Smokers or X-Smokers?

I've never smoked, but my dad had to quit cold turkey when he had a major coronary at .... only 37.  He had been a 2-pack a day smoker and back  then you were told to quit if you had a heart attack, but I don't think they had put it all together enough to realize that the smoking was most likely a contributing factor. My late DH quit smoking in 1967 and in 1998 he had a quadruple bypass.  His cardiologist looked at the films and asked him if he was a smoker and he told her he hadn't smoked in over 30 years.  Then she asked him if he had ever smoked and for how long and he told her he smoked for the 20 years he was in the Navy.  She told him that's what had done all the arterial damage and if he had continued to smoke, he wouldn't be sitting there talking to her. Once real damage is done, it  can't be undone.  So ... you can do it!! My oldest DS (38) started smoking when he was about 15 and decided last summer to quit.  He used that pricey gum, but it worked and after about 3 or 4 cartons of it, he didn't feel the need to smoke any more.  Good luck!

Joyce

Thanks for the info.My problem is the habit of not so much the nicotene.I smoke the lowest tar and nicotene cigs on the market and have for many years.I am determined to get-er done this time,so if I am not here much you all will know why.Of course it could be in reverse-LOL I may live here for days

I am not trying to use a scare tactic on you at all...but we here are like a family...and one of our members, juliekay...lost the man in her life, Rich, to a horrible smoke related illness. She was here often as she dealt with that and many people here supported her and grieved with her...

Rich did succumb and she made a page in his memory chronicalling his struggle up to the final outcome...she wanted ALL smokers, and people who live with smokers, to see it...but it is something that is very, very graphic and sad...but it is REAL and Julie is a wonderful loving person who really, REALLY wants to spare others what she went thru.

If you think it would help, or if you are up to it...please let us know and we can PM or post the link in this thread for you. It's is again, very real, very graphic...but it may help you stay the course...because quitting smoking is something that while not easy...is something so very necessary...esp if you have others in your life that depend on you.

Good luck to you and if you need added info or support, let me know. I used the patch and thought it worked really great and I would recommend it over anything else. One recommendation I'd make is to take it off when you're ready for bed. I didn't and had terrible insomnia. I also used the gum though and that gave me more instant gratification, so it has it's plusses too. Even after you feel like you've gone long enough on the patch, keep wearing it for some time longer. I still use the gum when I'm facing a really stressful time or just feeling edgy. I completely lost the urge to smoke many years ago after I quit, but the urge for some nicotine creeps up on me still and it's been well over 10 years.

This was very sad to read,but maybe if I saw the page she did it would sink in a bit more for me.Part of me thinks its a good idea and part of me just wants to run the other way.If you have it post it here or you can even email it to me.Thanx~ What you said about this group being family,your so right! Thats why I wanted to get involved after finding this forum.

Thanks for the posting,and I too am going to make it through this time.I know the last time I did the patch i too had to remove it at bedtime but because I was having nightmares.I too remember I was having night sweats too but just from withdrawel I think.I think about my health and my pocketbook.a pack of cigs are $8.30.That money will come in handy,and i will have a healthier life style.I can do this!

 The very best of luck to you.  I am rooting for you to succeed!

Dudleys Mama

and i will have a healthier life style.I can do this!

You really can. I promise. If I could do it, you can do it. I had the nightmares, insomnia, fatigue, etc. too but it passes fairly quickly. When I quit, I made it a big lifestyle change. I carried carrot sticks to work everyday and munched on those when I was hungry/bored/stressed. It helped a lot. I started running with my dog. As soon as I got home every day, I'd change and just take her for a run/walk. It helped me to break habits and coming home and lighting up was one of them. Do whatever it is you need to do to make this work for you. If it means staying away from other smokers for awhile, do that. When I quit, it was still commonplace to see smokers everywhere, even at work. Now it's much easier to quit. You can hardly smoke in your own home these days

Juliekay's tribute to Rich is quite powerful. I've known too many people who've suffered the consequences of smoking to not believe it can happen. One thing that always comes to my mind is that death isn't the worst that can happen. There can be an awful lot of pain and suffering along the way.

I won't say good luck because I don't think luck has much to do with it. I will say that I know you can do it. I think, more than the physical withdrawl, which is actually minimal, the breaking of the habit is the most important thing. One friend who quit had the hardest time when driving home. While working with one's hands, it's easier to not smoke. But on the hour drive home, that was the strongest temptation. So, find something else to do with your hands and your time. You know that you can do without it physically and do so all the time, when in a store, office, or movie theater or any place where you can't smoke. You get along just fine. The hardest part to break is the habit of lighting up as soon as you get out whatever non-smoking place.

The advantages, besides having better wind in your lungs is how much money you will save. Cigs are even more expensive, thanks to the current administration. The first legal action after 1-20-09 was to raise taxes on cigarettes. When you stay quit, it will be like getting a raise.

ron2

 Cigs are even more expensive, thanks to the current administration. The first legal action after 1-20-09 was to raise taxes on cigarettes.

And this I believe is a really good thing.  It might keep more kids from starting in the first place ... and let's face it,  if you can make it to adulthood without ever starting, you're much less likely to start in the first place.

Joyce

Thank you so much for sharing with me.It helps to hear how others did their quit.The carrot sticks may be a good trick.I know when i try to quit I was eating anything and everything to take the place of smoking.Atleast I don't associate smoking with being inside.I havn't smoked in my house for many many years.Ok,I can do this and you all can hold me to it ok? (((hugs))) ~Pat

You are sooo right! Seeing the amount of money I spend in a year is mind boggling.Its like $2788.90,Now who couldn't use that kind of savings.Thanks.Your right about the habit,and thats where i have to change my routine of things,and make some changes.I am going to take up exercising more,and that should help with what I will be feeling.I just have to prove to myself that I can do this.:)

Dudleys Mama

If you have it post it here or you can even email it to me.Thanx~ What you said about this group being family,your so right! Thats why I wanted to get involved after finding this forum.

We ARE a family -- and it makes me cry all over again reading Rich's website.  She shared it with us as she built it, and then after Rich finally passed (and that was SUCH a difficult passage for both of them) we all grieved with her.

It took her a while to process it, but she is doing well now.  But i know she'd want it to help others still.

And btw ... I posted to this, I PROMISE!!  But I apparently didn't post it properly cos it's GONE. 

My point was -- do it for Dudley.  The second hand smoke is bad for them ... and he's got too many challenges already.  (You just knew someone was gonna bring a dog into this didn't you??)

Dudleys Mama

Atleast I don't associate smoking with being inside.I havn't smoked in my house for many many years.Ok,I can do this and you all can hold me to it ok? (((hugs))) ~Pat

Doing a rain dance for you RIGHT NOW!