About me

[Rainbowlilybet]

Someone nicely asked why I'm quitting smoking and for some reason I can't find it in the forum so if it's ok, I'll reply here

Basically my name is Ellie and I'm 31. Today (Monday) is day 5 of quitting (well it's been 4 days, 22 hours and 47 minutes, but whose counting)

For the last 9 years I've battling very bad mental health and smoking more than 20 a day to try de-stress. It had become a security blanket, and when I was in a psych hospital, one of the only ways to mark time and the only reason you get out of the building for just 5 minutes. I've been at home for 13 months which is a record for me.

Because of the medication I take my weight has ballooned to a level where surgery may be the only option. Only problem is, they won't even see me if I'm a smoker. I have to think, is my future less important than smoking?

The last reason might be a silly one, but my husband walked out on me while I was being detained under the mental health act. I couldn't be bothered fighting so he got everything. I mean I was left with a bag of clothes and the cat. He always used to joke that I'll never be able to stop smoking ever. So K, this nicotine patch is dedicated to you.

So that's me. Feel free to ask anything. I've got nothing to hide.

I look forward to being part of this community

[andi22]

Hi Ellie. It sounds like you've had a bit of a rough ride so let's hope that from now on the only way is up. It'll be a bit tough trying to lose weight the same time as quitting smoking but if you're determined enough you can do it. Why don't you try and get out for a good walk every day for starters. Try walking as briskly as you can and all that fresh air will help with clearing all the gunk out of your poor lungs.

Your cat looks a real cutie, I might get another one myself one day. Speak again soon, Andi.

[simba196 18 Months Winner]

Hello Rainbowlillybet. I too suffer severe mental health problems, chronic anxiety and did smoke to relief the stress that that brings . I had breast cancer in 2013 which made the anxiety worse but then decided after smoking for 45 years that I needed to concentrate on improving my health I have tried to stop on several occasions this year and I am now on stop number 3. You can do it just think that no matter what the stress is smoking does not make the problem go away, it has taken me three attempts to get that into my brain, bit thick really!! I am a bit of a couch potato but have started to read and when I get a craving pick up my book and after reading for a bit the cravings do go away. Stick at it you will do it think of the benefits stopping will bring. It is hard, there is no denying that, but read through the post and see how many people have been successful. Good luck and lots of hugs Sue C x

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Hi Ellie like Andi says you have had a tough time of it. Stay with us girl you will get there . If you get down just come on here and scream. We are all here for each other.

[EmJay Partner]

Hey Ellie and welcome to Quit Support

It sounds to me like you are a winner at heart already and any knocks in life, well you've slowly but surely learnt to get back up and come with a strong fighting spirit

You are now into Day 6 of stopping smoking and so will be celebrating your first week pretty darn soon. You must be well chuffed with yourself Just take it hour by hour and day by day during the early days and we'll help get you to where you want to be. Little steps at a time

Whilst dedicating your patch to K - Why not dedicate the rest of your future to you and your gorgeous looking cat? Looks like you have a friend for life there

You'll find lots of support here and then once you have got stopping smoking under your belt I'm sure that you'll find the strength to deal with any excess weight. In the meantime, as JillyGirl has already suggested, how about a nice walk? I always finds that it gives a chance for some nice quality time with your mind and blows away some cobwebs

Nobody said it would be easy, but almost everyone says that it is worth it. You have both the health benefits of stopping smoking as well as the financial benefits to enjoy

Stay strong and keep smiling

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER]

Thanks for replying was a bit worried about telling my story so I'm really touched by your replies. Unfortunately I can't go out for a walk. I have social anxiety so I can't do more than run from the house to car. Good suggestion though Andi.

Sue, as they say third time lucky

And Jilly, I'll be being part of this community. I have a feeling this will be a major thing for me

Em jay, The cats name is Maia. She's my world.Thats for he encouragement. This is exactly what I needed when I woke up this morning

[Muddles 10 MONTH WINNER]

Ellie congratulations on all that you have achieved :). You've come to the right place the support here is ay.may.zing!!!!!!!! Keep going....day 5 woohoo!!! I'm at day 15 myself and for what it's worth each day I feel stronger. I won't pretend it's easy.....but with the support and encouragement found here I've kept going. You can do it too!!!!!

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to Muddles]

[Kaprin in reply to Muddles]

Well done muddles 15 days huge congratulations told you that you would do it x

[Kaprin]

Congratulations on thinking about yourself, your health, your anxieties. we all have them and we all support one another to get over the hurdles. You have joined the right community here, always someone around to help, provide inspiration or be a shoulder to moan on, but boy do we support one another, welcome to your first week of being smoke free and well done, you deserve a huge pat on your back. I am in my 10th week now and it does get easier especially when you have these great people to rely on to get you through the bad times, you will conquer this x

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to Kaprin]

Thanks Kaprin. And well done on 10 weeks!

