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3 days feels like forever

12 posts, 0 answered
  1. maddies mama
    maddies mama avatar
    4 posts
    Registered:
    17 Oct 2018
    17 Oct 2018
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    I smoked my last cigarette Sunday night before bed.  I know that I am doing the right thing, so why am I so miserable?
  2. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
    1477 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    17 Oct 2018
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    Hi maddies mama

    Hang in there and congrats in your quit!

    Distract your self
    Drink water instead
    go for a walk
    Discus with someone you know about it
    find something to do instead

    All the best

    Feel much better! you can do it!

  3. maddies mama
    maddies mama avatar
    4 posts
    Registered:
    17 Oct 2018
    17 Oct 2018 in reply to brieffree
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    Thank you!
  4. rosie1931
    rosie1931 avatar
    50 posts
    Registered:
    27 Sep 2018
    17 Oct 2018 in reply to maddies mama
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    Hi Maddie's mama,

    You're probably feeling miserable because you feel like you're saying goodbye forever to an old friend.  It's hard letting go of something and change is often scary.  But be strong, know that smoking was not your friend or a comfort to you.  It actually caused you more anxiety because you were probably like most of us and let the addiction rule our lives and we were always waiting for that next smoke.  Keep up the quit, you don't want to regret not giving it your best shot.  You will never be more determined or stronger than what you are right now, because you want to quit.
  5. jenna lee, quit coach
    jenna lee, quit coach avatar
    265 posts
    Registered:
    28 Jun 2018
    17 Oct 2018
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    Hi maddies mama,

    Day 3 is a tough one. I am not sure if you are quitting cold turkey, but it takes 3 days for nicotine to exit our system usually, so withdrawal can be quite strong. If physical symptoms are making you miserable, know that it gets better after day 3.

    If there is emotional misery, I think brieffree and rosie1931 have amazing advice about distractions, motivation, fear of change or losing a friend, etc.

    You said it yourself; you know you are doing the right thing. I would encourage you to explore this more: why am I quitting? What is the silver lining of this dark cloud?

    Congratulations on doing what you are, hang in there!!!

    Best,

    Jenna Lee
  6. efreeman75
    efreeman75 avatar
    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    17 Oct 2018
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    Hi maddies mama - firstly, congratulations on your quit.  Three days is amazing!

    I'd love to tell you that when you wake up tomorrow, everything will be fine.  Unfortunately, what you are feeling is experienced by many who quit smoking.  Myself, I felt pretty crappy emotionally for the first couple of months.  Physically things improved much quicker.  Many of us smoked for a long time, and it is only realistic to expect it to take some time for us to heal.  The bottom line is that things do get better, SOOOOOOO... much better!!!  Distract yourself, change your routines, find something new that gives you joy - anything but light up another smoke.

    You can do this!

    E
  7. maddies mama
    maddies mama avatar
    4 posts
    Registered:
    17 Oct 2018
    18 Oct 2018 in reply to efreeman75
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    Thank you to all that sent messages.  I made it another day, not giving up!  I am hoping to feel better soon!
  8. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    19 Oct 2018
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    Hi maddies mama,

    Congrats on your four days.  That is terrific!  Hang in there, because it is so worth it.  A little bit of pain for a lifetime of gain.  You can do this!
  9. maddies mama
    maddies mama avatar
    4 posts
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    17 Oct 2018
    22 Oct 2018
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    Last night was my one week mark!  I still want to smoke...but knowing that I have made it 7 days makes me believe that I can do this!
  10. eagerquit
    eagerquit avatar
    415 posts
    Registered:
    07 Mar 2018
    22 Oct 2018
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    Hi Maddie's mama

    Congratulations on a week smoke free! You are doing it. Keep a list of your reasons for quitting handy and refer to it any time one of those pesky cravings creeps up. It will keep you motivated in  your journey back to health. A reward for your one week milestone is also a good idea. You deserve it.

    Eagerquit
  11. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    22 Oct 2018
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    Hi maddies mama,

    Congratulations on making it through your first week smoke free.  Yippee, way to go!

    Know in your heart that you CAN do this.  Believe it, keep going and make it happen.  You will be so happy you did it.  Trust me, life is way better as a non-smoker.  You will really enjoy the freedom that comes with kicking this addiction to the curb.
  12. merline, quit coach
    merline, quit coach avatar
    124 posts
    Registered:
    12 Sep 2018
    22 Oct 2018 in reply to maddies mama
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    Hi maddies mama,

    First of all congratulations because it’s not easy to remain smoke-free.

    Please note that withdrawal usually starts a few hours after you stop and may peak in 2 or 3 days. You should begin to feel better after that. Some people get through it quickly, while for others it can take longer.

    Each smoker has different withdrawal symptoms. The most common are:
        Irritability, restlessness, impatience, nervousness
        Poor concentration, dizziness
        Sleep Disruption, awakening at night
        Mild depression, tiredness, anxiety
        Headache, constipation, gas, stomach pains
        Increased appetite, hunger, desire to smoke, mouth ulcers, colds,     sore throat, coughing.

    Here are some ways some smokers cope with the withdrawal

    Stay active. 
    Any kind of exercise can help. 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 can help lift your mood. 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.

    Get support.
    You don’t have to deal with negative moods alone. Your friends, family, and others who are important to you can support you. Let them know what they can do to help, if you have any questions or concerns about quitting, you can call Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free) and visit smokershelpline.ca and the Community of quitters.


    maddies mama remember, most symptoms will go away in a while. If your symptoms persist for a long time then see your Doctor.

    One day at a time!
    Merline
12 posts, 0 answered