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:) New to Forum; 24 days of Smoke Free Struggle and Success Cancel

1. laren

   

   14 posts
   Registered:
   19 Apr 2019
   19 Apr 2019

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   Hey Everyone:)
   
   I'm just 34 years old. Was enjoying smoking as a fancy for almost 10 years, before I realized its Cigarette which is enjoying me. Some how I"m into 24th day of non smoking and I will succeed. But Major symptoms which are killing me & drags me towards cravings these days. I practically lack in the Energy levels, Brain fog, Sleep disturbance, Unable to sit & concentrate for more than 10 minutes, anxious, suddenly over excited about social issues, crimes against women etc.  I'm really confused and not sure where I will be ending up. Cravings killing me and may end up loosing myself.
   
   Laren
   
    
2. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   19 Apr 2019

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   Hi Laren
   
   Welcome to helpline
   
   Congrats in 1 day smoke free, you can do this!
   Distract your self
   Get buzzy in something
   Drink a lot water
   Do something instead of thinking in smokes
   
   Again you can do this!
3. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   19 Apr 2019 in reply to laren

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   Laren,
   
   I love your attitude: 'I will succeed'. 
   
   Withdrawals can lead to cravings, but all the ones you listed are very normal. They tend to usually last 2-4 weeks depending on different factors that may include how much you smoked, your physical make-up, etc.
   
   What is incredible to me is despite these symptoms, you remain smoke-free! Keep up the great work, it will definitely get better and worth it.
   
   Best,
   
   Jenna Lee
4. suesue

   

   3 posts
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   30 Mar 2019
   20 Apr 2019 in reply to jenna lee, quit coach

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   good morning I am new to this forum....I haven't smoked for 72 hours...I find today I am a bit more anxious.....agitated....I find everything smells bad.....hope this is normal...i'm also sweating a lot and not sleeping...thank you for letting me on this helpline
5. linda, quit coach

   

   146 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   20 Apr 2019

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   Hi suesue,
   
   Welcome and congratulations on your quit! You have 72 smoke-free hours behind you – it’s awesome! We are so happy for you! You have worked very hard to get to this point, keep moving in this way, you are doing fantastic!
   
   The first few days of quitting can be difficult. The cravings can be intense, and the withdrawal symptoms can be hard to handle. It seems like you’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms: a bit of anxiety, agitation, sweating and not sleeping. I’m sorry to hear about that…But know that those symptoms are normal after a quit. It just means that your body and mind are adjusting to the change. They are cleaning and repairing themselves. Most of those symptoms are caused by nicotine leaving your body and some may be psychological as you adjust to not smoking. Those symptoms will go away with time, please hang in there.
   
   Do you use any quit aids such as the patch, the gum or inhaler? These nicotine replacement products (NRT’s) may help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If you are interested about NRT’s, please discuss with a pharmacist or doctor about your options.
   
   Know that everyone is different, some people prefer to quit cold turkey and others prefer to use some quit aids like NRT’s. Each method has its own qualities that appeal to each person. You can try one approach and then switch to another one if needed.
   
   You know yourself best and we encourage you to go with what works for you.
   
   Do you have a plan for the cravings? Many people find helpful to use the 4 D’s:
   
   Deep breathing will help you relax and focus on something else
   
   Drink water will help you clean your system and keeps your hands and mouth busy
   
   Distraction such as go for a walk, play a game, text a friend, go to the gym etc.
   
   Delay – Cravings don’t last very long, usually about 5 to 10 minutes
   
   Remember that you are not alone in your quit journey, we are here for you. Call us at 1-877-513-5333 if you have any questions or concerns.
   
   Laren, congratulations on your success! Keep going strong!
   
   Take care and wishing you both continued success!
   
   
6. laren

   

   14 posts
   Registered:
   19 Apr 2019
   29 Apr 2019

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   Thank you Coaches!!!
   
   Finally completed 1 month of smoke free. I still have cravings but very rare and short time less than a few minutes. 
   
   Only worry is that I got lot of weakness, nervousness etc. Do I need to consult doctor ?? 
7. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   29 Apr 2019 in reply to laren

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   HI Laren,
   
   Congrats on completing one month of being smoke free! I am glad to hear the cravings have decreased and not lasting very long when having them.
   
   It sounds like you may still be experiencing some withdrawal symptoms that may include fatigue
   as your body is still undergoing some detoxification and adjusting to the absence of nicotine, Try to keep moving, eating healthy and drinking a lot of water.
   
   If this continues certainly contact your health care professional.
   
   Hope this helps,
   
   Jenna C (quit coach)
   
8. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   29 Apr 2019

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   Hi laren,
   
   Congratulations on being one month smoke free!  That is awesome!!!
   
