fearing for my health
Hi, my name is Nathan
I'm 46 and recently I was diagnosed with COPD. I quit virtually straight way after the doctor told me. I quit for seven days but unfortunately I cracked and even with the knowledge of this lung condition of mine I took up smoking again. I'm now going to quit again tomorrow. this is a wretched habit and I've found that it is very hard to stop even after being diagnosed with a lung condition. I'm fairly desperate and think that this time around I will need more support which I'm not particularly keen on but have to do. I'm making some minor alterations to my quit routine. when I quit I also quit coffee but allowed myself a couple of hot chocolates. then I found that I started thinking about hot chocolate and the addict kicked in there and wanted hot chocolates so I'm cutting this out next time I quit and am planning on drinking just water. Can you give me any advice?
Welcome Nathan,
Sorry about the new diagnoses. It must be frightening for you.
There will be people in this community that can offer you more than I can, but did you know that within 24 hours of stopping all the carbon monoxide can be eliminated from your blood supply. Thus more oxygenated blood can make you breathe better.
And that's just the beginning of the benefits of Quitting the cancer sticks.
Thanks very much for your feedback. I'm quitting today later on and to be honest I'm not that motivated but I have to do it. I guess I'll suffer abit but I will also feel much better. It's inspiring to talk to people who have successfully quit.
Well natt, quitting doesn't mean you have to suffer. Think positive. You sound like you don't want to quit, but have to. Do as Robyn said and change your attitude. There are plenty of reasons to quit and to be happy that you are making the changes now before you were diagnosed with something far worse. Deep breathing from the diaphram will not only help with cravings to pass but in strenghening your lungs. Once quit you will notice the difference almost immediately. Research and read posts, learn about nicotine and you. There is a wealth of benefits and a long list of reasons to quit. Funny thing is that we are pressed to find any reasons to continue. Nicotine is the addiction which you beat once already. It is the habit, that we need to find positive actions to replace.
It is hard enough to quit smoking let alone give up coffee and other comforts. Coffee and hot chocolate both have caffeine so cutting down on them is advisable because nicotine used to diminish the effects of caffeine.
Quit lines such as this are instrumental in aiding other in support and ideas. We hope you find our stories helpful. You can quit. Knowledge is power!
Hi Nathan,
Like you I was diagnosed with emphysema back on the 5th Sep 18, quit cold turkey that day and haven't had any since. It is difficult to get through the cravings but I guarantee your health will improve greatly if you stick with it. The end result of continuing to smoke with COPD has only one outcome, and that is a shorter life expectancy. I assume you are married and have kids use them as motivation to quit, I'm sure they would not like to loose you too soon. And think of the money you will also save! I walk 5-8klms every day, and now add some cardio to that as well, and with all that my wife also smokes, but now just over 6 months on have no need or cravings at all. Be strong and keep busy to take your mind of it that's the best thing to do, plus the support you get here. Hang in there champ.
Nathan,
You could also benefit from an electronic cigarette. These do help with the cravings and have different nicotine levels to wean yourself off. Just a thought if you are really struggling.
Anything is better than smoking, but i think that vaping only enforces the habit (hand to mouth motion) as well as feeds the addiction (nicotine), although you would have better control. I suppose it could be used as a stepping stone to a quit, by changing times to smoke and being aware of every puff. For more clarity see my post "Have you Given Up, Givin Up". Anyone can quit this vile addiction. Make a plan and stick to it.
How are you going buddy?
Push through those cravings, They are only thoughts.
Try to think of something else , The time has come to separate the deadly pleasure to something you used to do in the past, and as others say.
HATE THOSE SMOKES
Hi Nath. I am so stoked about a new drink with so many benefits Turmeric and Ginger have an array of health benefits and i just made a frothy hot drink of almond milk, (half cup ) or use regular mil, the end of a spoons worth of turmeric with about half the amount of each ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. A dab of coconut oil (sub olive) and a couple twists of pepper which helps in the absorption of cur cumin in the turmeric. I chopped a couple of pitted dates and mixed it all in my magic bullet. (or maybe sub 1/4 banana for the sweetener) If you choose to use honey, add it after you heat the drink as not to destroy its properties. I just sweetened to taste in my trial with a bit of sugar. Heat drink in microwave in a Large mug so it doesn't boil over. As with anything consult with your doctor if you have health issues. (on blood thinners) In moderation, a drink like this would be most beneficial and harmless to most. Always research herbs and spices used as medicinal purposes as they can also have side effects and recommended doses.
I want to try a pineapple, (going to use juice), carrot and apple smoothie with ginger and turmeric tomorrow. I was wondering how to get a daily dose of 1/2 tsp. of turmeric and now i have found two ways! Thought you or others may be interested. Useful for curbing cravings too, as i found when i was induced to quit by using these spices. Let us know if you try it and what you think. I just had to make another one and get my daily dose!
Hi nath, I am on day 14, however I am using champix. I am not advocating this product, everyone is different. However it has worked for me, don’t know if I was REALLY ready, just decided to start. Took me nearly 3 weeks before it clicked in and I just didn’t want to or need to smoke. It takes the mental craving away, physical is easier to deal with. Perhaps speak to your GP and discuss options available to you. I am 48, smoke for over 30 years, wheezy, sinus, coughing, using nasal sprays and washes, antibiotics to clear chest, hacking cough etc. I cannot believe how quickly your body tries to recover, I feel so much better, that is what will keep me strong, don’t want to feel like that again.