busy training last year (injuries + oh the aches - must be the meno) and weight just increased a little. Started zumbaring, toned up but weight stayed the same (and No I dont look like Schwarzenegger now!)
Hows about, (if you can cos I know everyone's busy + everything aches), get a couple of those cheapo 10 minute solution dvds from Amazon. Get happy on those endorphins (or be so kn*ckered after you just want to drink water + sleep!) And remember, exercise burns the most calories the day after training, not immediately after, so you'll have plenty of cals "in the bank" for tomorrow ;) ;)
Ummmmmmm not mentioning the quitting at the mo.
Just done an excel sheet to calculate 10 fags a day timetable ::) ::)
Gotta pack up soon though......really soon.....something in pipeline.....but just trying to fill my boots now :'(
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Hiya
Heard a lot about this Dukan diet.
I kind of did the Atkins a few years back, lost a stone and found it really easy. I didn't eat lots of meat however, just cut out all the lazy carbs.
I really need to do something again now. In the last 7 months since packing up I've gained over a stone and a half. I'm exercising more and eating less now but it's still hard to shift!!
>:(
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Ok, trying new technique today.......
I am allowing myself to smoke.
Yes I know its cheating BUT and its a big one for me........yesterday Mr. Walnut Whip n I shared 7-8 ciggies ALL DAY.
Today have just lit my 4th - normally would be on my ::) ahem ::) lots more......
Only had no. 3 cos I was sooooooooo constipated - sorry I really am in TMI mood today ;D
Wooohoooooo!
Thank you so much for those words of wisdom
"The ones you DONT smoke" !
Maybe this is worse but is getting to my brain :o better than all the other stuff I've tried!
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Stella all I know is my GP told me that theres great benfits to our health for every ciggy we dont smoke.
She said its better to cut down if you dont think you can stop completely as we're less likely to fail.
By just cutting down we dont feel to stressed...so I'm listening to her..... to hell with all the rest!! :D
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Coffee, thankyou so much for that :-*
Its true about the stress, as you can see by my previous posts, have gone totally loco with this quitting malarkey :'(
So that phrase from your GP has been so inspiring!
Havent mentioned have knocked booze on the head too (at the same time), not that I am a ****head just very ;) sociable beer drinker (after my karate + killer salsa ;D)......wont say have given up, cos I know I will have a small beer when we go to Madrid - cant eat tapas without it!
Well done again to all the ladies who have managed to find that willpower, but in a strange way, special thanks to Coffee for being here + still smoking...
"Cheers to Cutting" :peace:
Off to salsa now :bounce: :parti: ;D
Al xx
In a very Bridget Jones way: "Today not too bad - 2 choc cookies,
4.5 fags + no booze.......however nite is still young + Juan Sheet may be at salsa !"
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Go and give 'em hell Stella :ola: :veil: :veil: :veil:
report back tomorrow. I love your posts, they cheer me up no end.
cm xx
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Cheers again Coffee ! LOL I'm glad you appreciate the ravings of a mad old cow ;D ;D
BTW used to do belly dancing (you must have such a weird mental image of me ;D ) years ago so appreciate the smilies .
No Juan Sheet at Salsa I'm afraid - but strained a vocal cord screeching at my husband who was going the wrong way.
How many cigs are you down to - if you dont mind me asking?
Al xx
Um Bridget Jones V. naughty last night. Fags = ermmm lost count - must have been > 10. And had beer :-\ Was a wake for an old friend yesterday, as well as a leaving drink up for a workmate in the same pub. Couldnt really not go - wanted to pay my respects to both of the guys - and people just kept buying me beer. Couldnt say No after it was bought, and couldnt really explain why I was trying to be good.
But onwards and upwards - hopefully the extras will balance against the ones I DIDNT HAVE ;)
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Hi Stella, Firstly, yes I do think your a mad cow [but not an old one] ;D
Secondly, it doesn't suprise me in the least that you used to do belly dancing...dont know why it just doesnt, think maybe I can just imagine you in your seven veils, teasingly dropping them one by one! ;)
Thirdly, course I dont mind you asking how many I'm down to, I'm trying [and I do mean trying] to stick to about 10 a day now, I was smoking about 25 a day before so not too bad considering, and I'm sure you know how it is some days I sneak a couple more, I say sneak cos OH is watching me like a hawk. ::)
We will do it at our own pace Stella we will get ther one day...if we dont...we dont!! :D
Oh dear his lordships just come in , [can you hear his belly rumbling?]..catch up later ;)
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That is sooooooo fab - was going to say thats less than half but calculated 60%.......thats mahooosive ! :congrats:
It can work cutting......surely....
