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29 days smoke free and feel terrible

33 posts, 1 answered
  1. nomore
    nomore avatar
    2 posts
    Registered:
    17 Feb 2018
    14 Mar 2018
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    Hi. I am 29 days smoke free today after 30 years smoking on February 15th.. My quit day was 3 days before my 44th bday. Took me a couple days to register on here because I didn't think it would be helpful, but I chose to after reading all the helpful resources. My method of quitting was I went cold turkey. I see alot of posts of people saying they feel the same way I do at this point, however, it is very frustrating. The longest I have ever went without smoking was 67 days and when I started smoking again, it increased.
    I am tired, irritable, achy, walking around in a fog, gained weight. My first week of my quit, I felt way better than this. From week 2 on, this is how I feel. I habe no desire to go back to smoking(which is great, however, I can not stand this feeling anymore.) I walked everywhere before I quit and now I have to psyche myself up to walk because I feel like crap amd that makes me depressed because I could walk any where(and I did) and it didn't bother me. I'd walk an hour across town and back. I get texts from the helpline which I look forward to, but nothing matches how I am feeling. I don't have more energy I have less. My chest doesn't feel lighter it feels heavier and tighter. I am not usually a complainer for things and I find myself doing it constantly. I try looking for the benefits of quitting smoking, but I don't feel any of them yet. "Give it 3 months" everything says, but holy! 
    I apologize LOL. As you can see today is one of my miserable times. This is my first time posting on a forum of any kind, but I had to because at times it feels like I am going to lose my mind because I feel more negatives with this than positives. 
    Thanks for letting me vent. I figured it is better venting here than outloud to the poor smokers and non smokers who don't deserve it.
    Since October 2016 I have lost my dads gf at 49 then my dad got sick right away and I lost him 4 days after his 59th bday (8 months after his gf)and then a good friend of mine had a heart attack 1.5 months later after my dad passed and then passed away 1 month later 2 days before heart surgery and was trying to help my 14 year old son deal with it all while entering his first year of high school. And dealing with all of that seemed somehow easier than how I feel right now 29 days in. How can that be? But then I was thinking about it, I had my cigarettes there to comfort me during those heart wrenching things.. I don't have that now because I said goodbye to them and I try different things, but still feel like garbage.
    Ok. Rant over.  πŸ’š

    Last modified on 14 Mar 2018 09:53 by nomore
  2. lillian, quit coach
    lillian, quit coach avatar
    216 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    Answered
    14 Mar 2018 in reply to nomore
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    Hey nomore,

    Glad you posted!

    Rant with us anytime. As you noticed a lot of posters are feeling the same way as you and although it doesn't erase how you feel, I hope it helps to know that we understand.

    Withdrawal does average 2-4 weeks to go away. You should see a shift for the better soon, but the best thing to do might be to go to the doctor. It may be that something else is contributing to these feelings aside from the withdrawal. Looking at all of the losses you've experienced, I can see how you might be having a miserable time.

    You are right to notice that the one way you had of dealing with loss was to comfort yourself with smoking. Now, you've taken that away too...

    I know that nothing can feel quite like a cigarette but are there other options? What else might feel comforting at this time of loss for you? What can you do that is just for you?Any kind of treat would be really nice to put in place right now.

    I can add that it is very common for quitters to experience an increase in phlegm as their lungs are healing and cleaning out. You may notice an increase in coughing too. Again, the doctor can have a listen in to see if there is anything other than that going on.

    Mull over some things that may be comforting for you and consider talking to the doctor, I certainly hope that it eases up soon.

    Be proud of your success, especially given how you've been feeling nomore. You are showing just how strong you are.

    Congratulations on your quit.

    Lillian
  3. cls65
    cls65 avatar
    6 posts
    Registered:
    28 Feb 2018
    14 Mar 2018 in reply to nomore
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    nomore...hey I am 3 days into quitting and not there yet but I have quit several times before and I know exactly what you are talking about! I have even used all of it to talk myself back into smoking. All I can say is...it makes me so angry how this nicotine addiction has a hold on us!! It wants us dead! grrr.. keep going one day at a time!!
  4. ocean
    ocean avatar
    286 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    14 Mar 2018
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    Thanks for your thoughts, nomore.  I feel so bad for you and I too know what you're talking about.  You've put it beautifully.  Sometime soon, you'll feel a little better and it may only last a day or two, but it's a start, right?  That's hw it worked with me, a few good days then bam, back down, and then a whole good week, etc ...  It's so up and down.  I'm more up then down now at 60 days in, and I pray I can keep going till all my complaints are healed.  Are you rewarding yourself?  I did my nails, bought new moistruizer, eye-shadows, and eat chocolate, and got fncy pens.  I even put a bike on layaway.  These just gave me something to look forward too, even just something to do!  You'll be able to distract yourself more as well, as your days go by.  And being able to distract yourself from the withdrawal is a huge game-changer.  Please keep posting and sharing, we're all so much as you are.  Kick nicotines butt!!  It's a horrible and insidious drug.
  5. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
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    29 Nov 2017
    14 Mar 2018
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    Hi nomore,

