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Giving it another try ...

19 posts, 1 answered
  1. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
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    15 Feb 2018
    13 Jan 2019
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    Was so sick last week I couldn't get my breath at all. Couldn't even find the energy to call 911. That's it. It has gone to far. Set me quit date for Jan31 and am going to try the first week smoke free contest as an incentive. This is going to sound weird but through all this I really don't want to quit smoking. I have to!! Have been trying through weaning apps for months. Hopefully I will get it down this time. Thanks so much for being here to all <3
  2. eagerquit
    eagerquit avatar
    415 posts
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    07 Mar 2018
    13 Jan 2019
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    Hi butterflyna,

    Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking for good! I know where you are coming from. When I used to smoke, I would have coughing spells that completely took my breath away until I thought I would die. I too did not want to quit but knew it was something I had to do. I drew a line down the centre of a page and made a list of the reasons I should quit on the left side. I put the pros for smoking on the right. The left side was a long list and the right side a very short one. That was last March and I haven't had another smoke since.

    Start looking forward to your quit date and in the meantime read through some of the posts here for our success stories and what helped us get off that terrible treadmill. I wish you every success.

    Eagerquit

  3. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    13 Jan 2019 in reply to eagerquit
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    Thank you so much for your positive feedback. I have done that pro/con list and found it just like yours. My reasons for quitting far outweigh my reasons for continuing smoking. I will take your advice and check out more around this site. Congratulations to you for quitting. I pray I can be where you are some day :)
  4. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2019
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    Hi butterflyna,

    I used to tell myself that I didn't really want to quit, either, even though I knew I had to.  But there were a couple of reasons for that.  First, I smoked all my life.  So to me, it was a kind of comfort, like a favourite blanket or a comfortable pair of shoes.  Smoking was an integral part of my life, and it partially defined who I was.  In addition, in my heart, I was really scared of going through withdrawal.  So it was easier for me to tell myself that I didn't really want to quit, rather than face the fact that it was time for me to change my life.

    Can you relate to any of that?

    It's awful that you were so sick last week.  That is really scary.  Wouldn't it be great to put this smoking thing behind you, and start leading a healthier life?  Quitting won't make all your problems go away, but it will make a significant difference in your health and how you feel.  And honestly, it is so freeing to live life as a non-smoker.

    The countdown is on.  Try to keep cutting down and prepare for your quit day.  And try to relax.  All we can do is the best we can do.  The important thing is that you are giving it a shot.  You should be proud of yourself for that.
  5. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
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    15 Feb 2018
    15 Jan 2019 in reply to treepeo
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    Hi Treepeo,

    Yes, I can relate to that very well. Also, unfortunately, my Mom smoked all her life. She got emphysema when I was about 12 yrs old. She played it down tho cuz she didn't want to quit smoking. She was on Prednisone most of her later life and in and out of hospitals. She would quit for a couple of days but always go back. She ended up on oxygen and would turn it off to smoke which was really scary but I didn't stop her. She died eventually from it. That really sticks with me. I am afraid I am going to be like her. I have swore I wouldn't but so far I am following the same path.
     Thank for your support. I am still at 13 a day, trying to wean down. I know it will be better to quit. I just have to get there.

    Thank you.

    Butterflyna/Laurie
  6. atp
    atp avatar
    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    15 Jan 2019 in reply to butterflyna
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    Butterflyna,

    Sounds like you are writing out the reasons to quit, and preparing yourself for your quit date. That is an important first step. 

    I tried to quit a few times over the years, but it took me finally convincing myself it is something I NEED to do that got me to quit. I'm on 2 weeks since my last smoke and I am fully motivated to keep this quit going. 

    You will start to see the health benefits of quitting smoking fairly quickly. Breathing gets easier, less congestion, that smokers cough starts to fade. 

    There are a lot of really good posts on this site that you might find helpful or inspiring. 

  7. efram, quit coach
    efram, quit coach avatar
    235 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    15 Jan 2019 in reply to atp
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    Hi butterflyna/Laurie,

    I'm glad that you're giving it another try! Each attempt you've made in the past has brought you closer to success, since we learn as we go. You went through a rough, scary week last week, and your incentive to quit is stronger than it's ever been. You have a quit date, you have added support, and we are all here for you!

    Speaking of added support, thank you to eagerquit, treepeo and atp for your insights and for being there.

    Butterflyna, please keep in mind that one-on-one support is available as well by calling a Quit Coach, 1-877-513-5333.

    Regards,
    Efram

  8. rosie1931
    rosie1931 avatar
    50 posts
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    27 Sep 2018
    15 Jan 2019 in reply to butterflyna
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    Hi Laurie,

    We all know what you are going through, and how terrified you actually are.  Unfortunately, the fear of quitting and the withdrawals is what prevented most of us trying to quit in the first place.  In just over a year, I had many peers/friends/colleagues either get a smoke related illness or die from smoking.  That was my wake up call.  I knew as scared as I was, and as hard as quitting might be, the alternative would likely be having to go through some type of ghastly treatment or even dying.  I started thinking that quitting may actually seem like a piece of cake compared to those.  If you can try to change your thought process, that you are not giving up anything,you are giving yourself the gift of a better life and better health for the remainder of it.  If you have a positive outlook and are determined, you'll be able to quit and it won't be as hard as what you thought.  We are stronger than what we think we are, and nothing can get in our way, once we have made our minds up.   Good luck.  
    Lastly, learn the 5 D's, change up your routine and research the addiction and what smoking will do.  Knowing why you smoke helps.  And knowing what you are doing to yourself if you continue to smoke, will keep you motivated.  
  9. efreeman75
    efreeman75 avatar
    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    Answered
    15 Jan 2019
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    Hi butterflyna

    You've made the right decision.  And sorry to read about your sickness - I wish you better days ahead.

