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1. manderson4

   

   187 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   05 Feb 2018

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   After a extremely stressful start to the year I am back on track and stronger than the last time I tried.  I still have 12 weeks of NRT support and I am taking full advanatage of it.  I am currently on day 5, using 28mg of patches and stepping down to 21 today.  I am using 2 sprays a week for the quick boost.  Have a great smoke free day everyone.
2. manderson4

   

   187 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   05 Feb 2018 in reply to manderson4

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   When ever I started a quit in the past I have always had a few cigarrettes around.  This time I gave them all away.  Asked people not to give me a cigarrette and picked up some other options like fruit and vegetables and lots of sharpies.  Sometimes I get the odd thought of just have 1 no one will know, or you know you want one, I have used these times to do a few sit-ups and I am reaching for the spray.  Through the help of one of my friends I went out and bought my reward on Friday a new to me bicycle that has been completely set up and tuned up so I wont have any of the problems I had with the other one.  I still have that bike and I will use it for appointments and winter riding.
3. jennifer, quit coach

   

   103 posts
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   29 Nov 2017
   05 Feb 2018 in reply to manderson4

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   Good Morning Manderson,
   
   Great to see you back so prepared to quit, having the NRT ready to go, a plan for cravings and asking people not to give you a cigarette are all awesome components of a successful quit plan!
   
   Kudos to you for the winter riding! 
   
   Thanks for coming by with your update - hope we'll see you lots!
   
   
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
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   29 Nov 2017
   05 Feb 2018

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   Hi manderson4,
   
   I am so happy that you are back on track.  Yippee!  You sound like you are more motivated than ever, which is great.  Keep the quit, my friend.  You can do it!
5. manderson4

   

   187 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   06 Feb 2018

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   So day 6 is kind of uneventful.  I just saw the weather update for my area and we are supposed to get hit with some more snow (S-N-O-W means Stuff No One Wants)  Which will probably mean I cant get out on the bike so I have started preparing by walking to the corner a few times a day.  My meeting with the STOP program went well still on 28mg patches and the 2 sprays but they have asked me to see if I can use the spray less. Have another great smoke free day everyone.
6. clepage

   

   251 posts
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   30 Nov 2017
   06 Feb 2018

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   Hi manderson4,
   
   You are doing  so great,  Determination to quit on your part is the key.  Get yourself a reward and keep the good work.  See you soon.
7. ocean

   

   286 posts
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   29 Nov 2017
   06 Feb 2018

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   Hi Manderson,
   It's good to see you back.  I'm part of a stop smoking program too, but it's only once a month and I go back next week after finishing my first month.  How often do you meet with your program, and what are the ways they support you?  I'm curious as I hadn't quit yet the first time I saw them.  Keep wearing those Patches Manderson.  I forgot mine twice, and on one of those times I had a brief slip at the end of the day.  Take Care,
   Ocean
8. manderson4

   

   187 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   06 Feb 2018

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   Hi Ocean
   The Stop smoking program I am involved in I meet with them weekly usually.  Sometimes every other week.  Other than the free NRT we also receive counselling, sometimes it is in a small group other times it is individually.
   I prefer weekly for the accountability and both the individual and group have their benefits.  As for the patches I have 11 more weeks and I dont think I will need them but once we start cutting back it wont be as stressful as it was before.  Putting on the patches each morning is just part of my routine right now, so forgetting them shouldnt be a problem.
9. manderson4

   

   187 posts
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   28 Nov 2017
   07 Feb 2018

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   Day 7 and I am on my second sharpie.  I guess I am going to find a Sharpies Anonymous group next.  Who knew that after shovelling snow I would get a craving or a memory but i beat that one by grabbing a water and meditating.  Have a great smoke free day everyone.
10. treepeo

    

    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    07 Feb 2018

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    Hey manderson4,
    
    Yeah, that's what happens.  We do something and it triggers memories and we automatically reach for a smoke.  So good for you for reaching for water instead.   KTQ!
11. manderson4

    

    187 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    09 Feb 2018

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    Good Morning at least I think it is morning.  Day 8 was pretty uneventful with just 1 small thought.  And today is Winter Bike to Work Day so I am heading out in a little bit to show support.  The snow held off for now which is a good thing.  I hope everyone has a great smoke free day.
12. lillian, quit coach

    

    220 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    09 Feb 2018 in reply to manderson4

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    Hey Manderson4,
    
    Congratulations on day 8. I think it is fantastic to ride your bike to work, do you notice doing a better job riding when you quit?
    