    I hear you!  I found the first month of my quit the hardest.  And my first week was in some ways easier than the last week of my first month.  Go figure.  Maybe that was because like you, I quit cold turkey, and my body was giving me a final push to try to make me smoke again.  But I didn't.  I stayed the course, and I am so glad I did.

    It's not easy to go through all of the bad stuff you are feeling right now.  But it WILL get better, it really will.  Just try to be patient and hang in there.  These days, we tend to want instant results, but things just don't work that way.  You smoked for years, so it stands to reason that it is going to take some time for your body and your mind to adjust to being a non-smoker.

    Even though you are ticked off, you have the right attitude.  You are not prepared to give in.  Keep that great, stubborn attitude!  You can beat this addiction to the curb.  Believe in yourself.  And keep posting.  We all need to vent sometimes.  It's the healthy thing to do!
  6. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
    1477 posts
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    14 Mar 2018 in reply to nomore
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    Hello and welcome to helpline, Nomore

    We know id hard, I been there, the few weeks were the end of my day's I had all the bad thinks you can image, but my lungs were starting to clear up, and my legs recover there power.
    I smell nice and the food taste so much better, with out saying the money saved.

    There is No magic trick here to quit. is all about how to prepare and quit!

    I quit cold turkey time ago or else. I went to a high and low roller coaster of wire feelings. I thank you to the Doctor who told me to quit or else.

    Do not be afraid, all that you feel is Normal it will get so much better

    You can do this, the freedom is yours you deserve it!

    One day at the time

  7. nomore
    nomore avatar
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    17 Feb 2018
    15 Mar 2018
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    Thank you everybody for your kind words and advice. I know that I smoked for a long time and I am not one of those people that want "instant results." I have never been like that as I have battled weight issues as well and I am a single mother of one so I know there are not instant results and you work for what you want. I just needed to vent. Thank you again for your responses and great job to all of you for quitting as well and keep up the great work. We have got this!!
  8. gpaters
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    21 Feb 2018
    22 Mar 2018 in reply to nomore
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    Hi nomore....

    I am sorry for your losses, and all the problems you are dealing with. Although I cannot necessarily relate to your personal situation, I can totally relate to the feelings associated with quitting. Our situation there is almost identical. 30 years, quit cold turkey, been a little over a month. Yesterday was one of my worst. I felt like I was coming undone with the withdrawal symptoms. Body shaking, anxiety, stress, the whole works. Couldn't sleep last night. 

    Ffrtunately I am not overweight and am not over-compensating with eating. However, I can't seem to find a way to channel all this nervous energy. I do get snappy with my wife and son, and I tend to retreat into the basement with the lights out, flaking out in front of the tv. I really don't feel healthy, or that I am getting any benefits from quitting. Coughing all the time, can't breathe, etc. Saw the doctor and she said all this was normal and I would get better.

    Aayhow, I can't offer any advice other than to ride it out. I  have gone this far, and to me that means I have to stick it out. For no other reason than because. Just know there are others like me who feel your pain.

    All the best.
  9. treepeo
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    22 Mar 2018
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    Hi gpaters,

    I smoked for 43 years and quit cold turkey, too.  I remember that I had a mini breakdown at the end of my first month.  After that, things started to get a lot easier.  I can't remember when I really started feeling better, but it happened.

    Let me share something with you.  Today, I made a special trip somewhere and then had a longer than usual walk home.  The wind was against me all the way, and it battered the heck out of me.  Now, even though I quit 14 months ago, my lungs are in deplorable condition, and I could feel myself getting breathless.  But the difference is, it took longer for me to feel that way and also, my heart wasn't hammering in my chest the way it would have if I were still smoking.

    I find I have a lot of experiences like that now, and each time, I think to myself, "Man, am I ever glad I quit smoking."  Because I knew I was really heading for disaster.

