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1. sunny

   

   3 posts
   Registered:
   19 Jan 2018
   19 Jan 2018

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   Hi fellow supporters, cheerleaders and champions! I am def going to need some support.i am 42 and have been smoking since I was 15. Ugh. I have tried so many times to quit and failed. My life especially for the last 15 years has been very conducive for my terrible habit. I work from home at my desk so that is really my worst trigger. I sit and smoke in my home office. I finally made today my quit day because I cud no longer breath. It is ruining my health and my skin. I’m scared to go to the doctor. My chest has been really tight and I have been wheezing a lot and shortness of breath and dizzy sometimes. I want to live a healthy life and hopefully my body can rejuvenate and heal. I need support with my triggers which are everything because I have smoked a Pack a day forever. Let me know how you all are doing and insights, tips etc greatly appreciated! 
   
2. jarekg

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   03 Jan 2018
   19 Jan 2018 in reply to sunny

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   Hi sunny,
   
   I definitely know how you feel. I don't work from home but at work I don't have define breaks or lunches so I can go for a smoke anytime I want (it's almost like working from home ;) ).
   What you should do is move your most used tools to a different room/location (I ask my team lead to move me to different desk).
   Get a gum (I use 4mg), it takes used to it but after few you get the hang of it (follow the instructions).
   Pick a reason you want to smoke (financial didn't work for me before) and think about it every time you have a urge to smoke. Go for a small walk and follow some of the instructions that you can find on this site. And you definitely should go to see a doctor and have a check-up.
   
   My back story, I'm almost 50 smoke since I was 11 (ya I know we all do some stupid stuff when we are young). I was trying to quitting about 5 times before with one being about a year (rest no more then 3-4 months).
   I'm trying to quit this time since Jan 02,2018 (saying trying cause even though I have not have smoke since then I'm on patch and gum,,,so I have not quit yet).
   And believe in yourself, you can do it. And if you need quitter buddy, let me know.
   Good luck.
   
3. sunny

   

   3 posts
   Registered:
   19 Jan 2018
   19 Jan 2018 in reply to jarekg

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   Thanks so much! I have been changing up everything this morning. I have tried so many times too. This has to be the one. I just keep reminding my self of my health and seriously the vanity of my skin. Its starting to show! I will keep you posted how today goes. I have basically just cleaned out and aired out my home office and burning candles and incense to fumigate. I need to book a doctors appt. I am going to make one for next week.  I am going at this cold turkey. I have tried the gum patch etc in past. Doesn't work just gives me heart palpitations. and i don't want to start with the vape because then i am just substituting one thing for another. I will keep you posted! 
4. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   19 Jan 2018

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   Hello Sunny,
   
   Congratulations on this important decision you have made- you have strong motivation.  Making those changes in your space will certainly make a difference.  And seeing your doctor is a great step. 
   
   Anything else you feel you want to change whether it be tangible or a mindset?  
   
   Please keep us posted on your progress.  Looking forward to hearing more from you as you pursue further.  There is amazing support here from our members- Jarekg's back story and own pursuit is an encouragement.  
   
   
   Best Wishes!
   
   Marianne
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   19 Jan 2018

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   Hi Sunny,
   
   I get where you're coming from.  I smoked for over 43 years.  My breathing was terrible.  With the slightest exertion, my heart would pound.  It was really scary, and embarrassing, too.  I tried to hide it from other people, but I knew I was in really rough shape.  And I knew it was time for a change.
   
   I quit cold turkey on December 29, 2017.  How did I do it?  I read the milestones on this site.  I tried to keep myself distracted.  I drank lots of water.  I reminded myself over and over all the reasons why I wanted to quit.  I came on this site several times a day for support.  And I fought like hell to be stronger than my addiction.
   
   Sunny, you already know that quitting isn't a picnic.  But there comes a time when  you just have to grit your teeth and bear it.  Look at it this way.  Isn't it better to quit because it is your decision to quit, rather than to be forced to quit because you develop a serious illness?  Quitting is a choice, and we either go for it or we don't.
   
   If you quit, your body will definitely start to heal.  The difference in my breathing is like night and day.  Seriously.  I can climb a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing.  My voice is stronger, because I am actually getting more breath into my body.  I have more energy.  There is a pep in my step that wasn't there before.  And now I have peace of mind.  I didn't fully realize how the stigma of being a smoker was affecting me.  That monkey is now off my back, and I feel free.
   
   Give it a shot, Sunny.  Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do for yourself.  And know that you can do it.  Believe in yourself.
   
6. sunny

   

   3 posts
   Registered:
   19 Jan 2018
   21 Jan 2018 in reply to treepeo

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   Thank Treepeo! 
   I feel like a turkey! I totally messed up last night. Went out with our friends and had some drinks and as soon as someone was smoking I caved. Granted I didn’t chain smoke but I had a couple. Today instead of beating myself up about it I just forgave myself and continued on. I will say though another 20 affirmations popped up all over the house today on different coloured post it’s! I am healthy. I am a non smoker. I am grateful for my health. So I am now back on track!I think though I am going to have to avoid alcohol for a while because it’s definitely a trigger and I have no will power after one drink with smoking.
   I am so happy I found this online support. I’m so not a poster but this has been so great. I love everyone stories and support. Thank you!
   
   I realky hope hope this monkey stays off my back. It’s a choice you are 100 percent right. Thank you! 
   
   
7. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   22 Jan 2018

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   Hey Sunny,
   
   I so understand what you went through.  Alcohol is a trigger for lots of us.  There is nothing like a drink and a smoke!  Or is there?
   
   This may sound dumb, but when I first quit, I had a carton of cigs at home, with my pack right in front of me where I could see it.  I decided that I would put all of my temptations in front of me right off the bat, so that if I slipped, it wouldn't be too far into my quit.  So there were my smokes.  I also drank alcohol and coffee.  Yeah, the pull was there.  But surprising for me, my greatest pull was food.  I wanted a cig after every meal, even if it was just a little snack.  I had no idea that would be the hardest trigger to fight against.
   
   We are all different, Sunny, and yet the same.  I am glad you are giving yourself a break.  Quitting is not easy, and it is definitely a learning process.  You still want to quit, and that is the main thing.  You will get there, of that I have no doubt.
   
   You are stronger than your addiction, Sunny.  You can kick butt.  Just grit your teeth and tell yourself you are not going to cave.  Do something amazing for yourself!  You are sooo worth it!