Quitting is a journey

[SheenaL]

Hey all! So my quit tracker just went off and congratulated me on 30 days smoke free which is great, but my quit date is 19 May 2017 @ 5:30 P.M. and there was 31 days in May so I think I'll just really celebrate in some small way tomorrow.

I'm still a newbie at this quit game, but man... keeping up with each and every day quit made this month seem to go by so slow. I feel like I've been quit for years already lol!

My main issue within this last week is sleep deprivation and headaches that do not go away. I even resorted to a BC powder that actually made the headache madder lol I have a history of headaches as is, but these are a bit more pronounced. Ah well, soon enough they will go away.

Anyway, hope the daddies in this community have a wonderful Father's Day!

[nikkitk123 1 Year Smoke Free]

Hi sheenaL congratulations on 30 days I am only 53 days so I'm considered a newbie to. I know we got a long way to go I think the hardest part is over we just got to worry about the habit. Sorry about your headaches but you sleep will get better good luck

[CocoaXChange Valued Contributor]

Its normal to count the hours and days when you first start. That evolves as you get further along on your quit.

Do you have trouble falling asleep, or do you wake up early? The same things that help with non-quit related sleep issues will help - limiting caffeine/alcohol, eliminating naps, not using ipads/electronics at night, herbal tea, exercise. Sometimes changing our routine helps, for example going to sleep earlier may disrupt the part of our system that is waiting for some nicotine. And if it continues, see a doctor.

Anyway congrats on a month.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Sheena...Good job...You are doing well and yes, it does go slow in the beginning as you are on the uphill side of this journey...the top is not in sight yet, but the first one is the steepest...You will actually be surpriced how quick it has been once you look over the vally where your journey leads.....!!

Good advice from Cocao..Herbal tea ..Green tea is a excellent remedy and helped me a lot!

Strongs !!!

Ps. Thanks for the fathers day wishes..!! We enjoyed a good day !!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hey SheenaL - 1 month tomorrow, whohoo!!

I found after the first month time when by very quickly. With regards the headaches and insomnia or sleep disruption is a normal withdrawal still at this stage but if they get worse or not improve, maybe a check up with your doctor is needed - something I had to remember was non smokers can have aliments aswell and tended to blame every little ache or pain down to quitting.

Try relaxing in a bath with relaxing oils and candles if you can - you must be kind to yourself in this quitting journey - definitely reduce caffeine if drink alot of it and deep breathing techniques is good too.

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

How is things now SheenaL ?

[SheenaL Valued Contributor in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks for checking in! I haven't been on here in a bit. I have been doing good. Just headaches still and minor sleep issues. I have been taking a 3mg melatonin to help but I still wake up in the middle of the night most nights. For me to take meds I have to be feeling pretty desperate. I have also been having to take Advil twice a day just for a little relief of my headaches. I have a history of migraines but since I quit they are like ten time worse lol Anyway, other than that I'm doing okay. Thanks for asking and hope you have a great day!

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

Glad things are improving a bit for you SheenaL I know I had sleep disruption too at the beginning of my quit, it will settle down, if I remember correctly, around the 6 month could have slept 12 hours straight or longer if I got the chance

PS Below is a migraine community here on HealthUnlocked that might be able to give you some tips and help on relief....

healthunlocked.com/migraine...

[Beatit 500 Days Smoke Free]

SheenaL - definitely cut out caffeine if you drink it as it messes with your brain working very hard to repair when we quit and could be causing the headaches, if they get worse go to your doctor, RoisinO1 's advice on the bath is good to unwind and take time out for yourself and her advice on herbal supplements previously is definitely worth a shot....congratulations on 1 month - time will fly by now!

[Exfirecracker 9 Months Smoke Free]

Congrats on 1 week smoke free SheenaL