SMOKERS... LETS KICK the HABIT!! - Page 23

Scuba · 12-02-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hey, Scoobs, thanks for sharing your story. This thread used to be busy and the people who are struggling to quit have said that they appreciate hearing our stories of quitting and having us quitters here as cheerleaders (two years and two months for me). I hope you stick around!

Excellent!!! It really does get easier the longer you go

I rarely think about it anymore. I used to have smoking dreams...you know the ones...you wake up and freak out a bit. **laughing**

12-02-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch

I was sooooooooo close to buying a pack yesterday. I was stressed out about something and was standing in line at my favortie convenience store. Just staring at those suckers hanging there in the same place they always were, just waiting for me to ask for them when I got up to the counter.

But, I didn't.

Well done for resisting mate. Sometimes the pull is strong isn't it. Thankfully we can get over those humps and feel stronger for doing so.

Champix/tix can indeed affect some people adversely. I have heard of one or two but mainly I know of success stories. I knew there was a risk for me as a person with a history of depression but went ahead anyway. The main side effect for me was vivid dreams and that was a small price to pay for the benefits I got.

20months later and going strong!

Vlasta · 12-02-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Anya*

I have had several patients that did have to stop Chantix due to worsening mental health issues. The Chantix.com website includes this safety information on how it can affect anyone that already may underlying depression, anxiety, etc.

That said, I did have patients with no mental health issues be able to stop smoking while on Chantix. One smoked for 40-years.

Your doctor is always the best person to help figure out what is most appropriate-working with you-that is. I have also had a few that had success with a good hypnotist.

My mom quit after smoking for over 50 years and has not touched one in almost 10 years now.

Smoking is one of the most difficult of all to stop but not impossible.

Hugs to you all on your journey.

Anya, I had a few patients that developed panic attacks while on Chantix . I am not sure if there was an underlying issue already or side effects from Chantix . I didn't due any research on it . did you ?

DapperButch · 12-02-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlasta

Anya, I had a few patients that developed panic attacks while on Chantix . I am not sure if there was an underlying issue already or side effects from Chantix . I didn't due any research on it . did you ?

My understanding is that one does not have to have a history of depression or anxiety per se in order to have these side effects. I believe this is on their web site.

With that said, a side effect of quitting smoking is depression and anxiety, in and of itself (for physiological reasons, not psychological). That is the whole purpose of using Wellbutrin/Zyban. It has nothing to do with decreasing cravings, it is just to manage the subsequent depression/anxiety/irritability that people experience when quitting smoking.

Chantix helps with cravings, that is why it is so successful in the way that Zyban has not been.

In response to Scoobs- my side effect was stomach stuff, also. I had nausea every morning after taking it. Really felt like I was going to vomit. It last about 20 minutes and was worth it to me.

DapperButch · 12-02-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoSchmooze

I am trying to handle it with
Wellbutrin and nicorette gum...
I tried the Chantrix and could not get
over the side effects....

So today, it's almost hour by hour and
sometimes minute by minute....
I can't say that I have completely quit yet...
but have cut down from 2 packs a day for 30+
years to less than a pack a day.....
It will just take time, I am sure.....

Jo that is a significant reduction! Congrats! I was a 2 pack a day smoker as well. You'll get there!

JoSchmooze · 12-02-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Jo that is a significant reduction! Congrats! I was a 2 pack a day smoker as well. You'll get there!

Thanks, Dapper.....
But right this moment I am
ready to rip a PM's head off her neck!!

*doing deep breathing exercises*....

Starbuck · 12-02-2011, 05:04 PM

Dear fellow smoking thread readers,

I have fallen off the proverbial smoking wagon. It started about a week and a half ago when I went to a club and I said I'd allow myself just two cigarettes. Man did I lie to myself! I ended up smoking 3/4 of that pack and I've been smoking up a storm ever since.

But tonight I bought a new kind of cigarette that will hopefully help kick the habit. They are 100% additive free and they actually have more tobacco in them when compared to regular cigarettes. I'm thinking, fewer chemicals for me to be addicted to, easier to quit the tobacco. Wish me luck.

