Day 5 - never previously made it this far...

[nsd_user663_4781]

Hello guys and gals.

*said in her most authentic impression of the Big Brother narrators voice - which is very authentic since I'm a Geordie*

'Day 5 in the stop smoking forum...'

Well, Day 5 is officially over at the stroke of 5pm - in 7.5 hours. I've never ever gotten this far before, I've always relented and had a few puffs off of a cigarette, which has then progressed into me having just 'one a day' and then it's gradually crept back up to my regular habit...

I'm pretty excited... If I get through today I'm in unchartered territory - how exciting

Having never gotten through a weekend before either, I'm super excited to get through til Monday - I think it'll do wonders for my confidence..

I can't describe how good I'm feeling already - physically AND mentally - and to know that this feeling only improves for the first year.. well.. I just can't wait. I'm so proud of myself..

My Daddy's very happy with me also.. He stopped smoking around 15 years ago and although he's quite possibly THE worst ex-smoker I know, his intentions ared in the right place.

I expect he blames himself for my bad habit somewhat, and he probably feels guilty because of that - because he's well aware of the damage. Of course, ultimately, I've only ever had myself to blame for MY smoking, I'm an adult afterall - but I don't think that changes the way he feels about it anyway..

He even offered to give me £500 if I made it to 6 months without smoking, but I turned down the offer.. The not smoking and having beaten it is reward enough.

That being said, I told him to ask me again in 6 months time, 'Would you like £500?' Haha

Himself is being VERY supportive, as per usual.. No matter how many times I have professed to quitting in the past and how many times I either haven't even started to make an attempt, or I've had a failed quit - each new time I attempt to quit, he believes me wholeheartedly and doesn't remind me of past fails..

Sometimes, his unconditional support (unconditonal *everything*) makes me feel like puking onto the floor - he's like The Perfect Partner personified.. It can be a bit much sometimes - though I'd never swap him and let some other girl benefit from his exceptionally kind and loving nature.. Mine mine mine.

I keep having a few hairy moment, but I surprise myself at my mental strength each time.. Even though my body and mind are begging me for a cigarette, my resolve and want NOT to smoke is just so much bigger.

I only really have around 2-3 MAJOR cravings per day - funny that, since I smoked roughly every 2 hours. Surely I should be having a major craving every 2 hours? It just goes to show how much was habit and how much is an actual crave for the nicotine..

I do recall, one time, the smoking cessation advisor telling us that your body only needs the tiniest little hit of nicotine to be satisfied, you could halve your intake and your bnody wouldn't realise as long as it was getting some.

I've been cutting my 21mg patches in half since day 2 and havent noticed any difference from a full patch - apart from I don't get the 'dead leg/arm' - though bizarrely, I secretly like that feeling, it's almost like a cleansing ache, very theraputic considering the cause and the reason behind the cause...

Anyway, sorry for waffling on (if you didn't get bored half-way downa dn have read til the end)..

Hope you're all getting on fantastically :cool:

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Emma

5 days quit is great well done you have every right to be proud and already only useing half a patch instead of a full one and so pleased that already you're feeling the benefits of it

That's a great post as well by the way just hang in there it will get even better and easier for you

Love

Marg xxxxxxxx

[nsd_user663_4781]

Thanks Margareth.. I am pretty pleased to be only using half a patch each day - saves a bit of cash too.. going to use one half patches until 14 days and then use quarter of a patch until 28 days and then hopefully try adn go without, though I'll have some handy just incase..

I should really amend my signature as I haven't used my inhalator not once!

I'm glad I haven't used it, as the inhalator is just keeping up with the hand-to-mouth habit, which in my opinion is the hardest part about smoking to leave behind..

I'm glad I've got it for moments of weakness though, which I'm sure I'll have at some point...

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Emma

You're doing really well with this

I think you're wise cutting the patches I used them years ago but they didn't suit me

I know this is the way BibleBlack [Jim] recommends with them I think he has one or to threads about it on here I'll see if I can find them for you here you go hope you find them useful If you want to know more you could PM him OK I know he will be pleased to help you

nosmokingday.org.uk/forum/s...

nosmokingday.org.uk/forum/s...

Yes do keep a few spare ones just in case and the same with the jnhalator

Love

Marg xxxxxxxxx

[nsd_user663_4788]

Hi Emma,

Congrats. Today is day 5 for me also (I'm also using patches). I've got weekdays down pat now, but tend to get a little more tempted at weekends - I put it down to the lack of routine. Planning to forward plan a it this weekend to keep myself busy and without too much idle time.

If it helps at all with the cravings I've found that remembering:

[*]They go away quickly if you do something else instead

[*]If you were to actually have a cigarette, you'd wonder why you bothered and be disappointed with yourself

Keep it up!