Quit smoking three weeks ago cold turkey. Started at 18 in 1990, quit in 2000 for nine months (gained 50lbs), and was smoking a pack a day since. Have a 3 year old boy and a non-smoking wife so decided to quit, wanted to quit, had to quit. Have a box of Chantix at home but the side effects scared me off enough for me to quit cold turkey. But since quitting, I've been dealing with annoying muscle aches in my arms, shoulders and legs (thighs). It also seems all my joints are cracking...I feel like a box of bones and strained muscles. The physical symptoms are also exacerbating the emotional rollercoaster like something horrible is going on instead of accepting that the sudden absence of 20 years of nicotine and other chemicals is bound to wreak havoc on my mind and body. I have no cravings, I don't fight myself from buying a pack, I just have a lot of worry knowing my family depends on me to a great extend and I've been selfish too long with a lousy habit.
Thanks for reading.
Jim
Written by
jimster16506
6 Months Smoke Free
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Awww Jim, huge props to you, Dad, caring for yourself and your family like this. So cool you’re not getting cravings - what a good sign. I used Champix for 1.5 months but cold turkey is great. I don’t know what muscle aches & joint cracks might be. Men don’t go to doctor as much as women but don’t hesitate to get checked out. You’re worth it. And be ever so patient with yourself. Keep going clean - you’ll never regret it.
Yep, everything hurts. Everything was better when smoking it seems, except that amazing sense of accomplishment at the end of another day smoke free. And then, gradually everything else starts to get better too. My wife tells me if I relapse I'm not allowed to quit again, I was such a hypochondriac it drove her nuts. Everything hurt. I relied on Champix and had those side effects to manage as well. Doing it cold turkey - impressive. My guess - no smokes is the cause of everything. No cravings is a blessing, though! 😀 (On the other hand, I'm not a doctor, so see one if if you're really worried.)
Oh man the hypochondria. WebMD is the worst for hypochondriacs. And with the hypochondria comes the depression thinking of whatever affliction I'm certain I have. It's been a rough go with the emotional peaks and valleys but through it all, going back is not an option.
Welcome jimster16506 and congratulations on 3 weeks smoke free (can you let me know your stop date for your milestone badges).
I too stopped cold turkey 3 and a half years ago. When we stop every ache and pain we experience alarms, even scares us. The pains in your joints and muscles may be your circulation getting back to normal but may be get checked out with your doctor as smoking masks so many things and you could be lacking a vitamin deficiency.
Thanks. No treat but still a personal accomplishment. Signed up for a gym membership so have returned to weight training, haven’t since my son was born so it feels good to be working out and even better with breathing better.
Thanks for the post. Yes, still smoke-free six months now. It’s nice to play soccer with my toddler son without having to catch my breath. It’s nice to wake up every morning without the coughing hack attack. And I look forward to hitting the slopes with my snowboard this season. I wish the best for those struggling, it does get better.
The reason for your aching joints and cracking joints is because your body stores toxins in them and since nicotine is a poison the toxins it produces have to go somewhere. Now you've quit your body is processing them or healing itself if you like. Can only be a good thing !
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Started my joy and pain (2 weeks) "My Quit Diary"
Quitting smoking tomorrow - cold turkey!
Third Time is a Charm