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1. nat222

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   21 Oct 2018
   21 Oct 2018

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   day 3...I am at 72 hours. chewing nicorette and doing all I can. Dying to go and smoke.
   Praying, cleaning. taking lots of vitamin c. 
   Would love to talk to someone!
2. louise53

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   21 Oct 2018
   21 Oct 2018 in reply to nat222

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   I just quit last night and am on the patch. I’m struggling too.
3. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   21 Oct 2018

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   hello nat222 and louise53 - thank you for connecting on SHL.ca, and congrats on your quit attempts - both of you deserve some serious kudos!!!! 
   The first few days are often the hardest: your body is getting used to the quit, the withdrawal & cravings 'peaking' at days 2-3.
   What made you decide to quit? Sometimes its easy to lose sight of the reasons for quitting while you are going through this tough time. Please know we are here for you and cheering you on...you CAN do this! 
   Sarah
4. louise53

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   21 Oct 2018
   21 Oct 2018 in reply to sarah, quit coach

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   Thanks Sarah. I quit for a few different reasons. Mostly because it’s just so darn expensive and inconvenient. I’m fed up with trying to schedule my life around smoking and being anxious if I don’t get my smoke. Then of course there’s the health concerns. But, I thought the patch would make it easier than this. This isn’t much different than going cold turkey.
5. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   21 Oct 2018

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   Some fantastic reasons to quit, Louise53 - and you deserve each & every one. As you have these hard days, sometimes it can help to read through these reasons to quit. And some days are tougher than others, but the day is almost done, and you have stayed quit! 
   Hope you get a good, restful sleep tonite.  
   All the best,
   Sarah
6. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   21 Oct 2018

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   Hi nat222,
   
   Congratulations for making it to Day3.  That is wonderful.
   
   I know how hard it is to fight the cravings.  They get so intense that sometimes, that is all you can think about.  That is why it is so important to distract yourself.  Make sure you always have something to do or to focus on.  Think about other positive changes you can make in your life that will complement you being a non-smoker, like being more active or eating healthier foods.  And remember to reward yourself for all of your hard work and commitment.
   
   You can do this, nat222.  Just take it one step at a time.   You deserve to live life as a non-smoker.
7. nat222

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   21 Oct 2018
   22 Oct 2018 in reply to louise53

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   lets do this together Louise. 
8. nat222

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   21 Oct 2018
   22 Oct 2018 in reply to sarah, quit coach

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   reasons to quit... my health, my wealth, no more time consumed from going to smoke, no more time gone from going to buy them, my 5 year old daughter, going back to school to become a nurse, have freedom, take charge of my health and life, letting go of the past, healing my mind and body, looking better, healthier hair and skin, more energy, no more hiding the smell, having more money each month, the embarrassment gone!, gaining self confidence and esteem, following through on my word to myself and most of all.....the guilt I feel with each cigarette will be gone gone gone!!!!!!! 
9. patricianneahr

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   12 Oct 2018
   22 Oct 2018 in reply to nat222

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   Wow Nat222 you have great reasons congratulations. on making the decision to quit. I am at day 14 now, I just stopped putting on the patch yesterday, I still do the nicotine lozenges, today I am having a struggle though, I keep taking deep breaths and drinking water going outside just for a quick walk. Louise53, it is hard but you can do this congratulations on quitting, I was on the patch for 12 days and then I stopped wearing it, but I just know that in a few days I will be completely nicotine free and any craving I have will be from habit and just in my head, :) It is great to talk to other people though I am glad you are on here and to know other people are struggling with it too, doesn't make me feel so weak for finding it hard, 
10. nat222

    

    5 posts
    Registered:
    21 Oct 2018
    22 Oct 2018 in reply to patricianneahr

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    oh .....none of us are not immune to the cravings. It is comforting knowing there are others yet I wish none of us were going through this! really bad craving right now...calling the hotline! I am here for you too Patricia, thank you 
11. merline, quit coach

    

    124 posts
    Registered:
    12 Sep 2018
    22 Oct 2018 in reply to nat222

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    Hi nat222,
    
    Congratulations for making it to Day3!
    
    Many smokers say that fighting cravings is tiring and discouraging but it's not time to give up.
    
    Here are some ways some smokers cope with the cravings.
    
    Stay active. 
    Any kind of exercise can help—taking a walk, going to the gym. This can be hard to do when you are feeling down, but making the effort can pay off. 
    
    Structure your day. 
    Create a plan to stay busy.
    
    Do things with other people. 
    Try to connect with people regularly, whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via text message.
    
    Build rewards into your life. 
    Finding ways to reward yourself each day if possible.  Even small things, like reading a magazine or listening to music, can add up and help you feel better.
    
    Do what used to be fun. 
    Try making a list of activities or events that you enjoy and plan to do one a day.
    
    
    If you have any questions or concerns about quitting, you can call Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free).
    
    Do not let the cravings discourage you because they are temporary!
    One day at a time!
    Merline
    
12. patricianneahr

    

    4 posts
    Registered:
    12 Oct 2018
    23 Oct 2018 in reply to nat222

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    Hi Nat222, thank you for being there for me. I am here for you too, I called the helpline too just for a little encouragement. I feel better after talking for a few minutes. I had a hard night, stressful. I actually put a cigarette in my mouth but didn't light it. I heard this saying, "you put the thing in your mouth that is killing you, but you don't give it the power to kill you". I think its from Fault in our stars lol, but I like it. Stay strong, We can do this. Have a great day
13. efreeman75

    

    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    30 Oct 2018

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    Good morning everyone,
    
    Nat, Patricia, Louise - how's everyone doing?  I pray you're still going strong.  Do whatever you can, use whatever you have, dig as deep as you can to keep the quit.  I know it's tough, but it is so worth it. 
    
    I used to bust a severe craving with chocolate milk and dill pickles.  Try it - it'll confuse the crap out of your body so it doesn't know what it wants!!
    
    E
    
14. efram, quit coach

    

    235 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    30 Oct 2018 in reply to efreeman75

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    Hi All,
    
    Thanks for the tip, Ernie! That's a good one. We quit coaches have heard of so many ways to cope with cravings, but chocolate milk and dill pickles is a new one for this coach, at least!
    
    And I like the sound of busting a craving, especially this time of year. "Who you gonna call? Crave-busters!"
    
    Hope that all is well,
    Efram