Mr. Walnut Whip is diabetic + we had to go to a nutritionist to check what he was eating etc....(BTW all was perfect cept for portion size ::) ;D ).
Anyways, she told us the story of one of her clients who was eating a giant bar of chocolate everyday - you know the ones I mean - the extra large ones that are a couple of £.
She was really happy with him cos he USED to eat 7 of them A DAY :o :o
(makes my teeth ache just thinking about it!)
Hope Mr.Coffee enjoyed his dinner......poor old Mr. Walnut Whip got told a portion of rice is 2 large tablespoons ;D ;D ;D ;D
Mad Cow xx
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Well done girls, you are all doing really well.
So what if you can't kick it completley yet - you are cutting down (rather than smoking more) & that's gotta be good for you. Stay positive & take one day at a time.
Havent mentioned have knocked booze on the head too (at the same time), not that I am a ****head just very ;) sociable beer drinker "
Yep I've cut right down on the booze too - blimey we don't do things by half do we girls. I do feel a lot better for it though - well apart from the increase in weight from giving up smoking. It does get me down as I feel so horribly fat, everything wobbles & flaps about.....
Love Cazikins xxx
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:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Cazikins!
Yes we are mad arent we ;D ;D ;D
Forget the flab - I'm sure there's nothing there - its that you are so relaxed and chilled that your muscles are relaxed too ;)
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Dont worry about the wobbles Cazikins,
when stella and I have finally quit for good we can all measure our wobbles and have a good old belly laugh together :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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Honestly Ladies I nearly died this morning. I was getting dressed ready to go to work but first I had to take the dog for a short walk. I put my trousers on & a button falls off >:(. I change in to another pair & set off around the village. The dog does a poo so I bend down to pick it up & the button on the cuff of my blouse pops off :o :o so now I'm thinking I've not only got fat thighs, legs & tummy but also fat arms. It never blooming ends.
The other week I had to buy some new bras. I was always a 34B but knew they were too tight, I am now a 38B. Hubby is well chuffed but I aint.
Still one thing at a time girls eh?
Love Cazi xx
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Of course Cazikins, one thing at a time.
Ive always been a 34b as well, now I'm 36c, so I'll probably catch up with you soon.
My jeans though are my biggest headache, Ive had to get rid of all my lovely jeans, I have one pair which still just about fit, and I squeeze myself into them, they're my favourites and I'll be damned if I'll throw them out
I've always been a size 8-10, now I'm a 10-12 and I really don't want to put on anymore weight, so I'm keeping a close eye on my weight now! :o
Onwards and upwards girls, and I do not mean our weight! ;)
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34/38Bs ? - you lucky c*ws ! ;D
Being able to buy "normal" bras in "normal" shops ?
Cazikins - enjoy your new boobies gal ;) Noone will look at your other bits - flaunt it - You are now entering your J-Lo season ;)
Coffee - its the jeans fault not you.....they're just a bit "too dry" - not tight!
Actually I embrace any weight gain - means I have to go shopping. I havent any money, and too big for "normal" places so its just Peacocks, as they are the cheapest for my size 20 tops.
But they are soooo cheap you can buy a new wardrobe for £50 ;D
Alright - I may look like a bag of King Edwards but havent got any style so dont know the difference ;D :boobs:
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;D ;D ;D
I have gone from a size 14 to 16 (verging on 18).
I have had to almost clear out my wardrobe as nothing fits unless I squeeze into it & don't bend over or stretch - if I do I am asking for throuble.
C.M.
JEANS - JEANS what are they? oh yes I remember ;D ;D. I have always had problems with jeans as I have a scoliosis hip (wonky hip/spine), but I use to be able to get away with it. Well not any more I can't. Jeans feel so tight around my crutch nowadays. I wonder if it is anything to do with my flabby thighs (inner & outer) ;D ;D
Stella, I have bought a whole new load of clobber from the charity shops. I love shopping there as you can get such a good bargain. Matalan are good too.
Well it will be 10 months tomorrow that I had my last roll up. God I do still miss them sometimes but then I remember how well I've done & how much easier it is to say NO these days.