    Keep on you are doing great!
    Lillian
    
13. manderson4

    

    187 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    11 Feb 2018

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    Start of Day 11 and I am already done in from shovelling snow.  Had i craving after I finished so grabbed some water and my spray and distracted myself.  The Rest of the day should be ok.  Just taking it easy and hoping I can get out tomorrow for my stop smoking appointment.  Have a great smokefree day everyone.
14. marianne, quit coach

    

    278 posts
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    30 Nov 2017
    11 Feb 2018

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    Way to go manderson4,  
    
    Hope the shovelling wasn't too heavy, certainly keeping you busy.  I wouldn't blame you if you needed a reward after all that work. Sounds like going to be a nice day of rest for you.  
    
    Enjoy and hope your able to get to the smoking cessation session tomorrow if it is safe to do so.  Otherwise, connect with us.  
    
    All the best,
    
    Marianne
15. ocean

    

    286 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    11 Feb 2018

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    Hi Manderson, it's floored me when I've been exercising outside using my lungs and then get a crave after.  I think it's the memory of that deep breathing we do when working out.  Have a great week.  I go to see my quit program too.  See ya,
    Ocean
16. manderson4

    

    187 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    12 Feb 2018

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    So I made it out in spite of the ice and snow, I went out to post the high speeds in a neighbourhood this morning sort of as a trial run to see if I could make it to my Stop Smoking program.  I have stepped down in patches from 28 mg's to 21 mg's and my next appointment is in 2 weeks (because of the holiday in Ontario next Monday)  I am fairly confident I can step down on the patches and I got some sprays, but I have to make the 3 last the 2 weeks.  That can be a bit of a challenge but the cravings or memories arent as frequent or strong so I am confident I will be ok..  Have a great smoke free day everyone.
17. lithan44

    

    51 posts
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    30 Nov 2017
    12 Feb 2018 in reply to manderson4

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    Hi Manderson.  I also have no doubt you will be okay!  Your quit is done with thought, practicality and determination.  That's a winning recipe to keeping a quit!
18. manderson4

    

    187 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    14 Feb 2018

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    Well here it is Day 14 and Day 2 of stepping down on the patches I am on step 1's the 21 mg's I had a dream lastnight and I waas smoking and for the first time I woke up wanting a cigarette.  Grabbed a bottle of water and my spray and got back on track.  With the warmer weather today I am planning on getting out for a bit of a ride the decision is do I want to go up or around.  The other challenge today is I went for diabetic foot care yesterday and that always hurts for a day or two after wards.  Have a great smoke free day everyone.
19. manderson4

    

    187 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    16 Feb 2018

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    I had a trying day yesterday, I went for a small ride, you know nice temperatures and all and my chain broke.  So I had to walk home 2 and a half miles.  This was on the older bike not on my new one.  And out of frustration I guess I just wanted a smoke.  By the time I got to the first person on the street or store the craving had gone away so I ducked in the store and bought a marker to chew on. I slept really good lastnight between the small ride and the walk.   I did have one of those dreams where I was smoking again and woke up wondering where my ashtray was.  Off to a good start for day 16 brushed my teeth right away to give me a bit of a different taste in my mouth.  HAve a great smoke free day everyone.
20. linda, quit coach

    

    146 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    16 Feb 2018

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    Good morning manderson4,
    
    So happy to hear that your “trying day” went well yesterday despite the “frustration” with the bike: you didn’t give in to the thoughts of smoking instead you bought a marker to chew on. Your creativity, perseverance and determination is so great! Congrats for reaching Day 16th!
    