    Many smokers do not want to quit, but almost all smokers wish they were quit.  You are not alone.  However, once you have quit, you will NEVER want to go back.  The benefits and freedom are just too valuable to jeopardize.

    It will take some work and you will have some difficult times ahead, but it is a battle you can win.  You will require determination and a positive attitude.  No more "try to" or "hopefully will", but rather "I will, I am, and I did".  This forum and the quit coaches are excellent resources to support you to success.
  10. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
    1477 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    15 Jan 2019
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    Hi butterflyna

    Welcome to helpline

    You made the best decision for your own health!
    Quitting smoking is not the end of the world!
    Just be prepare and jump to freedom!
    Enjoy brief fresh Air!
  11. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    17 Jan 2019 in reply to atp
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    atp said:Butterflyna,

    Sounds like you are writing out the reasons to quit, and preparing yourself for your quit date. That is an important first step. 

    I tried to quit a few times over the years, but it took me finally convincing myself it is something I NEED to do that got me to quit. I'm on 2 weeks since my last smoke and I am fully motivated to keep this quit going. 

    You will start to see the health benefits of quitting smoking fairly quickly. Breathing gets easier, less congestion, that smokers cough starts to fade. 

    There are a lot of really good posts on this site that you might find helpful or inspiring. 



    Hi atp.

    Yes I am doing my best to get myself ready. Quit date ...Jan 31st. Entered into the 7 day smoke-free contest too :)

    I just bought the Nicorette Quick Mist spray. Pretty expensive but I hope it will help come Jan 31st! I am so excited and scared. This will be the very first time I really really tried.

    My mom died from emphasyma and smoked even with an oxygen tank ( she would turn it off to have a cigarette). I will not die like my mom, may she RIP

    Thanks atp x

    Butterflyna/Laurie
  12. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    17 Jan 2019 in reply to efram, quit coach
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    Hi Efram,

    Yes, Thank you to eagerquit, treepeo and atp and EVERYONE for all their insights, support and advice. You all (and others) will be the ones who carry me to a smoke-free life and I am so grateful for it!!! <3

    Butterflyna/Laurie
    Last modified on 17 Jan 2019 22:55 by butterflyna
  13. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    17 Jan 2019 in reply to rosie1931
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    Hi rosie1931!
    Thanks so much for replying. I am not good at these forums and didn't even know until now that I had other replies here! My apologies for not getting back to you wonderful people sooner!
    Yes, it was a scare. I see my respirologist tomorrow and am going to let him know of my decision. He will be ecstatic! So will my dentist (puffers dried my mouth out) lol. I've never felt this way b4! 
    I almost did die those two mornings. It was surreal! I didn't know what to do? I can see myself smoke-free and am looking so forward to getting there. Since I have been weaning, and will continue to wean down if I can.
    I pray I can and if not, cold turkey with the Mist can help me. I think I have this for the first time in my life!!! So liberating!!  Thank you and I have the 5 D's on my wall already lol.

    One day at a time, perhaps even one minute on Feb 1st.

    Thank you so much rosie1931!!! <3

    Butterflyna/Laurie

  14. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    17 Jan 2019 in reply to efreeman75
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    Hi efreeman75,

    Thank you. I expect difficult days ahead. I will have to ride them out. I have overcome drug addiction but know this will be the hardest to do! The forum so far has been awesome! I didn't even know I had replies waiting for me. "I will, I am, and I did". I like that lol. Thank you so much for your post! One day at a time :)

    Laurie/Butterflyna
  15. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    17 Jan 2019 in reply to brieffree
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    Hi brieffree,

    Thanks for your welcome. I am gonna jump into this! 
  16. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    18 Jan 2019
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    Hi butterflyna,

    With regard to the Quick Mist, I just wanted to suggest that you try opening it before you quit.  Personally, I found it difficult to do.  But then again, I tried opening it when I was feeling desperate which didn't help!

    You don't have to use it now.  Just make sure you get comfortable with opening it so that when you want to use it down the road, you won't be stressed.  Also, read the instructions in advance.  I found the print really small and had to use a magnifying glass.
  17. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    18 Jan 2019 in reply to treepeo
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    Hey treepeo,

    Thanks for the heads up. I'm gonna take it in with me when I see my respirologist tomorrow. He was the one who showed me it and said it was helping a lot of his patients quit smoking. I get him to show me I hope. If not I have a magnifying glass lol. I will make sure I know how to use it come Feb 1st. 
  18. efram, quit coach
    efram, quit coach avatar
    235 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    21 Jan 2019 in reply to butterflyna
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    Hi butterflyna,

    Congrats on setting a quit date! You're doing well to work on weaning ahead of time.

    Treepeo, thanks for the suggestion of getting comfortable with how to open the QuickMist ahead of time. 

    Adding to this: it may help to try a "practice quit" with the QuickMist prior to your quit date, just to see how you do ... it could be just for an afternoon or a morning, with the cigarettes locked away in a cabinet! I'm thinking that this may help with the "scared" part of the "excited and scared" equation, just to have a bit more experience to work with before your quit date.

    I like that you can see yourself smoke-free! You are like an athlete, visualizing your success! This is an exciting time in your life, and your positive mindset will help you to succeed.

    Regards,
    Efram
  19. butterflyna
    butterflyna avatar
    135 posts
    Registered:
    15 Feb 2018
    30 Jan 2019 in reply to efram, quit coach
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    Hi efram,
    Thank you for your support and feedback. All the people here are awesome! I really need all the help I can get. One day at a time.

    Thanks again,
    Butterflyna/Laurie
19 posts, 1 answered