   Just so you know, I had terrible withdrawal for the whole first month of my quit.  Then things started to get much better.  But we are all different.  For some people, withdrawal lasts a long time, and for other people (the lucky ones!!), it doesn't last long at all.  So I think that what you are feeling is completely normal.  But if you would feel more comfortable talking to your doctor about it, by all means, do so.  If nothing else, your doctor will rejoice in the knowledge that you are quitting smoking, which is one of the most important things you could ever do for yourself.
   
   This is a major accomplishment, laren, and you should be really proud of yourself.  I hope you do something to celebrate this amazing milestone!
   
9. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   29 Apr 2019 in reply to suesue

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   Hi suesue,
   
   I see that I have been a bit slow to respond, so I hope that things are going well for you.
   
   You will experience lots of different withdrawal symptoms.  All of them are completely normal.  I know that they are not pleasant to go through, but they won't last forever.  And ironically, those withdrawal symptoms are actually telling you that you are doing something right.  You are sparing your body from being bombarded by all of the nasty chemicals and toxins found in cigarette smoke.  Right now, your body is a bit confused.  It's saying, "What's up?"  But soon, your body will begin to thank you.  And then you will feel better than you have in years.
   
   Keep up the good work, suesue.  Quitting is worth all the effort.  It really is.
10. laren

    

    14 posts
    Registered:
    19 Apr 2019
    21 May 2019

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    Hi! Guys,
    
    I'm into 56th day, anxiously checking the Quit app in mobile every second for any advantages from non smoking. Eagerly waiting for 2 month mark, where Insulin normalizes.  
    
    My only worry that, is it normal to get this anxious its been 55 days. Always checking Quit app, what im gaining etc!!???
11. brieffree

    

    1477 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    21 May 2019

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    Hi Laren
    
    56 day's  smoke free is amazing job! Is quiet normal feel like that time to time, I am sure you know how to distract yourself from that moment.
    
    Are you using any Nrt product? that really helps!
    
    Keep trying, never give up!  
12. lucy123

    

    1 posts
    Registered:
    21 May 2019
    21 May 2019

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    Good morning 
    New to Smokers help line 
    14 days today 😊 
13. kate r, quit coach

    

    49 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jan 2019
    21 May 2019 in reply to lucy123

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    Hello laren and lucy123,
    
    Welcome to Smokers' Helpline! Big congratulations laren on 56 days smoke-free and lucy123 to getting to two weeks smoke-free! Such a great accomplishments. Hope things are going really well for you and your quits.
    
    laren, it is quite normal to feel that way as brieffree said. It seems as if reaching those milestones and knowing what you're gaining is motivating for you. If you find the anxiety become overwhelming or taking up much of your day, we would encourage you to connect with a healthcare provider. We would recommend using distractions (and NRT if you're using it) as brieffree suggested, too.
    
    Kate R

    Last modified on 21 May 2019 09:18 by kate r, quit coach
14. efreeman75

    

    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    21 May 2019 in reply to kate r, quit coach

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    Hey laren - big congrats on the 56 days!  Awesome!
    
    Many of us, myself included, experience varying levels of increased anxiety early in our quits.  Personally, my anxiety peaked from about day 60 to 90.  I got through it by continually finding the joy in things and living in the now.  I also attended a couple of Intro CBT classes at my local health unit.  These things helped a lot, but not as much as experiencing the benefits of not smoking.  You've experienced some of those, and you are about to experience many more.  I am at 455 days quit and still regularly, if not daily, remind myself of how happy I am that I have quit.  It is one of the biggest accomplishments in my life.  Be proud of what you are doing.  There is only positive ahead of you. 
    
    Apps and a sense of community are great motivators.  I was at a presentation on Friday and the speaker put up a slide with an African proverb - "If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together."  My thoughts immediately turned to this forum.  We are all here for each other.  Every one of our successes' are to the benefit of us all.
    
    E
    
15. laren

    

    14 posts
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    19 Apr 2019
    30 May 2019

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    Hi! Coaches,
    
    Thank you for your support!!
    
    I'm on to 65th day as of today without smoke!!! Its lovely to be on healthier side & saving few bucks!!! :) ... Never going back even If Death comes!!!
    
    On the other side of the story, i getting sick day by day, Brain fog, Numbness in the hands, legs & neck! Feels weaker, difficult to sleep since few days!! Is it Normal ???
    
    I quit for good!! But wanna know these symptoms related to quitting smoking!??
    
16. laren

    

    14 posts
    Registered:
    19 Apr 2019
    30 May 2019 in reply to linda, quit coach

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    Thank you and love you!!