    So do hang in there, gpaters, because one day, you will start to feel the benefits of quitting.
  10. one love
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    31 Mar 2019
    09 Apr 2019
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    Hello ..Quit smoking for 2 weeks now, I was a 41 year smoker but for some stupid reason for the past 2 days I feel like shit! Lost alot of sleep in the past 2 days and so so bored right now! I can't seem to focus on much. I was thinking positive and feeling great, until 2 days ago. Why is this happening? I Don't want to smoke anymore and I want to be a non smoker for good. Hopefully SOMEONE will read this and pass along some positive suggestions my way. 
    Thanx 
  11. treepeo
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    10 Apr 2019 in reply to one love
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    Hi one love,

    There are going to be times when you feel lousy.  You might feel spacy, irritable, anxious, bored, or restless.  But all of that is normal.  It is part of the withdrawal process.  Don't forget that you are moving out of your comfort zone in a big way.  You smoked for most of your life and now, bam, you are quitting.  Your life is changing for the better, but it takes time to adjust to all the changes.

    Hang in there, one love.  If you can make it through the first two weeks, you can go all the way.  Don't give up. You are stronger than your addiction.  Make sure you do things that you enjoy to help you pass the time.  Eventually, you will start to feel a whole lot better.  Give yourself this fresh start in life.  You deserve it.
  12. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
    1477 posts
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    10 Apr 2019
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    Hi One love

    Congrats in your quit!

    Quitting is a hard work of everyday different feelings, your Brain start to trick you into the crave, your Body works hard healing itself.

    Is good idea if you distract your self, or get busy wile it comes.

    All you feel is just part of quit!

    Keep the good work, one day at the time!
  13. emily, quit coach
    emily, quit coach avatar
    247 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    10 Apr 2019
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    Hi one love,

    I'm sorry to hear that the last few days have been challenging for you. It sounds like you are experiecning some withdrawal which is pretty common when quitting and can typically last around 2-4 weeks. The positive thing is that these withdrawals are a sign your body is healing and starting to become unaddicted to nicotine. 

    From what you're saying, it seems like quitting is very important to you and you are motivated to remain smoke free. To get to 2 weeks isn't always easy, but here you are, still doing it. Congrats on getting to this point in your quit. 

    Emily 
  14. christaporras
    christaporras avatar
    1 posts
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    08 Apr 2019
    16 Apr 2019
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    Hi everyone almost a month smoke free.. This week has been brutal.  Every turn i made i wantrd a smoke.  To the point where i would cry... But i kept myself occupied and a crap load of paper clips.  When does this stop
  15. madeleine, quit coach
    madeleine, quit coach avatar
    33 posts
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    12 Sep 2018
    17 Apr 2019
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    Hey ChristaPorras, 

    I'm sorry to hear that this week has been challenging. You're doing it right in keeping yourself distracted and your perseverance to pursue your quit is admirable!  

    Be gentle with yourself, try to reward yourself for your milestones (like 1 month quit!), and adding to your toolbox to help cope with those cravings. The 4 Ds can help: 

    - DELAY - Cravings should eventually go away in 5 or 10 minutes, you can elapse this time using the following: 
    - DISTRACT - You're already doing this, but there's always room to add additional distractions! Some even leave their chores and cleaning for when they get a craving! 
    - DEEP BREATHING - Deep Inhale for 5, Deep exhale for 7 seconds - repeat 3 or more times when you get a craving to help calm the nervous system. 
    - DRINKING WATER - Keeping a water bottle on you and taking little sips at a time can help 

    You're welcome to give us a call at 1-877-513-5333 and we can further discuss strategies to help with the cravings and withdrawal! 

    Keep taking it one step at a time! Congrats on your progress! 

    Madeleine

     
  16. emilyjane83
    emilyjane83 avatar
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    15 May 2019
    15 May 2019 in reply to nomore
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    Hey, I know exactly what you mean. I just found your post while literally googling " Haven't smoked in over a week and I feel worse than when I smoked" . I had quit once before for 6 years cold turkey and cannot remember EVER feeling so horrible. The withdrawals and physical/ mental attachments  are the least of my worries. I feel like I can't breathe. I'm raspy and wheezing and my lungs just feel depleted. Im so short of breath and even walking around my house exhausts me. For the first few days of quitting I was walking miles and had tons of energy and now I just feel physically exhausted with little to zero activity at all. 😒😒😒 I don't ever want to smoke again but this is bad. I know they say the week, month and 3 months are hardest for a combination of things and you're coughing up a lot of damage but this is overboard haha. I know your post is really old but let me know how it worked out for you. πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–
  17. efram, quit coach
    efram, quit coach avatar
    235 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    15 May 2019 in reply to emilyjane83
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    Hi emilyjane83, welcome to the Smokers' Helpline forum, and congratulations on not smoking for over a week!

