5 days so far

[nsd_user663_64638]

Hi everyone!

I'm new here, only just registered! I've smoked for about 6 years about 10 cigs a day. I tried quitting a few times and this is my 3rd or 4th attempt...

I had my last cigarette at 8pm on Monday 18th January and feeling very motivated since then I had a few cravings especially at work in the first few days. Now, here's the problem... since Thursday I have felt totally run down, all my muscles started hurting, I had a fever and felt dizzy. Was the same pretty much all day yesterday. Today, the worst feeling is the tightness in my chest and my skin around the area of my chest feels very tender. Feels kind of like it was horribly sunburnt haha! Oh and a sore throat.

Just wondering if any of you had similar experiences with quitting? I hope I'm not alone...! Otherwise I think a visit to the doctor on Monday is in order

The silver lining is that feeling rotten I absolutely do not want to smoke at all. The problem will start when I'm feeling better...

Found this forum when looking for some support from people who are going through the same thing, I hope it helps me this time!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome Virtuozza and well done on reaching Day 5, that is great!

Yes, what you are experiencing now is perfectly normal and will pass shortly (see below symptoms you may experience). I would suggest you read up as much as possible on what happens both mentally and physically when you quit smoking, read posts here at the different stages of your quit and post as often as you need to. Wishing you every success in your quit, keep focused, determined and positive, I 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.

[nsd_user663_64638]

Hello!

Thanks very much for your response! Yes, I did read on quite a few pages about quitters' flu although wasn't 100% sure that it's what I could have. I'm more and more convinced that's what it is, especially that today I coughed out some brownish looking phlegm (I know gross :rolleyes:).

Anyways, I hope I'll manage to stay here for a while and quit for good!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Ah the tar, had that for the first 4 weeks, was scary the first time I coughed it up and it is imprinted in my brain that awful memory never to smoke again! But it is a good sign that our lungs are clearing out so that gives us some comfort.

You appear to be in a good frame of mind which is very important, good for you!

[nsd_user663_2681]

Hiya,

Defo sounds like quitters flu and cold/cough symptoms are really common early on in quits, however if you are concerned at all see your GP, paracetamol, honey and lemon, hot bath and bed might help

[nsd_user663_64638]

Hi!

Been in bed pretty much since Friday! Lots of paracetamol and I'm managing still wake up pretty achy tho! I will see a GP tomorrow just to be on the safe side and maybe get some extra support in quitting too!

The longer I'm feeling like this the less I wanna ever smoke again. The stuff that's clearing out of my lungs is awful and I don't ever wanna do anything like that to them again!

Thanks for everyone's responses! I will keep it up and keep updating

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to nsd_user663_64638]

Good for you Virtuozza, vapourizing with vicks or eucalyptus oil may help release the tar (it is a good reminder never to smoke again alright).