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1. andycat

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   04 Feb 2020
   20 Feb 2020

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   Good morning!  First, I would like to say how so very proud I am of everyone on this forum for your pursuit/success in overcoming this horrible demon, nicotine!!
   
   I have been a smoker for 45 plus years and I am now debilitated with COPD.  Quitting at any point most certainly improves quality of life and that is one of my goals in joining this community. 
   
   I have tried many times to quit but have always been lured back by that demon who pretends to be my friend!
   
   I have read the introduction on your website and have decided today is my quit date.  I have an appointment today for hypnotherapy and with the support of this community I am hopeful I will overcome this addiction along with hearing other people’s stories and supporting them on their journey to overcome it as well.
   
   I have been reading posts for about a week and I am so grateful to have found such a wonderful community packed with individuals who are here to help!  

   I will keep you posted.
   
   Thank you!
   
   

   
   

   Last modified on 20 Feb 2020 08:34 by andycat
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   20 Feb 2020

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   andycat,
   
   Welcome to your first day as a non-smoker!!!!
   
   The first few days can seem really hard, just focus on getting through the next few minutes of a craving. Drink lots of water, have some snacks handy - carrots, peanuts, whatever. Gum helps too. 
   
   To help me in my first few days I did a good cleaning of everything to get rid of all the smoking stuff and to freshen up my house, garage, car, etc. It kind of helped make it real for me. I also posted  a lot on this site. 
   
   Try to focus on the positives of quitting, as opposed to what you think you are giving up. 3 days the nicotine is out of your system and you'll probably start to fell the cough easing. 
   
   
   
3. andycat

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   04 Feb 2020
   20 Feb 2020 in reply to atp

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   Hello atp!
   
   I read your post and cleared everything having to do with smoking!! I have a lot to munch on as well.
   
   Thank you so much for your suggestions on helping me on my way!
   
   It's encouraging to know it only takes 3 days for nicotine to leave one's system, I had no idea!
   
   Thanks again atp!
   
   More posts as I continue this journey
   
   
   
4. emily, quit coach

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   20 Feb 2020

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   Hi Andycat,
   
   Welcome to Smokers' Helpline Online! It's so wonderful to have you. 
   
   Congratulations on quitting today. You have a solid plan in place and you'll always have support from us here on the site. 
   
   Look forward to hearing about your journey,
   Emily 
5. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   20 Feb 2020

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   Hi andycat,
   
   I am so glad to hear you have decided to quit smoking.  Having COPD is no fun, that's for sure.  Quitting smoking is definitely a step in the right direction for you.
   
   Have you answered any of the questionnaires on this site?  I remember that I had no idea how to go about quitting, so the information I got from this site was invaluable.  And it gave me a lot of food for thought.  I smoked for over 43 years and quit cold turkey 3 years ago with the help of this site, so I am here to tell you that it can be done.
   
   Drink lots of water and try to distract yourself.  Make a list of all the reasons why you want to quit smoking, and put it somewhere where you can refer to it easily.  And believe in yourself, andycat.  You can do this.  Have faith!
6. andycat

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   04 Feb 2020
   21 Feb 2020 in reply to emily, quit coach

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   Hi Emily!  Thank you for welcoming me!
   
   I have been reading posts and this community is just what I need to help  me stay quit!  What a fabulous bunch of people!
   
   I wish I'd found it and joined many years ago!
   
   Thanks again!
   Andcat
   

   Last modified on 21 Feb 2020 11:27 by andycat
7. andycat

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   04 Feb 2020
   21 Feb 2020 in reply to treepeo1

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   Hello treepleo1!
   
   I am I just about to fill out the questionnaires you mentioned!
   
   The loneliness and desperation I felt for so long has eased now that I have joined this wonderful community.  You're right, such invaluable information here.
   
   You smoked for 43 years!? You should be so proud, three years... WOW!!
   
   Thank you for your insight and suggestions treepeo1, they most certainly have been heard.  My list of why I want to quit is right beside me at this moment.
   
   So grateful!
   Andycat
   
   
   
8. andycat

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   04 Feb 2020
   21 Feb 2020 in reply to atp

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   Day 2!!  Focusing on the positives as atp said and oh... how very many there are!
   
   Thank you!
   Andycat
   
   
   

   Last modified on 21 Feb 2020 12:19 by andycat
9. justfortoday

   

   168 posts
   Registered:
   12 Aug 2019
   21 Feb 2020 in reply to andycat

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   Hi andycat, and welcome!
   
   I'm so glad you're here, and I can tell you the support I receive here has been integral to my success. 
   
   Everyone here wants you to succeed and you never have to deal with your quit alone.
   
   Along with the great advice you've received here, something that helped me was to keep a "quit" journal. Not only was it a great place for me to vent, it also allowed me to write down who I wanted to be as a non smoker (doing this during bad cravings also helped me manage them). 
   
   I smoked for over 40 years, I know it's hard, andycat. AND I know it can be done! 
   
   Reach out whenever you need to. We're cheering you on!