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Quit for three weeks but do not feel good at all Cancel

1. sadsack

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   14 Feb 2019
   13 Feb 2019

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   Hello everyone.  I just wanted to bounce this off of you guys.  I have smoked from the age of 15 to 45 and I quit smoking exactly 3 weeks ago to the day as well as all caffeine, was a huge coffee drinker for years too,  because of my blood pressure and any caffeine would also make me want to smoke. 
   
   So, I'm not really craving cigarettes but I am still feeling really heady and out of it.  I'm definitely feeling depressed and unenergetic and my brain just isn't functioning well.  Like I can't process things like usual and have trouble concentrating.  I'm having trouble feeling like I can't get a good breath even though I'm breathing well, especially when standing.  It feels like my brain isn't getting the blood or oxygen or something.  I went to the doctor and had blood taken and a heart and lung exam and I'm fine except for some elevated blood pressure that has improved now that I quit and slightly low magnesium. 
   
   Another thing is that I have had absolutely no mucous coming up.  I never really had much mucus before I quit either but from what I understand my lungs are supposed to be cleaning themselves.  I coughed up one bit of the dark dirty looking mucus all smokers are probably familiar with in the shower like 2 days after quitting but that was it.  Could my lungs be so packed with crap that its not even budging?  I smoked a lot of pot through the years as well as cigarettes so I cant imagine my lungs are just clean as a whistle.  The doc did say they sounded good and I had a chest x-ray so I don't know.  I never smoked in the house so I never sat in it so maybe that helped. 
   
   Does any of this sound normal to anyone?  Any input would be so greatly appreciated.
   
   Thanks
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Feb 2019 in reply to sadsack

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   Way to go, sadsack, with quitting smoking and caffeine at the same time! 
   
   You kind of took a double whammy as both have withdrawal symptoms that can affect your mood, sleep and concentration. The good news is that you are likely through the physical withdrawal, and now your body is fighting you tooth and nail to resist the new 'normal'. 
   
   I too had a feeling of 'shortness' of breath, or tightness, in the chest for long periods in the first few weeks. I ascribe that to cravings, as i still get that odd feeling from time to time now. 
   
   The feeling of 'being out of it' and lack of concentration, being tired, etc. were all there for me in the first 2-3 weeks and then started to really improve. 
3. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   14 Feb 2019

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   Hi sadsack
   
   Congrats in your quit!
   
   All  you feel is just part of the quit! As far you are smoke free!, your mind and body started to heal it self. You need to eat healthy and distract yourself!
   
   As well you do, pay attention to your body and give it what it needs, nothing else!
   Be nice with yourself, regard yourself for a good job!
   
   Enjoy to be free! Get buzzy, in something wile those feeling comes, they will go away.....
   
   You are doing great!
   One day at the time! Never give  up!  
   
   
   
4. sadsack

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   14 Feb 2019
   14 Feb 2019 in reply to atp

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   Thanks for the encouragement!  I'm trying to be positive.  Congratulations to you for your quit!
   
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Feb 2019 in reply to sadsack

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   Hi sadsack,
   
   I just have to say that your name alone makes me want to give you a hug!  Cheer up, it will get better, you'll see.
   
   Withdrawal does crazy things to us.  A lot of us felt spacy for a good long while.  And it's probably way worse for you as you gave up caffeine as well.  I gotta say, that's Commitment!  Kudos to you.
   
   I have no idea why you aren't getting up more mucous.  That was a never-ending issue for me for the whole first year I quit.  But I wouldn't worry about it. We're all different.  And the doctor already checked you and said things sounded fine, so no need to stress about it.  I guess if something needs to come out, it will come out when it's ready.
   
   The most important thing at this point is that you stick with your quit no matter what.  You have come this far, keep it going.  You may not feel that well now, but trust me, your body is going to love you for quitting.  See how you feel in a few days.  You might just find that you have turned a corner.  Eventually, you will feel like yourself again, only way better.  And then you can start to celebrate this awesome accomplishment.
   
6. merline, quit coach

   

   124 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   14 Feb 2019 in reply to sadsack

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   Hi sadsack,
   
   First of all congrats for staying smoke-free and I'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through this.
   
   Please note that withdrawal usually starts a few hours after you stop and may peak in 2 or 3 days. You should begin to feel better after that. Some people get through it quickly, while for others it can take longer. Withdrawal may feel bad but it means that your body and mind are repairing themselves. Unfortunately sometimes this can be painful but the health benefits are coming!
   
   Remember, most symptoms will go away in a while. If your symptoms persist for a long time then continue to see your Doctor.
   
   Of course, if you have any questions, you can call a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free)
   
   Best Regards,