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1. susanm

   

   71 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   10 Feb 2022

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   Hi all,
   
   I'm back, lol. I quit four years ago before knee surgery. It only lasted until about 6 months after my surgery. I tried a couple of times after that but, it never stuck. I am determined this time to make it last. 
   
   I quit on Jan. 31 this year and while I have had a couple since then I have not bought anymore. I am using the patch and trying to use the mints. I don't really like the taste or feel of the mints but, when I get a bad craving where nothing else works I will try again.
   
   I am also working with a doctor who used to be a quit coach. We are meeting online once a week and I can email her anytime I need to and she will call or email me back.
   
   I have found some online exercises which I hope will help and trying to drink lots of water. Although, I'm not a big water drinker. I am looking forward to all the support I can get here as well. 
   
   Glad to be back and determined to finally quit for good!
   
   Susan
   
   
2. kritter

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   13 Jan 2022
   11 Feb 2022 in reply to susanm

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   Hey Susan!
   congratulations!  I guess I’m kind of in the same boat. I have quit numerous times with my longest quit being about 6 years. Hard to believe I ever went back after that long. But for me the challenge is that even after 6 years I continued to have cravings or urges.  I quit in February of 2020 just before COVID but got stressed after 5 months and started again. I quit again on the 11th of January. Had my last 2 smokes and so far so good. This is the first time I’ve used support like this. I’ve not really had too many bad days but I did use text support one day and it was a blessing. I know I would have had one that day if not for that. My first 2 weeks this time I cried non stop. I wasn’t craving but the withdrawals were awful. I have continued to go out with my smoking friends because I don’t want to isolate myself from my social time. Weird enough it doesn’t bother me or make me want one. I just chew my nicorette gum instead. I’m determined just like you to make it stick this time. I wish you well on this journey!  I just keep reminding myself what it feels like when I do smoke and I am thankful I signed in this group. I know it’s what’s going to get me through this time. Cheers to being smoke free!
   
   Kritter
3. susanm

   

   71 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   11 Feb 2022 in reply to kritter

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   Hi Kritter,
   Thanks for replying. Congratulations on being smoke free again! We can do this!!
   I'm not really going anywhere as I have mobility issues and getting around outside isn't easy with the snow. Thankfully, this is also keeping me away from stores when the cravings get bad.
   Good luck in your journey to a smoke free life!
   Susan
4. kritter

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   13 Jan 2022
   12 Feb 2022 in reply to susanm

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   I’m really rooting for you!  You are right we CAN do this.  My trigger is social events and stress.  For years I mainly smoked if I was out socializing so it’s tough when I’m out but like you I’m not going anywhere these days which has been helpful.  Just gonna take it one day at a time
5. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   16 Feb 2022

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   Hi Susan and Kritter,
   
   Congrats to you both for deciding to quit!
   
   You both have solid plans in place, and you are both very committed.  That is more than half the battle.  Just remember NOPE (Not One Puff Ever).  If you never take that first puff, you will be a non-smoker forever.
6. tonys

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   05 Sep 2021
   21 Feb 2022 in reply to treepeo1

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   I gotta remember that NOPE. I caved and stole a smoke first then bought a pack.
   but I’m back at it.
   so. Feb 20 was my birthday and I made it through that, so I’m on dat 2 and it’s not too bad so far.
7. susanm

   

   71 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   25 Feb 2022 in reply to treepeo1

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   Thanks Treepeo1! I appreciate the support! The last few days have been hard but, I'm doing it!
8. susanm

   

   71 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   25 Feb 2022 in reply to tonys

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   Hi Tonys, you can do it! My grandson turned 20 on the 20th of Feb. It was not an easy day for me. But, I am now on day 25. The past few days have been harder than some of the others but, I have lots to keep me busy and my patches and lozenges.
    You can do this and so can I as long as we are determined and support each other.
9. dublinguy

   

   349 posts
   Registered:
   09 Dec 2021
   01 Mar 2022

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   Well done on committing to a new quit. Read up on here and post post post. Ive been on here since early December 2021 and have posted nearly everyday since. It really helps to write out what you are feeling and then getting responses back and encouragement. Some great posts on here to find inspiration from and the advice from people further along in their quits really helps a lot.
10. susanm

    

    71 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jul 2018
    22 Mar 2022 in reply to dublinguy

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    Thanks Dublinguy!! I'm on day 50 and feeling good. I did slip this past weekend. I bummed a smoke off a friend :(  I did't enjoy it at all and put it out pretty quickly. I have been working with a quit coach weekly and reading posts on here. I have read most of your journey which helped as well. Thank you for sharing your journey with us every day.
11. dublinguy

    

    349 posts
    Registered:
    09 Dec 2021
    23 Mar 2022 in reply to susanm

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    Hi Susanm... well done on your 50 days. You're well into it so just keep on going. Don't be too hard on yourself over the slip... least you know now you are not missing anything. Even now 107 days in, I get the odd thought that I'd love to light up but I know it would taste rotten and I would get nothing from it only disappointment and feeling like I'm right back at day 1.
    I'm glad you enjoyed my thread. Its a bit long at this stage cos as I said, I posted to it nearly everyday as part of my program. Im finding now that I have nothing to say so Im looking around the forums at old threads. Some really inspiring people on here. I love seeing people further along their journies than us cos it reminds me that this quitting business is possible... you just really have to want it.
    I hope you are finding the patches helpful. I did the 10 week program and they worked very well. I used the mist as well and now Im finding Im using that a lot more than I did at the start.... but Im planning to stop buying them once I hit 4 months.
12. susanm

    

    71 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jul 2018
    23 Mar 2022 in reply to dublinguy

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    Hi Dublinguy, the patches are working well for me. I wasn't a heavy smoker so I was started at step 2. I have two more to go then I go to step 3.  I have actually forgotten to put them on a few times but not had cravings until after supper. I do have thoughts of wanting a smoke but, I have been doing a lot of colouring to distract me. I have also joined a quit group on Facebook for the extra support and I have a doctor working with me as my quit coach. 
    
    We can do this!!