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1. cls65

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   28 Feb 2018
   28 Feb 2018

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   Hello, I've just registered here today. I have quit several times over my 30 year smoking career but have not been able to stay quit. It's very frustrating and I have concluded many times that I just cannot quit and smoking will just have to be my demise. I compare my smoking addiction to that of an opioid or heroin addiction (as heard in the media). It seems to be the same for me. I have been diagnosed with bronchitis/COPD (mild - as I was told last year). I have recently noticed increased shortness of breath and discomfort in my chest. For the last few months I have cut back from a pack a day to approximately 6 cigarettes a day. As of today I have set March 1, 2018 (tomorrow) as my quit date. That being said, I had 3 cigarettes yesterday and none today (yet).  I truly want to be successful at quitting this time before it is too late for me. I am 52 years old and expecting my first grand daughter April 15 2018. I want to be around and healthy for her and my daughters! I have a smoking cessation appointment with my Doctor on Monday. I hope this forum will give me that extra boost I need to quit for good. :)
2. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   28 Feb 2018

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   Hello cls65,
   
   Welcome, so happy you have joined us!  And the fact that you haven't given up throughout the years speaks so much to who you are.  Cutting back from a pack to 6 cpd is such great success, congratulations to you!  And no cigarettes today at all.  
   
   With your strong determination and commitment, believe you are so capable of achieving a smoke-free life.  So much to look forward as a grandparent and parent.  And better health with your breathing and chest discomfort.  
   
   We too hope this community uplifts you.  Please feel free to share your journey with us so we can follow along with you- as our members pledge, taking each other's hands daily as a way of showing unity. 
   
   All the best,
   
   Marianne  

   Last modified on 02 Mar 2018 00:25 by marianne, quit coach
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   01 Mar 2018

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   Hi cls65,
   
   You can quit.  You really can.  I used to think that I could never quit.  I smoked for over 43 years and thought that I could never change.  But I did.  And I did it cold turkey.  
   
   You have cut down dramatically, which shows how serious you are.  You have things to live for, to look forward to.  Just keep telling yourself that you can do it.  Read the information on this site, because you will learn tips and tricks that will help you to stay smoke free.  And post here as often as you like.  This site was a lifeline for me, and I consider everyone here a friend, because we are all going through the same things.
   
   Cls65, quitting will change your life in so many ways, all of them positive.  Give yourself a chance to live a different kind of life.  You deserve the best, and we are all here to support you.  If you have any questions or concerns, ask here, or call the helpline.  We will all get through this together.  And be proud of yourself.  You rock!
   
4. cls65

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   28 Feb 2018
   14 Mar 2018

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   Thanks for your words of encouragement!! Just an update, I didn't make my March 1 quit date ( I felt a bit ashamed about that). I quit March 11 - 3 days smoke free today. I started using Champix yesterday so I am 2 days into the champix (so not really noticing side effects yet - concerned about that). Using nicorette lozenges when needed. Keeping a positive attitude, minute by minute.. A bit afraid of what is yet to come (and I do know the worst is yet to come) but I am determined and motivated. One thing I am doing at work is, instead of going out for a cigarette, I make myself a cup of camomile tea which I find quite soothing. At this point I am getting through, one craving at a time and my daughters are so happy about this which keeps me focused.
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Mar 2018

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   Hi cls65,
   
   You have nothing to be ashamed of.  If this process were easy, we would all have quit many, many years ago.  The important thing is that you want to quit, and are taking steps to quit.  I am glad to hear that you are using Champix.  It has helped a lot of people, and maybe it will help you, too.  And good for you for making a soothing tea instead of going out for a smoke.  That is one thing we have to do when we quit.  We have to learn how to change some of our routines.
   
   Get excited, cls65!  You are starting a terrific journey, and you will thank yourself for it.  And just take it like you are doing, step by step.  The most important thing to remember is NOPE, not one puff ever.  As long as we don't have even one puff, we will be okay.
   
6. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   25 Mar 2018 in reply to cls65

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   I believe you can do it! I am almost one month smoke free and it hasnt been easy. I found councelling helpful. I keep telling myself this year will go by with me quitting or not. I started walking and it feels great. You will feel better!!