Bracing myself

[fk9090]

Hello all,

Heavy smoker here. I smoked ~30 cigs a day, and I've been smoking more than a pack a day for more than four years (8 years smoking total). I have quit monday, which makes this my 3rd successful day without cigarettes.

I'm on patches for the nicotine, and take regular gum at the times I usually smoke (for the habit). Guess you can say I chew a pack of gum per day

-1st day: the patch worked great, felt like I'm full on nicotine and that I don't really need to smoke whenever I asked myself the question.

-2nd day: Put a new patch on from the same pack (21 mg), but felt the effect was weaker. I wasn't really craving nicotine but I didn't feel "full" like the first day. I experienced headaches that started the afternoon and lasted the rest of the day. I was very irritated and couldn't do anything of use.

-3rd day: 3rd patch: the headaches were gone, but here comes lung pain and coughing. Read that this was normal

Anyway, I have two questions for you folks out there:

- What other symptoms should I expect after these?

- Being in a very smoker-friendly environment, I had good control over myself so far. Stood with and talked to people while they were smoking on multiple occasions, and I feel I'm becoming irritated with the smell and smoke. But I have a party coming saturday, and I don't know what to do when I have some alcohol in me?

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Hi fk9090 .... Great job on quitting! I'm a newbie myself. I can tell you the symptoms I had from my experience.

The first two weeks I used a patch which I think works great.

I had horrible headaches and had dizzy spells, especially when walking. I also had major fatigue. The headaches and dizziness have subsided. I still have fatigue but that's getting better. I also vape to help with cravings.

I know from personal experience (and only speaking for myself), I couldn't go to a party after recently quitting and drink and NOT smoke. Yes I'm weak

The past two of my failures was from thinking I could. I start drinking and I pick up a cigarette and that's it for my quit. So I can't give advice except maybe try vaping.

Hang in there

Cheryl

[Frostie2560 LONG TERM WINNER]

Well done on your quit so far. 😊

You sound like you've got the determination to stay quit but I do think a party with booze is an early temptation. You need to take back up with you. If you have patches you could have a vape on hand with no nicotine in, and use in any 'emergencies' like Cheryl- Anne suggested.

You're doing great. Check out the pinned posts as the breathing exercises may help with your lung pain😊.

I'll go and get you your badge which helps you follow your progress. Good luck and don't let the smoking consume your thoughts at the party, just have fun!.xx

💪💪🚭🚭

[NewKaren 9 MONTH WINNER]

Hi 👋

Congratulations on quitting 👍

Cheryl-Ann and Frostie have both given you some good advice there.

I'm with Cheryl, try a vape, with or without nicotine in the juice, They really do help.

Good luck 😉

Keep us updated on how you're getting on

Karen xxx

[fk9090]

Thanks all for your replies and encouragement. I will take all your advice and let you know what happened.

I think I'd just leave the party early if I feel I'm loosing control.

[fk9090]

All,

Party is over, Not one puff.

Spent 7 hours drinking and swimming and singing and all, surrounded by smokers.

I took a puff off an Ecig my buddy has but I didnt do more. I didnt even like it.

Thanks all for your support...

[Frostie2560 LONG TERM WINNER]

Pool party?. Lush😍.

Well done to you!!🎉. Bet your singing lasted longer without smoking😬.

You've done it, it will get easier each time you do social stuff now.

💪💪🚭🚭

[fk9090 in reply to Frostie2560]

Beach party actually. I even lost the patch and just realised I havent had it for a 4 or more hours. I guess the alcohol only makes you THInK you need mre nicotine.