The Journey
I have smoked cigarettes continually since I was around 15 years old. I am now 57. Today is my fourth day without a smoke. I am so proud of myself as I didn't think I could ever do it. I had every excuse under the sun for not quitting. Many times I would quit and by 11am be back smoking. I tried cutting down but that didn't work either. I drew up plans, quit dates, reasons to give up but always failed. I have been on Champix to assist in the process (I have used it a number of times previously). For the past couple of years I have had trouble breathing. It has steadily gotten worse. At first I thought I could manage it with medication (ventolin and seretide) but I was fooling myself. I guess determination is the key. I remember my Aunty telling me 'you will know when the time is right' and it seems she was right. I have not gone without a smoke for 1 single day for most of my adult life. So I was feeling really accomplished after not smoking one entire day. The second day was a little harder as I was babysitting my grandson which can be challenging and tiring but I got through it. I have moments where I feel the urge but they pass. I usually go onto the computer and read something or busy myself with something to take my mind off it and it is working so far. At first I thought I would attempt to diet as well (ie. cut out carbs) but I think I was expecting too much - just don't want to put on weight. Also, since quitting I have had trouble sleeping at night. I have always been a really good sleeper but seem to wake up during the night and have trouble going back to sleep. Maybe it is the Champix. The other thing I have noticed is that I am really chesty. There is a lot of phlegm. Can anyone tell me how long it will be before my chest clears? I am still within my first week but have no desire to go backwards. It has taken me far too many years to get to this point to turn back.
Good luck Puffer. I am 57 and smoked since I was 16 until 9 months ago. There will be days that are more difficult and less difficult but don't give into temptation because it's an addiction and you'll be right back where you started. I still chew gum to keep my mind off of smokes. It gets easier with time but don't fool yourself that one puff or one cig is not going to do any harm. I didn't get any phlegm myself but I've read that a lot of ex smokers get it and it takes a couple of weeks to clear. I only got constipation, skin itching, and stress. All the best to you.
I quit on July 10 2015, cold turkey. The first 4-5 days were the hardest. My earlier attempt I got "too cocky" after 17 days clean and thought i could drink and smoke just a few...BIG MISTAKE!! You are doing really well Puffer! Just hang on in there...it's a hard time of the year to quit BUT quitting ANYTIME is so worth it!!.. Don't worry about overeating ..that desire drops off..try meditation/mindfulness and remember when u feel stressed..breather deeply, focus on other stuff and realise that most ex-smokers stress is related to old habit of smoking!!!... Don't worry about phlegm too much unless it becomes a big time issue.. I still cough up little bits 29 months after quitting! Main thing is ..NO BLOOD!!!
I am 58 and still trying to quit after numerous attempts - obviously something to do with my mindset.
Here we go with the reward system again. We are so used to rewarding ourselves -not- with nicotine the we reward ourselves by eating more, or eating cr_p and thus putting on weight -in regard to my previous waffle on rewards.
Perhaps we should focus on the positives and looking forward, appreciating the gains -lungs starting to work again, not needing so much sleep, having more time on our hands, not being so stressed, etc etc, the list can go on- instead of feeling that we are missing something.
Sorry about all of the posts - just trying to figure out what formatting the site is rejecting :)
Thanks for sharing your experiences guys. I guess everyone's journey is different. I have come to the conclusion I have developed a chest infection from my grandson. The good thing it should pass a lot quicker now that I am not smoking. I feel so much better with my breathing. I want to continue travelling overseas and that was difficult last year on tour,. I couldn't keep up with the crew. I will get there. The Champix is working fine. I haven't changed any other habits. I still have a couple of wines every night. My husband still smokes but I don't hold it against him. He will have his own journey and time when he wants to quit. I am now onto day five yahoo!!! oh and all the best to you guys. weewillem - it will happen one day as long as it is on your mind. I used to think they will have to ban selling cigarettes in Australia and / or I will have to end up in hospital with a stroke or something before I give up. 14 hours flights to the USA didn't phase me either. Safe2017 - thanks for your kinds words of support. Chrissy17 thank you also. It is a huge achievement to give up (well to me it is anyway)