Love Cazi xx
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Well done Cazi :foryou: :foryou: :foryou: :foryou:
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Wow 10 months...well done cazikins, :congrats: I think that's great!!........[she says while smoking a ciggy ::)]
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:ola:
Blimey Girl - that is phenomenal :) Well done you.
:cancan:
Time for a treat methinks ;)
Whatever you enjoy it cant be as bad for you as our weed.
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Well done you!!!
It will be a year for me giving up on the 11th October!! Can't believe I have not had a ciggie for nearly a year!!!
Still miss it though, still dream about it, but know that if I give in I will never have the willpower again (has been the hardest year, suffering with anxiety etc).
Bit annoyed as my children (aged 16 and 12) nagged at me to give up and now my son (16 year old, nearly 17) has started smoking!! Got him all the leaflets and told him the cons of smoking but he is like me and has social anxiety so I sort of understand where he is coming from. He is trying to stop, bless him, but he is nearly 17 and old enough to make up his own mind, he knows how bad it is for you. :(
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20th August, the year anniversary came and went and I am still marching on the nonsmoker trail.
It has been a long and rocky trail and year, one I would not want to repeat. I am still going through lack of confidence, panic attacks,, low self esteem, a lot of it I think is because I cant lose the weight. BUT I do nibble when I used to smoke. I have tried to nibble healthy things. my weight is yo yo ing so much getting nowhere. New clothes, but I long to lose the weight and feel confident again.
Julian Lennon was on the sofa on the BBC News this morning and he packed up several years ago and described his quitting as losing a friend and very dark and depressing days. Spot on Julian!!
How is everyone else coping??
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Hello Jane, this is for you :medal: Hope you treated your self to something special on your 1st anniversary!
I think you have done brilliantly.
I think rather than "losing a freind" it's more like losing an enemy! BTW I am a smoker and I do envy you for quitting - wish I had your will power girl!
As for the weight issue, look at it this way, if you can stop smoking you can definitely lose the weight - just give yourself time, don't be so hard on yourself, you have done wonders. Little steps...
cm xx
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Another good point:
I went to my nieces 30th birthday party at the weekend & I hadn't seen her in over a year but she knew I had packed up smoking. Anyway she looked at my face & said "oh aunty Caz your skin looks so much better, you look really well". I was chuffed to bits.
Love Cazi xx
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Nice one Cazi, its great when someone acknowledges a positive result of quitting.
Thanks for all your support all who have commented on my misery, but I do have to report that I have been through a very stressful time during this last week, I was ill with it all, panic attacks, anxiety all to do with my relationship with my partner mixed with copious amounts of wine, not a good mix I found, but result is I have lost some weight and still losing, couldnt eat properly for days, I am now I hasten to add and am really back in the swing of dieting properly, nearly back to what I was before I packed up.
BUT the biggest thing I have to report is I went through all this and suddenly realised on day 5 of all this I had managed without wanting a ciggie to help me through the stress. Now that is really something.
So there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Is there any natural herbal way of helping my panic and anxiety attacks, anyone know please??
Thank you
Jane
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BUT the biggest thing I have to report is I went through all this and suddenly realised on day 5 of all this I had managed without wanting a ciggie to help me through the stress. Now that is really something.
Oh well done Jane - you should be really pleased with yourself. I know I have had a few days where I would of grabbed one of the old weeds & lit up just like that, but as soon as it came into my head it went again.
Is there any natural herbal way of helping my panic and anxiety attacks, anyone know please??
I find Bachs herbal remedy pastilles help a bit. They just take the edge off things.
Love Cazi xx
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Hi Jane
I found that Rescue Remedy and Lemon Balm helped with anxiety and also this exercise is great:-
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,8454.0.html
Bette x
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Hi everyone, how are you all getting on.
I cant get into the link that will get me to the above, but managed to find a name I recognised and here I am!!
I have three lbs to lose, and I have lost the stone I put on giving up smoking. I am mega chuffed!! I go for weigh in on the 12th so keep fingers crossed. Its taken me well over a year, its ,been really hard work, but all done without a ciggie.
I am still getting awful anxiety attacks, I wake up in the morning tummy churning, anxious and some nights I cant sleep with the same thing. Is this part of the menopause??
