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1. miffty

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   11 Mar 2019
   11 Mar 2019

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   Hi there, I came on here today as I've been diagnosed with COPD and need to quit and thought some ideas on this site might help me get started. The very idea of being on here trying to figure out how to go about this makes my mouth water like I need a cigarette right now just at the thought of quitting. Is that normal? I'm also wondering how others finally made up their mind to try? Did you just wake up one day and say your done? Thoughts ideas? I know I need to do this but am overwhelmed.
   
2. kate r, quit coach

   

   49 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jan 2019
   11 Mar 2019 in reply to miffty

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   Welcome to the forum, miffty! We are so glad you reached out.
   
   I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis: it is absolutely normal to be feeling overwhelmed right now. Your feelings of wanting to smoke and have a cigarette are also very normal. However, you have made the first step by reaching out, which is great!
   
   Everyone has a different journey with quitting, and may make many attempts before successfully quitting. There may be a lot of trial and error before you find what works best for you.
   
   Some considerations we would advise in general, are:
   - Setting a quit date -- it gives you time to prepare mentally and physically, as well as a goal to work towards.
   - Arranging supports -- do you have people you can talk to and turn to for help? The forum here might be a good option for you.
   - Identifying coping skills/strategies for when you have triggers.
   - Getting rid of/removing tobacco and associated triggers (e.g. ashtrays).
   - Using a quit aid, such as nicotine replacement products (e.g. the patch) or oral medications (you would need to speak to your doctor).
   
   I'm sure other forum members will share what has worked best for them.
   
   You can also call and speak directly to a quit coach at 1-877-513-5333. We could help by talking about planning for a quit, as well as problem solving around ways to manage cravings and withdrawal.
   
   - Kate R
   

   Last modified on 11 Mar 2019 18:41 by kate r, quit coach
3. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   11 Mar 2019 in reply to miffty

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   Hey Miffty,
   
   Quitting is the best thing you could do. I was at the doctor recently, after being quit for 2 months, and he said my lung capacity has improved about 30%!!!!! When I quit I didn't believe the actual improvement in health and attitude that I actually got. 
   
   I decided to quit a week before my quit date. That was it. I was tired of smoking before, but also my motivator was to get my 19 year old son to quit too (he did). 
   
   You need to want to quit. be ready to resist all temptation and stick it out for at least 2 weeks to give your body and mind a chance to get over the immediate withdrawal. 
   
   Read up as much as you can about quitting. Educate yourself. Put a quit plan together. Decide if you want to go cold turkey, use NRT's (gum, lozenge, mist, patch) or meds (champix, etc). 
   
   You can do it. It is hard work for the first while, but I've never met a former smoker who regretted quitting. 
   
   I smoked for over 30 years. Pack a day. With a little motivation I quit. you have a lot of motivation. Do it for yourself. 
   
   We are all here ready to help you along. 
   
   
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   11 Mar 2019

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   Hi miffty,
   
   I understand the anxiety you are feeling.  It used to be that when I even thought about quitting smoking, my hands would break out into a sweat.  And of course, I also wanted a smoke, because I smoked for any and every reason at all.  You probably do, too.
   
   After smoking for 43 years, I decided enough was enough, and it was my time to quit.  I had no idea how to go about quitting, so I came on this site, and read everything I could.  I filled out the questionnaires, and decided to go cold turkey.  I joined this community forum, and I told my friends and family that I was quitting, to help to keep me accountable.  That was over two years ago, and I have been a non-smoker ever since.
   
   I know that the thought of quitting is daunting, miffty, but you can do it.  You really can.  Those of us who have quit are just like you.  We are not super heroes, and we don't have any magical powers.  But we all had a sincere desire to quit.  We did our best to prepare ourselves, and then we took the plunge.
   
   You have nothing to lose by trying, but you have so much to gain.  Give it a shot, miffti.  You may just surprise yourself.
   
5. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   13 Mar 2019

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   Hi miffty,
   
   You are not alone!  We all have felt anxiety when thinking about quitting.  And we've all felt guilt about continuing to smoke.  Nicotine gives us that dopamine rush that acts like a little 'upper'.  Not getting that rush, causes anxiety.  In a way then, all smokers have anxiety issues.
   
   Quitting is possible.  The journey is not easy, but the reward is freedom.  Freedom to live.  Freedom to act.  Freedom to think.  Freedom from the anxiety that nicotine gave us.
   
   A journey starts with a single step.