    Happy Family Day everyone!
    
    Linda
21. manderson4

    

    187 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    25 Feb 2018

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    I have to say I really like quiet uneventful days.  Then the crap hit the fan and I fought to stay smoke free lurked on the forums quite a bit and basically did anything I could to take my mind of it.  I then got called to my favourite clients house yesterday to do some work and she was smoking.  I thought I would cave.  I had previously told her that I had quit smoking again and asked her not to give me a cigarette.  After I was finished I went and picked up some Nicorette spray I have been out since last Tuesday.  And that helped with any cravings I had lastnight.  When got home I read on facebook about a cousin quitting smoking 1 year ago and no cravings which is actually helping me in my resolve.  Happy Day 25 smoke free.  I hope you all have a great smoke free day everyone.
22. dedi

    

    49 posts
    Registered:
    29 Jan 2018
    25 Feb 2018

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    Hi manderson4, wow 25 days,congratulations !, you can do it, 47 days for me  and i also read about peoples quitting smoking and its helping me too...think one day at the time,and drink lots of water...have a great smoke free day
23. ocean

    

    286 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    25 Feb 2018

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    Hi Manderson,
    So glad you resisted the urge to smoke and battled that crave!  It takes guts to do these battles.  I put a down payment/layaway on a bike last week.  I was feeling healthy and wanted to exercise and the mild weather had me thinking of Spring.  I can't afford the full payment yet, but I'm saving so much money by not smoking, i'll be able to afford it by the end of April or May.  What a bonus!!  It made me think of you.
24. manderson4

    

    187 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    25 Feb 2018 in reply to ocean

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    Hi Ocean congrats on making the decision to ride.  And you are right about doing these battles.  As the quote goes the war is won but the battles continue.  This is the right time of the year to buy and there are so many good and reputable bike shops to deal with.  My latest bike is used but its a expensive bike that has been completely refurbished so that it made it affordable.  30 days of biking is gearing up to start April 1st which I took part in last year. 

    Last modified on 25 Feb 2018 21:28 by manderson4
25. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    27 Feb 2018

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    Hi manderson4,
    
    I am so glad that you are still smoke free.  Way to go!
    
    And yes, the weather will be getting better, and you will be able to get more riding in.  Something to look forward to.
26. manderson4

    

    187 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    02 Mar 2018

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    Whooo hoooo Day 30 I made it this far.  Kind of a wierd day though woke up thinking I want a cigarette so had to change up my routine.  The last couple of days I have been super busy and ridden 12 miles each day part of it was gearing up for the storm which we didnt get hid with near as bad as some areas.  It made the view outside my window like a Christmas Card.  I will have to give it a few hours to thaw a bit and let the plows get out before I attempt a ride.  Have a great Smoke free day everyone.
27. ocean

    

    286 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    03 Mar 2018

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    Wow Manderson, congratulations on 30 days!
28. manderson4

    

    187 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    06 Mar 2018

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    Well here I am starting day 34.  Went to the quit smoking group yesterday which I go to every Monday to get a fresh supply of NRT.  And I made the plunge and stepped down to 14 mg patches.  I was anxious and confident I would have no problem then of course this morning when I went to put on a patch the doubt started to set in.  Played the discussion out in my mind and even laughed when it got to the point of well have a cigarette and then figure this out.  Thats when I knew it would be alright.  The big thing with this week is instead of getting 2 sprays I only got 1.  I accounted for this and bought a extra one lastweek but will try and make the one last. Have a great smokefree day everyone I am off to try and find some mud to ride through.
29. jennifer, quit coach

    

    103 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    06 Mar 2018 in reply to manderson4

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    Good Afternoon manderson,
    
    Congrats on your Day 34!
    
    Great to hear that you are participating in a quit smoking group - the more support the better! Good Luck finding that mud!
    
    
30. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    06 Mar 2018

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    Hi manderson4,
    
    Woohoo, way to go!  I can't believe you have 34 days under your belt already.  I am so proud of you for giving it another shot.  This time you are going to go all the way.  You are a champion!