Stopped smoking

[sanjo]

Ohhhhhhh Skilly,
I felt so sorry for your 80+ year olds when I had visions of them huddled together outside in the cold having a puff. What a shame

Sandra

[reesy1959]

Thanks everyone and well done on everyone else who has given up.

I have been smoking for 34 years, and tried all sorts in the past, from hypnosis, to acupuncture, patches etc, but this time I am using 'Champix' tablets, prescribed from the doctor. They work primarily in two ways. Firstly, it reduces the smoker's craving for nicotine by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain and reduces the symptoms of withdrawal. Secondly, it reduces the satisfaction a smoker receives when smoking a cigarette.

Yesterday afternoon was the worst cravings I had, but thankfully they have disappeared now.

I think the ban in the UK has made most smokers feel a bit like lepers, I know I certainly did, especially when shopping, and you couldnt go in and have a coffee and a smoke any longer.

Mary

[juju]

Hi Mary and well done.I gace up 26 months ago....I could give you the exact times and all the statistics as I have a quit counter on my pc which constantly reminds me how long i've given up for and how much money I havent spent on fags!£5362 so far and thats at the price they were when I stopped.I struggled for a long time as I had smoked 30/40 a day for about 35 years.I have never put a fag near my mouth since and wouldnt dare ever.I know so many people who have stopped than just had one.....which just sets the addiction off again.I used a few of the nicotine lozenges ehich are disgusting but did help to curb my appetite!I have put on over a stone which I find really hard to shift,thats got to be my age as well! however the benefits are great...especially the money!I was very worried about going on holiday afterwards,remembering lying in the sun smoking and the fact that so many people smoke in Turkey.It was easier for me.Harder here as so many associations with smoking,and the drinking and socialising bit.I think its easier when you're out now cos you cant have a fag in the bars.Good luck.I joined a giving up smoking forum which I found very helpful.

[reesy1959]

Well done Juju.

I have joined a forum 'quitnet' but not really said anything, just read a few of the threads.

I have been quite conscious of what I am eating and upped my exercise to take into consideration I might be eating a little more. Already bought some new clothes for Icmeler, so I need to make sure they will still fit me when I come in just under 6 weeks

Mary

[Eatock08]

Well done to everyone who's given up its brilliant to hear!!
I tied last year and as soon as I got to Icmeler I started again!!
Oh well I'll give it another go when I get back from my hols in June.

Congrats again!!
Alison

[jivebunnie0]

Well done to everyone who has given up.

I gave up years ago, and never coughed so much in my life since I packed it in!

[reesy1959]

Just an update on the cigs, I have STILL stopped and very pleased with myself, I must admit its going better than I ever imagined.

My original thread on this was because I was worried about being on holiday in Turkey, as there is smoking in all the bars.

Well last weekend I went to Nottingham to see my Son and his Girlfriend. They were both smoking in the house and I felt fine, not even tempted. If anything, I found the smell to be quite strong and I must admit a little off-putting.

Roll on my jollies now, and I just hope I stay as strong as I am now.

Mary

[sunluvr]

Good for you. You're doing so well. I still cough during the night which is absolutely terrible after so many years of stopping the cigs, although I cannot bear the thought of what it would be like now if I hadn't stopped. Just you go for it. You will never look back

[reesy1959]

Thanks Ali,

Just starting to cough a bit now, but can imagine its all the junk in my lungs over the last 30+ years escaping.

Mary

I stopped smoking, my doctor gave me hypnosis and it worked, but I still oke socially and have the occasional one in the day, but feel like I can take it or leave it.

Steve

[paty]

it will be 12 monthes in june for me i smoked 30 a day i give up with the help of those new tablets and feel great. i did use to enjoy my cigs though
paty

[reesy1959]

Steve, I tried that before, but it didnt work with me, I just gradually increased until I was smoking all the time again.

Paty, I still miss it occassionally, but I have gone so long now I would be mad with myself if I smoked now. I also used the tablets, but only take 1 a day now, instead of two. I have actually dreamt that I have smoked, and been so gutted with myself.

Mary

[paty]

i use to dream that i had smoked was so glad that it was just a dream we have done so well to ruin it now good luck

Hypnosis has kind of worked for me, I do get the odd craving. But as I said I am more a social smoker now. I do enjoy a cig with a drink. I always find it hard when I go on holiday.

I am lucky though because my GP does free hypnosis and accupuncture and I can go back when ever I want to. Because he just refers to his wife who carries out the treatment.

Steve

[juju]

Hi Mary and well done!You have cracked it and now its just a case of never putting another fag near your mouth again!I am now 2 years 3 months.I remember the dreams....I also remember walking behind people who were smoking and enjoying the smell of fresh smoke.It was only last week that i was walking along and suddenly thought..."I could not imagine myself smoking".I always could picture myself with a fag...years and years of it..not now.I always say if I can do it anyone can.My mam gave up at 75 after smoking since she was 14.She decided she had pushed her luck enough!Shes 79 now.Have a wonderful holiday...and think how much more stuff you can buy!

[reesy1959]

Well done to you all. I have an appt to see the Doctor on Friday as my prescription has run out for the tablets, so I will wait and see what he says. I feel more in control now and not taken any tablets today.

Okay, next challenge.............DIET

Mary

[jeffg]

hello Mary never smoked but dieting thats a different story i have lost a stonbe and a half and still i have a 19 " neck lol it is hard work but im getting there(until we reach icmeler in 24 days time)god help me lol

[reesy1959]

Well done on losing your stone and a half Jeff, thats great.

I will wait until after Icmeler to diet, try and lose some weight for the October visit to Icmeler.

Mary