Thanks for the advice of the Bach, I have a spray now, I have been able to control the panic attacks a lot better since I have been taking that
Thanks to you all for your continued support.
Jane xx
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Hi Jane
Yes the horrible anxiety thing is definitely a meno symptom - you'll find lots of threads about it. :(
Things which can help are keeping your blood sugar level - try having a banana or ginger biscuits by the bed to eat as soon as you wake up. Lemon Balm tablets (and tea) are good but best of all is this exercise:-
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,8454.0.html
Bette x
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Thank you Bette, appreciate you getting back to me, I really ought to dip in more often and check out the threads. I will most certainly look at the other threads, but thanks for your advice, I had started eating bananas as found it helped my tummy.
I have checked out your exercise, will defo try it out, thank you.xx
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That is a great post, Cazi - thank you and :congrats: :peace: :ola:
Bixby x
Wow amazing, well done, there is hope for me yet!
I am desperate to give up, it is all I think about lately.
WELL DONE XX
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Hi Maxine1,
I'm sure you can do it (if I can then anyone can).
I started at the age of 14 & apart from a 4 year gap, continued till I was 53. I was on almost 30 a day towards the end.
It takes a lot of willpower & you have to be in the right frame of mind, so try not to beat yourself up too much about it, just keep planning it.
I still take one day at a time & my motto is "today I have decises not to smoke".
I don't think about it much these days. Yes I still miss my old smelly buddy (it was a big part of my life for such a long time), but I know it was the best thing I have done in a very long time - even hubby has packed it in.
Love Cazi xx
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Hi Maxine,
I agree with Caz, you most certainly have to be ready to quit, you will know when it. Its been 17 months now and I miss my smelly friend too on times. Stressful times are particularly not good, but each one that passes, I pat myself on the back and think "I made it without smoking".
I did save my money, putting it away every day at the beginning. Resulting in the purchase of several new electrical items, rather than buy secondhand, a real treat. Still putting away money when I remember, for my next treat.
Caz, you are doing so well, not been on for a while. Keep going, keep strong.
Mazine, when you make that decision to start, you will get lots of support from everyone on here. Good luck
Jane xx
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It is just over 3 years since I last smoked a ciggie. (24.09.10)
Good points:
I do not have the smokers cough I seemed to have had most of my adult life.
I can go anywhere without worrying "will I be able to light up for a fag when I want to, or is it no smoking"
I must be better off financially - but it doesn't seem like it as we still struggle every month.
My skin & gums are better (or so I'm told)
Bad points:
I still can't lose the extra weight I put on (about 1 1/2 stone).
Back ache & knee joints painful due to the extra weight I have to carry (even had to change my car as the old one was too low down).
I certainly do not regret giving it up as I know I feel better for it - but oh I still do miss those darn things.
I hope that everyone else who was considering giving it succeeded, if not give it another go.
Good Luck.
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:congrats: and well done from me too Cazikins!
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I am one of the giver uppers and starter overs again. I can go years and then back I slide and then I stop again. It's really stupid but they become a bit of a crutch.
Well done to the stoppers who stay stopped.
Honeyb
X
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:medal: remember it's a habit gained so won't be lost over-night! Don't stop but limit yourself initially. If you wake in the night then you are addicted so will need to be kinder to yourself! If you only smoke in the day then have a look at the habit and see what you can substitute it with i.e. if you enjoy a ciggie after a meal, that's a habit to alter ;)
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How great. I have just joined the forum and found this thread; I gave up ciggies three weeks ago, using the patches and an e - cig very occasionally. This thread has really given me loads of encouragement. Thanks and well done everyone who has stopped and stayed stopped and good luck to those who are cutting down or gearing up to give to a go! It isn't easy, especially when dealing with meno symptoms as well. Nicotine is a very addictive thing and it is hard to kick, even harder if, like me, you enjoyed a fag! Wish me luck......I hope I can stay off them..........., but I really miss my fag after my evening meal.
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Well I'm about to give up on Sunday. I know it's a terrible habit and killing me but it's so hard to stay off them long-term. Am determined to make this my last ever giving up!! Hope you all continue to do well
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Today I am struggling, really would like a ciggie, it's not helping that I am not sleeping and staying in bed until too late in morning so I feel guilty that I am not spending time with my partner. Still, I have come this far so I will resist the urge to pop to the shop for a packet.
Good luck Suzyq, I hope you manage to stop, today is the day I think? I have found the patches a great help.
