Struggling!

[nsd_user663_64100]

Hi Everyone!

I joined the forum on my first attempt to quit a few months ago, but sadly relapsed. This is my second attempt and I've just ticked over onto day 22, I'm using an e cigarette when the cravings hit!

Had zero side effects up until day 20. When they came all at once.

Dull headache that won't shift

Anxiety and Depression (watching the new star wars film yesterday with my girlfriend and actually talked myself into thinking I only had a few days to live during the film? What the hell is with that!?)

Needing to clear throat constantly.

2 painful mouth ulcers

Insomnia.

Aches and pains, bloated - the list goes on.

Feel like my head is in a video game, all fuzzy!

Having a hard time guys! This will pass right?

Ben

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome Ben and huge well done on reaching Day 22. You are now at the stage of your quit where the mental battle has begun, the physical battle you are going through is perfectly normal and will pass and ease as the weeks go by. You need to be very strong from now on and keep telling yourself why you quit in the first place and it will be so worth it in the end.

Below is what you can expect, research is good so you can prepare yourself or know what is going on. Good luck and look forward to reading your updates

Withdrawal in the First Two Weeks

Because the first two weeks are so critical in determining quitting failure rates, smokers should not be shy about seeking all the help they can during this period.

Withdrawal symptoms begin as soon as four hours after the last cigarette, generally peak in intensity at three to five days, and disappear after two weeks. They include both physical and mental symptoms.

Physical Symptoms.

During the quitting process people should consider the following physical symptoms of withdrawal as they were recuperating from a disease and treat them accordingly as they would any physical symptoms:

[*]Tingling in the hands and feet

[*]Sweating

[*]Intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea)

[*]Headache

[*]Cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throats, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem)

The first few weeks after quitting smoking are usually the most difficult and it's safe to say that it normally takes at least 8-12 weeks before a person starts to feel comfortable with their new lifestyle change of being an ex-smoker. Withdrawal from nicotine, an addictive drug found in tobacco, is characterized by symptoms that include headache, anxiety, nausea and a craving for more tobacco. Nicotine creates a chemical dependency, so that the body develops a need for a certain level of nicotine at all times. Unless that level is maintained, the body will begin to go through withdrawal similar to alcohol addiction withdrawal. For tobacco users trying to quit, symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine are unpleasant and stressful, but only temporary. Most withdrawal symptoms peak 48 hours after you quit and are completely gone in six months. Mental and Emotional Symptoms.

Tension and craving build up during periods of withdrawal, sometimes to a nearly intolerable point. One European study found that the incidence of workplace accidents increases on No Smoking Day, a day in which up to 2 million smokers either reduce the amount they smoke or abstain altogether.

Nearly every moderate to heavy smoker experiences more than one of the following strong emotional and mental responses to withdrawal.

[*]Feelings of being an infant: temper tantrums, intense needs, feelings of dependency, a state of near paralysis.

[*]Insomnia

[*]Mental confusion

[*]Vagueness

[*]Irritability

[*]Anxiety

[*]Depression is common in the short and long term. In the short term it may mimic the feelings of grief felt when a loved one is lost. As foolish as it sounds, a smoker should plan on a period of actual mourning in order to get through the early withdrawal depression.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Hi Ben .....Yes it will pass ,,,,, and need hard work from your side to get the mind and emotions in place....Strongs !!!!

[nsd_user663_64100]

Thanks guys! I feel alot better today. Have 6 ulcers at once! I've not had ulcers for years. Forgot how painful they could be. However I won't let it ruin my Christmas!

[Incy_Wincy]

Hi Ben

​Glad you're feeling better - keep fighting and keep smiling! x

[nsd_user663_64100]

Hi guys, all side effects gone. Except for these dammed ulcers have yet to heal. I'm starting to worry that this isn't actually a side effect? Has anyone else heard of ulcers after quitting? Or is it something more sinister?

[CocoaXChange Valued Contributor]

Ben, from what I read it mouth ulcers are common. More common when using oral replacement (gum or ecig). Everything I read says it's temporary. Christmas punch must help.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/153...

[nsd_user663_64100]

Thanks very much for the info. I counted 12 ulcers last night, and I was worried it was going to ruin my Christmas. I went to the pharmacy today to have a chat and they gave me some benzalkonium pastilles and they are doing the trick. Thank god for that!

[GrahamA 3 Years Smoke Free]

I would have recommended salty water or a bag of peanuts of something similarly salty.

[nsd_user663_64100]

Thanks graham. I've been salt swilling every 3-4 hours. And mouth washing 3 times a day also. On the mend now