Sticking to my quit date this this.

[Tilly1971]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on here. I've plucked up the courage to post as I need support. I have set my quit date for next Monday when my new sofa gets delivered. I have set that many dates in the last 12 months as I'm desperate to be free from fags but have given in before even the quit day has started really. My daughter has give up on me as I keep saying I'm going to do it and then struggle so much. Well this time is going to be the time I say no to fags. Sorry if I've waffled on people. 👍

[Tracey3 1 Year Smoke Free]

So great you have set a date, are you using any patch, gum etc?

Indeed we some times hold on to smoking for fear of the Unknown, but nothing happens, nothing at all, it's all good stuff, indeed our bodies take time to adjust, but your bodie will thank you in so many ways.

Looking good forward to your posts.

Your stronger than you think., wishing every success

[Tilly1971 in reply to Tracey3]

Many thanks Tracey, yeah I've actually bought 2 weeks worth of the strongest patches and I've got sugar free polls as I can't afford to put weight on as I have an artificial bladder and it won't stretch to need to keep my weight the same which I'm dreading. I feel as though I am cheating by using the patches etc and feel I should go cold turkey or people will judge me for sort of cheating. Thanks for replying. Xx

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to Tilly1971]

Hello Tilly! There are people on here that are using all sorts of quitting methods. Pick the one that feels best for you and go with that. If it works for you then it works!

Best wishes for Monday, keep posting and let us all know how you're doing.

[Tilly1971 in reply to Nozmo]

Hi Nozmo, thank you so much for replying. This is the best site I have come across and I think it will help me enormously. Thanks again 👍

[Hidden]

Welcome tilly

You will get loads of support from all the guys on on.

You have took the first step to a healthier happier life.

My daughter a nurse.ive had so much earache from her. (I haven't stoped because of her)

I stoped because I know its my time

Take care

[Tilly1971 in reply to Hidden]

Hi ThinLizzy, thanks for replying, yes I'm determined to put mind over matter and do this xx

[Jessica180706 500 Days Smoke Free]

Hi Tilly,well done on setting a date, you will get lots of help and support on here, whenever I feel the urge to smoke I come on here and read posts etc to take my mind of it , don't think or let anyone make you feel like you are cheating because you are using patches! You are making positive steps to be healthy and if patches help then I'm sure everyone will prefer that to all the other nasty chemicals in a cigarette xx Good luck and I look forward to seeing your posts when I have a craving 😄

[Tilly1971 in reply to Jessica180706]

Oh Jessica, thank you so much. I certainly will post and good luck to you too. Look forward to getting to know you all xx

[Yvette2016 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hi Tilly,

Great things have to start somewhere - Monday is your start of great things. Today I am 12 days smoke free ( I'm vaping to help - don't think I would have lasted a day cold turkey ) but am feeling great and my bank balance is aswell. Good luck and don't forget we are all on here for the same reason - however we get there xxxx

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Huge welcome Tilly, well done on setting a date, sharing with us should help as we will be rooting for you and looking forward to updates on your progress, you can do this.

I would suggest reading up as much as possible before Monday on what happens when we quit, tips, other peoples experiences etc...

Above all Tilly, have the belief that you can do this!

[Tilly1971 in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you so much Roisin for your lovely message. Good tip to read things and I've been listening to talks etc on YouTube and on the Internet. I have been here so many times where I've set a date and then I fall flat on my face within half an hour. I know that's pathetic isn't it. I will be putting updates on for sure so thanks again xx

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Tilly1971]

You are very welcome, I promise you Tilly, go for it, will be the biggest achievement in your life, cannot reiterate that enough......

[Tilly1971 in reply to RoisinO1]

Aww thanks so very much. I will admit I'm scared out of my wits. I know it sounds stupid and weak. I have tried so so many times I've lost count. Here's to a new me xxx

[Abuelajeannie 3 Years Smoke Free]

Well done on your decision to quit on Monday and don't ever feel guilty by using any method which helps to quit smoking, not all of us are strong enough to go cold turkey. I am only 5 days into my quit and like you this time last week I was terrified at the thought of not having my crutches but although it's not easy at times it certainly was nothing to be afraid of. I've had a bad day today, but I've survived and I know that had I caved in I would have been so disappointed in myself. I have started cross stitching again to keep my hands and mind occupied and it's really helped, so perhaps you could take up some hobby that keeps your hands and mind busy too. Good luck, keep posting

[Tilly1971 in reply to Abuelajeannie]

Thanks Hun. Yeah I am terrified beyond belief. I do crochet when ever I can and I have just started writing my owns patterns so going to throw myself into that I think. Xx

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

Hiya Tilly, best of luck for tomorrow! Let us know how you get on.

[Tilly1971 in reply to Nozmo]

Hi there, well my mood this weekend has been awful and just panicking like mad. It doesn't help that I'm not well with my mind because of the chronic pain I have but this is going to be my biggest step forward yet. My sofa is due this afternoon and I'm into my last pack of fags so like my dad did I will never buy any more. No point thinking I'll try not to buy any, I've got to look at it as this is it... A new me. Thanks so much for remembering today. I will let you know. xx

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to Tilly1971]

Good luck! Probably best to start a new post with any news. That way it will be at the top of the list and you will get a better response.

[Tilly1971 in reply to Nozmo]

Thank you so much. xx

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hey Tilly

Found below on another site, might be helpful to you before you put out that last smoke....

