Third Week

[CC79]

Hi Everyone

So today marks my third week being smoke free. It was going really well (taking a lot of the quit smoking mints) until the last 48hrs. My chest is really tightening up. Because of this, I can't sleep. I know people say it can feel like its getting worse before it gets better but its not easy to believe that at 5:00am and all I want to do is sleep, etc...

How long would one say these symptoms should or could last. Want this to work so any information is welcome.

Thanks

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

Hicc79 and welcome to quit support.

it sure can get worse before it gets better, but believe me, it is so worth it

I got the very tight chest when i quit..to be honest, it felt like my entire rib cage was going to split in two. i had to brace myself if i was going to sneeze and it hurt so much..for me. this started around the 3 to 4 week mark and lasted about a month..

have a read of some of the info under the pinned posts to the right

Linda xx

[Briarwood Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hiya cc and welcome😊

Well done on your 3rd week quit and sorry to hear about the chest tightness as its terrible at 5am. I would use Vicks chest rub as this helped loosen things up a bit. Also inhale olbas oil in hot water coz the steam opens up the airways a bit. There are some breathing techniques on the right under pinned posts which will also help. Also a bit of excercise can be very beneficial. Good luck with your quit🍀

[CC79 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to Briarwood]

Thank you for the suggestions. I will definitely give these a try. Very appreciated!

[Hidden]

Like many of us, I had a similar experience. As mentioned by Briarwood, breathing and increased exercise worked best for me. I still wake early -- but now feel refreshed and relaxed.

[monky Administrator Cake eater]

Aup CC79, a big warm welcome to our lovely quit support community and a great big WELL DONE to you for reaching 3 weeks quit

Like the girls have said, the tightening of the chest is quite common in the early weeks of our quit journey BUT, BUT, if in any doubt, just nip and have a word with your GP I would try Briarwoods advice, get some Vick and olbas oil to try and loosen that stuff thats in your lungs plus the breathing exercises in the Pinned Posts

Just wondering CC, have you coughed up much phlegm since you quit I know its not very nice, but you have to get rid of it cos this will help your lungs recover

CC, if you could please let me know your actual quit date, then I can add you to the Wall of Winners and keep your Winners badge upto date

Hope to speak soon, Pete

[CC79 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to monky]

Thank you for your reply. My actual quit date was the 27th of Nov. As for your question - no I haven't coughed up much phlegm since quitting. Just some coughing and now no sleep and feeling tight chested. I plan on trying out Briarwoods suggestions. Fingers crossed lol

Thanks again!

[monky Administrator Cake eater in reply to CC79]

Hi again CC

As for your not sleeping very well, maybe try this

A glass of warm milk with either 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey always works. Helps produce tryptophan which helps to produce serotonin which is the brain chemical that promotes sleep. Try it . You might be pleasantly surprised

Perhaps try the - Breathing exercise 3 this helps to slow a busy mind down You will find this on the ''Pinned Posts'' to the right of your post if you cant find it, then just you shout out and I will gladly repost it for you

[Atlantida 3 YEAR WINNER]

Hi CC79 and congratulations on your third week of being smoke free! How cool is that? I'm not there yet, but I'll get there.

Sorry to hear about your chest pains, it must be terrible at 5 am. I personally haven't felt any yet, but Briarwood's advices seem great. Hope those will help you.

Also, could anxiety be playing a role in your chest tightening up? Some relaxing activities before bedtime, like a walk with the dog (if you have one!) could maybe help?

[CC79 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to Atlantida]

Thank you for your post. I think you maybe right about stress as I am in the midst of looking for work in addition to quitting. I am sure they are connected. I don't have a dog but my husband said he would go for walks if that helps. Thanks again!!!!

[Andrew-S]

Hi CC congratulations on 3 weeks that's brilliant you're doing really well. Sorry you're not feeling well with your tight chest. I haven't had that yet so can't add anything useful sorry. Hope you carry on visiting the forum and good luck 😎😃😎😆🍕😆