My story to start
I am 44 years old, started smoking at 15 years old, that’s just short of 30 years with the horrible habit. I really haven’t tried quitting over the years because I really didn’t want or think I needed to. Not until this year and part of last throughout the winter my health went downhill. I had a bad upper respiratory infection, basically bronchitis for over 3 months. My doctor said my lungs sounded like Sh*t and he thought I had emphysema or COPD. This scared me enough to have second thoughts about smoking. Another thing is my wife recently gave me a son which he just turned 2 years old last November. He was born on Thanksgiving, which is a USA holiday. I love him very much and really want to be around for him when he graduates high school and college, maybe even dance at his wedding when it comes time. In order for me to do these things I need to increase my chances living till then. With my families track record on health, high BP, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, etc, etc…. I need all the help I can get. So I stopped smoking March 9th that’s 33 days ago. It’s been quite a journey since then. Seems to be an everyday battle. Some days worse than others, some days it’s like someone handing me a pair of pliers telling me to pull out one tooth a day till there all gone. Other days not so bad, like someone grabbing my stomach and squeezing it from the inside. What initially helped me quit smoking was the nicotine patch, but I stopped the patch about a week ago after reading a book that said I was just prolonging my addiction to nicotine. I’ve been keeping a log everyday recording my behavior, which seems to help. I figured I would join a self-help website, because I have no one to talk to with this ordeal of quitting smoking and starting my new life as a non-smoker. Got to say this change has not been an easy one.
Thanks Red for your Support,
Wow 45 years, when did you quit? Do you struggle from time to time or are you completely cured? Since I’ve quit I’ve had severe attention/concentration issues. There are times when guys at work would ask me the simplest questions and it felt like me having to explain Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. If I couldn’t answer them, I would just offer a blank stare. As far as nicotine goes, I think I’m going to tuff it out and be rid of it, I’m done with it. I am so tired of it. I say that now, but the next time I go out in the back yard on a nice day, all I think about is having one. That’s the dumbness coming out of me. It really sucks being hooked on the poison. In addition to quitting smoking, I quit drinking 3 weeks before, so I have a double whammy. To me quitting smoking is by far worse that quitting alcohol.
Oh I'm so very glad to hear that you've
quit. You have every reason to quit and
zip reasons to restart. That's a beautiful
story about your family but not good at
all about your families health.
Just do whatever you can to stay quit.
I seriously agree with Red, just careful
that you don't place yourself at risk.
Good luck
Dear Red, Kim, and Wendy,
The more I read peoples experiences on here I see one thing that matters. We all are going through the same thing, and it affects each one of us a little different from the next. What matters? I see that each of us have in common and offer one another faith and hope to get through this. The people on here are truly caring people that feel for one another. Makes me feel like I’m part of a family where everyone cares about each other. Thank you for your support and helpful response.