Bit of a ranty moan!

[nsd_user663_33894]

I've been lurking around again for a while (on here, not in general), but I've not really been posting much as I've not been very well. Which is why I feel a bit ranty/moany etc.

Basically, I've had a 'productive' cough for a month now, along with some other nasty flu-ey type symptoms. I don't think it's the same virus, just that I keep catching stuff. The thing that's annoying me is that I've been quit for 5 months now, so why has my body decided it can't handle a chest infection??? I haven't had a cough this bad since I was a child i.e. before I started smoking. WTF? I thought it was supposed to be better!

And I've yet to experience any of this energy that you're supposed to get when you quit!

Don't get me wrong, I've no intention of smoking again, I just wish my body would give me a bit of recognition instead of getting worse :mad:. Why do I have to be the odd one out?

Anyway, rant over, just had to get it off my chest, so to speak.

[nsd_user663_32615]

Not odd at all!

Hi Jen

Firstly, big congrats for getting through your first five months - that is something to smile about! And personally, I would kill for a productive cough! It would beat my unproductive old wheeze, thats for sure!

You are not the only one not to feel those health benefits - I do sympathise and understand why you feel that you deserve some benefits. But like everything else when it comes to quitting, there isn't really any absolute rule. I think you just have to trust that even if it feels like your body is still punishing you, you have done the right thing for it.

You just keep on going - you are doing great.

[nsd_user663_33894]

Thanks Mrs T, spot on as usual with your words of encouragement :).

Part of me wonders if it's because I quit before smoking was doing me any noticeable damage, therefore I won't feel any better for quitting. There are other reasons why I am tired and have a bit of a dodgy immune system - I guess I was hoping that quitting would be a 'tada' moment where suddenly I was better. On the plus side, I can be positive that my cough isn't my fault, so no 'I'm-ill-but-I'm-still-having-a-fag' guilt :D.

It's a bit of an irony that I sound more like a smoker now then I ever did when I was one though :rolleyes:!!

[nsd_user663_3282]

Congrats on your 5 months...onwards, as they say

It's not unusual to feel guff midway through the first year of quitting and you certainly aren't the only person that's been through it. Possibly you could make an appt with your GP and explain that you've been stopped smoking for a period and yet don't seem to be getting the presumed health benefits as yet. That may give you a peace of mind.

Other than that have a look at your vitamin intake. As you probably already know our bodies can get totally out of synch when we first stop smoking. That ol' nicotine is such a murderous poison that our bodies need to find a re- balance of vitamins.

There was a post discussing vitamin D recently...possibly there's some merit in looking into that. Other than that take heart in that you will get better as the time of non-smoking extends.

Through a friend's suggestion I started green smoothies and tbh it's absolutely startling the change in my body's physical and mental health plus the excellent energy levels. However, I'm not saying it's a miracle for perfect health in that I still come down with winter colds and such.

[nsd_user663_33894]

What do the green smoothies taste like Cav? I have a vision of something a bit, well, yuck!!

It's funny you mention vitamin D, that's something I don't get much of (vegetarian in a not-so-sunny climate). I've started taking a multivitamin for veggies, although it's the form of vit D that's not as well absorbed. I could probably do with more vit C as well :p.

[nsd_user663_3282]

What do the green smoothies taste like Cav? I have a vision of something a bit, well, yuck!!

Here you go. If it's yuck yer doing it wrong!

It's funny you mention vitamin D, that's something I don't get much of (vegetarian in a not-so-sunny climate). I've started taking a multivitamin for veggies, although it's the form of vit D that's not as well absorbed. I could probably do with more vit C as well :p.

Yup, judging by that tongue you could defo use more vitamin intake

[nsd_user663_33894]

Thanks for the link Cav, I still remain slightly dubious of drinks full of leaves, but I'll give them a try! Although there's a high chance I'll still get it wrong - last time I tried a fruit smoothie it started fermenting overnight (I think you're supposed to drink them straight away :o)

I'm waiting for the day they discover a varient of the cocoa bean which contains all necessary nutrients

[nsd_user663_3282]

I'm waiting for the day they discover a varient of the cocoa bean which contains all necessary nutrients

Well, funny you should say that but raw cacao would be totally up your boulevard:

"The nutrient density of raw cacao benefits every function of the body. One of the many cool facts about chocolate is that it is the highest source of magnesium and chromium of any food! Magnesium is the most deficient mineral in the average human. All of the compounds found in raw cacao benefits longevity in humans."

Thanks for the link Cav, I still remain slightly dubious of drinks full of leaves, but I'll give them a try! Although there's a high chance I'll still get it wrong - last time I tried a fruit smoothie it started fermenting overnight (I think you're supposed to drink them straight away :o)

Fermentation could be a quite interesting

Ever mindful that the site is about Stopping Smoking...but nevertheless. I was dubious too but with a decent blender and ratio of 60/40 fruit to veg the smoothies I make are really delicious. For instance the last 2 weeks have been Kiwi fruit or Strawberries, freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes, 5 large dollops of plain yoghurt. And the vegs have either been spinach, rocket, lambs lettuce or romaine lettuce. It's also helpful to have around 1/4pt of water to help in the blending process...not too much or it becomes too frothy.

[nsd_user663_4558]

Wife - non smoker - has had a chesty cough for about a month too. Two work friends also bad cough for the same time. I have been out of fettle for a few weeks with flu type symptoms, also grandkids and relations in Scotland and down south the same. It's the dreaded virus bug or ................. it could be a government conspiracy. :eek: