I'm 21 and have smoked for a year and a half. I decided to quit to be healthier. I haven't been feeling to great and was just needing support. I haven't smoked since July 18, so going into two weeks now. The first few days I felt nauseated and feverish; had no idea what was going on and went to ER. Chest xrays and EKGs all were normal. Few days later my doctor ran a full panel blood test and everything looked good. Since then I no longer feel sick, but have an on and off heavy feeling in my head along with headaches that are sometimes in the back, other times the front. The headaches concern me, for a while I also had tightness in the chest and fatigue.
Is this all normal? or do I need to get my head checked. The headaches really make me anxious and panicky. Thanks!
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gorover
1 Month Winner
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Well done for making the decision. Do you think you might have a cold? This might make you feel worse at a time when your body is clearing away all the debris (tar) from your lungs deposited through the smoking. Its not uncommon. However, keep an eye on the symptoms and go back to your GP if you start feeling worse or it doesn't improve.
The headaches may be withdrawal - keep drinking plenty of water.
Are you using any NRT or other medication to help you quit or are you doing this on willpower?
There is a national NHS helpline you can ring and talk through your experience 0300 123 1044
Keep going, remember why you wanted to do this in the first place and don't let the ciggies drag you back. Good luck
Hi gorover, i am day 16 now non smoker, i did not experience any of the symptoms you described, so if your headaches persevere, i would go right back to your g.p, and if your chest is tight and it continues it could be the onset of asthma, which i have but since i stopped smoking the tight chest and weezing and coughing are greatly reduced, go to your g.p and ask for a test for asthma, which is called a lung function test, that way it can be ruled in or out, as for the headaches are you drinking plenti fluids especially in the hot weather we have been having, dehydration can cause nausea and headaches and cause fatigue, and persevere with non smoking, your a week and a bit behind me so we can compare notes, chin up challenge life, don't let life challenge you.
Hi gorover, It sounds to me like you have gone cold turkey & have been suffering nicotine withdrawal. The worst is over in 2-3 weeks. I had very similar symptoms when I quit. The good news.......it didn't kill me. Hang in there, but don't suffer in silence. Keep your GP appraised of your progress & don't automatically assume that any problems you are experiencing are withdrawal symptoms. They probably are, but a little reassurance won't hurt. Our best wishes & support are at your disposal.
Hi Gorover, Well done on your quit The others have given you some great advice, Keep visitong you GP for your own piece of mind
Good Luck on your Quit Journey
Well done for stopping smoking. stay with it, you will feel so much better, and proud of yourself. I felt quite rubbish when I stopped, but you should see doctor and find out why you have the symptoms you mention. Everyones different, and we all experience different things, so some similar. It's best to visit your doctor, as they should know best.
I had dreadful withdrawal symptoms, and use an Ecig now and again.
It takes quite a while to be rid of the cravings, but so worth it in the end.
Hi gorover, you have the very best decision you can make for your health, so well done and lots of good advice given Already, so welcome to this lovely helpful group x
Hi hun and well done, stick with it. Have you gone cold turkey?
I know i felt the exhaustion bit of it, and i drink a lot more water now, so maybe hydration might help with the headaches, you have to remember your body isnt just getting over the nicotine withdrawl, but the 4000+ other chemicals too. Your body is in shock lol!
If however the headaches are still no better and worrying you, it wouldnt hurt to tell your doc x
You've been given some great advice already, everything that you are feeling sounds pretty normal for somebody at your stage of stopping to feel. However, if symptoms persist or you are overly worried then pop along to have a chat with your GP who may then put your mind at ease
Hi Gorover, well done on your quit, your doing really well
It doesn't seem to matter whether you quit after 18 months or 18years..... that addiction is a nightmare You do sound like your having withdrawal symptoms but your GP can help you out there, I had headaches for weeks !
Keep us posted on how your getting on and we are here for you so just holler if you need us
Late update. I have been feeling considerably better. This is my 6th week smoke-free.
I eventually got tired of the headaches & went to the ER to get CT Scans done. Turns out that I had a lot of sinus fluid built up. Coincidentally that started when I quit smoking so it was a bad combination.
When I was younger I had Acid Reflux/Gastritis and was treated with a medicine until it all healed. Since quitting smoking the acid reflux has come back pretty bad. Seems backwards to me, but it has been pretty rough. Has this happened to anyone else?
Aup Gorover, its great to hear your still hard at it pal and 6 weeks smoke free now then, thats just fantastic pal, you are doing so well
Hey, I will have to go and get a winners badge for you
As Briarwood has said, we are all different, our bodies are all different so react in different ways and take a longer or shorter time to recover, but they do Please just give it time eh
I've been looking through the old posts, but sorry I cant find anything about quitting smoking and acid reflux, perhaps Emjay, our lovely quit adviser will come up with something for you, or a newer member will come on and let you know
You take care now gorover and keep focused and positive on your quit, cos you are going great guns pal
Gorover, I had digestive problems when I quit and that included acid reflux
It did eventually clear after a few months. As Briar and Monky said our bodies all react differently, and I had to just accept what was happening if I wanted to stay quit. I also got quit zits , bloating, insomnia, itchiness, constipation, sinus congestion so yeah it aint pretty when your quitting but it does settle down
You have done the hard work that 6 weeks and thats a great achievement especially when your feeling crap.
Has your doc gave you any antacids if not, get him to prescibe them, as I'm sure you know they do help
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The others have given you some great advice, Keep visitong you GP for your own piece of mind 
You do sound like your having withdrawal symptoms but your GP can help you out there, I had headaches for weeks !
Stopping smoking with eCig...
But I thought quitting would help..
Had 1 and regret it
