I found this forum after looking up why on earth I might have been hit with flu-type symptoms on day 14...that do not feel like usual flu. I almost feel pleased? No that's daft, I feel like s**t but it feels cleansing. My first symptoms of quitting/cutting down to barely anything (from around Dec 10th) were gradual issues with digestion. Constipation, burping (that is dying down but I'm still a windy sod) and muscle aches particularly my one shoulder. I imagine this was a previous issue masked by smoking, as it only gives me gip when I move in certain ways, or when I first wake up.
On Jan 1st (not as a resolution, but because I was ready) I had my very last one. A rollie that I didn't really want, by that point I was going four five days and having nowt anyway, then the odd drag etc. So it seemed silly to continue in this way.
No cravings really...some horrible brain fug, bit of crying (that was really fun...said no self respecting quitter ever ha) and then today, bang, shivery, nasty chills, increased cough and just hot/cold/hot/cold.
I know it could be fluflu. But I feel it isn't.
I'm bracing myself to start coughing up some delightful things but yeah...I guess bring it on/up it can only be good in the long run?
I suppose I just want to know that others have had or are having a similar journey..and the hope it will get better. Thanks for your time, big hello to you all and congrats on your decision to rid yourself of the cigs however you've gone about it.
I'm a 38 year old female, have smoked for around 15 years and have failed to quit twice. This feels a bit different.
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on a brill decision. I also quit on New Years day but 2 years ago. Yeah some of the symptoms of quitting are strange, some unexpected and some just downright weird. I remember the digestion/bowel issues, insomnia, brain fog and oh my word the mood swings. The good news is they all fade gently away and you're left as a cleansed non smoker. Just remember NOPE. Not One Puff Ever. It's all worth it I promise.
Good to know its all normal, my word is it killing me right now but I cannot imagine smoking again. I'm struggling to think of why I ever did it in the first place, seems unreal.
Flu stuff is thoroughly kicking my ass today, but onwards!
Welcome Pygmy and well done on making the best decision of your life to quit. As Sued posted, these symptoms are all normal, below is what you can expect, stay close to the forum and post as often as you need to, wishing you success and strength and look forward to reading your progress....: }
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.
Morning Pygmy, how are you getting on since your last update, hopefully things have improved for you?
It is very hard, no doubt. But so worth it.
My partner is very sick at the moment, he got the flu!
We all know a proper flu is very dangerous, for a man that never had as much as a sneeze, he is actually dying in bed...and it's not the man's flu.
He has been like this for a week. He cannot even get a shower on his own at this stage and this morning asked me to leave money for him to go get cigarettes?! Wtf?!
This addiction is rotten, it's destructive behaviour, there's nothing good coming out of it!
What you are going through is very hard and I do not want to do it again, but it is for a better great!
I joined this forum few minutes ago. And am starting to feel relaxed after reading all these experiences that each of you had. I struggled to sleep during the first few days and had wierd dreams.
Mood swings is the worst part.
Initially i couldn't understand all these signs, that it was because of nicotine withdrawal and got tensed.
It's been two weeks since i have tasted nicotine and i feel great.
PygmyP.... Ouch I get goose bumps because I relive that first few days reading your post... I feel with you and just hang in there... The nicodemons wrath is fierce but it does end !!!
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Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
woo hoo - week 2
Day 1, week 2, 2nd weekend
7 days completed now onto week 2