JoSchmooze · 12-02-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starbuck

Dear fellow smoking thread readers,

I have fallen off the proverbial smoking wagon. It started about a week and a half ago when I went to a club and I said I'd allow myself just two cigarettes. Man did I lie to myself! I ended up smoking 3/4 of that pack and I've been smoking up a storm ever since.

But tonight I bought a new kind of cigarette that will hopefully help kick the habit. They are 100% additive free and they actually have more tobacco in them when compared to regular cigarettes. I'm thinking, fewer chemicals for me to be addicted to, easier to quit the tobacco. Wish me luck.

Are you talking about Natural American Spirits?
I have been smoking those for about 5 years now...
I went to them from Marlboros and it is true that you smoke less
when you start smoking them, but sooner or later
you will be back up to the same amount as before.
It is the nicotene that's addictive but all the additives and chemicals that are carcinogenic.....

Jest saying, from personal experience......

DapperButch · 12-02-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starbuck

Dear fellow smoking thread readers,

I have fallen off the proverbial smoking wagon. It started about a week and a half ago when I went to a club and I said I'd allow myself just two cigarettes. Man did I lie to myself! I ended up smoking 3/4 of that pack and I've been smoking up a storm ever since.

But tonight I bought a new kind of cigarette that will hopefully help kick the habit. They are 100% additive free and they actually have more tobacco in them when compared to regular cigarettes. I'm thinking, fewer chemicals for me to be addicted to, easier to quit the tobacco. Wish me luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoSchmooze

Are you talking about Natural American Spirits?
I have been smoking those for about 5 years now...
I went to them from Marlboros and it is true that you smoke less
when you start smoking them, but sooner or later
you will be back up to the same amount as before.
It is the nicotene that's addictive but all the additives and chemicals that are carcinogenic.....

Jest saying, from personal experience......

Yes, what Jo says is correct, Starbuck, they will not assist you in quitting (those were my smokes of choice, too).

I would suggest you getting back on the wagon NOW...the longer you are off, the harder it will be to get back on. It doesn't really make sense to let yourself get back to full time smoking BEFORE quitting. Does it?

Vlasta · 12-02-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch

My understanding is that one does not have to have a history of depression or anxiety per se in order to have these side effects. I believe this is on their web site.

With that said, a side effect of quitting smoking is depression and anxiety, in and of itself (for physiological reasons, not psychological). That is the whole purpose of using Wellbutrin/Zyban. It has nothing to do with decreasing cravings, it is just to manage the subsequent depression/anxiety/irritability that people experience when quitting smoking.

Chantix helps with cravings, that is why it is so successful in the way that Zyban has not been.

In response to Scoobs- my side effect was stomach stuff, also. I had nausea every morning after taking it. Really felt like I was going to vomit. It last about 20 minutes and was worth it to me.

I understand about depression and anxiety and what are you saying , I am a nurse clinician . I never done any research on Chantix . However, while I was working in ER, I had patients they came in they were frantic thinking they are having a heart attack at age 20-30 which is possible , but majority times it was a panic attack and just to find out they were on Chantix .

Many people refused to take Zyban due to the weight gain . My son was taking Chantix and he was still smoking . I was horrified and he is still smoking so do I . I feel as a biggest hypocrite when I am educating my patients not to smoke and then I go on my smoke break . I never done any illegal drugs and no I am not pill popper or alcoholic . Yet , my smoking addiction it's a biggest challenge for me . In ER while coding patient and loose him all of us went outside to smoke cigarette since was so stressful and emotional .

I was just curious if anybody done some research on Chantix , but now I will do it myself since I have an access to medical sites through my employer .

thanks for reply

Vlasta

Starbuck · 12-02-2011, 08:25 PM

I saw my Psychiatrist today and he declined to give me Chantix and switch me from my current anti-depressant and put me on Wellbutrin to work along with the Chantix. His reasoning? He said it would cause way too much depression in me to switch (it took a long time to find a med for my depression that worked) and he said the Chantix would re-escalate my urges to cut myself again and I do NOT need that crap going on again. I'll just deal with smoking my own way.

tazz · 12-02-2011, 09:28 PM

been a month without smoking... first week was awful... now i wont even pick up a cigarette.