When you first quit smoking, it may feel like your day is one long, continual urge for a cigarette. If you pay close attention though, you'll notice that most cravings to smoke last only three to five minutes. They tend to come off the blocks strong, and decrease gradually until they're gone.

There are two types of cravings people experience in the early days of smoking cessation.

Physical cravings are your body's reaction to nicotine withdrawal. You may feel a tightness in your throat or belly, accompanied by feelings of tension or mild anxiety.

Psychological cravings are triggered by the events in your daily life. We all have hundreds of unconscious cues we give ourselves to smoke. When you quit, those cues will trigger the urge. Activities like driving, eating, drinking coffee or alcohol, or simply relaxing can trigger thoughts of smoking for many of us. Mental urges can and usually do produce the same feelings in our bodies as physical cravings.

Keep things simple.

Curb cravings as they come, one by one. The most effective way to do that is to interrupt your thought pattern on the spot. Shift gears and do something different for a few minutes. Change your activity, either mentally or physically, and the craving will lose its power and be gone before you know it. Try one of the tips below, or come up with some of your own to suit the situation.

1) Go for a walk.

Get up and move. If you can, go outside for a five-minute walk. Do a lap around the block or the building, breathing deeply as you go. A little exercise and a change of scenery helps!

About.com Walking

2) Take a mini mental vacation.

Close your eyes. Create a place in your mind that you can visualize when you need to slow down and relax. It could be a real location or not, but visualize it in detail and make it yours. Go to this place every time you do this exercise so that it becomes familiar and comfortable. As you settle in, start to follow your breathing, and slow it down gradually. Breathe deeply in and out for three to five minutes.

Vacations of the Mind

3) Drink a glass of water.

When a craving hits, chug down a glass of water. Not only will it help you bust your craving to smoke, it will help you physically. Many of us are mildly dehydrated without knowing it, so adding some water to your diet is a good idea. Good hydration will help your metabolism work more efficiently and you'll feel better overall. Water is one of nature's finest quit aids; use it to your advantage.

Drinking Water to Maintain Good Health

4) Review your list of reasons to quit smoking.

Reading your list is a quick and easy way to remember your priorities for quitting. Take five minutes while you're wishing you could smoke and remember how you felt when you decided to quit. Think about the reasons why you finally took the plunge and stubbed out that last cigarette. Your reasons are just as true now as they were then.

Why Should I Quit Smoking?

5) Have a portable hobby.

Find something you enjoy doing that's easy to pick up and put down at a moment's notice. Keep it handy to fill a five-minute break here and there. You could work a crossword puzzle or read a few pages of a novel. If you knit or crochet, carry a simple project around with you.

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoking

6) Grab some support.

Visit the support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation. Do a little reading about how others deal with nicotine withdrawal and the early days of quitting tobacco. Post a message asking for support, and jump in to help others who may be struggling. When you step outside of your own discomfort and focus on helping someone else with theirs, it can be the best medicine in the world. Tell them that they can do it and you'll be giving yourself the same message. It's a win/win!

About.com Smoking Cessation Support Forum

7) Count your blessings.

Take a few minutes to reflect on all of the things in your life that you're grateful for. It's a simple, yet powerful way to pull yourself out of a slump and renew motivation.

Smoke Free Blessings

8) Eat a healthy snack.

When blood sugar levels drop, cravings to smoke can seem more powerful while you feel less able to manage them. Eat something nutritious, such as a piece of fruit, a cup of yogurt, or a tablespoon of peanut butter on a couple of crackers. You'll feel refreshed and stronger.

Fun and Healthy Snack Recipes

9) Call a friend.

Take a few minutes to connect with someone you care about. Your spirits will be lifted, and chances are you'll perk them up too.

10) Accept and let it go.

Cravings to smoke are not commands. How you choose to react to a craving can either increase or decrease its power over you. Try a little reverse psychology - instead of tensing up for a fight when the urge to smoke hits, relax and mentally lean into it. Let the craving wash over you, and accept it as a sign of healing, which is just what it is. The urge will run its course and pass. Practice makes perfect with this technique. You'll get the hang of it and will find it empowering.

Have some faith, and trust in the process of recovery from nicotine addiction. Thousands of people no different than yourself quit smoking successfully every day of the year. They don't possess any special qualities that you don't have. Everything you need to quit smoking once and for all is within you right now. Believe in yourself and be patient! Take the time you need to heal and learn how to live your life smoke-free. You'll get there just as surely as the next person.

[Tilly1971 in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you so much. That is fabxxx

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Tilly1971]

How did you get on Tilly?

[Tilly1971]

Hi Hun, sorry I couldn't get back to you. Ended up getting another ambulance. Couldn't get my catheter into drain my belly. Had an awful night and day. I'm afraid I asked my mum to buy me a packet when I got home. Not had half any many as I usually would and I did put my patch on when I hit home. Just resting up now in bed xxx

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Tilly1971]

Oh no Tilly, I didn't realize what you were going yesterday and today, so sorry, think there was miscommunication on my part, Monday dizzy blues...sorry again...

Wishing you a speedy recovery, now is not your time, concentrate on getting fit and well and then you can think about your quit again (be sure to stay here as you are part of the family now....) xx

[Tilly1971]

Oh bless you. Thank yo so much. So it's ok for me so stay in this group? That's made me feel a lot better. Thanks xxx

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Tilly1971]

Off course Tilly, will give that encouragement to set your new date as soon as you can (but just bear in mind though that it is a no smoking forum so the sooner you quit the better...)

[Tilly1971 in reply to RoisinO1]

Will do thanks Hun xxx