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Hi! I just quit cigarettes! Cancel

1. kirstyfay

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   29 Mar 2019
   02 Apr 2019

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   Hi everyone!
   
   I smoked 33 years with no breaks in between. I’m now on my fourth day, smoke free. Hasn’t been easy at all. I was a heavy smoker, smoking 2 packs a day. Sometimes more. My Dr. Recommended I use the patch, with an aid in between to curve any intense cravings. So I’m using the Nicorette spray. Not the best tasting, but it works , and for me it’s rescued me from giving up. I highly reccomend it to anyone who is battling severe cravings. The way I see it, it’s better to use the spray, then cave in and smoke a cigarette. 
   
   As for withdrawl, like everyone else I’m feeling it too. The worse for me is the munchies. I had severe nausea, but that’s settled down. And OMG, I am having the most strangest dreams ever. Like really weird, and off the wall. 
   
   But on a bright note, I’ve seen positives aswell. Breathing is much easier. My smokers cough has really decreased a lot. And all my senses seem really sharp, and alert. The wheez In My chest has almost completely disappeared. This gives me the strength to keep moving on. My Dr said the first week is the worst. She stated that if you can make it the first 7 days without a cigarette , you’ve won half the battle. I guess that’s the most difficult time during the process? However everyone is different. 
   
   I find myself almost grieving ciggarettes. Sound weird, but they were my right hand man for 33 years. Now they are gone. So it’s like learning to re-live again. Praying to God I can beat this. But I think so far, I’m headed in the right direction. Gotta stay focused. 
   
2. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   02 Apr 2019

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   kirstifay
   
   Welcome to helpline, here you will find a lot helpful info about how to quit and keep our quit!
   Congrats in da4 smoke free! as you said, the first week is hell week!
   
   Here the 4 DS myth help you with the withdrawal symptoms.
   
   - Distract your self from the crave
   - Drink plenty water
   - Discuses with someone you know about haw you feel in that Moment!  .
   -Delay
   
   You can do  it, One day at the time!
   
   The way is clear to the freedom!
3. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   02 Apr 2019 in reply to kirstyfay

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   Kirstyfay,
   
   First of all congrats on making to day 4 of your quit!!!! 
   
   Sounds like you set yourself up right for the quit by going to the Doctor for advice, gettign NRT's (patch and mist) and reaching out for resources and help like this site. 
   
   I had the constant munchies for first week, plus headaches, sleeplessness, vomiting, etc. All that passes and we are left dealing with the mental side of withdrawal (the addict in our head that doesn't want to vacate that easily). Focus on all the benefits of becoming a non-smoker. I never believed how much an improvement in my health quitting would have until I started to experience it. 
   
   I never used the patch but I hear a lot of people take it off at night to avoid the weird dreams. 
   
   As for grieving cigarettes, I felt the same way at first. I mean how does one go for a walk with the dog and NOT have a smoke? I realized that I didn't know how to be a non-smoker and it took some time to learn. I still get the odd time where I romanticize having a smoke while fishing or whatever, but I know that is a fantasy, reality is freezing my butt off trying to suck back a lungful of smoke while trying to keep from coughing. 
   
   You have a lot of trying moments ahead of you, but you'll also find that things are going to be so much better as each day passes. Keep the quit strong and Not One Puff Ever. 
   
   
   
4. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   02 Apr 2019

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   Good evening!
   
   Congrats kirstyfay and welcome to the forum. Like atp and briefee said the first week or two in the hardest and unfortunately one can still have withdrawal symptoms despite using the patches and spray. Most of it is caused by nicotine leaving your body. Some of it may be psychological as you adjust to not smoking.
   
   Withdrawal may feel bad but it means that your body and mind are repairing themselves. You are getting healthy and un-addicted to nicotine.
   
   Withdrawal symptoms can be thought of as 'recovery' symptoms, a sign that your body and mind is repairing itself.
   
   Withdrawal usually starts a few hours after you stop and may peak in 2 or 3 days, while for others it can take longer. It may feel bad, but it is seldom dangerous. Remember, most symptoms will go away in a while.
   
   If your symptoms persist for a long time then see your Doctor. Also, you may talk with your pharmacist to ensure you are using the proper dosage of the patch and spray.
   
   Lastly, you can take the patch off before going to bed to avoid sleep disturbance but make sure you have a plan in the morning to deal with any possible cravings.
   
   Hang in there! Just know that it is loss you are experiencing and this is normal.
   Need any further assistance don't hesitate to call us-  1-877-513-5333
   
   take care,
   
   jenna c, quit coach

   Last modified on 02 Apr 2019 20:02 by jenna c, quit coach