    Last modified on 30 May 2019 05:02 by laren
17. brieffree

    

    1477 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    30 May 2019

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    Hi Laren
    
    Welcome to helpline. Congrats in 65 Days Smoke free!
    
    Yes, all you feel is just part of your quit! Is totally Normal! Your Body try to Heal it self! As we stay quit, we recover a lot Energy, is a good idea if you go for a walk to distract yourself! or focus in something to get Buzzy. What ever is healthy to you!
    
    Know you Learn How to deal with the cravings, they will go away by no time!
    
    Keep the quit! Enjoy to be Free!
    
18. emily, quit coach

    

    247 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    30 May 2019

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    Hi Laren,
    
    Congrats on your quit!! 65 days is a big accomplishment. 
    
    When it comes to withdrawal symptoms, different people may experience different things and for different periods of time. It sounds like what your are experiencing is concerning you so i would say it never hurts just to check in with your doctor to get their opinion. 
    
    Despite the symptoms you're having it's great to see how motivated you are! 
    
    Emily
    
19. laren

    

    14 posts
    Registered:
    19 Apr 2019
    01 Jun 2019 in reply to emily, quit coach

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    Sure. But what is the specialisation of doctor would be ideal. I'm confused about this.
20. emily, quit coach

    

    247 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    01 Jun 2019

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    Hi Laren,
    
    If you have a family doctor that may be a great place to start. I'm sure they can provide you with a lot of helpful information and discuss any of your concerns.
    
    Hope that helps,
    Emily
21. laren

    

    14 posts
    Registered:
    19 Apr 2019
    11 Jun 2019 in reply to emily, quit coach

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    Hi! Emily,
    
    Thanks for your suggestions! Its been 77th day of non smoking!
    
    I had met my family doctor and followed by Blood tests and visiting specialized doctors. I understood from doctors that I got AutoImmune disease called "Hashimoto Thyroiditis" and under active Thyroid. I'm on medication now. 
    
    Will see how things go on!
    
    Laren
22. efreeman75

    

    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    11 Jun 2019 in reply to laren

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    Hi Laren - way to go on 77 days.  Awesome!  I trust you're experiencing the benefits of not smoking.
    
    And as for your Hashimoto diagnosis, you now have some answers to how you've been feeling.  And you can be proud to pronounce that you are a non-smoker to any follow-up doctor appointments, and that smoking is not a hurdle in your treatment.
    
    Again, congratulations.
    
    E
    
23. laren

    

    14 posts
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    19 Apr 2019
    10 Jul 2019

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    Hey! Guys,
    
    Its been 106 days away from Smoke!!!! feeling great to be away from Smoke.
    
    
    
24. grace, quit coach

    

    22 posts
    Registered:
    13 Jun 2019
    10 Jul 2019 in reply to laren

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    Hi Laren,
    
    Congratulations! Glad you're feeling better now too. Hope you're able to take some time to celebrate your hard work.
    
    Grace
25. atp

    

    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    10 Jul 2019 in reply to laren

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    Laren that is fantastic that you made it past the first 100 days. I bet it feels good to know that you kicked that smoking addiction to the curb. 
    
    It took me probably till around month 4 or 5 where I felt comfortable enough to call myself a non-smoker. What a difference in everything since I quit. Hope you start to see things that way too.  
26. laren

    

    14 posts
    Registered:
    19 Apr 2019
    10 Jul 2019 in reply to atp

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    Hey dude! Exactly.... Its awesome to free from smoker & away from Smoking zone. We may miss/ loose few guys as frds.... but its worth a life though!...... I'm eagerly looking for 6 month mark, so that i start marathon!!! 
27. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    11 Jul 2019

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    Hi laren,
    
    Congratulations on being smoke free for over 100 days!  Now you know what it's like to break away from the addiction and enjoy the freedom that comes with being a non-smoker.  And I think it's terrific that you are planning to do a marathon.  You sure are changing your life for the better.  Way to go!!!
28. efreeman75

    

    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    11 Jul 2019

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    Big fist bump laren!  The climb to success is definitely less steep after the first 100 days.  Continue to enjoy all the benefits of being smoke-free, you deserve it. 
29. elke, quit coach

    

    21 posts
    Registered:
    14 Jun 2019
    11 Jul 2019

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    Hi Laren, 
    
    congratulations on being smoke free for over 100 days. Having passed this milestone does significantly increase your chances of staying smoke free. 
    I love how you have already picked your next milestone to conquer, planning for a marathon! Wow!
    
    Keep up your positive attitude!
    
30. laren

    

    14 posts
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    19 Apr 2019
    02 Aug 2019

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    129th Day :)