Lubylou
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Well done lubylou. Keep it up! Yes today is the day.... OH is already puffing away but I am not. 3 weeks is just brilliant and we both know that even if you gave in and had a fag, you would not enjoy it at all!!
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Good for you Suzyq, it must be hard trying of stay off ciggies when OH is smoking. I wish you all the very best. I have not given in and I am still fag free!
Lubylou
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Well done Loubylou & Suzyq.
I know it isn't easy but remember it is early days but take one day at a time. Don't think about tomorrow, or the weekend. Don't worry about how you will cope. Stay positive. Give yourself a huge pat on the back for getting this far.
Remember the Motto:
Today I choose not to smoke.
Keep going girls - I shall be watching you.
Love Cazi xxx
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Keep up the good work girls - I've got an appointment booked for the 27th to see our practise nurse for giving up as well. Like others I've stopped, started, stopped, gone onto e-cigs, started again........over the years. This time I will need all the help I can get as I'm determined this time. Already cut down considerably since hubby stopped just before Christmas.....
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I remember as a child going into see the family doctor & a cigarette burning in the ashtray on his desk - how times have changed.
Good luck Greyhoundgirl, the patches worked for me.
Cazi xx
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Hi all
I am still not smoking, but find it hard when a stressful event happens (don't ask but one after another over last week). Why me I keep asking myself?
Anyway I'm still off the cigs.
Keep it up all of you who are trying to stay smoke free.
It will we worth it, I keep telling myself I have gone without for too long now to give in and go back to square one.
Keep going without..........day at a time
Lubylou
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Well done Loubyloo for not giving in when things got tough -I'm exactly the same, stress makes me smoke far more. Still puffing at the moment but appointment this coming Monday afternoon to see the practice nurse.
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Hi all
Still not smoking, I am not saying it is easy because is isn't, in fact its " #*&@%#" hard when any hint od stress or sometimes even just a change in my regular routine seems to be be a trigger for me to reach for a ciggie. But I have come through another few days without giving in and so I intend to keep on keeping on as a non smoker.
The weather here has been nasty and as I only used smoke outside it has been nice not to be sheltering from the rain and wind in the garden while having my nicotine fix!
Keep going for those who are trying to stay stopped and good luck to those who are on the brink of making the decision to quit. :)
lubylou
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Just done my first 24hrs cigarette free :) Saw my lovely nurse yesterday who has armed me with full-strength 24hr patches plus some of the little inhalators for emergencies. I did have a couple of puffs on it last night but patch went on first thing this morning and so far so good. I haven't actually wanted a cigarette so far and although it seems far to early for it to happen my cough seems a bit better today :)
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:foryou: :foryou: :foryou: :foryou:
Taz x :medal:
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Another 24hrs under my belt :) Still not feeling as if I "need" a cig but have wanted one a couple of times, still, that's what the inhalator is for I suppose.
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Way to go Greyhoundgal!
I am still not smoking I still have cravings but so far have resisted them!
To everyone who is stopping keep going and hang in there!
Lubylou
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Are you still on the patches Lubylou? Mine are working well as I haven't had any real cravings as such, just once in a while I fancy one but reach for chewing gum or mints instead. I'm surprising myself really, I thought it was going to be a lot tougher ::)
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Hi Grayhoundgirl,
I am on the middle strength patches at the mo. I back up them with an e cig but I am careful not to use it too often in case i get nicotine overload!
Keep going! I spoke to someone recently who stopped two years ago, she no longer has cravings just a vague passing thought in certain social settings (like the pub of after a meal out), that it would be nice to have a ciggie.
Still a long way to go but as everyday passes without a cigarette it will be getting easier and nearer the goal of being able to say "oh I stopped over a year ago"! :)
Lubylou
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Well done girls - I'm so pleased for you. Keep up the good work I shall be keeping an eye on you both. ;) ;)
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This is only my first week (exactly a week since my last cigarette) so I'm still on the full-strength patches. Had a friend over for the weekend who smokes and I didn't even feel tempted - did have a few puffs on my inhalator but no real thought of having a ciggie - feeling quietly proud of myself and off for my check-up with the nurse tomorrow.
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Hi
I am now off the patches and still not had a cigarette and hoping to make it stay that way. I still have slight cravings after my evening meal. Keep going everyone. I haven't calculated how much money I haved saved not buying packets, but that wasn't the reason I decided to stop.
