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1. courage7385

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   11 Jan 2018
   10 Jan 2018

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   Hello everyone, new to this forum. I am 4 days smoke free. I began my journey by cutting down significantly. The end of December with the help of the patch I cut down from 12/day to 2/day. And then 4 days ago when my pack ran out I cut it out completely. I stopped taking the patch after this too because I honestly hated it. It was uncomfortable
   anywhere on my body and I had to use medical tape to keep it sticking, the only place where it felt comfortable to wear was on my shoulder but it hurt (like I just got a needle or shot) in my arm and it caused the whole arm to ache.
   
   anyways, it has been hard but I’m bearing through the cravings and trying to keep busy, but when do the big cravings and thoughts of I really need a smoke end??!!!
2. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   10 Jan 2018

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   Hi Courage,
   
   First of all, let me congratulate you for deciding to quit.  Good for you!  Your name is perfect, because it takes guts to quit, and I admire everyone who takes the plunge.
   
   Cravings come and go.  Unfortunately, you are right in the thick of it right now.  To be honest, I found the first month a real challenge.  I got some wicked cravings, and I counted off 10 minute increments a lot, just to get through them.  I also did things to distract myself, like playing computer games, reading, or going out for walks.  And of course, I drank lots of water (and I still do).
   
   At some point, you just have to tough it out.  You have to be stronger and more stubborn than your addiction. 
   
   Courage,  you have made it this far, and you can make it to the end.  Don't let this addiction defeat you.  Fight back!  Keep telling yourself that you will not give in, that you will not cave.  Remind yourself why you wanted to quit, and keep going over all of the benefits of quitting in your head.  You can do this, Courage.  Keep the quit!
   
3. suzieq324

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   01 Jan 2018
   10 Jan 2018 in reply to courage7385

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   Congratulations Courage, you're giving yourself a major gift and anything worth something won't be easy.  Expect the challenging times, consult your list of reasons for quitting and distraction strategies and don't worry about the future too much.  All  you can do is live in the moment and take everything as it comes.    With time it will improve, you can beat the beast!
4. lillian, quit coach

   

   216 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   11 Jan 2018

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   Hello everyone,
   
   Courage, congratulations on doing this! Every body is unique and how long it takes for cravings, withdrawal to work through your system really varies. Many people will notice that either on day 2 or 3 of a quit, the cravings become quite intense. After that day, they will notice a shift for the better that continues every day after that.  As for withdrawal symptoms, for example increase in appetite or fatigue, those can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
   
   However, keep in mind every body is unique. The most important thing to hold onto: it does ease up and as suzieq shared, you can do this!
   
   Deep breaths,
   Lillian

5. courage7385

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   11 Jan 2018
   11 Jan 2018

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   Well 5 days down, although I admit on day 3 I had 2 puffs of a cig, funny though I hated it. So maybe im only on day 2... I don’t know. The withdrawl symptoms are the worst, I have severe insomnia and chest pain, tingling/soreness in my arms and hands which happens to strike a bedtime.and seems to be linked with the insomnia. I wouldn’t say I have intense cravings, I actually don’t have much of a desire to smoke, but I can tell my body is not physically liking the fact that it is now deprived of nicotine. I am a bit moodier and so sleepy, but I seem to be handling the emotional/mental issues the best, the physical
   withdrawl not so much. 
   

   Last modified on 11 Jan 2018 18:00 by courage7385
6. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   11 Jan 2018

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   Hi Courage,
   
   To my mind, you are on Day 5.  Those two little puffs don't count, because they went no further.
   
   I can relate to your insomnia.  When I first quit, I could fall asleep alright.  I just couldn't stay asleep.  I woke up 2 or 3 times a night for the first month.  So what I did was I had naps whenever I could.  You don't crave when you are sleeping.  And I found that after a nap, I felt mentally refreshed and therefore stronger and better able to fight those cravings. 
   
   Hang in there, Courage.  You are doing great.  Just keep telling yourself that you are really sticking to your guns this time, and you won't give in.  I know it's tough right now, but in the end, it is all worth it.  Trust me.  You will be far happier as a non-smoker.
   
7. courage7385

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   11 Jan 2018
   12 Jan 2018

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   Day 6 and feeling so much better from the withdrawl symptoms, got a half decent nights sleep and the pains etc seem to be diminishing. Feeling good and proud of myself!!!!
8. ocean

   

   286 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   12 Jan 2018 in reply to courage7385

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   Way to go Courage,
   Getting through those couple of days has given you the gift of confidence.  You got though it!  And if need be you'll get through it again.  What's that old quote?  The only way through something is to go through it, not around it?
9. courage7385

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   11 Jan 2018
   13 Jan 2018

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   7 days! 7 days! I have made it a whole week!!!!!
10. brieffree

    

    1477 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2018 in reply to courage7385

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    Courage7385
    
    Congrats in 7 smoke free day's, you can do it!
    
    Celebrate with something nice to you!
    
    Congrats 7 times!
    
11. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2018

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    Hey Courage,
    
    Way to go!  You made it through hell week!  Yippee!
    
    This is a really big deal, Courage, so do something nice for yourself.  Celebrate your great achievement!  And keep up the good work.  On to Week 2!
    
12. jennifer, quit coach

    

    103 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2018 in reply to courage7385

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    Good Evening courage,
    
    Awesome job making it through those first 7 days!
    
    Congratulations! 
    
    Any favourite strategies that worked for you this week? Any thing that you need to keep an eye on this coming week?
    
    Keep up the good work and keep us posted!
    
    
13. courage7385

    

    6 posts
    Registered:
    11 Jan 2018
    13 Jan 2018 in reply to jennifer, quit coach

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    Thank you :) just kept taking it 1 day at a time, keeping my reasons for quitting constantly in my mind, my kids mostly, and constantly telling myself I was stronger then my addiction. Staying busy helped too! The hardest part was getting through the withdrawl. 
14. courage7385

    

    6 posts
    Registered:
    11 Jan 2018
    13 Jan 2018 in reply to treepeo

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    Thanks! I think I might splurge on a new winter coat! One that doesn’t have a smelly ( even after being washed) and a burn hole reminder of smoking 
15. treepeo

    

    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2018

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    Yeah, that's one thing I definitely don't miss.  Those rogue bits that fall off and burn your clothes.
    
    You are going to love washing your clothes, and knowing that they will never stink of smoke again.  I live in an apartment so I smoked inside.  And the smoke got into everything, even if stuff was wrapped in plastic.  Now, my clothes always pass the "sniff" test!
    
    Happy shopping!
    
16. suzieq324

    

    5 posts
    Registered:
    01 Jan 2018
    15 Jan 2018 in reply to courage7385

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    Congrats on your amazing progress so far.  Keep going...one day at a time.
17. percey

    

    4 posts
    Registered:
    23 Dec 2017
    15 Jan 2018 in reply to courage7385

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    Hi there
    
    I am new to the forum as well.  I am 3 weeks smoke free.  I am taking Champix which is really helping with the cravings.  I think the physical withdrawl gets easier - it is the other issues which I need to continue to work on.
    Hang in there
18. marianne, quit coach

    

    278 posts
    Registered:
    30 Nov 2017
    15 Jan 2018

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    Welcome Percey and congratulations on your 3 week progress!  And good to hear that champix is working so well for you.  
    
    Feel free to share the triggers you are working on.  Any distractions so far working for you?  
    
    All the best on your journey and here for you along the way.  
    
    Marianne