Hello to month 3........

[nsd_user663_34224]

Hello everyone

I can't believe I have made it into my third month ....... I have had a few ups and downs along the way but have made it. It seems ages since I last had a cigarette yet it has gone surprisingly quickly if that makes sense.

As mentioned in my previous post, I am off the patches and now only using my inhalator for desperate cravings but they are becoming less as the days go by....... yesterday I used it only twice but I was busy all day so I guess that helps.

It's been hardwork giving up but it's becoming more and more worth it as the weeks go by and not just healthwise but wealthwise ...... I have saved £400 through not smoking now...... and love the fact my life is no longer dominated by when and where I can smoke as it's no longer a factor I need to consider.

I am starting to detest the smell of smoking and while I think this is a good thing I am conscious of the fact I don't want to end up as a smug self righteous ex-smoker (like one of my friends who acts as though she's never smoked at all) not least because I still have a long way to go and am aware that I could always slip-up and allow temptation to get the better of me. I hope this is a common feeling amongst others that are giving up. :eek:

One question and I am probably jumping the gun but at what point do you become a non smoker or are we always to consider ourselves ex-smokers?

[nsd_user663_26699]

One question and I am probably jumping the gun but at what point do you become a non smoker or are we always to consider ourselves ex-smokers?

Maxine,

Firstly, well done on your three months quit. That is fantastic!

To answer your question, and this is just my opinion, someone who has smoked on a regular basis for a considerable time cannot ever be called a non-smoker. The reason I say this is because ex-smokers have experienced something that non-smokers have not; smoking. I would say you become an ex-smoker as soon as you extinguish your last cigarette.

Alex.

[nsd_user663_33545]

Well done Maxine , what an achievement. You go go go

[nsd_user663_32615]

I am starting to detest the smell of smoking and while I think this is a good thing I am conscious of the fact I don't want to end up as a smug self righteous ex-smoker (like one of my friends who acts as though she's never smoked at all) not least because I still have a long way to go and am aware that I could always slip-up and allow temptation to get the better of me. I hope this is a common feeling amongst others that are giving up. :eek:

One question and I am probably jumping the gun but at what point do you become a non smoker or are we always to consider ourselves ex-smokers?

Hi Maxine

I can absolutely relate to not wanting to become "that sort" of ex smoker! I always hated them!!! It's strange though, I am having to fight the urge to be evangelical - I see middle aged women smoking, and I get so tempted to tell them that it really can be done!

I agree with Alex that we will always be ex-smokers rather than non-smokers. This is useful to me, because it reminds me that I will always have to be vigillant. Calling myself a non smoker would hint at a clean slate and the opportunity to start again! I guess it's a personal thing, really.

[nsd_user663_7318]

Congratulations on your achievement.

i class myself as a non smoker and ex smoker; smoking is something I no longer do and non is more assertive to my conscience than ex.

Each to their own though.

I think you're whatever you want to be at the point you're most comfortable.

[nsd_user663_34224]

Thanks for you replies.

I can't believe I am still doing so well for me ........ to think I was a heavy and long term smoker I have found giving up not too bad on the whole and hope it continues. I am now nicotine free much earlier than I expected to be as I came off the patches (previous post) and last used my inhalator 3 days ago.... I still keep it to hand though in case I get caught short.

I am disappointed though that I've not been able to get my weight increase under control, over a stone now so clothes feeling and looking ultra tight and uncomfortable. I am reluctant to buy the next size up otherwise where will it stop?

I have started going swimming so hoping that I will at least stabilise and have stopped buying any treats as a 'reward' for not smoking. Right now, a few lost pounds would be reward enough ......

Continued good luck to everyone giving up and those thinking about it.

maxine

[nsd_user663_32559]

I am so glad that it is going so welll for you Keep up the good work!