    I agree that this is going overboard for you to feel so lousy. Glad that you're keeping your sense of humour about it at least! And I would consider this a sign of a very strong determination on your part that you are still sticking with it, in spite of the challenges.

    It doesn't feel like it right now, but you are healing. Healing takes energy, so it's normal to feel exhausted at this point.

    I don't know if nomore is still checking in on this thread ... but I'm thinking it would help for you to hear from someone who's felt miserable the way you do, and now feels much, much better!

    So, who here has been through the wringer and come out feeling cleaner/healthier/wealthier/better/stronger in every way? And how long did it take to get through the feeling lousy phase of your quit?
  18. not from quebec
    not from quebec avatar
    1 posts
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    17 May 2019
    17 May 2019
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    Wow, just trying to create an account and write a simple post here soooo frustrating, it made me want a a cigarete even more. This is my first and last post here because apparantly as a Quebec citizen im not entitle to your help!

    Anyways, day 4 without smoke, this morning not so bad but now, after being irritated, worst then ever.  One question: Is it going to be like this all month? Or shoud I just give up and go or a cigaret now cause its easyer to get comfort from that then it is to get someone to listen and help.

    Sorry for pessimism and typos, feeling extreamly anxious and frustrated now, I still have a 1/2 a pack left in the car, so tempting...

  19. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
    1477 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    17 May 2019 in reply to not from quebec
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    Hi not from Quebec

    WELCOME  to helpline!

    Please feel free to post how you feel!

    Day 4 is amassing, you should get rid of all cig that you have!

    You need to distract your self!  
    Drink plenty of water
    Eat healthy 

    You can do this!
  20. jenna lee, quit coach
    jenna lee, quit coach avatar
    265 posts
    Registered:
    28 Jun 2018
    17 May 2019 in reply to not from quebec
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    hi not from quebec,

    You are correct, Quebec has their own quit line and website at: https://tobaccofreequebec.ca/iquitnow/ 

    You can copy and paste the url and register with them if you'd like.

    Triggers such as stress are extremely common, but can be unavoidable, just like after eating and 1st thing in the morning. The trick is not necessarily trying to avoid the triggers we can't escape, but rather have healthy ways to deal with the stress or after dinner routine, rather than smoking.

    It is up to you, but consider how a cigarette does more damage than help.

    Please be kind to yourself, as irritability is a normal withdrawal. It does peak around day 3, and since you are on day 4, it is not unusual.

    Best,

    Jenna Lee

  21. aaronintexas
    aaronintexas avatar
    1 posts
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    19 Aug 2019
    18 Aug 2019 in reply to emilyjane83
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    Same exact symptoms for me.  On day 11 right now, and I usually have one intense craving a day followed by the shortness of breath,  anxiety, depression. My cravings last about an hour. Food helps alot though. I had no appetite for the first few days.. I'm never smoking again, no doubt. Did you end up making it?
  22. micah
    micah avatar
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    29 Oct 2019
    28 Oct 2019
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    Hi  all,  I feel the same way as all of you, except a bit more ashamed with myself because I had quit and was smoke-free for six months and went back to it when I had many family members die in quick succession. However, I am two weeks smoke-free. Again, and I occasionally feel like my chest is trying to kill me, but it comes and goes. Something I picked up my first time around was be the master of your addiction. Although I can't wait till the insomnia goes away. :-)
  23. coolbreeze
    coolbreeze avatar
    4 posts
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    26 Jan 2021
    02 Feb 2021 in reply to emilyjane83
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    Yes - exactly how I feel.  Last time I quit, I was using the patch over several weeks.  But this time around I had a severe reaction and had to go cold turkey.  The funny thing, 9 years ago I wasn't nearly in good of physical shape - now, I'm in much better shape, but the withdrawal symptoms are brutal.  Shortness of breath, fatigue, occasional burning in chest.
    All I can say is whooo - I'm going to document this for myself so I never ever ever smoke again. 
  24. tmcc
    tmcc avatar
    1 posts
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    31 Jan 2021
    15 Feb 2021 in reply to one love
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    I’m 20 days smoke free and I hate my life right now. Feel like the past few days have been unbearable in ways. All I can think about is if I just have 1 smoke all this anxiety and stress will go away.. I know it won’t but my mind is trying to manipulate me and then the idea that this tight feeling in my chest will never go away is making me feel like life sucks! Both my parents passed away in my 20s and smoking has always been my crutch for stress and anxiety. It was my best friend that always got me through tough times. Sounds so dumb i know!! but these are the crazy thoughts that are rushing through my mind after just about 3 weeks .
    I feel like this week has been the hardest week and I was hoping it would get easier and I would just move on from it. It’s seriously chipping at me minute by minute and I hope I can make it through this. Ugh! 
  25. treepeo1
    treepeo1 avatar
    255 posts
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    06 Feb 2020
    15 Feb 2021 in reply to tmcc
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    Hi tmccluskey,

