If any body had told me this time last year that I could give up my cigs I wouldn't have believed them. For 38 years I wasted so much time, money, and effort on smoking (and trying to hide it). And to think I only started at 16 to fit in and look cool (showing my age here, but this was back in the late 60's). And once I started I just couldn't stop. Even as smoking became more anti-social over the years I still clung to them. They were my goto fix for everything and I couldn't get through my day without them. It took a health scare in Feb for me to finally wisen up to the fact that my approaching retirement might be shortlived if I carried on puffing.
This forum has played a big part in motivating me and I'm sure I couldn't have done it without the encouragement and support, so big thanks to everyone! And Champix really helped, because it took away the cravings that had been my downfall on previous quit attempts.
Life is so much better without them. Fresh air, actually being able to smell and taste again, more energy than I've had in years, no more hacking coughs, more money, and I don't stink!!
Keep going everyone, we CAN do this!!!!
Written by
taurean7
2 Years Smoke Free
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Great to hear from you taurean7 and delighted you have reached your 9 month milestone, I too was one of those smokers who smoked to get through my day, how silly were we but all in the past now - have you begun your retirement yet? Hope you have some things lined up with the money saved from stopping
Hi Roisin, yes officially retired and loving it, especially now I'm much healthier. Because I no longer work in the city I no longer needed to live there, so I recently moved to a quiet, semi-rural town. Loving the peace and tranquility !!
Ah lovely taurean7 - bet you are appreciating life so much better now smoke free
Still job hunting, possibly won't get anything until the new year at this stage, done a trial in a local restaurant there back in September and sorta fell through, wasn't looking for a commis (trainee chef) even though advertised for it, wasn't meant to be. Joined an agency there that recruits chef relief work in the health sector so hopefully some work in that will come up soon. Still doing my weekly baking - steady order and keeps me busy for a few days ;P
Hi Laura, You will get there. Just take it a day at a time, small goals are doable. The weeks roll into months before you know it, and all the time you are getting stronger and healthier.
Enjoy what you are gaining back and be proud of what your are accomplishing.
Thanks Tauren7. Do you temember 2 months quit on champix and do you have advice for one who's not seeing advantages...yet. Can't wait to ne able to write 9 months! Great job & great to hear one who smoked a long time, like me, IS feeling better more energy. Am impatient waiting for that, but still very glad i quit. Do you mind advising how each month went for you, when you started getting more energy?
I was quite sick when I quit, so I didn't begin to feel good for about 6 weeks. It worked for me though because it motivated me to stay very focused on each day that I gained back smoke-free.
I do credit Champix with largely eliminating cravings, so really I only had to deal with the loss and the nostalgia craves when they hit. By 2 months quit I could breathe easy, and my ghastly cough had gone. I can honestly say the only one I miss now is the one after a meal, or with a glass of wine.
Advantages... more money in my pocket!!!! No more huddling outside in our freezing Canadian winters just to have a puff. No more chewing gum, breath fresheners just so I can be around other people. Haven't you noticed how wonderful everything tastes and smells? Months 3 and 4 I had energy again, and was eating everything that wasn't nailed down.
My daughter quit over 5 years ago on her 3rd attempt with Champix. She said each time the Champix was less effective for her so she knew it was her last chance and she made it.
Wow thats great! Can't wait to be there. Do you have any advice for when you were 2 month quit on champix? When did you start getting energy? I smoked 35 started at 15 so am VERY encouraged hearing you got it back. Thought maybe i just smoked too long & it wouldnt happen. Thanks ahead for amy advice/ timeline of benefits. Again well done! Thats a huge accomplishment!!!!
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Exsmo
Hey Exsmo, not sure if you read this pinned post already, its on estimated recovery timelines in our journey, everyone is different but might give you some reassurance.
With regards the energy, we have to help that along ourselves too, it doesn't just appear when we stop, need to eat healthy and foods that give us energy, good nights sleep and bit of exercise, doesn't have to be much, just getting out and about in the fresh air was great boost for me, link to the tips on healthy eating post too below
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Thank you for my 9 month milestone
9 Months smoke free 
9 months & Struggling
9 months and counting
