This is how far I've come.

[Jake25]

Was diagnosed in 2017 with copd,was quite mild and I carried on smoking stupidly. I kept thinking about stopping smoking but just couldn't do it, did quite stressful job in care and lots of colleagues smoked, so we used to have breaks together. Anyway I noticed whenever I got a cold it would always turn into chest infection, always had steroids and antibiotics. Anyway covid hit and I did have to shield for over six months, anyway I became ill last November really bad chest infection, could hardly breathe took my usual antibiotics and steroids and was still ill, managed to see Dr got more antibiotics and steroids, didn't want to go to hospital because of covid. What I had was prob pneumonia. I started to recover slowly, was still smoking though, but stopping was always on my mind. I tried before to stop, had patches, ecig, champix off Dr, nothing worked. Everytime I went to Dr's with chest infection he would tell me I need to stop smoking and give me the helpline card, and that's it. Anyway so chest was clearing and I felt so much better, but noticed I was so much more out of breath, where as before getting ill I was just breathless on walking up hill. This preyed on my mind I went back to work in the December and could no longer do my job, having to wear all that Ppe, I was gasping for breath, so I had a word with HR to see if I could work part-time, but they said no there was no vacancy. So that was that I decided to leave. I remembered a friend telling me about a tablet called Tabex, she is from Poland and that's what they used to help them quit. So I looked this tablet up did some research its totally plant based, thought what have I got to loose. Ordered 2 months supply started taking it, and smoked my last cig on 18th Dec. In February 2021 my daughter bought me a cheap smart watch step counter. I could not walk very far, but I went out every day and did what I could stopping to catch my breath. Today I'm coming up to 10 months smoke free and I'm fitter than I could of imagined. I'm getting further and further up those hills without having to stop. I feel proud of myself, I've even just started a new job supporting people in their own homes. I can't believe how far I've come. And with thanks from the support of people on this group and the Bfl site, I hope my story helps others to see you can change and better yourself. 💜

[Katysmithbrown]

Well done, you must feel very proud of yourself 👏

[Collie4]

That is really good, be proud of yourself. Brilliant achievement. I went through similar 8 years ago. We are stronger than we think and should be proud.

Take care and stay safe. Enjoy your walks.

[Shortlungs]

Brilliant work hope you keep on improving I am hoping to improve myself 7 months stopped smoking you give me hope

[Gingerboy1960]

Well done Jake that’s a fantastic achievement. I’m sure you feel fitter and happier!

[H2o1511]

Awesome Jack ! So happy to hear how much improvement you are experiencing ! Helps give all much hope.

[Hobbledehoy]

Congratulations! You have a right to feel proud! Stopping smoking for me was indescribably difficult. It's a drug addiction, no two ways about it. Keep up the exercise - and enjoy life! 😊