Scared......Is this normal?

[Tron64]

Ok, so I have faffed, cut down, made excuses, but yesterday I took the plunge and moved to sole use of thhe ecig. My question is, is it normal to be scared of being without cigarettes?

[ChrissieG]

Hi Tron64, it's lovely to meet you and welcome to this very friendly quit site. Congratulations on stopping smoking - it's a fantastic decision to make so be proud about that!

As for being scared of being without cigarettes - I remember that vividly when I was a smoker, but once I stopped, being without them didn't affect me at all, as I too had my trusty e-cig to help me deal with any cravings and triggers I suffered. But I do understand what you are saying. When you have been a smoker for so long you will worry that you won't be able to cope and even fall apart if you don't have any cigarettes when you stop, my only advice would be to try to turn that fear into positive thoughts about what a relief it is to finally stand up to the thing that has been controlling your life for so long, how wonderful it is to take back control of your own life, and what an amazing difference it will make to your health and your life now you have finally decided that NO you don't want to do that anymore.

This is a wonderful wonderful thing to do - no it's not easy but it is definitely worthwhile. We are all here to support you through your quit so don't hesitate to come on here and scream HELP if you need to - trust me we understand completely because every single one of us has either been through or is going through it at exactly the same time and there is loads of tips/advice/support and inspiration from those on this journey who have been members for a lot longer.

You really don't need cigarettes in your life, they are so harmful for your health, they are really expensive and they really are anti-social, plus they make you smell, so be happy that you don't do that anymore, and enjoy your e-cig - it really does help when the cravings get bad and is a zillion times safer than those toxic cigarettes!

So be positive, be happy with your decision and be proud of yourself, you just done an amazing things and you will feel the benefits of it and wonder why you smoked for so long and be happy!!!

[Betts]

Hi tron

Big congratulations! Great decision, youve taken the plunge and it is the best decision ever.

Now for the question. In my personal experience, yes it is. We've had a long time with our habit and poisonous companion after all. For me it helps to know it is entirely normal, and then I can let go of it, it passes.

You will begin to feel the physical improvements, and should also feel really proud of yourself for getting this far. It is the best possible thing you can ever do for yourself!

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer]

Aup Tron, a big warm welcome to this lovely quit site and a big well done to you for deciding to quit the smokes

You've had some great advice from the gals and I cant better that, so you stay strong and try to keep focused on your quit eh and you come shouting if you need us, cos thats why we are here, to help each other to beat mr nic

Please keep us informed on your quit journey eh, cos it just might help somebody else on here

Good luck, Pete

[Tron64]

Thanks for your replies. I am sure this is going to be a horribly bumpy road, I am not that fussed on the ecig, but convince myself that it is giving me the hit I need. Tomorrow will be hard, other half is at work, don't laugh but I don't trust myself at the moment, so am sending him to work with my bank card!

[TerryOR 3 YEAR WINNER]

Tron64,

Hi, I'm about 5 days now on my ecig, I

Should check my calendar ( took a real cigarette once)

And it's funny, I'm scared too.

One, I'm scared 'cause my throat is hoarse, the last couple of weeks

Two, I'm scared because I NEED my cigarettes ( they've gotten me through ALL my other problems) I depend on THEM when I am scared and worried

So don't feel alone, it feels like we have nothing to hold on to, to get through the hard times.....I think your feelings are very normal, I'm the same exactly...

I HATE IT !!!

The best thing is keep in touch with everyone here, they are the Best support I have ever had, and be good to yourself.

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to TerryOR]

Terry, you stay calm now eh

Try one of Emjay's breathing exercises

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to TerryOR]

Terry, cigarettes havnt taken you through anything !! YOU have done it yourself gal

The drugs in cigarettes make you think that they help you, but they dont, beleave me You only think they do

You pick up your e-cig and tell it that '' Your my little helper now '' and it will help you

[ChrissieG in reply to monky]

Hi Monky, how are you, how has your day been,and how are you getting on with the e-cig?

And I said that all without taking a breath!!!

tee hee xx

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to ChrissieG]

Chrissie, your a one gal

Yep, am getting used to it now but not using it much today, cos of the batteries will use it more tomorrow, then I will find out how long they last and want to save the other one for Tuesday, if you see what I mean xx

[TerryOR 3 YEAR WINNER in reply to monky]

Thank you,monky, it's so true

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to TerryOR]

Tes, you say your throat has been hoarse for a couple of weeks, just give it time and your voice will come back to normal As you have only been quit for 5 days, the problem isnt because you have quit smoking is it !!

I know just what you mean about a cigarette helps you !! But it dosnt, cos its all in your mind gal, fags will never help you Well, the only time fags will help you, is into an early grave eh

Please, please stay with your e-cig and try to get used to it cos it aint got none of them nasty drugs in it

Stay strong and smoke free Terry Please Pete x

[Hidden]

yes .... just your head trying to keep you smoking to feed the addiction.x

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to Hidden]

Aup Julie, its lovely to see you again gal

May I ask how you are getting on cos havnt spoke to you for a bit eh

Pete

[Hidden]

Hi

missed my quit window as COPD exacerbation. Just starting to feel better after weeks and weeks! so plan is to quit soon as poss. thanks for asking

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to Hidden]

Julie, if you need any help getting prepared for your quit, then you just shout eh and we will help you, if you need it

Sooooooo glad you are feeling better now

[Tron64]

Not doing great at the moment. Early days but feeling a bit lost. Couldn't sleep last night,, oh, and I am not doing great with the ecig either. Very snappy mood. Other half, who has never smoked in his life is being unsympathetic too. Ah well, another day tomorrow.

[sue930 3 YEAR WINNER]

Hi Tron64, l personally could not use an E-cig as it made my chest worse and have been diagnosed with copd, l smoked for over 40 years and had almost given up trying to give up but when l was diagnosed l realised how much l wanted to 'live', l used patches and yes l got scared several times, almost had panic attacks but it's been 6 weeks and 4 days now and have just realised have'nt had panic attack or felt scared for a couple of weeks now! great!!!

[Tron64]

Hello Sue, thats brilliant. Stories like that spur me on! I can't use patches as I have an allergy to glues and latex etc. it isn't so much now that I want to smoke, its trying to fill the smoking time and avoid the triggers now. I used to light up every time I made a phine call or answered the phone, now I can't do that! Its a pain as I work from home and spend 90% of my work time on the phone. I will get there though, I am not going through the first three days and the headaches again. X

[droopyJ]

Hi Tron, Glad your still hanging in there you must be almost staring day 5 now??? I am out and about in my car a lot for work and this was one of my triggers - getting stuck in traffic at the same place and lighting up... this is one of the few things that haven't bothered me. After eating is a nightmare as I could quite easily have a cig.... thank god for patches

Keep up the good work

[Tron64]

Day 7!!!!

[Marion0151 1 YEAR WINNER]

Totally! I fear its the fear rather than the reality - massive well done to you taking the plunge. You will be shocked that there was no real fear only nic playing his games. YOU CAN DO IT - honestly you can good luck and well done !

[Tron64]

Thank you Marion, I am keeping going. The headaches have gone thankfully, the urge is still very much there and the last week has been pure misery, which hopefully will be enough to put me off starting again.