[Kaprin in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Not easy but getting there, I also had bleeding gums, headaches etc, still have a cough but not as bad now, you may notice you start coughing up phlegm which has brown bits in it in another couple of days but don't worry it is just the tar coming up from your lungs, spit it out, the more you can get up the better you will soon start to feel better, drink plenty of water too it really helps and cut down on dairy products they produce more phlegm, hope this helps, x

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to Kaprin]

We really should be ashamed of ourselves for willingly inflicting this on our bodies by smoking

[Kaprin in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but we knew no better, I remember my first job in an office where everyone smoked in the office it was the norm, now thankfully it isn't x

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to Kaprin]

When I started age 14 there was a smoking room in school which staff and pupils shared. Scary how relaxed society used to be about it!

[yellowsnowdrop in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Hey Ellie and welcome to the best quit site out there.I've had problems similar to yours but many years ago and I'm here now and strong and healthy and believe me you will be too.If you need help please shout LOUD and someone will be there.HUGE hugs coming your way stay strong because you can do this.H XX

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to yellowsnowdrop]

Thanks hun. This site is amazing. I'm touched by the kindness you have all shown

[teddy08 14 Month Winner]

HI Ellie

You are a very brave person, well done.

I gave up smo king in the middle of October, I never thought I could do it. I too suffer with anxiety, and used ciggies for stress

I have three lovely cats who are also my world and all that I live for.

The giving up it is hard at times but keep on it gets better. Walks are a good idea one I must try to do one

good luck

love LIZ X

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to teddy08]

Thanks Liz. Well done on quitting since October! Our cats sure are our best friends

[teddy08 14 Month Winner in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

HI YES THEY ARE AND JUST THINK GIVE UP FOR MAIA, THATS WHAT I THINK ABOUT

GOODNIGHT

LOVE LIZ X

[monky Administrator 45 Months Cake sniffer outer in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Aup Ellie, I see you have loads of great support on here

Just a thought, when I quit, I made a list of why I liked smoking and why I wanted to quit !! I can see by your post, you may have some to add to it Have a read and see what you think ?

Why I want to smoke !!

1)They help me when I get stressed out. ( Although this might just be psychological )

2)They help me think. ( here again this might just be psychological )

3)It’s easier than quitting.

4)Simply enjoy it

Why I want to quit smoking !!

1)Breathe easier.

2)Coughing and spluttering.

3)Walk up stairs without getting out of breath.

4)Whiter teeth

5)Healthier gums

6)Breath not smelling of fags

7)Clothes not smelling of fags

8)Better complexion. ( Smooth skin, More colour, Less wrinkles )

9)Better circulation in my hands and feet

10)Better health all round

11)Have money to spend on what I WANT TO ( Not having to put money aside for fags )

12)Getting my taste back

13)Not having a Furry tongue

14)Getting my sense of smell back

15)No standing outside in the cold and wet

16)Not having to think if I have enough fags to last me the day

17)No yellow fingers

18)Not having to carry a pack of fags and a lighter around with me

This is how I got ready and focused for my quit date, I am sure that you could come up with some more of your own reasons, either for or against smoking, so get thinking and let me know, then I can put them on the list eh

Speak soon, Pete

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to monky]

That's brilliant! I've just written that down so I can add a few on too. Then it's getting stuck on the fridge. Thank you Pete.

[Hidden]

Hi Rainbow. Enjoyed reading your bravely candid post. Gosh, you've had it tough.. I've struggled with mental health since 15 (now 44) so understand some of what you say. You are not smoking, big congratulations, a big boost for self-esteem. Smoking was a huge crutch for me as when v I'll I woyldn't smoke and so related it to the well, tenacious me. Still feel nervous, day 23, about letting it go but know my desire to.Have normal health outweighs it by a million (have repeated chest bugs). Am sure you will find this site v v helpful. Glad to hear that in the split with your husband you got the most valuable 'posession', you cat Maia

[nixy 27 Months Winner]

Hi Rainbow, just doing a bit of catching up. Hope you are keeping well and still off the rotten fags. So sorry to read about the things that have gone wrong for you. Hope you are making use of this site, the people are really good on here. Good luck x

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to nixy]

Thanks Nixy, it's all going pretty well. Today is day 13 off them I love the people on here. Amazing people

[nixy 27 Months Winner in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Hi rainbowlilybet, brill news 13 days, keep on going. Hope you don't mind me saying this but keep looking over your shoulder in case nasty nic creeps up and catches you off guard! I had stopped smoking for six months but started again when my dad died. Thought I would have a couple to help me. Bad mistake carried on smoking for four months. Anyway got back on the right path and now on my 10th week of non smoking. Learnt a valuable lesson and am very careful now. Had some bad news a few days after quiting this time but I didnt go back to smoking. Some days are easier than others as you know. I am on champix they suit me and I have tried lots of things in the past. Good luck, keep up the good work. Janice

[EmJay Partner in reply to nixy]

Janice, have I got your quit date? I'll update our Wall of Winner You also need to have your 4 week Winners Badge awarded to you too! I'll do it now