Day 20 & An Inspirational quitter - in need of support

[nsd_user663_41733]

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all well and your quits are going smoothly as can be!

First off I just wanted to let you know about a person that I found on Twitter called Michael Barnett. He gave up smoking on 26th January 2012 and in 'eureka' moment (or a moment of madness - you decide!) he signed himself up for the London Tri-athlon at Olympic standard in September of this year. That's a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run!! He will be raising money for Cancer Research for his efforts.

For more info on his story please do check out his blog:- smoker2triathlete.blogspot....

His Twitter name is @Smoker23athlete

Now for me:-

I am now on day 20 of my quit and I'm so proud of myself! it's been tough going as I have been dealing with some very distressing times - it would be distressing for anyone, I'm not exagerating I promise. I may elaborate at some point for now I need to deal with things myself before I share it all with the world!

I've been feeling really low and have been sleeping like a hybernating bear for a couple of weeks now so went to the docs. My question to the doc was:- Do I feel like this because of the Champix? because of the stress? because of stopping smoking? or is a combination of everything? His answer:- well I'll see you again in 2 weeks, refer you for counselling and we can do a full health check if you want!

So no real answer for me at this stage although I do think it's all a combination of everything. I think I might go for the health check though just to put that out of the equation.

Has anyone else felt like this on their quit journey??

Again, please do check out Michael's blog - it's great reading and very inspirational! And just to clarify - I have never met this bloke, I don't know him from Adam but for some reason his story has really struck a chord with me! Who knows, maybe I'll sign up for next year's Marathon!! :eek:

[nsd_user663_13779]

Sandylou its good that you went to see a doctor to figure out why you’re feeling so bad. I had very similar feelings the 2 times I was on Chantix (the USA version) and ended up stopping the use of it and within a couple days I was back to normal but smoking again.

2 weeks is an awful long time to wait for another visit. Can you make an appointment sooner? or see a different doctor?

I won’t bore you with what I went through while using it but I recommend reading the warning label on the side of the box and call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the side effects listed.

I hope you feel better soon

[nsd_user663_41733]

Has anyone read the blog or follwed Michael yet?

[nsd_user663_42025]

Sandylou its good that you went to see a doctor to figure out why you’re feeling so bad. I had very similar feelings the 2 times I was on Chantix (the USA version) and ended up stopping the use of it and within a couple days I was back to normal but smoking again.

2 weeks is an awful long time to wait for another visit. Can you make an appointment sooner? or see a different doctor?

I won’t bore you with what I went through while using it but I recommend reading the warning label on the side of the box and call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the side effects listed.

I hope you feel better soon

Hi Sparky,

I know what you are talking about did not use the chantix my doc put me on a different med after I already was on day 10 of my quit :confused: to ease the withdrawal well that really did not work out at all :mad:. So true read no better study and research the warning label.

[nsd_user663_35913]

Hi Sandylou

Firstly I hope you soon start to feel better - I believe that one of the side effects from Champix is tiredness but not everyone gets that. But well done on getting to 20 days...great achievement. Just a shame that you're not feeling all the benefits just yet - but they will come, I promise!

I have just read Michaels Blog - very inspirational! Sort of makes me ashamed of my couch potatoe status at the moment (although I try to walk at least 3 miles a day - but that is nothing in comparison really). Thank you for attaching that link - I will continue to follow his blogging for sure.

All the best of luck with your quit - keep reading on the forums and remember - nothing - absolutly nothing is solved, made better, fixed, sorted by having 'just one' cigarette.

Fellie

[Pinkinc]

Hi Sandy Lou

I've not used Champix but I've experienced terrible mood swings. Very low at times. Lots of sleeping. I'm in bed right now!!! The journey so far has been full of ups and downs and far tougher than I ever imagined. It my first quit attempt. However I've spent a lot of time reading...dipping into this forum, attending a meeting group and the one thing I've learnt is I just have to be kind to myself. If I feel like sleeping...I do. If I feel like I need to be by myself...I am.

We are going through such changes. Learning new routines and habits and breaking the old ones. It's all taking a lot of energy and effort. Just do whatever you need to do for you...except smoke as that won't solve anything

Alison x