Reading these posts are so helpful.

[Ashdon]

OK, I have two days to go before I go to see the docs about giving up smoking - again! This is so I can decide how I want to do this, ideally I want to try Varenicline (Chantix) but not sure if I can ask for that or just take what they suggest, but I will see. Whatever happens I am determined to quite for good this time. Reading the posts on here really helps as it does give an insight to how others are feeling and any problems too. For me I know that the major problem will not be the nicotine withdrawal (although I'm sure I will have it) but more to do with breaking the trigger points of smoking - that to me will be the thing that I will concentrate on.

I am still smoking at the moment and I do have two quit dates to choose from which are in August, this gives me time to organise myself and get my act together before I smoke my last cigarette - I will not smoke ever again after that point - that is a definite, I am telling as many people as I can and also have announced it on the social media pages I go on to. This is so that it will be so embarrassing for me if I were to start smoking again that it wouldn't be worth the hassle. I have thought of other things as well to help me along the way like my car does not have any ashtrays in it from new but I fitted an aftermarket version which is now out so I can't smoke in the car now even though I haven't given up yet.

I'm actually quite looking forward to going to the docs as it represents the true start of my mind wanting to give up, I will keep smoking until the prescribed time of quitting using Chantix which I think is two weeks. My 'Quit smoking buddy' has been great without being pushy and I can see that he will be busy in the next few months with me!! 60 years is a long time to be smoking and of course the damage is already done but at least from what my doctor and dentist have said to me that although they cannot undo the damage, they can (by me not smoking) help prevent further damage.

This is going to be an interesting few months ahead for me, the memories of enjoying smoking for basically all my life will never go, that is too much to ask for but at least I have those memories to fall back on should I need to, because they are memories then I don't have to relive them any more in reality - I've done that and bought the tee shirt as the saying goes, if I get that terrible craving then rather reach out for a cigarette then all I need do is think of the times I did smoke - that will do for me and hopefully the craving will pass. I will keep you posted on what happens at the docs on Tuesday.

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Yes Ashton, it's never too late to quit smoking. It may not be easy but we are all here to help. Lots of craving buster tips under pinned posts and stay close to this great forum coz it makes a huge difference. Good luck🍀😊

[Ashdon in reply to Briarwood]

Thanks Briarwood for the reply, yes I will be popping in every now and again just to read the new posts before I eventually quit if nothing else, I have a little while yet to come to terms with that will be quitting but looking on here is a great help to the build up.

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Hi Ashdon, I wish you luck when you go to your doctors. You have the right mindset to follow your plan through. Have a read through the pinned posts too, as you may get some ideas for your quit plan.

Let us know when your ready, and we will be there waiting to support you. xxx

[Ashdon in reply to jillygirl]

Will do jillygirl and thank you. I'm sure I will need plenty of help in the weeks after I have given up so I will most probably be a frequent visitior when I get to that stage.

[Frostie2560 LONG TERM WINNER]

Hello!

Determination really does help you along!. Keep telling yourself positive things throughout your quit, even when you're feeling rubbish.

Good luck at the Doctors and keep us posted. We'll all be here to support you Ashdon.😊

[Ashdon in reply to Frostie2560]

Thank you Frostie2560, yes being positive is hugely important and luckily I am a positive kind of person, I tend to look on the bright side of things and I'm hoping that that will help me through along with all the other things I am preparing. I will post again once I have been to the doctors.

[NewKaren 13 MONTHS WINNER]

Hi Ashton

It sounds like you are all ready and prepared to kick Mr Nicotine in the butt 👍🚭

Good luck at the doctors.

Karen xx

[Ashdon in reply to NewKaren]

Many thanks Karen, well after all these years of smoking then it's about time Nic had a serious kick up the bum. lol. I will post again on here once I have been to the doctors.

[NellyBlue 1 YEAR WINNER]

Hiya

I found the 'pre-quit' was a million times tougher than the actual 'quit'. I stressed so much before the big day but the reality ended up being almost a relief. You can do this.

It's the best thing I ever did, wish I had quit years ago.

Hope this helps