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10 weeks smoke free and still feeling withdrawal symptoms? Cancel The title field is required!

1. kash

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   28 May 2020
   Answered

   28 May 2020

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   Hi Everyone,
   
   I quit smoking March 24th, 2020 and since then I have been going through the physical and mental symptom game. Mental symptoms are gone as i have no craving or desire to smoke again. The physical symptoms started off with a sore throat and chest congestion/aches and pains with a lot of phlegm, and heartburn from time to time. I didnt have the dreaded smokers cough at all and still have not had to endure it. I am still getting the occasional chest congestion feeling and the phlegm stuck at the back of the throat feeling but have not really coughed up phlegm. if and when it does come out it is generally clear. 
   
   My question is: is it normal to continue to get these types of symptoms after 10 weeks and if so, what is the best way to combat them? 
   
   Has anyone else had to endure physical symptoms for this long? how did you cope? any input would be greatly appreciated.
   
   I have talked with my doctor and he advised me to wait until the 3 month mark and things should get better which didnt really help answering my questions. 
2. brieffree

   

   1478 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   28 May 2020 in reply to kash

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   Hi Kash
   
   I quit long ago, all you feel is normal, your Body is reacting to the new still of life, as Non Smoker the Body start to heal it self, all the nicotine is coming out slowly, your lungs are the first to clear up, your digestion system star to be normal, slow as before. 
   
   You are not intoxicated anymore! so your body knows!
   
   Plenty water helps a lot!
   Fruits also helps
   
   I hope you feel better, you are not Alone!
   
   Keep the good work!
3. kash

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   28 May 2020
   28 May 2020

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   I really appreciate it. I quit cold Turkey so does it take longer to get over these symptoms when you quit cold turkey? 
   
   I felt so much better before I quit and some days feel like I should just have kept smoking. I know quitting is the obvious better solution but, some days are mentally draining especially now with covid and the symptoms of withdrawal so similar to covid symptoms.
4. brieffree

   

   1478 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   28 May 2020 in reply to kash

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   Hi kash
   
   I quit last June 07 2015 3 pks a day.Cold turkey, I pushed the brake!
   After experience sever damage from smoking, I had to made the rights move.
   Then, after 2 weeks all good, more energy, eating healthy, Briefing only pure air! I think I borne again.
   The problem stated after, all the cravings and all the different mental and body pain, etc. I looked for support here!
   Because I was a heavy duty smoker, I still use Nrt support
   I can not smoke again, I have no choice!
   
   So here I am almost 5 years later still supporting other people who at the pat helped me!
   The secret is to be nice with your self
   Enjoy every minute of your live
   And most important believe in your self!
   
   I know you can do it, so you too!
   
   My journey short!
   

   Last modified on 28 May 2020 21:32 by brieffree
5. kash

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   28 May 2020
   28 May 2020

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   I really appreciate the support! I am still smoke free just dealing with these symptoms is hard!
6. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   29 May 2020

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   Hi kash,
   
   Hang in there.  It will take time before it gets better.  Look at it this way.  You probably smoked for years and years, so you can't really expect your body to recover from the shock of your quitting right off the bat.  Try to be patient.
   
   I quit cold turkey over 3 years ago.  I remember the first month was hell, but after that it started to get better.  But I still got major cravings for months after I quit.  Was it worth it?  You betcha.  I am no longer a slave to this addiction.
   
   As brieffree said, drink lots of water, because that will help your body to get rid of the toxins that have built up over the years.  And try not to worry.  Quitting smoking is the best thing you could ever do for yourself.  Your body will thank you in the long run.
7. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   30 May 2020

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   Hi Kash,
   
   You got some great support here from your peers who offer amazing advice.
   
   Sorry to hear you are still experiencing these symptoms. It can be uncomfortable but as brieffree and treepeo have said, it is a sign of your body healing. 
   
   The fact that you spoke to your doctor about these withdrawal symptoms and posted here goes to show your determination to stay smoke-free. Instead of giving in to smoking again, you are reaching out, asking questions and getting support. You should be very proud.
   
   Keep up the amazing work!
   
   Jenna Lee
8. kash

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   28 May 2020
   30 May 2020

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   Thank you everyone! I appreciate the support and have remained smoke free. I have no desire to ever smoke again and will continue to persevere through the withdrawal symptoms. Thank you again for everything! 
9. beacher53

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   03 Jan 2021
   22 Apr 2021 in reply to brieffree

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   I am in that boat.  Cannot breathe and possibly have copd, but not testing for it in covid.  So on day 5 with NRT.  I am listening to mantras on youtube daily to try to trick my brain into believing I am enjoying this but it is flat out misery.  I find myself exhausted every day.  Not sure from what, maybe fighting cravings all day long.  I love hearing someone is so far ahead of me, years ahead of me, gives me inspiration to move forward!
10. lesleyaf

    

    37 posts
    Registered:
    23 Nov 2020
    22 Apr 2021 in reply to beacher53

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    Hi Beacher53,
    One of the reasons I quit smoking was because it was really impacting my breathing.  In fact, any time my cravings get strong or I feel like giving up, I try to remember what it was like to struggle to breath. Life is so much better now that I can breath!
      
    Also, I too was exhausted when I quit.  I think it takes a lot of energy to fight the cravings.  Sleep as much as you can.  
    Good luck to you! You can do this! 
    Take care,
    Lesley
11. wandam

    

    241 posts
    Registered:
    05 Feb 2019
    Answered

    23 Apr 2021 in reply to beacher53

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    Hi beacher53,
    
    Welcome to our little community! It’s great to have you join us! I hear you, quitting this awful addiction is super hard and certainly not easy to do! Looks like you are taking some good steps by starting NRT & joining this site & that’s awesome, both of which can help you with your quit! Hang in there, you can do this! Take care!

    Last modified on 25 Apr 2021 23:42 by wandam
12. dublinguy

    

    379 posts
    Registered:
    09 Dec 2021
    15 Dec 2021 in reply to wandam

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    always good to hear other people are finding it tough and we are not alone. since i quit, ive been having horrible heartburn. and my lungs feel like they are burning sometimes. The first week was hard trying to deal with breaking the habit and the urges with all the triggers and times that i would go to smoke. now that that has kind of calmed down the cravings now hit on and off and are very strong... but pass after a few minutes. I get dizzy spells and spells of irritability with stuff.... today i was very close to going to buy a pack... but i held strong. 
    
    funnily enough at home im not too bad.. its just at work im finding it tough. the temptation to go out is there.... to take a break from the computer screen... and my coffee intake has gone through the roof which is increasing my heart rate. grrrrrr.... but i will continue to fight and win this battle. i love this forum reading other peoples stories. it really does help and so much of it sounds familiar.
13. joselurdeskiala

    

    3 posts
    Registered:
    24 Jan 2023
    24 Jan 2023

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    Champix without a prescription - https://onlinecheappills.com/varenicline.html I smoked for 40 years & had never really tried to stop, but as I was getting older & becoming more health conscious I thought I really need to try & give up the cigarettes. I started with the champix, set my date & off I went, almost 6 years later I am a non smoker & even detest the smell of it. I had no side effects what so ever, I love not being a slave to smoking anymore.

    Last modified on 20 Mar 2023 02:43 by joselurdeskiala