please help! unable to jog

[nsd_user663_26092]

Hi guys

day two as an ex smoker is almost over and I'm really trying to stick to this quit attempt.

I have smoked for about 10 years (30 y/o female) 10 cigs a day roughly and have attempted to stop over 7 times but have always failed within the 1st week.

I used to be quite active even while smoking, but haven't really exercised for about 2 years.

I decided the day of my last cig that I would start a jogging routine - I have been twice now (with a day break between) and am slightly worried, after a minute or so of jogging my chest tightens up painfully and am literally fighting for breath. It was so bad today that I actually couldn't even continue and returned home immediately, I was able to run and not experience the level of extreme discomfort whilst I was smoking.

I know if I am unable to exercise i'll probably fail as I'm already having crazy cravings and terrible bloating - was hoping the jogging would help lift my mood and maybe help with my weight, sorry about the question I'm just feeling really right now and dreading even attempting another short walk/ jog combo.....

have I already messed up my lungs so much that i need to see my gp or is this normal after giving up the ddreaded weed?????

thanku

[nsd_user663_20558]

Don't panic! All the little cilia in your lungs are starting to stand up on end again after being flattened down by all the crap, and it's their job to sweep out all the toxins, which is what they are doing. That means there'll be mucus and irritation to the lungs for a little while. It's what causes the quitter's cough, and it is most likely what is responsible for your problems exercising.

I would suggest you do something slightly less strenuous to begin with - maybe cycling or walking, until you feel a bit better. If it persists after a fortnight or so it might be worth checking with your GP. But you shouldn't worry too much at such an early stage. You're healing, that's what's happening.

Keep going, you're doing fab!

Helen

[nsd_user663_22999]

HiStruggling

I agree with both Helsbelles and Talien.

I have started running again but I waited until 3 weeks had gone, just to give my lungs a bit of a chance to recover.

Rather than worry overly see it as a positive =- your body is mending!

[CamperPete]

Oddly enough i was talking about something similar the other day when someone asked if i felt better for quitting and they were shocked when i replied NO!,i felt fitter when i smoked :eek:

Like you i was always an active smoker, jogged, cycled, gym, martial arts etc etc but i was only fooling myself that i was really physically fit, physically fit for a smoker yes but not compared to a non-smoker doing the same exercise.

I don't feel i have as much general energy as i used to have (maybe that's because nicotine is a simulant and was keeping me on a subtle high?) or maybe it's all in the mind as my quit is causing all sorts of changes to my body and my moods.

That said, I now definitely notice a growing increase in stamina when doing a more 'explosive' exercise ie sparring, a couple of 2 minute rounds of sparring used to see me nearly on my knees (and not from being hit ;)) but i couldn't get enough air in my lungs :(, i can now last longer than when i smoked so some of the benefit is starting to show now.

It hasn't been as quick and dramatic as some other quitters but maybe that's because i was an active smoker and the benefits are slower to materialise as i didn't cough and splutter as some smokers did before my quit :confused:

2 years of smoking with little execise will definitely affect your lung capacity dramatically so try getting back into an execise regime slowly by gradually increasing your jogging time ie jog (slow pace) for a few mins, walk for a bit, jog (slow pace) for a few mins, walk for a bit etc.

It's always worth getting a check up at the docs before starting an execise routine you're not used to just to be on the safe side.

Good luck.

[nsd_user663_24115]

hI Struggler, 2 years without excercise and smoking as well im not surprised your lungs are a bit miffed. theres a lot to be said for learning to walk before you can run. a slow steady build up is probably best. I would see the condition of your lungs as an excellent reason to continue with your quit.

All the best Mashx

[nsd_user663_25997]

Hi guys

day two as an ex smoker is almost over and I'm really trying to stick to this quit attempt.

I have smoked for about 10 years (30 y/o female) 10 cigs a day roughly and have attempted to stop over 7 times but have always failed within the 1st week.

I used to be quite active even while smoking, but haven't really exercised for about 2 years.

I decided the day of my last cig that I would start a jogging routine - I have been twice now (with a day break between) and am slightly worried, after a minute or so of jogging my chest tightens up painfully and am literally fighting for breath. It was so bad today that I actually couldn't even continue and returned home immediately, I was able to run and not experience the level of extreme discomfort whilst I was smoking.

I know if I am unable to exercise i'll probably fail as I'm already having crazy cravings and terrible bloating - was hoping the jogging would help lift my mood and maybe help with my weight, sorry about the question I'm just feeling really right now and dreading even attempting another short walk/ jog combo.....

have I already messed up my lungs so much that i need to see my gp or is this normal after giving up the ddreaded weed?????

thanku

I'm pretty new myself, but like everyone says take it slow. Your body is going through alot. I know mine is giving me a battle right now.

Don't apologize for writing or ranting. As I've discovered the last few days, this is what this site is for. There are some really amazing people here who read and respond and support.

Hope you have a wonderful day

Val

quit; 13/04/11 1:20 p.m

Method; Champix

[nsd_user663_26092]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your responses, I guess I was being a little too optimistic after 10 years of smoking- so glad I found this forum last night & will def' try the walk / power walk instead as suggested.

Day three is usually my failure day but so far so good & really happy to hear that ranting and raving is welcome

[CamperPete]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all your responses.

Day three is usually my failure day but so far so good & really happy to hear that ranting and raving is welcome

Day three, that'll be part of the 3 three's then, 3 days,3 weeks and 3 months where many people struggle with bad craves around these times (but not everyone does).........i know i did

Have a look here for explanation of the 3 three's........talesfromthequit.com/the-te... so as you can read and be empowered with the knowledge to fight it.

[nsd_user663_26092]

Thanks Camperpete

That was a timely read & so so true "gnaw your own leg off to get to a pack of cigs" was exactly where I was 10 mins ago .. feeling back on track

*I can't believe that I was actually rationalising that if I smoked tonight I would just start my 'quit' again tommorow no probs - it's ridiculously (un) funny

I never want to encounter that 'BLAM' moment again, been there too many times

[nsd_user663_27963]

Day three, that'll be part of the 3 three's then, 3 days,3 weeks and 3 months where many people struggle with bad craves around these times (but not everyone does).........i know i did

Have a look here for explanation of the 3 three's........talesfromthequit.com/the-te... so as you can read and be empowered with the knowledge to fight it.

Thats so very true, i have killed 2 quits at the 3 month mark (93 days to be exact), day 3 is the worst with the most craves, gets much better after that as all the nicotine is gone