All the very best
Lubylou
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Well done LubyLou - keep up the good work. I'm now into my third week, still on full-strength patches but only on the 2nd of my inhalator cartridges (am allowed 4 per day so 2 over three weeks is great). Did you have to blow into the puffer? I did and mine was measured at 4 last week and went down to 2 this Monday :) It measures the amount of carbon monoxide I think she said and 2 is the same as a non-smoker so dead chuffed about that.
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4th week and still going :) I have put on around half a stone though so need to get that sorted before it escalates any further......
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Greyhoundgal,
Deal with the weight later, stay focused on not smoking ;)
You are doing GREAT!
I am still a smoke free zone and feeling much better for it.
Lubylou
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Thanks LubyLou - yes, would rather be a fat non-smoker :) I'm back to my normal exercise regime now though so hopefully that will start to shift it. I surprised myself at the weekend, was out and chatting to smokers, I was offered one and automatically said "no thanks, I don't smoke" :) It was a good feeling :) :)
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Greyhoundgirl,
Well done you!
By the way I missed your question about blowing into a puffer, I have never been asked to do this. I just told my GP I had stopped smoking at an appointment about other things. I would have though that by now the Co2 levels would be non smoker levels by now.
I am having a struggle with high anxiety (for some reason) and that has made me want the comfort of a cigarette but I have resisted. I have come this far I don't want to go back to being a smoker.
I wish you all the very best in your journey to be a non smoker!
LL
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LubyLou, I missed blowing into the puffer on my first visit but have done so each visit since. It does measure the carbon monoxide levels apparently and 1-2 is the usual reading for a non-smoker - I got 1 on Friday :) Why don't you go to the chemist and get one of the inhalators - there are various brands and they do prescribe them on the NHS so should be safer than an e-cigarette - that way you could keep one nearby for moments of stress perhaps? I use mine a bit but still only on the 3rd cartridge. Managed to lose a couple of pounds last week so not too worries about the weight now....
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Hi greyhound girl
Do you mean the white plastic holders that you put a capsule in? They come in a box with strips of capsules?
Ta Lubylou
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Yes, that's the ones - mine is from Nicorette but I think you can get others as well. They seem to last ages as well - my nurse gave me a big box with my first prescription and said I could use up to 4 of the capsules per day, I'm only on my 3rd so far and this is my 5th week.
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HI Greyhoundgirl,
I know the ones you mean, you are doing really well if you are only having to use 3 in five weeks. Keep it up. :)
I am still not smoking, still crave a cig when I feel stressed about something :(
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I know what you mean LubyLou, I was a "stress" smoker as well. That was one of the reasons I waited until now to do it as December/January was very stressful, less so now so feeling a lot more positive about it all :)
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im STLL SMOKING BUT ALSO USE ecigs FROM uk SENT OVER HERE TO OZZ
BUT U CANT USE THEM AN YWHERE HERE IN OZZ THE GOVERNMENTS DECIDED EVEN THE SIGHT OF A CIGGIE IMITATION OR NOT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE IN PUBS BARS ETC
SO WHATS THE POINT U HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE SO U MAY AS WELL HAVE A RFEAL ONE
NOW TODAY THE HEALTH BOARDS SAYING THEY ARE THINKING OF MAKING IT ILEGAL TO SMOKE IN THE ROAD YES THE ROAD U CANT SMOKE ON THE BEACH IN PARKS CINEMAS REST BUSSES TRAINS CARS WITH KIDS IN AND THEY WANT TO AKE IT ILEGAL TO SMOKE IN CARS TOTALLY
U CANT SMOKE IN A COUNCIL HOUSE NOR THE BACK GARDEN NOT IN PUBS CLUBS CAFES EVEN BEER GARDENS U CANT SMOKE OUTSIDE SHOPS OR AT THE BUS STOP OR RAILWAYS STATION
U CANT SMOKE ON FERRIES THRE ARE OUTDOOR AREAS THEY CALL THEM DOSAS IN PUBS AND CLUBS HYOU CAN GO TO BUT 50% U CANT TAKE UR DRINK SAO U NIP OUT HAVE A CIGGIE
IF WE COIULD HAVE IMITATION ONES IT WOULD BE GREAT BUT THE LAW STATES THAT AN IMITATION GIGGIE IS AS ILEGAL AS A NORMAL ONE GO FIGURE?
