The terrible three's

[KathieO]

My 3 months is coming up and i have to say Im quite worried. In the past I crumbled during this time and never really made it much further. Ive read this can happen 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, etc., is why its called the terrible three's. Honestly i dont know if im prepared enough or not.

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free]

Hey, first off, you've come here and opens up- that's a good step. Maybe you need to plan some activities or walks? Find some ways to get physically active if you're not already. Starting up a new hobby or book? By putting your mind into something new you'll be less focused on the approaching date and your former life as a smoker. Well, at least that is my plan (after this sluggish period ends) and suggestion. Btw congrats on your time in! I'm 22 days- so I really shouldn't be giving advice, but I do hope to be helpful. And want you to stay the course! You have come so far and I believe you can go further. I'm sure you'll be hearing from more people with better time in so keep coming back!

[KathieO 100 Days Smoke Free in reply to Laureenc]

Thank you for the insight and congrats on your 22 days 👍 I most definitely will take the gym a little more seriously and maybe get a craft going. Tis the season right? I really dont have anywhere to discuss whats going on with my nicotine addiction. Its terrible and screws with your mind just like any other drug. This is a great outlet and im just happy i found it.

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to KathieO]

Glad you're here! Trust me, I too have no idea where else to vent and be understood but here. Good for you that you're already in the gym! That's enviable! I need to get started too. Anyhow, keep coming back when you need. And if you happen on a craft feel free to share, you're right- ''tis the season. Lol. Looking forward to hearing how you're pushing through.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hey KathieO - good to hear from you and well done on well over 50 days (can you just confirm your stop date as have it as 11 October for your milestone badges).

Yes, it is perfectly normal to experience the 'Icky Threes' for 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months, but I think you are over the worst of these at 3 months but it is good you are thinking ahead for a potential bump in the road, it might or might not happen, if it does, embrace and attack like you have been doing so far, keep busy, lots of water, fruit and vegetable and try to get out and about in the fresh air as much as you can.

Below is the Icky Three pinned post if not already read:

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin...

Keep in touch with us

[KathieO 100 Days Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks for all the advice. Yes, October 11th was the first day of no smoking for me.

[Rjg45 500 Days Smoke Free]

I’m in the same frame at the mo ..

I thought that was it and happily plodding along now ..I’ve had the tingling in my hands which has now gone , insomnia, headaches...all gone now ..last few days been getting split second reminders that I should be doing something...( smoking )

Not going back there ..for one , I really cannot stand the smell of anyone smoking , it’s so rank ..

just need to be stronger than you’ve been ..

I gave up cold turkey in August , I caught streptococcus pneumonia, smoking not being the cause but had a massive impact on how it took hold ..coughing up blood and pus and severe chest pains , hooked up to an industrial strength antibiotic drip and being in a respiratory hospital ward . All something I’m not going to forget in a hurry !!!

Was told to give up ..full stop ...

I’d been smoking for probably 30 yrs so was a huge task ahead but I just got on with it ..

Being ill helped as didn’t feel the craving as much as was trying to get better ..

My chest has never fealt so good breathing wise ...

I’m putting a few pounds on ...hey ho !

I don’t smell like an ashtray anymore and the garden doesn’t look like one !

And my bank account is noticeably better with cash always in my wallet now ...

I can’t and won’t go back there ..so treating it as before ..drink water , do something to take your mind off it .

Just please don’t give in ..

I’m proud being a non smoker and it’s great ... ask a smoker if there proud of being a smoker !

Positive thoughts yeah , As I’m in the same boat as you at the moment..but it will pass .... 👍

[KathieO 100 Days Smoke Free in reply to Rjg45]

What an amazing story. Im glad you are alive and doing well. So many of us would have went back to our old ways. Good for you! Stay strong 💪