MsTinkerbelly · 12-06-2011, 12:06 AM

I quit smoking in 2002 just before I had a heart attack...the heart attack happened despite me quitting, I waited too long to stop; that and the diabetes, heart disease and extra 100 lbs was more than my ticker could take.

Despite that I still want a cigarette every.single. day.

Hang in there everyone, it really does get easier.

julieisafemme · 12-06-2011, 10:15 PM

Well my Mom was just diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to the liver. She will be gone very soon. she smoked for 40 years and has COPD. And guess what I want to do? Smoke a cigarette to stuff all these feelings. I can't do this any more. I don't want my child to lose me so soon. I do not want to post this but I have to make myself accountable.

ksrainbow · 12-11-2011, 12:42 PM

I have made it 2 weeks to the day without a cig! It's been tough for sure! Congrats to all of you have also quit and keep moving forward to those of you who are attempting!

DapperButch · 12-11-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksrainbow

I have made it 2 weeks to the day without a cig! It's been tough for sure! Congrats to all of you have also quit and keep moving forward to those of you who are attempting!

Great job! Keep it up! It is tough, but oh so worth it! (not dying from lung cancer alone makes it worth it, no?)

OS Butch · 12-11-2011, 07:31 PM

Good evening quitters, those attempting to quit and those thinking about quitting

I did so well for almost 4 months...I started again....and stopped several times since and still go back...
Well, here I am again. I decided today is it. I finished my last cigarette this evening, so tomorrow morning is the start of my new smoke free life!

I will lend my support to anyone going through this, I believe it is the hardest thing, I know it helped me. This thread helped too....I should have kept using it!
Happy Smoke free days!

MsTinkerbelly · 12-11-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

Well my Mom was just diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to the liver. She will be gone very soon. she smoked for 40 years and has COPD. And guess what I want to do? Smoke a cigarette to stuff all these feelings. I can't do this any more. I don't want my child to lose me so soon. I do not want to post this but I have to make myself accountable.

My mom died from smoking related (copd) issues as well as diabetes and heart disease last year. She finally quit smoking after the 8th or 9th hospitalization in which I had to watch her struggle for every breath and get worse and worse until her kidneys failed. My God I miss her, and I am still pissed as Hell at her for not quitting when it would have meant her living past 70. My sister only quit smoking 2 months ago...but quit she did.

I have nothing magically to say to you that will help you quit, but you had the best reason of all...do it for your child.

I wish you and your family peace and strength during this very sad time.

midwest chick · 12-19-2011, 06:04 PM

Quit date will be December 26, when I leave work. Since I don't smoke at work, that will give me a 12 hour jump on it. Already have a hike scheduled that day also, and no longer hike and smoke. Will be using nicotine lozenges this time!

Unable to take Welbutrin, or Chantix, nicotine patches remove layers of skin, and dislike chewing gum, so hoping this will work.

Never smoke in the house, I've been stuck at 1pack/day for a while, and need to do something to help with the habitual/ritual smokes. With it being winter, that might help.

I need to be smoke free before March! Ok, I need to be smoke free as soon as possible, so any help/encouragement is appreciated, and welcome!

DapperButch · 12-19-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midwest chick

Quit date will be December 26, when I leave work. Since I don't smoke at work, that will give me a 12 hour jump on it. Already have a hike scheduled that day also, and no longer hike and smoke. Will be using nicotine lozenges this time!

Unable to take Welbutrin, or Chantix, nicotine patches remove layers of skin, and dislike chewing gum, so hoping this will work.

Never smoke in the house, I've been stuck at 1pack/day for a while, and need to do something to help with the habitual/ritual smokes. With it being winter, that might help.

I need to be smoke free before March! Ok, I need to be smoke free as soon as possible, so any help/encouragement is appreciated, and welcome!

Congratulations on making this decision! Also going public is a good thing because it helps hold you accountable. Good luck and report in often. We are here for support!

