How long till nicotene out of system??

[nsd_user663_22289]

Hi

I gave up on sunday, so day 4 now. I smoked about 15 a day and have gone cold turkey. does anyone know how long the nicotene takes to get out of your system?

I think I still have a physical need for a cigarette, (tightness in my stomache and the feeling that I can't get a decent breath) but is this all in my head now?

Just wondering how long this feeling may last - or is it different for everyone?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Helen

:confused::confused::confused:

[nsd_user663_22002]

Just found this on whyquit.com

72 hours (3 days)

Your entire body will test 100% nicotine-free and over 90% of all nicotine metabolites (the chemicals it breaks down into) will now have passed from your body via your urine. Symptoms of chemical withdrawal have peaked in intensity, including restlessness. The number of cue induced crave episodes experienced during any quitting day will peak for the "average" ex-user. Lung bronchial tubes leading to air sacs (alveoli) are beginning to relax in recovering smokers. Breathing is becoming easier and the lungs functional abilities are starting to increase.

I would think it's mostly ghost cravings from psychological aspect of addiction - managing to get, and hold onto, the right mindset is half the battle. If you do feel like you are craving - physical or mental, try to think "good, i'm craving BECAUSE i've given up - which is what i wanted to do"

4 Days is a big deal - be proud - i find reading posts of people ahead of me - like yourself helps me as i want to get to day 4, or any posts really as it keeps in forefront of your mind why you are doing this

Stay strong

[nsd_user663_22289]

Thanks for your post Lulabelle - now just listen to your own advice and keep going!!

[nsd_user663_22002]

Haha - so true - but much easier to take advice from other people isnt it?

I just keep thinking about how i want to be able to run further and faster....and this forum's helping massively, may be addicted to this instead now!! Is that allowed?

[nsd_user663_22289]

Much better for your health I would imagine.

Seriously though, my friend has tried to give up with her husband for years and they have always failed, but she had enough last Jan and just decided to give up on her own and hasn't smoked since. Then 3 months ago her husband was ready and he gave up too. They couldn't manage it together, but have done brilliantly seperately.

Its actually cause of them that I recon i can do it too!!! (That and the bonus addition of a new puppy if i keep it up!)

xxx

[nsd_user663_22276]

All these are good reading. Í've given up maybe 6 times before, and this time somehow seems different. I'm feeling more confident and my mindset is different (I think). The best I ever did was maybe 6 months, which is mainly why I did my long checklist (reasons not to smoke) to remind me of my feelings at day 1. I guess at day 100, you can start telling a little fib or two, and I've got that doc as my reminder.

A major development: in previous attempts, I had the common dream of smoking, and then you wake up and - big relief - it was only a dream. Last night, I dreamt there was a pack of fags in the car (only 4 in a Marlboro pack - which is odd because I was a Camel smoker) and I tore them up and threw then out the window. So maybe my subconscious has acepted that I've given up. I want to make the transition from ex-smoker to non-smoker. Maybe get back to running and squash soon?

[nsd_user663_22276]

If you are a smoker, when the blood level of nicotine falls, you usually develop withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, increased appetite, inability to concentrate, irritability, dizziness, constipation, nicotine craving, or just feeling awful. These symptoms begin within a few hours after having the last cigarette. If they are not relieved by the next cigarette, withdrawal symptoms get worse. If you do not smoke any more cigarettes, the withdrawal symptoms peak after about 24 hours, and then gradually ease over about 2-4 weeks.

[nsd_user663_20933]

Can't wait for some of the annoying symptoms to disappear. I get restless legs which is driving me nuts as I can't relax when I want to! Also the constipation (tea and ciggie in the morning used to help!) - but I am sure with the amount of satsumas I'm eating that will soon pass...:eek:

Jeremymm - think you need to change your quit date! Wish it was a year for all of us...

[nsd_user663_22276]

ouch yes, quit date - I just changed it to 2011. Freudian slip? But still, that's one week today - not bad, huh?

[nsd_user663_7469]

The Smoke Free Road Is Long But It Leads You Too Better Health

Well done Helen and to all of you that have taken the plunge and want to be smoke free for the rest of your lives, it’s the best decision you can make not only to improve your health but to also make your quality of life so much better.

I think that we are all different and that as individuals we will feel the withdrawal in many different ways and also for different lengths of time.

Try not to look too far ahead, if you tell yourself that you can smoke if you want to just that you choose not to smoke today it takes the pressure off.

One day at a time was the best advice I was given, I said I will smoke tomorrow if I want to and yet here I am 12 months + without one blip and still I follow the same reasoning, I can smoke if I want to I just choose not to.

I tell people that I am just a smoker who chooses not to smoke.

Before you know it you will also be up in the Penthouse.

Try not to worry about your bodies responses to quitting smoking but if there are any symptoms that are causing you concern then ask on here or better still as we are not really qualified to give advice ask your Doc or the nurse at you clinic, keep on the smoke free road there is loads of company so you need never be alone xx