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Need to Succeed!!!!!! 35 years of smoking is killing me Cancel

1. rhonda louise

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   13 Apr 2018
   13 Apr 2018

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   You know how they say, sometimes, BAD things have to happen before we make changes for the good. Well this is me now, Had my bottom left molar removed last Thurs. Sat. night fainted in my bathroom & smashed my head off of the doorway.. Hubby called ambulance, I have suffered stage 4 concussion... All because, I was told by the dentist , don't smoke!! I didn't listen.  Easier said than done, when you have smoked for as long as I have...Now, for the past 6 days, I haven't smoked one smoke.... I am afraid, after what I just went through... I am petrified,  that I will fail once the cravings come back!! Keeping my fingers crossed and relying on support from you all.

   Last modified on 13 Apr 2018 12:31 by rhonda louise
2. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   13 Apr 2018

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   Oh my goodness, Rhonda louise, so sorry to hear of your injury, and hope you are on the mend!
   There is a light at the end of this tunnel - after all,  you have been quit for six days! way to go! What is working well for you? Any distractions/hobbies/interests to keep you busy while you heal? and are you using any cessation products, or did you go cold turkey?
   We are all rooting for you, hoping you get well, and cheering you on as you take this quit one day at a time.
   Warm regards,
   Sarah
3. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   13 Apr 2018

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   Hi Rhonda Louise,
   
   That surely is a bad experience. Welcome to the smokers help line forums. I too was hospitalized as a result of smoking. It is a very scary experience. Congratulations on six days smoke free. That is an excellent start. I use the four D's to help me with my quit:
   
   Delay. The urge will pass whether you smoke or not.
   Deep breathe.
   Drink water.
   Do something to take your mind off smoking.
   
   I hope this helps and that you will stay in touch with the forums.
   
   Eagerquit
   
4. rhonda louise

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   13 Apr 2018
   13 Apr 2018 in reply to sarah, quit coach

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   Thank you so much Sarah & Eagerquit for your support, much needed.
   yes I am feeling much better! I quit cold turkey... I am using the 4D's... Plus, when I have the urge to smoke, I bring myself back to that horrific night.  I have finally promised to love myself for a change, I tell myself , that I am important and people need me here, healthy and happy, not feeling sick and coughing all the time. I have tried in the past to quit, but I have never even made it past the first day, and I cave... I keep telling myself, are you really going to let a disgusting, smelly, dirty cigarette run your life...I am tired of feeling uncomfortable when I go out with the girls, I am the only one who smokes and smells awful..  I just hope, I can continue to battle this devil!!! it really can get the best of you!!

   Last modified on 13 Apr 2018 20:56 by rhonda louise
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Apr 2018

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   Hi Rhonda Louise,
   
   I hear you!  I smoked for 43 years and didn't really think I could quit.  I made half-hearted efforts, but like you, I didn't make it past a day, if even that.  In my heart, I wasn't ready to quit.  I also get what you mean about going out with the girls.  I ended up being the only one who smoked, and it was terribly embarrassing.  I found it could also be dangerous, in that I would be out on the street by myself huddled in a doorway so I could get my fix.  Anything could have happened to me, but I was willing to risk it because of my addiction.  Pretty pathetic, eh?
   
   Finally, I said enough is enough.  I got serious and I decided to quit.  Like you, I quit cold turkey.  But even though I didn't use NRTs, I had SHO.  This site gave me tools to help me quit, and the support I needed.  All of that, combined with determination and sheer grit, made my dreams come true.  I have now been a non-smoker for 15 months.
   
   You are not alone, Rhonda Louise.  You can do this, one day at a time.  It won't be easy, but it WILL be worth it.  That I can promise you.  We are all battling this addiction, and together we can be successful.  Lean on us, and we will lean on you.  And keep cherishing yourself.  You deserve to live a smoke free life, and you can do it.  Believe in yourself, and keep posting.  We will kick butt together!
6. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   14 Apr 2018

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   Hi Rhonda Louise,
   
   I know what it is to be the odd person out. None of my friends or family smoke now. I was the last hold out. I was going for hours without smoking and feeling the withdrawal while I was in their company then afterwards smoked like a chimney! It seems ironic that I used to smoke to fit in and then I had to not smoke to fit in.
   
   Quitting for these past five weeks has been an immense challenge. The cravings have crept up from time to time but then always pass. I have not allowed the addiction to dictate my day for me since early March!
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
7. rhonda louise

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   13 Apr 2018
   14 Apr 2018

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   A quote for the day!
   
   You've always had the power my dear,
   You just had to learn it for yourself!!