A tad doubtful
I'm a tad doubtful if I will be able to quit. I have been smoking for 35 years, even after being diagnosed with severe asthma/COPD. I got sick a few weeks ago and awoke in the middle of the night to coughing attack and not being able to breathe. It took 20 minutes and 4 puffs of an emergency inhaler to catch my breath. That was the moment I decided I want and need to quit. I tried cold turkey that day, which didn't last but maybe an hour. Started googling and read everything. Then came across this page (Icanquit)where I read about cutting down to quit. So, I decided I will try this method. I think I'm doing good. I have managed to cut down from 30 cigarettes a day to (at one point) 10 cigarettes a day. However, I do find it hard due to my husband is a smoker and isn't always able to go downstairs or outside to do so. I was put on an afternoon shift at work today. So I was home during the day and found myself smoking more. Now, I'm feeling like a failure and doubting myself. Has anyone else experienced these doubtful feelings? If so, any tips on getting over/pass them.
Thank you so much. Reading your comment just lifted my spirit and determination☺. I do understand about my husband being more supportive. He does try at least. The only thing is he has muscular dystrophy and can't always go outside or downstairs to have a cigarette without risking falling.
Hey Tweeks, I know exactly how you feel. I felt like such a failure as I couldn't give up. I was going to say I was so in denial with my breathing but I wasn't I knew it couldn't go on but it just did. I smoked for 40 years everyday never went without. Every time I tried to quit I was smoking again by 11am that morning. I had tried Champix a couple of times and knew that it took away the cravings but stupidly worried about the side effects of the drug. So silly when I look back now as smoking was far worse! You have to really really want to give up. I idealised about it at first but that was it. e went on an overseas holiday and I struggled with my breathing just getting around the airports and even on the planes during flight and had to pull out of some of the tour activities as I couldn't keep up!! I am only 57 and woke up one day and thought if I want to go overseas again then I will have to give up. That was my turning point. I am now 46 days smoke free and feeling quite good although breathing is not 100% better but it has definitely improved! I was diagnosed with early stages emphysema and have asthma as well. It is so worth it giving up! You will be amazed at the differences but it is your journey and you will know when the time is right (oh and Champix was my saviour) All the best!
I tried Chantix about 2 years ago. It seem like it was really helping. However it started making me feel sick to my stomach to where I couldn't function. I think I have tried everything at one time since the breathing issues started. I was in my early 20s when the doctor diagnosis me., I'm 47 now. I ordered Allen Carr's book . That Red-67 mentioned in above comment. It finally arrived yesterday. I didn't get the chance to start reading it yet. But considering I woke to another coughing attack and not able to breath again this morning almost 3 hours before my alarm for work goes off😣. I will definitely be starting the reading today.
Hi Tweeks, how are you going with your breathing and giving up smoking? You last mentioned you had just received the Allan Carr book. Has that helped you?
Hi Puffer. I did read read the book cover to cover 2 times. I found it very interesting. Unfortunately, as far as reading it helping not so much. I am still smoking. Of course, some days I smoke more than others but I have managed to stay under a pack most days.
Hey tweeks. How are you going with your attempts to give up smoking? Don't be too hard on yourself if you are still smoking. We all have our own journeys to take. It took me a very very long time to get to the point of 'no more!'. This website helps immensely. There is so much support. I love it! Hope you are well.
Hi Puffer, unfortunately I am still smoking. Still trying different things at one point was down to 6 cigarettes a day which lasted a few days. Then hit some stressful situations with work and home life and started smoking more again. Next attempt at quitting I bought some patches. Soon as everything goes back to somewhat normal I'm going to try again.
Hi Tweeks, how are you doing? Hoping you are having some success now near on a year later. I was diagnosed with mild emphysema so I know how the shortness of breath can be so so stressful. It really does interfere with daily life. I am now 555 days free! I smoked for 40 odd years so I know exactly how you are feeling. I thought to myself if I could just give up for one day I know I could forever and that was the hardest thing.....going a full day without of smoke. I met a friend recently, she is a smoker and I went out side on the balcony at the Casino with her. I had had a few wines and asked her for a puff. The first one was quite good, a second puff, felt ok but the 3rd one cured me. I had drawn back too strongly and started coughing. That was December last year. I still enjoy the smell of it but wont go back as it was far too hard to quit in the first place. Hoping you are having some success and easy does it.