Non-Smokers don’t understand. The quitting battle for me!

[Eazoner]

After starting my summer with Lyme disease and feeling hopeless for the full month of July.. I decided to quit smoking July 28 2018 after 15 years and a one pack a day habit. On July 28th, I quit cold turkey!!!

The first 3 days were all mental -crazy cravings and avoiding all triggers (didn’t drive for 3 days, driving was my time to smoke!!).

After the first week my body fell apart:

Fatigue, brain fog, constipation, stomach aches, headaches, sore body, horrible heartburn. These withdrawals were not easy to take and caused extreme health anxiety. I thought I was dying daily, couldn’t wear my Apple Watch because I was always checking my heart rate in paranoia. Took over the counter medications as needed and avoided the doctor. I knew this was on me for smoking for 15 years.

1 month later: all withdrawals began to subside. I still had occasion headaches and stomach aches but nothing like 3 weeks or even a week prior. I began to have the energy to workout again and began to get my energy back.

Today: Feeling good!! Breathing is a lot cleaner and deeper. I look for milestones one step at a time.. I’m looking forward to 3 months now and hoping to continue the success! Thank you all!

Dylan

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Huge welcome to our community Eazoner , congratulations on over 50 days smoke free, well done!

I too stopped cold turkey 3 years ago yesterday, your excellent worded post summed it up to tee what is/was like for many of us in the early days. You are definitely over the worst of it

Keep up the great positive attitude and looking forward to reading your progress....

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

How are getting on now Eazoner ?

[Eazoner 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

I’m living lol.. still have aggravating stomach pains. I scheduled a check up for 2 weeks. I am sure it’s nothing but flora trying to catch up from the smoking gut. Don’t really read much about stomach cramps during cessation. Thank you for asking!

Dylan

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

Good to read Eazoner Maybe get the stomach pain/cramps checked out as when we smoke alot of stuff is masked until we stop and it rares it ugly head. Just for peace of mind and to avoid unnecessary discomfort.....

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

3 months now Eazoner - how are you getting on now?

[Eazoner 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

I’m still going... headaches have subsided, stomach aches have eased. Just dealing with Cold Feet still, went to doctor all is well. Just going to keep pushing forward eventually I’ll feel 100%, I feel it coming!

Dylan

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

Glad all is good from the doctor Eazoner - could be your circulation adjusting with the cold feet, bit of walk every day and leg exercises several times a day may help, keep in touch when you can

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Dylan...AKA Eazoner...Reading your post gave me goose bumps;...exactly were I and a lot of us quitters was on the first three weeks of our quit...

It does get better as you already experienced but there will be super days and horrible days to come...

Stay strong...You are in it to win it..

[Jwk1962 1 Year Smoke Free]

You're doing great Dylan, 10 days prior to quitting I didn't smoke while driving and I never get the urge driving,, yuppers, get in the van, light one up

Not anymore though🚭🔠 Jeff