New member - on day 3

[nsd_user663_2112]

Hello everyone

I've been hanging around on here since Saturday when I made the decision to quit. Been smoking 15-20 a dat for 22 years and never tried before. I'd just started to worry about my health and was beginning to hate myself every time I lit up. I also work in a cancer hospital which really hits home sometimes. It also doesn't help having a 5 year old daughter and 6 year old neice who kept asking why I smoked when it kills you!! Wise kids eh?!

Anyway, I'm now on Day 3 and all I can think about is cigarettes. I'm on the strongest patches patches and also have a puff from time to time on an inhaler. I guess the reason I'm posting is that I'm finding it incredibly hard. Surprisingly, I'm not grouchy but I'm finding it difficult to think of anything else, and I am not sleeping really (removed patch before bedtime last night but still lay awake for hours).

I know this is the addiction but I'm just hoping it will get easier. I also know it's not going to be easy but I just wanted some encouragement - and to hear that it does get better. Also considering hypnotherapy - has anyone else tried this?

[nsd_user663_1733]

Hi Lin

Welcome to the site you will get great support on here to keep you going. You have made a great decistion to quit get over today and things start to get better keep posting Linda xxxx

[nsd_user663_2027]

Well done Liney123

The sleeping problems do get better as time goes on.

We had problems for the first couple of weeks with disturbed sleep, but

glad to say this has improved.

The minor side effects do ease up and you will gradually find that you think about the cigs less and less with each passing day.

Keep it up.

[nsd_user663_2096]

Welcome Liney123,

I have only given up for 4 days but I am feeling stronger every day. Everyone on here will give you loads of support and encouragement they really help you get through the rough patches. I have used hypnosis tapes and patches in the past and I think they can work well together if you have got that willpower in the first place. I gave up for 3 months using this method but very stupidly started again just because i thought i was missing out on something and that was the only reason. I am not going to be that stupid this time!

Just remember I am only on day 4 so what you are feeling today I was feeling yesterday. I have been very grouchy as well but I do feel much better today. Just stay strong and take it one day at a time as they say.

Good luck.

Befly x x

[nsd_user663_2112]

Thanks everyone and nice to meet you! It's comforting to know I'm not the only one going through this. My partner is supportive but he's never smoked so I don't think he really understands how it feels. I'm trying so hard to take one day at at a time as I'm sure you'll all understand looking too far in the future is very very scary. I also feel quite tearful. I keep thinking about social situations I'm going to be in and can't imagine not sneaking out for a fag. (I have to say, I've also met some very nice smokers standing out in the cold and rain and I will miss that - it's a bit like a secret club we all belong to!!!)

Even though it's only day 3, I do feel a bit better health wise funnily enough -a bit 'cleaner' if you understand what I mean(?) - I'm just hoping that's enough of an incentive to keep on keeping on.....

I think the morning and evenings are the hardest - the daytime doesn't seem too bad. Also I'm back at work tomorrow which will be hard as I usually nip out 2 or 3 times for a fag. That said, it's a cancer hospital and I've always felt so uncomfortable seeing all the patients and thinking 'what the hell am I doing?' at least I can hold my head up high tomorrow and say to myself I AM A NON-SMOKER.

So deep breaths and hang on in there everyone along with me!!! It's going to be a rough ride I know but I want to be there for my little girl. I know it sounds very depressing but I've gone through the scenario so many times in my head about what happens if.... it's a horrible thought and I never want to feel like that again. Sorry for waffling, got all tearful again so better go.

Speak soon

Lx

[nsd_user663_2026]

Liney 123, good luck, you can do it, you have already taken the step to combat the addiction. Stay strong, we are here for you.

xxxxx Pupalup xxxxx

[nsd_user663_1704]

Welcome Liney x x x x

Well Done on the desicion to quit!

Stay strong, keep busy and keep posting!

~Buffy x x

[nsd_user663_1998]

Hi Liney,

When I stopped smoking (my god - I cant believe it will be 5 weeks after tomorrow!), I also started listening to Paul McKenna's quit smoking hypnosis cd in bed on my Ipod.

I hardly ever got past the 'counting' part before I was unconcious but I still think that whatever he was talking about (I am assuming it was stopping smoking!) sub conciously entered my brain and has just added to the arsenal of support that I have found these past few weeks (this forum being a major part of that support).

It certainly helped me to sleep and relax and that's a very good thing when you body is working overtime to get rid of all the chemicals that youve been subjecting it to by inhaling a million and one ingredients that are in cigs.

good luck, keep posting and let us know how you get on.

Sharkey X

[nsd_user663_2142]

Welcome and Congrats on your decision! You can do it we are all here for you!