Login
Ex-smokers support
12

First step (Read 168 times)
patarch1
posted: 4/18/2008 at 5:57 PM
Hi,
I am new to this forum and I guess the first step towards quitting is realizing there is a problem.
The situation: I smoke one cigarette in the morning, spend 10-12 hrs at work without smoking and then hell breaks loose and I smoke 5 or 6 at night. That is the Monday to Friday situation. Weekends depend on the activity, if I am hanging out with other people, there is no smoking at all, If I am by myself, I smoke like a chimney.
Aside from smoking, I run, whitewater kayak every other weekend and bike.
Last thing, I never finish a pack because I am disgussed every couple days end throw the rest away....

I tried the nicotine gum, it makes my throat itch and almost burn after a coupe minutes.

Does anyone have a similar smoking pattern?

To be continued.

Thanks

Patarch1
obiebyke
posted: 4/18/2008 at 6:11 PM
patarch,

Good idea joining the group. Welcome! Hopefully reading around our forums will help you figure out some new quitting strategies. I, for one, am here for support and cheering if and when you decide to give it a try.

Maybe for now, try to reduce a little? Baby steps can help until you make the decision to stop.
C25K/OHR Group//Ex-smoker support//Run with Pride: runwithpride@att.net
sully708
My legs are killing me
 posted: 4/18/2008 at 6:22 PM
Welcome fellow CT'er!

I did pretty much the same thing. Very light smoker so I was able to rationalize it. The AM smoke was definately part of my routine. I broke that by changing my morning routine. I woke up later, so I didn't have time to have a cig (felt good sleeping in too) and didn't drink coffee (big trigger) . I do chew the gum mostly because I like to keep my mouth busy and if it bothers your throat why not try regular gum just to keep youself busy. If you really need help get Chantix. I used that and it really does make the cravings go away.

Good luck and keep us posted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE
patarch1
posted: 4/18/2008 at 6:31 PM
Hi and long live the warm days in CT,
The morning hot beverages are definitely triggers. I am thinking of making a list of all he situations I feel the need for a smoke and try to rationalize it to quit it.
Nothing better than an open office Big grin spreadsheet to be motivated.
Patarch
andytrihard
TRI-HARD
 posted: 4/18/2008 at 11:05 PM
Welcome Patarch,
Obie, and Sully pretty much summed it up. We are here to help and support any and all who choose to visit this site. There isn't anything that at least someone here hasn't gone through in trying to quit. and pretty much all methods have been tossed around and discussed at some point. Most of us have tried them all. ( Chantix was the one that worked for me as well ) Ask questions, post often, and we'll all be here to help in any way we can. Good luck!

Andy
Gotta TRI
patarch1
posted: 5/28/2008 at 12:22 PM
Hello and thanks for the supportive messages. I was playing tag on sunday with brats aging from 7 to 16 and this was the last motivation I needed. I was IT too often and I decided I had to stop asap. So there I am, after a long consultation with a doctor. Last night, 10pm marks the time and day I decided to stop.I am on a 14mg patch and already avoided the last cigarette of the day and the morning ones.It will not be easy but if I can win at tag or at least be chased instead of chasing, this will be great.
Patarch1
andytrihard
TRI-HARD
 posted: 5/29/2008 at 1:00 AM
Hello Patarch1,
Good to hear from you again and glad to hear you are still trying. I have had success with the patch before so good luck to you. It's always rough starting but once you get going with it it gets easier. Post often and we;ll help the best we can.

Andy
Gotta TRI
Jennicap
Ex-Smoker turned Runner!
 posted: 5/29/2008 at 12:27 PM
Using the patch is how I finally quit... bad sleep but it did it's job! good luck and we're here if you need us!
-Jen
Completion of C25K 9/28/08 DONE!
Completion of OHR 11/23/08
Completion of Half 3/01/09
patarch1
posted: 5/29/2008 at 1:19 PM
Thanks for the comments,
The patch definitely has a new and soothing effect. Being in the car without smokes is totally new too. I started commuting with a non-smoker and it should help. It will help with the gas bills too Smile
obiebyke
posted: 5/29/2008 at 5:11 PM
patarch, one minute at a time. Nice nice job.
C25K/OHR Group//Ex-smoker support//Run with Pride: runwithpride@att.net
patarch1
posted: 6/2/2008 at 10:56 AM
Good Monday morning to all,
Well, the weekend passed without a failure. This time of the week is the hardest and the organic lollypops were definitely helping. The result is that I was able to log my first weekend smoke free. I cannot wait for the next weekend.
Patarch1
andytrihard
TRI-HARD
 posted: 6/2/2008 at 11:50 PM
Awesome job! Keep it up! Question- organic lollipops? Please, tell me more.
Gotta TRI
patarch1
posted: 6/3/2008 at 1:51 AM
These are lollipops my girlfriend got at Trader Joes, I have 20 or so in the car and at home so each time I think too much about the smokes I grap a lollipop.... I should check the spelling of lollipops Roll eyes
patarch1
obiebyke
posted: 6/3/2008 at 1:54 AM
Great job, patarch. The physical craving is supposed to break at two weeks. You're halfway there!
C25K/OHR Group//Ex-smoker support//Run with Pride: runwithpride@att.net
Jennicap
Ex-Smoker turned Runner!
 posted: 6/9/2008 at 3:48 PM
I would chew gum a lot for the first few weeks/months. Then my dentist told me to quit the gum! Sad your doing great! It's just going to get easier and better from here!
-Jen
Completion of C25K 9/28/08 DONE!
Completion of OHR 11/23/08
Completion of Half 3/01/09
12
Feedback  |  Help
© 2005 – 2009 RunningAHEAD.com. All rights reserved.