12-02-2011, 05:04 PM	#447
Starbuck Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Soft Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, her Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 2,436 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,378 Thanked 2,148 Times in 756 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Dear fellow smoking thread readers, I have fallen off the proverbial smoking wagon. It started about a week and a half ago when I went to a club and I said I'd allow myself just two cigarettes. Man did I lie to myself! I ended up smoking 3/4 of that pack and I've been smoking up a storm ever since. But tonight I bought a new kind of cigarette that will hopefully help kick the habit. They are 100% additive free and they actually have more tobacco in them when compared to regular cigarettes. I'm thinking, fewer chemicals for me to be addicted to, easier to quit the tobacco. Wish me luck. __________________ To forgive is to set the prisoner free, And then discover the prisoner was you.

12-02-2011, 08:25 PM	#451
Starbuck Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Soft Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, her Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 2,436 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,378 Thanked 2,148 Times in 756 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I saw my Psychiatrist today and he declined to give me Chantix and switch me from my current anti-depressant and put me on Wellbutrin to work along with the Chantix. His reasoning? He said it would cause way too much depression in me to switch (it took a long time to find a med for my depression that worked) and he said the Chantix would re-escalate my urges to cut myself again and I do NOT need that crap going on again. I'll just deal with smoking my own way. __________________ To forgive is to set the prisoner free, And then discover the prisoner was you.

12-02-2011, 09:28 PM	#452
tazz Member How Do You Identify?: Athlete/tomboi Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, cutie Relationship Status: Estoy recibiendo cómodo con él Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: you never know where i might end up ;) Posts: 1,365 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,807 Thanked 1,759 Times in 642 Posts Rep Power: 20456639	been a month without smoking... first week was awful... now i wont even pick up a cigarette. __________________ "She walks a different path than some of us, but those on her wavelength enjoy the journey with her." --DLOS

12-11-2011, 07:31 PM	#457
OS Butch Member How Do You Identify?: Butch-BLW Preferred Pronoun?: Default-She Relationship Status: Closed Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 636 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 488 Thanked 1,378 Times in 461 Posts Rep Power: 12988704	Good evening quitters, those attempting to quit and those thinking about quitting I did so well for almost 4 months...I started again....and stopped several times since and still go back... Well, here I am again. I decided today is it. I finished my last cigarette this evening, so tomorrow morning is the start of my new smoke free life! I will lend my support to anyone going through this, I believe it is the hardest thing, I know it helped me. This thread helped too....I should have kept using it! Happy Smoke free days! __________________ You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you. ~Tinkerbell~

12-19-2011, 06:04 PM	#459
midwest chick Member How Do You Identify?: femme Relationship Status: married Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: here. Posts: 398 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,201 Thanked 1,678 Times in 338 Posts Rep Power: 21474850	Is there room for one more in here? Quit date will be December 26, when I leave work. Since I don't smoke at work, that will give me a 12 hour jump on it. Already have a hike scheduled that day also, and no longer hike and smoke. Will be using nicotine lozenges this time! Unable to take Welbutrin, or Chantix, nicotine patches remove layers of skin, and dislike chewing gum, so hoping this will work. Never smoke in the house, I've been stuck at 1pack/day for a while, and need to do something to help with the habitual/ritual smokes. With it being winter, that might help. I need to be smoke free before March! Ok, I need to be smoke free as soon as possible, so any help/encouragement is appreciated, and welcome!

12-06-2011, 12:06 AM	#453
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,908 Times in 5,019 Posts Rep Power: 0	I quit smoking in 2002 just before I had a heart attack...the heart attack happened despite me quitting, I waited too long to stop; that and the diabetes, heart disease and extra 100 lbs was more than my ticker could take. Despite that I still want a cigarette every.single. day. Hang in there everyone, it really does get easier.

12-06-2011, 10:15 PM	#454
julieisafemme Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Woman Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Married to Greyson Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In the present Posts: 828 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,156 Thanked 3,434 Times in 660 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	Well my Mom was just diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to the liver. She will be gone very soon. she smoked for 40 years and has COPD. And guess what I want to do? Smoke a cigarette to stuff all these feelings. I can't do this any more. I don't want my child to lose me so soon. I do not want to post this but I have to make myself accountable.

12-11-2011, 12:42 PM	#455
ksrainbow Member How Do You Identify?: Valued Relationship Status: UNO Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 773 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,759 Thanked 2,197 Times in 573 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	I have made it 2 weeks to the day without a cig! It's been tough for sure! Congrats to all of you have also quit and keep moving forward to those of you who are attempting!