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1. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   06 Jun 2018

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   Hi Susan,
   
   Welcome to the forums. You can do this! I hope you will stay in touch here and let us know your progress.
   
   Eagerquit
   
2. alikison

   

   15 posts
   Registered:
   06 May 2018
   06 Jun 2018 in reply to treepeo

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   Thanks treepeo.  I really like that acronym for NOPE, not one puff ever.  
3. valerie, quit coach

   

   46 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   06 Jun 2018 in reply to susanyw

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   Welcome to the community forum,
   Congratulations Susan for going ahead with your quit!
   
   It is normal to experience urges and cravings while using a Nicotine Replacement. What are some other strategies you are using to help you through those difficult periods? Have you considered or spoken to a health care provider/pharmacist about using the patch in combination with another NRT? 
   
   If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to a Quit Coach at Smokers' Helpline (1-877-513-5333) or the members here. 
   
   Looking forward to hear from you soon.
   
   All the best and take it one day at a time. 
   
   Valerie
4. alikison

   

   15 posts
   Registered:
   06 May 2018
   18 Jun 2018

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   Okay so I've done it.   I quit June 1.   I forgot to put the patch on about a week ago, and seem to be doing okay.   Occassional urge now and then.  I did give in one evening while out with friends for drinks and such.  Took a puff and nearly threw up, just stood there and let the rest of it burn.   
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   19 Jun 2018

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   Hi alikison,
   
   Good for you for all your smoke free days!  Way to go!
   
   You will experience cravings at times, so you have to be prepared for them.  Try to distract yourself when they hit, and drink lots of water.  You will find that over time, your cravings won't come as often, and they won't last as long.
   
   Keep the quit, alikison.  You are doing great!
6. lillian, quit coach

   

   216 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   19 Jun 2018 in reply to alikison

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   Hi alikison!
   
   That is wonderful. Congratulations on quitting June 1st! You are doing it!
   
   Obviously, cigarettes aren't appealing to your body alikison, look at that reaction.
   
   Eventually the cravings and urges will subside, even the ones when you are out with friends having a few drinks. As Treepeo suggests, use distraction and water, I of course encourage the deep breathing too and you will remain a non-smoker!
   
   Congratulations, you've worked so hard to achieve this!
   Lillian
   
7. alikison

   

   15 posts
   Registered:
   06 May 2018
   28 Jun 2018 in reply to lillian, quit coach

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   I thought once I was quit for that whole week, that that was it, that I'd be good, be a non-smoker, thought I'd be happy, and feel healthier.   I'm still having slips here and there, and starting to have more.  I think it's my mood, seem depressed, and the fact I've gained what feels like quite a bit of weight even though it's only about 10 lbs.  I am eating Doritos and Chocolate each night after work.   Or I'm eating the Tim Bits at work, and after.    I did cut up veggies and make dip, but it's just sitting there rotting again.  I am trying to drink some decaf green tea when I get home, I'm brewing it then putting it in the fridge for something cold after work, I used to have a beer or two, but shouldn't really be doing that anymore either.    Also it's hard to be out with the neighbours/friends out front of the building, hanging out, and to not have one.   I've stopped buying them, but I'm bumming them off them, and I want to visit, and hang out in the sun too.   I shouldn't have to avoid them altogether.   I haven't been using any NRT anymore, and I don't want to.  I don't want to use the lozenge or gum anymore, and I don't want to go back on the patch.   I've been off the patch since June 7, was on it since May 5th.  I quit for a whole week June 1 to 7th, slipped up June 9th when out for drinks, felt sick from the smoke, and thought yup that's it I'm done, and I was for a bit.  Until about June 17th.   I guess June 1 to the 7th I was really focused on the Quit Contest, so that was incentive, it was hard but I did it, and I did have to use the gum and lozenge, so maybe I'm just being stubborn, and causing myself more  misery?    I also stopped logging if I had a smoke or not, maybe need to do that again to see how many I am having, and when, and why?   I'm also a Type 1 Diabetic which is part of why I wanted to quit.   I was hoping to feel better, happier, and healthier, but I'm not.   From what I understood smoking causes insulin resistance, so I was hoping to see better sugar levels, but not so much because now I'm eating all the crap, where as before I'd be smoking I guess.   Okay ramble done, going back to bed, I'm tired.  
8. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   28 Jun 2018

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   Hi Alikison,
   
   The quit journey is a difficult one for everyone who sets out on it. We are trying to break an addiction we practiced for years. That takes planning, courage and fortitude. There are times when the cravings seem overwhelming, but I found they always pass as long as I am patient. I relied on NRT lozenges and gum for more than three months to help me through those difficult times. I also sucked on a lot of small candies and chewed a lot of gum. Don't get discouraged if the progress is not immediately visible. Each day off of smoking gives the body a chance to heal a little more until the cumulative effect becomes quite noticible as the weeks pass. Stick with it and the medical rewards are amazing. For instance my blood pressure went from high to optimal. Your diabetes is an important reason to stay quit.
   
   Don't be discouraged. Use the smokers hotline number for those difficult moments 1-877-513-5333 and think of the major benefits that will be coming your way!
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
   
9. lillian, quit coach

   

   216 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   28 Jun 2018

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   Hi Alikison,
   
   You are going through so much discomfort and I am so sorry to hear about it. I sincerely hope this gets better really soon for you!
   
   Like Eagerquit, I just want to share that as overwhelming as this feels eventually it will pass. I do understand that right now, it just doesn't feel that way for you.
   
   It seems like there is a combination of things going on: disappointment, cravings and depression.
   
   You didn't mention if you've talked to your doctor about the depressed mood?
   
   It is a common withdrawal symptom but it should subside and go away between week 2 and 4 of a quit. If it persists, it may be good to check and see if anything else is contributing. Of course there are other options aside from prescriptions in coping so please don't hesitate in discussing it with your doctor.
   
   As eager touched on too, most Nrt programs like the patch etc are meant for 3 months duration. It gives you the best possible chance in keeping your quit and some actually use it longer(of course you make sure that is okay for you by speaking with your doctor about longer use).
   
   These slips and the intense discomfort alikison, they are definite signs for you to change your approach in some way.
   
   Give some thought as to what you've found helpful (keeping busy, a certain friend, walking?). Also with the NRT, it seems while you were using it you did have more success? Was one type of NRT more appealing than the others? Even if something helped only for a few minutes note it down.  That list of options will lead you to a better approach that works for you.
   
   I hope you are feeling more rested, more able to consider things and when you can, get back to us and let us share in on your decisions...
   
   Take Care alikison!
   Lillian
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    28 Jun 2018

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    Hi alikison.
    
    I am sorry that you are struggling.  
    
    It sounds like you are developing some really unhealthy patterns, what with the junk food, and joining others for a smoke.  Somehow, you have to figure out a way to turn that around.  In addition, I think your expectations were unrealistic.  You don't become a non-smoker after one week, and you don't really notice the benefits that fast, either.  It would be great if it only took a week to undo a lifetime of bad habits, but unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
    
    Is it possible for you to avoid triggers for the next little while?  Are there people you can hang out with outside who don't smoke?  Can you change up some of your routines?
    
    You know yourself best, alikison.  Give some thought to how you can make positive changes in your life that will complement you quitting smoking.  It will definitely involve some sacrifice, but the end result will be worth it.  The most important thing is not to give up.  You can quit successfully, alikison.  Believe in yourself.