    I know.  The three week mark is a killer for some reason.  It really sucks.  I think that maybe your body is starting to realize that you are serious about quitting and the addiction part of you is starting to rebel.  Hang in there.  Lighting up will not really make you feel better.  In fact, it will make you feel worse for giving in.  Remember, you are stronger than your addiction.  If you stick it out a while longer, these nagging feelings and cravings will start to get weaker and hit you less often.  And trust me.  Quitting is worth all of the initial aggravation.

    I quit cold turkey 4 years ago, and am I ever glad I did.  My breathing is so much better.  My mouth no longer tastes like an ashtray.  When I eat, I know I am getting all of the nutrients I need, rather than needing more because I smoke.  And I no longer carry the guilt of being a smoker.  It's so freeing!

    You can do this, tmccluskey!  Believe in yourself.  
  26. wandam
    wandam avatar
    241 posts
    Registered:
    05 Feb 2019
    21 Feb 2021 in reply to tmcc
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    Hi tmccluskey,

    I hope you are still hanging in there with your quit! I read & heard from others on this site like Treepeo had already mentioned, that the 3 week mark can be super hard for most on their quit journey. I myself found the first 3 days, 2 weeks & 2 months the danger zones, having said that I think you need to be on guard for the first year! Learning to get through those difficult times is the challenge cause that’s when our old friend the cigarette wants to take hold of us again. And yeah you are right about it “the cigarette” being our old coping buddy. Now we just have to watch our non smoker friends & see how they manage through the difficult times, this I learned from treepeo. Take care
    Last modified on 21 Feb 2021 22:45 by wandam
  27. milane
    milane avatar
    2 posts
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    13 May 2022
    13 May 2022
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    Hello friends. I have been a smoker for 30 years and I can't breathe normally anymore. I quit smoking 6 months ago but still smoke from time to time, but very rarely just get drunk with beer :). For the first three months, I had not lit a single cigarette. I want to share my experience. Nothing helps only the will. You say you will not light a cigarette for the rest of your life. There's a smoker's calculator here, and I calculated how much money I spent and how many cigarettes I smoked. As soon as I calculated and saw the result, it made me stop smoking. I want all of you to be persistent and not give up. I hadn't tasted life since I was a child.
  28. emily, quit coach
    emily, quit coach avatar
    247 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    13 May 2022
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    Hi Milane, 

    Welcome to Smokers' Helpline and congratulations on quitting!

    Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's always nice to hear the different stories of quitting and what's been helpful for each person. A quit calculator can sure be motivating. It's nice to see those numbers add up. I know you linked a site that you've been using. We also have a quit calculator available on our site here. It's helps to add up the cigarettes you haven't smoked, money saved, and life saved. I hope you find it as helpful as the other one. 

    Look forward to hearing more about your journey with quitting.

    Emily
  29. milane
    milane avatar
    2 posts
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    13 May 2022
    13 May 2022 in reply to emily, quit coach
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    Hi Emily,

    This is the biggest fight of my life. I believe that this time I really gave up cigarettes forever. You need motivation and that's the most important thing. You need to be aware that you are giving up cigarettes forever and that you do not miss them. I'm so happy and I want everyone to know how beautiful life is without cigarettes.
  30. treepeo1
    treepeo1 avatar
    255 posts
    Registered:
    06 Feb 2020
    13 May 2022 in reply to milane
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    Hi milane,

    I couldn't agree more.  Being smoke free is a gift worth giving to yourself.  I am so glad you are enjoying being a non-smoker.  Enjoy the extra cash in your pocket!
33 posts, 1 answered