Stories & experiences

PallMall: South Western Sydney
14: Stories
20/03/2012: Joined

Revisiting the experience

Posted in Quit experiences 17 Jun 2013

2 Favourites

8 Comments

I have been on the site for over one year now and I have found that people do care. I have received several messages of support from moderators as well as the other users of the site.

As for all of the possible downside effects of quitting one thing that I have discovered is that we all have differing symptoms. You will note that those using the chemical support products tend to do it a bit harder than those who go cold turkey - the one thing we all seem to suffer from though is increased appetite, so we all put on a few Kgs - still better than emphysema, lung cancer and gangrene from circulatory problems - weight gain can be minimised by eating lots of fresh fruit. Hang in there Guys - if I can come out the other side after over 50 years of smoking so can you. Personally I think it is great that there aren't a swag of professionals on the site monitoring and only preaching their beliefs not their experiences.

8 Comments

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eric, Western NSW June 18, 2013 | 6:51

i used champix and for me it was easy i stopped smoking after three days i did not have any cravings or any side effects from champix so for me i took a pill and stopped smoking after after 44 years and have been smoke-free for over two years i am no longer a slave to nicotine.
Bill44, Central Coast June 18, 2013 | 8:16

Watch how much fresh fruit you consume, it's full of Fructose which is sugar, and this will pack the weight on you as quick as eating lollies.
So eat the normal amount of fruit but don't pig out on it as a smoke substitute.
john_syd_west, Nepean Blue Mountains June 18, 2013 | 10:14

I used hypnotherapy and stopped almost immediately. I still had the feeling crappy phase but never had cravings. Almost 5 weeks now and after nearly 40 years it feels just great.
goonellabah2002, Northern NSW June 18, 2013 | 15:05

Thanks Pallmall but I think going cold turkey was much harder for me and I always caved in and became a smoker again.
This time round I used patches (off them now) but I found this much easier to quit and moods and temper far better using the patches that now I am off them, my temper has not increased any.
Sugar free lollies probably keep me going but also this time round I have not put on weight but this would be because I have increased my time at the gym. I now go 9 times a week as opposed to only 3.
dr.feelgood, Western NSW June 18, 2013 | 23:08

PallMall. sounds like you don't like it when people use anything like champix or nrt,cold turkey is not for everyone each to their own whatever works.
PallMall, South Western Sydney June 18, 2013 | 23:24

Dr I must admit I'm not a big fan of NRT, but if it does help some so be it.
There are other methodologies than cold-turkey which do not require the ingestion of a poison i.e. hypnosis, acupuncture, homeopathy, etc
Most cases of nicotine poisoning are not due to smoking, but are instead due to ingestion or skin exposure. Anyone exposed to or using nicotine should be aware of the symptoms of nicotine poisoning in order to stop the exposure immediately and seek medical attention. Most cases of nicotine poisoning involve children eating cigarette butts or nicotine gum, and parents who smoke or use nicotine gum should be aware of nicotine poisoning symptoms.

I am unaware of your Dr status, MD or Phd - but there are risks in using fire to contain fire, particularly with NRT
Gammy, Hunter New England June 19, 2013 | 6:01

Well done PallMall,
Thanks for posting and sharing your story.
Thats excellent that your free from the old nicotine beast after 50 years of smoking, Stories like yours give hope and direction to so many of us.
Thank you and keep strong xx
dr.feelgood, Western NSW June 19, 2013 | 13:57

dr.feelgood is my screen name i am a quitter just like everybody else i was just passing a comment.

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