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It's a mad world SuziQ ::)
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SuzyQ
That's just crazy :o
Lubylou
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How's it going LubyLou, are you still managing to abstain? Still going here - 6 week appointment on Friday to get my new 1/2 strength patches.
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Hi greyhoundgirl
Yep still not smoked at all. I am not doing it with a no smoking clinic, just decided I had had enough! Still have the odd craving when I get stressed by stuff but still in the game :)
Great that you are still not smoking
Lubylou
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Best wishes to Greyhoundgal and all the cigarette stoppers, I hope things are still going well. you all deserve a :medal:
I have been tempted but so far resisted.
To all those on the verge of stopping - go for it :)
Lubylou
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You need one as well Lubylou :medal: Got another check-up tomorrow afternoon with the nurse but this will be two weeks on the half-strength patches and so far, so good.
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Eeek, put on a stone in two months since stopping the cigs! The nurse was lovely and told me not to worry about it too much, being overweight is less detrimental to my health than smoking was but I will have to start making more of an effort I think. I know I've been eating snacks when I would have had a ciggy but everything just tastes so good at the moment it's hard to stop. Been good today, cereal for breakfast and just some fruit at lunchtime and a normal meal tonight - we're going to our local theatre to watch something so there will be no opportunity for snacking.
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Well done to both of you greyhound gal and lubylou. I tried to give up in January but failed. Today both me and oh have thrown away all smoking accessories and put on patches. Wish us luck!
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Good luck suzyq - I must admit it was easier for me this time as OH had already done it. When we tried to do it together it was a nightmare! Have been good for the last few days so think some weight has gone again and heard from someone last night that the scales at our surgery are almost 1/2 stone out - that made me feel better ;)
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Greyhoundgal - I know what you mean - we didn't speak last night after an early spat. Luckily he has gone away now until Friday so we can both just get on with it.
You are doing so well! I am just struggling on
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Have you got an inhalator as well as the patches? You can get them from the chemist or on prescription - I find mine helps if I'm feeling a bit tense, you can have a few drags on that and get the nicotine instantly. Be kind to yourself (and each other) - maybe sit down and talk about how you're both feeling through stopping and maybe have a word or phrase that either of you can use if you feel you're not coping?
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Haha we have a word but it's too rude to write here - come to think of it I have several words! I don't have an inhalator - perhaps I should ask at the chemist.
Managing ok - yesterday was non-stop cravings but I did not give in. Today not too bad.
How are you doing? From your posts you are quite a long way into it! You must be so proud of yourself (I feel proud nd I'm only on day 3...) hope you are getting lots of encouragement.
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LOL, we used those words too! I can recommend the inhalator, there are various brands available at the chemist but you can get one on prescription which would be cheaper. It would certainly help with the cravings. I also asked for the 24 hr patches rather than the 16hr ones, it made a difference in the morning when I woke up as you didn't have to wait for the patch to "kick in".
I've been doing ok - have actually surprised myself as I didn't really "want" to give up, more needed to really. I'm two months down the line now and although I don't quite class myself as a non-smoker yet I honestly have no intention of going back to it. My OH gave up just before Christmas (he was in hospital so didn't have a lot of choice) but it made it easier when I stopped as he had already passed the cranky stage!!! He gives me loads of encouragement as does my son. Be proud of yourself, even 3 days is a long time to a smoker and if I remember correctly the body very soon gets over the effects of smoking, some in as much as a few hours so three days is brilliant - you deserve a :medal:
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Well done girls you are all doing so well.
It is over 3 years now since I started this thread & I'm so glad I did. It just proves that this old gal who started smoking Consulate at the age of 14, gave up for a couple of years in her 30's, took it up again, watched her bro go through throat cancer, got a polyp on her vocal chords in 2010 which scared the s**t out of her BUT was the final straw to make her give the weed up once & for all.
I am now at last getting the weight issue sorted out, I have managed to lose a stone in 3 months & am feeling so much better for it.
Take one step at a time - giving up smoking is a big change & a huge step, but it will be the most positive step you will take.
Cazi xx
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That's brilliant Cazikins, glad you've kept it up. And well done with the weight as well, I'm still struggling with mine a bit but not worrying too much at the moment. I've got another two weeks (well a week and a half now) before going back to the nurse and being signed off.