One month completed
After 50 years of smoking, today is 4 weeks free of smoking! Here's what I realised over this month:(1) I will not go insane if there are no cigarettes in the house or car (2) I can survive each 24 hour period without cigarettes and not want to poke my husband in the eye with a burning skewer (3) I DO miss smoking, but not all the time. (4) I am sleeping a lot during the day but that may be linked to a total change in diet - I quit sugar and carbs at the same time as smoking. (5) And this is the BIG SURPRISE for me: As I have had emphysema for many years, and needed puffers all the time, it is AMAZING that since quitting smoking, I have not needed the puffers AT ALL! This is one thing I just can't get over. I no longer fight for a breath - and it's only been 4 weeks. (6) My doctor prescribed Champix tablets to help me quit cigs and I started them about a week before my chosen quit date. I only EVER take them during breakfast and dinner and have had none of the side effects like nausea etc experienced by some people. Naturally they affect everyone differently, but I have been lucky not to have any problems. There is one other thing that I want to share: I cut out the sugar and carbs at the same time as quitting smoking because I am overweight and have diabetes, but here's an interesting twist to this. The Champix tablets affect that part of the brain that is the sort of pleasure centre. It's the bit of brain that becomes addicted to cigs, heroin, and other nasties. Sugar as we know is as highly addictive as heroin, and I THINK (naturally I don't know for sure), but I think kicking all these habits at the same time has been HEAPS easier because of the Champix effect on my brain. Anyway, as I head into my second month, I wish everyone well and hope each day gets a little easier for you.
Hi Red, yes to my age ( but I won't update it to68 this year). I read that if after the first 3 months of Champix I still need them, I can get another 3 months worth. In my particular situation - giving up smoking, all sugar, all carbs etc, I am really putting my body through a lot and I am so determined to never smoke again, and to lose 40 kg, I don't think anything will make me go back to the old ways. This is because since giving up smoking over the last 4 weeks, the difference in how I usually feel is quite striking. I mean, my mind is clearer, I am able to breathe with ease and I just seem happier. I know that getting rid of the sugar in my diet would also contribute to that. Today I started with an Exercise Physiologist to get my body in to some sort of condition to be able to exercise. I hate having to use my wheelchair to go shopping and as I have never exercised or played sport in my entire life, I am in a pretty decrepit state. So, On we go Red.
Hi Dolly, looks like we are pacing each other - both a month into the journey to QUIT CITY!!! That feels good, to have a buddy. Are you finding it hard? When are your worst times? Mine are afternoons or evenings mostly.
Awesome to hear. Congrats! I'm on Chantix here in the USA, I have really vivid dreams and if I don't eat before I take it I get a little nauseous but not much. Other than that no other side effects. BUT this is the 3rd time I've tried Chantix and they are hard to get off of. This time around I've only taken one a day for the first 4 weeks, 3 times a week 2 times a week and now I've down to 1 a week. If you don't wean yourself off them it's a nightmare at least for me. My moods are all over, but I haven't skewered anyone yet lol.
Hi Ted67
congratulations 4 weeks what a great achievement
I also used Champix and at the end of 3 months I was nervous so I got the second course but only used about a month before I stopped.
I wish I had given up sugar and carbs at the time, I have put on so much weight, unfortunately I have developed COPD so I struggle a bit trying to get enough exercise to help with the weight but on a positive note I am 784 days smoke free .
so good luck on your journey to a smoke free life, keep posting your stories have the ability to not only help you but others on the same journey
Hi Dolly, Are you quitting with no "aids" at all - like patches, Champix or whatever? If you are, you are a brave soldier indeed. I am not that strong and love having the Champix to support me. It really works well if you take it DURING breakfast and dinner. Consider discussing it with your doctor (if you are in Australia they only cost $5.40 instead of $94.60.But whatever, don't give in no matter HOW you are feeling. It is a very hard thing to get free from and a slip up is just not worth it. Good luck Dolly, you and I will make it.