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Day 3.5 Cancel

1. bondray

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   03 Jun 2019
   04 Jun 2019

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   I've almost completed Day 4 (by the time I go to bed).  Smoked a pack a day for over 20 years. Quitting because I now have a respiratory specialist.  Got pneumonia and didn't even know I had it (when you already can't breathe you don't notice the difference).  The type I had was abnormal for a 42-year-old.  Amazing what it takes to make the decision whether to be friends with my cigarettes or breathe.   
   Woke up with a terrible craving, and was very cranky so went back to bed and tried to rest until I felt strong enough to face the day.  I made myself oatmeal this morning and wow.  I could taste it.  My taste and smell is returning already.  I can't believe it!  These cravings and withdrawal are kicking my butt, however I see benefits already- I am starting to taste my food; oh how sweet it is. Interesting you don't realize it until it returns.  The coughing is horrid.  I'm exhausted all day.  I was dizzy yesterday. The cravings may last 10 minutes, but they are every 20 minutes.  I remind myself it is no worse than a flu.  We survive illness.  And it is the big bad nicotine monster dying and leaving my body.  
   Word of advice to us "quitters"- try the book by Allen Carr - Easyway.  You're not a quitter.  Try to use positive words.  We are giving up nothing. The book has really helped me understand.  Remember, as soon as you put out your last cigarette- you are a non-smoker :) 
2. steven, quit coach

   

   40 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   04 Jun 2019 in reply to bondray

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   Bondray:
   
   Congratulations on your quit so far! It sounds like you are very determined to stay smoke-free!
   
   It sounds like you are experiencing some common withdrawals as well (coughing, exhaustion, some dizziness). I do like your words of self-encouragement to stay quit ("...no worse than a flu"..."we survive illness"..."it is the big bad nicotine monster dying").
   
   You did mention that you had a "terrible craving" and dealt with it by going back to bed. Are there other things that you have been doing to help get through/deal with cravings and withdrawals? Have you thought about using NRT's (like the patch, gum, spray) to help take the edge off of the cravings and withdrawals?
   
   Glad to hear you are already noticing some positives already from being quit already, that is great! Remember, these cravings/urges/withdrawals will become less frequent and weaker (the "nicotine monster dying and leaving") and you will become stronger the longer you stay quit!
   
   Keep up the great work! If you need additional support or have any other questions, feel free to give us a call at Smokers' Helpline 1-877-513-5333.
   
   You got this Bondray!
   
   -Steven (Quit Coach)
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   04 Jun 2019

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   Hi bondray,
   
   Congratulations on your 4 smoke free days!
   
   You're right.  Sometimes we need a kick in the pants before we decide to quit.  In your case, it was pneumonia.  But at least you heeded the warning.  Someone I know had severe pneumonia, but despite her struggle to breathe, she lit up a cigarette as soon as she was able to.  And someone else I know just passed away from COPD brought on by smoking.  At the end of her life, she couldn't even get out of bed.  One wonders, is it really worth it?
   
   I know that cravings are hard to deal with.  I used to sleep as much as I could, because when I was asleep, I didn't crave.  When I was awake, I would wait 10 minutes increments until it passed, and I would do my best to distract myself.  So I would read a good book, play computer games, go for a walk, or try a new recipe.  Anything to keep my mind off of it.  And I would drink a lot of water.
   
   While coughing can be annoying, it is a really good sign.  It means your lungs are working hard to clear themselves out.  And ironically, you may be dizzy because your body is not used to getting so much oxygen!  So really, it's all good.
   
   I love your positive self-talk.  That's the spirit!  Keep focussing on all the good you are doing your body.  And remember.  You are stronger than your addiction.