Hi all.

[cleopetra]

Just thought I would say hello to anyone who remembers me and those of you who don't.

I quit smoking 17 months ago with the help of an e-cig and have been lucky to have stayed smoke free. I could not have done it without the e-cig and probably use it just like a cigarette and as frequently but it is the better option for me.

Some things improved straight away like no smell of smoke, better breathing and more refreshing sleep. Other things worsened, the main things being depression and anxiety attacks.

I've always kept up with this site even though I don't post very often now. It continues to inform me, make me smile, cry sometimes and sometimes has me in fits of laughter. Quit Support is a vibrant community so thank you and please keeping sharing. But most of all keep saying no to the dreaded weed.

Have a good day.

Sally.x

[Betts]

Hi Sally, so good to see you back ! And big congratulations!

You were here during failed attempt of mine before, I fell off and you battled harder and stayed on, getting to 17 months is brilliant. I am trying to get there, following your footsteps, this time with the ecig too.

Also find increased depression and anxiety, it's tough, but the ecig is a crutch that gives me some support that patches and inhalator didn't by 3 months on previous attempts.

Keep well, so happy to see you dropping in, we/I need the inspiration you give.

Go Sally!

X

[cleopetra 2 YEAR WINNER in reply to Betts]

Hi Betts,

Sorry for delay in replying.

Keep persevering and you will get there.

Sally

[Pinkiezoom 26 Months Winner]

Wow well done, and what an insperation

I too am quitting with the Ecig, and like you def wouldnt have managed it without it. Have you reduced your nicotine down at all through your quit? x

[cleopetra 2 YEAR WINNER in reply to Pinkiezoom]

Hi Pinkie,

Interesting that you should ask if I have been able to reduce the nic content. For a really long time I used 18mg strength. A work colleague had told me that she had gone down to a reduced strength liquid and found herself using her e-cig more. She said she could tell the difference. I decided to stick with 18mg. Then another work colleague gave me an e-cig and some liquid because she couldn't get on with it and some of the liquid was 0mg. I tried it and to me it seemed the same but I didn't like the flavour so carried on with my 18mg strength. Anyway, about a month ago I decided to ask in the shop where I buy my liquid if they did my flavour in 0mg. They had a similar flavour in 6mg strength so I bought some to try. At first I found it a bit harsh, which surprised me as it had far less nicotine but I've persevered with it and now it is okay and it has confirmed something to me. I don't seem to need the nicotine. I need the sensation of smoking, which I think for me is why the e-cig has always worked from the time I started using one. My shop doesn't stock 0mg liquid so I am going to buy some online. In the meantime I'm using the 6mg that I have.

I think it is a matter of using what works.

I wish you continued good luck.

Sally.x

[Sarah08]

Hi Cleopetra

Firstly big congratulations on being smoke free for 17 months!, that is a great achievement and inspirational to other quitters to hear about it. The first thing that struck me on reading your post today is that you referred to being lucky to have stayed smoke free, remember it has been your willpower, motivation, reasons for quitting, saying no to cigarettes, battling and winning the fight to stay smoke free that has kept you smoke free, any successful quitter needs to be determined to win! It is great to hear about the benefits you are getting out of quitting. Have you sought any professional help or advice about the depression and anxiety attacks?

I am glad this site has helped and is continuing to help you as you are doing for other quitters. Keep going you are doing a fabulous job. Sarah08

[cleopetra 2 YEAR WINNER in reply to Sarah08]

Thanks Sarah.

Sally.x

[Hidden]

Hi Sally, lovely to hear from you. You and me are at the same stage, I quit on 26th Jan, when did you? I do remember you though. Haha, I always liked to hear from you as you were struggling along just as much as me which I always think makes you feel better if you know you're not your own having a tough and miserable time.

As Sarah says it's not down to luck why we're at 17 months but blood, sweat and tears is what got us here. A stubborn refusal to be beaten. It's taken me Champix, lozenges and e-cigs to stay stopped. Champix was useless and that's NOT because I didn't finish the course its because its useless as far as I'm concerned, as was the 'support' I received from my local stop smoking service. At almost 3 months and a bit of a slip up and the adviser told me I may as well carry on smoking as Champix will only work if I'm really committed. Red rag to a bull. Maybe she did help as it just made me more determined to prove her wrong. I often feel like giving her a ring and telling her how I'm still stopped despite her knowledgeable advice.

Anyways enough of my bitterness. It's great to hear from you and soooo glad you're still stopped. It doesn't matter if you're still using an e-cig, so am I, at least it stops us going back to smoking. Do you still miss smoking? I don't any more, I don't think I would ever go back to smoking now no matter what happens in the future. I think I would still like to kick the nicotine addiction though at some point down the line. Keep in touch xx

[cleopetra 2 YEAR WINNER in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sin,

My quit date was 11th Jan so you could say we are almost quit twins..lol.

I'm glad you beat the lozenges. I remember how you were battling with them.

I don't miss smoking at all and on the rare occasions that I have been without an e-cig I have never been tempted to buy cigarettes. It has been strange because I have never craved cigarettes at all since my last one but did crave the sensation of smoking when without my e-cig. I guess that is what it replaces.

I've followed the site and have enjoyed reading about your bike rides and Andy's also. I have never been able to ride a bike, unfortunately but I can swim and enjoy walking. A couple of weeks ago I started to swim again as I had injured my shoulder. My body is a bit weak but my breathing is excellent, if I say so myself. I managed 4 lengths(haven't swam for 2 years) and 6 lengths last week. I've set myself a challenge go getting to 20 because the most I ever managed as a smoker was 12. As for walking, well I used to be able to walk for miles and am aiming to improve that to. It is great, isn't it to feel alive.

Take care.

Sally.xx

[monky Administrator 35 Months Winner]

Aup Sally, its great to see you again gal and a massive flippin ginormous WELL DONE to you for staying quit for 17 Months

Like the girls have said, it isnt luck that has kept you smoke free, its all down to you and what YOU want your life to be like

You say that these things have worsened, depression and anxiety attacks, I'm just wandering if this may help you, erm, JulieKKay posted this a couple of days ago

so we need to grow our happiness bits of brain ... can be done do things that make you happy. avoid things where you can, that make you unhappy or cause stress. meditiate. smile and your brain thinks you are happy even if a false smile . worth googling this subject.

Sally, just write down on a piece of paper what makes you happy then when you feel a bit depressed, read it out to your self it may just help you

You take care now Sally and try to enjoyyyyyyyyy your smokefree life to the full gal

Pete xx

[cleopetra 2 YEAR WINNER in reply to monky]

Ahhhh Pete, thanks.

I think that makes a lot of sense what Julie said. I am going to try doing what you suggested and noting down what has made me happy.

Today's note is, "the lovely people on Quit Support made me smile".

I hope you are well.

Sally.x