I'm a newbie on day 3!

[nsd_user663_38486]

Hello all!

I've never actually signed up to any sort of forum before so please be gentle with me!!

I took the plunge and became an ex-smoker from Monday. I'm using nicotine patches and lozenges (when I need them). I feel okay so far, so hopefully this will carry on. I have tried to stop smoking numerous times but this time I am so determined to succeed!

I'd be so grateful for any of your tips and tricks to keep me on the straight and narrow. Thank you

[nsd_user663_36503]

Welcome Tezbo, and congratulations on starting your quit!

I too have never joined a forum, but have found this one to be so supportive during my quit. Whether you're having a good day and want to share or if it's a tough one...you will get some of those...either way, read and write as many posts as you can - it really helped me.

I will be starting week 6 this coming Friday evening and am so happy to be a non-smoker. For a good 3 - 4 weeks I found saying, 'I will not smoke today!' really helpful! By day 3 you know you can get through a day so by saying this you know you can get through it (even if that little thing inside is saying you can't, you know you can - that voice does get quieter)! A list of my reasons for giving up posted around the house is also a great support...I got these ideas from this forum, amongst many others... which is why I said read as many posts as possible.

Sending you positive thoughts for quit...keep not smoking

[nsd_user663_38473]

Hey Tezbo,

Congratulations on taking the plunge. So glad that you’re feeling good & being positive. You sound pretty determined to me so I’m guessing you’ll nail this once & for all.

I started on Champix 7 days ago & have decided that my quit date will be next Monday. Fingers crossed that I’ll be strong enough to see it through.

Looking forward to hearing your updates.

[nsd_user663_38473]

Hi DangerMouse,

Congratulations on making it to week 6. How did you make it through your first day? It’s my quit day next Monday & as much as I’m looking forward to it, it also scares the living crap out of me too. Did you keep your cigs on you or get rid of them out of temptations way?

Keep up the good work, you’re doing soooo well.

[nsd_user663_36503]

Hi Alexi,

I sympathise with your fear. Unfortunately, smoking has been a bad friend for a long time for many smokers and the thought of not having it around is very daunting (the thought is the most difficult).

Personally, I found that getting rid of anything smoking related was the way forward for me; I threw away my remaining cigarettes, all ashtrays, lighters and any other novelty smoking items people had bought me in the past. I had tried quitting before (a few times) and have never done this before...as such I always found that the temptation and resources were all around - this time everything has been binned and I feel so much stronger and determined to continue to be a non-smoker.

Remember to take it a day at a time...if you can get through one, you can do another!

You can do it!

Keep me posted on how you're getting on

[nsd_user663_38473]

Hi DangerMouse,

Thanks for getting back to me.

Its amazing how much we come to depend upon something so damaging. I think like you I’ll have to get rid of every bit of temptation. Since starting the pills last week I’ve been trying to break the habits. I don’t light up as soon as I get in the car any more – today I didn’t take the fags with me, which is a major breakthrough as in a 15 minute drive to work, I’ve normally had 2, sometimes 3, depending on traffic.

I think my nicotine addiction will be replaced with a tea one. Each time I feel like a fag, I’ve been making a cup of tea. Reckon I’ll be sick to death of the stuff in another week….LOL.

Thanks again & keep up the good work. You’re doing a great job

[nsd_user663_36503]

A pleasure, Alexi and thanks for your positive comments for my quit

You are doing so well already, well done for not taking your cigarettes with you...what an achievement! Keep being positive and continuing to make the steps to being a non-smoker!

Keep drinking the tea - better than a cigarette (decaffinated though )

I look foward to reading about your successes!

[nsd_user663_38473]

Thanks DangerMouse. Will certainly keep you updated.

Keep being strong.

[nsd_user663_34224]

Hello Tezbo

Good luck with your quit. I used patches for the first few weeks and couldn't have got this far without them.

Keep us updated with your progress.

maxine

[nsd_user663_25112]

Hello Tezbo and welcome to the forum, Congrats on your quit day and keep up the good work, we are all on here to help one another and you will finding reading posts as well as posting yourself very very helpful. Feel free to join the November group N.O.P.E. And good luck in your quit.

Jacqui

Quit: 14/11/11

Proud member of November N.O.P.E group.

Live long & prosper.

[nsd_user663_36292]

Welcome Tezbo, and congratulations on starting your quit!

I will be starting week 6 this coming Friday evening and am so happy to be a non-smoker. For a good 3 - 4 weeks I found saying, 'I will not smoke today!' really helpful! By day 3 you know you can get through a day so by saying this you know you can get through it (even if that little thing inside is saying you can't, you know you can - that voice does get quieter)!

Hey DM my quit buddy, this Friday you will be completing week 6 and starting week 7 -don't sell yourself ( and me) short!

gtat

[nsd_user663_20558]

Welcome to the site Tezbo.

I have a tip trio for you, based on my own experience:

Tip #1

ONE DAY AT A TIME! Don't think about forever. Don't think about tomorrow. Just don't smoke today. You can do that! I still think that way at almost a year quit, and it's working.

Tip #2

READ READ READ! There are so many blogs, medical sites, articles, and support groups out there - whether what you need is advice, education, comfort, or just to be scared witless to keep you on the straight and narrow, the internet has it. So use it. It helps. Also post here regularly - it's great to get the support, and even better to give it, because it keeps you focused on your reasons, and helps you to avoid complacency. And when you feel part of this band of quitters, it makes you think twice before getting off the wagon! If they can do it, you think, I can. And it's true

Tip #3

Don't be afraid of the quit. You'll feel crappy sometimes, you'll have bad days, but accept the bad moments for what they are, and understand that they won't last forever. Hold your head high and face down the cravings, you are better than this stupid addiction.

Happy quitting!

Helen x

[nsd_user663_36292]

Tip #4

....listen to the wise woman from Oxford.

[nsd_user663_2863]

Information

Hi Tezbo,

I find reading some of the stories from the Whyquit site (you'll find links all over the place on the forum) has been really useful.

A combination of what other people have found helpful is a good bet.

Strategies for crave moments.

Lots of water.

Looking forward to getting to grips with what we all need to do to get the other side of this habit...and we all will...rather than being afraid of the journey, which won't be worse than 'bumpy'.

The more you give to your quit the more likely you are to sail through it.

All the best,

Bill

[nsd_user663_24115]

REmember its not a sacrifice, your loving yourself.

mash x

[nsd_user663_36503]

Hey DM my quit buddy, this Friday you will be completing week 6 and starting week 7 -don't sell yourself ( and me) short!

gtat

Ah, so it is...I'm obviously feeling so comfortable in my quit, I forgot a week, lol.

7 weeks, check us out - makes me smile!

Well done, GTAT!

[nsd_user663_38486]

me again!

Thank you all for your kind words and helpful tips! I'm so glad I stumbled accross such a great resourceful site.

I apologise for my late reply.... life, work and christmas shopping have prevented my visits!!

I'm now on DAY 18!

I've got cold/flu like symptoms at the moment but hopefully just a small price to pay for having clear lungs I'm still going strong.

xxxx