Unexpectedly quit

[thelespaul]

Hi.

I️ unexpectedly quit on Sunday, November 17. It’s now been 4 days since I️ had my last cigarette and here’s what happened.

I️ had heart palpitations the day before I️ had my last cigarette so I️ went to the ER and after an ECG the doc said everything was fine. I️ noticed that after a smoke I️ was getting these palpitations so I️ stopped smoking on Sunday. Earlier today I️ went to my regular doc and she also said it’s probably the lifestyle and to slow down. After a couple of panic attacks and anxiety throughout the week I️ wasn’t satisfied with what I️ heard and I️ knew something was wrong with me. I️t wasn’t until my mom noticed I️ hadn’t had a cigarette in 4 days that I️ started to realize that I️t might’ve been the withdrawal that was causing all the anxiety. So I️ did some research and found this group and I’ve read plenty of stories here and I️ can see the similarities in what I’m feeling to people who have experienced withdrawal. I️ went cold turkey on Sunday and I was wondering is I️t common for people who quit to feel anxiety/panic attacks/ shortness of breathe/fatigued? Has anyone had the same experience of never Had anxiety issues and after quitting smoking the anxiety started? I️ have never dealt with anxiety and panic attacks before.

[Corrina125 7 YearsSmokefree]

Hi there thelespaul, welcome to Quit Support and well done on your 4 days quit.

Yes, what you are experiencing is absolutely not unusual and will disappear over time.

Can I suggest that you have a look at the pinned posts which you will find either to the right or at the bottom of your screen. There you will find lots of useful tips and information to help you manage the withdrawals mentioned. Try the breathing exercises they really do work brilliantly.

Keep us close we are here to support, and any questions just give us a short or equally we don't mind moans and enjoy a laugh.

I will add you to our database and assign you with a winners badge, so you and everyone else can see how well you are doing.

for now

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to Corrina125]

Thank you so much. I️ feel some relief. I’m glad I️ found this group.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi thelespaul,Well done for your decision to quit👏 and of course for your 4️⃣smoke free days.

Welcome to Quit Support.💙

It’s never easy to quit but it’s easier with a little support.💪

As Corrina has answered what you are experiencing are withdrawal symptoms and will disappear quite quickly.

Please read the pinned posts,📌 there is lots of information there. You will find the posts to the right or at the bottom of your screen depending which device you are using. Just click “posts” then click “pinned posts”.

May I suggest you drink plenty of water💧💦 to flush out the toxins and keep yourself hydrated.

If you feel you need any more help please don’t hesitate to ask. There is always someone here.

May I remind you not to post any personal information.

Good luck with your quit.🍀🚭xx

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Thank you for the support.

Was there anything personal that I️ shared or just a reminder?

[TheTabbyCat Administrator LONG TERM WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

No thelespaul it's a reminder I always put on the welcome message. Not everyone is internet wise.👍

[Briarwood Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi thelespaul and welcome to Quit Support

As the ladies have given you good advice already I’ll just say, well done for 4 days smoke free👏🏼👏🏼

You’re on your way to a healthier future so hang in there, it will all be worth it to have your freedom from cigs🚭✅xx

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER]

Hi

I stopped smoking 8 days ago after 40 years doing it. I have had panic attacks twice and feel shakey. My breathing is getting worse as I get out of breath very quickly when I do things.

When I was smoking it hurt me to breath but that's now getting better. I feel better in myself as time goes on.

I know it will get better from what I have read from all of you. On the plus side I have saved £80.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

Hi justnice.

Just hang in there. It’ll get better. I️ feel the exact same as you. Panic attacks suck but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

[Hidden]

I'm not sure on this so with that said I'll let the group that knows more about it take over 🍀🍀

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER]

HI,

I have now gone cold turkey for 10 days after I was taken to hospital for chest pains. They gave me a ECG and breathing test all was fine. After a week I was out of breath doing little things like climbing stairs. I was also getting panic attacks and very shaky hands I felt terrible.

So I decided to go on line to see if I was not alone. Then I found this site and read other peoples stories and it came to me I am not the only one with these problems. My breath is getting a little better and I feel calmer after the ninth day. Just hope things will improve as time goes on. From what I have read it does get better

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

Hi.

I’m on day 6 and it’s been tough. I️ went through the exact same but it’s nice to know we have support from this group and that we are not alone. You and I️ are on the same path right now and I️t gives me some relief that I️ am not alone in this journey. We will get through this. Please keep updating me. I’d like to hear from you.

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

Woke up this morning and my breathing is a lot better but I still feel shaky.

I know my body is trying to trick me in to starting again as I feel like a smoke. This time I am not going to start again.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

Day 7 for me. Woke up with anxiety but isn’t as bad as days 1-4. Sleeping is still a bit difficult but I️ watch bob ross to help me. We can do this justnice.

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

Day 11 for me the cough is getting better but still a lot of gunk coming up.

My advice on anxiety is something that will go away. I also get panic attacks I had one this morning. I sat down and took some deep breaths, then I opened the front door and just stood there for a couple of minutes. Then I could go shopping and for a walk.

Drinking lots of water also helps when you get palpitations. Don`t drink to much coffee or tea as this can make you feel shaky inside and out.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

day 8. Woke up without anxiety. Got me I️ a good mood. Had a panic attack but I️t was manageable. Today’s the first day that I️ felt like myself. Last night the anxiety was pretty rough but it’s day by day. Been drinking lots of water and practicing my breathing. Thank you for the advice, will definitely give I️t a try. Hope you’re doing good justnice.

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

I am doing a lot better thanks and things are getting a little better each day.

I think anxiety is the worst part of giving up smoking as it was my crutch when I had a smoke. I have found that drinking some water does take the edge of it off.

Hope this helps.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

Thanks justnice. Having trouble sleeping. The whole day was fine but now that I’m ready for bed that’s when the anxiety kicked in. Thinking about getting some sleeping pills if I️t continues but I️ would rather not.

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

HI

well done for getting this far. Try a warm drink an hour before going to bed eg chocolate or milk. I hope this works for you.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

How are you feeling justnice? I’m at day 11 and the anxiety has come in and out. It’s thanksgiving weekend so I’ve been a little busy and that’s kept my mind off the cigarettes and anxiety but today after Black Friday shopping the anxiety kicked in pretty hard.

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

I am getting better thank you the anxiety does come and go but its getting less.

When I feel anxious I eat something or drink water it does work. Keep up the good work.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to justnice]

Day 15. Had a pretty busy thanksgiving weekend. That helped me a lot. Anxiety was strong at night but in the day time I️ was distracted. Still some cravings but nothing crazy. How are you holding up justnice?

[justnice 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to thelespaul]

I am holding up thank you, 21 days today. I find the anxiety is the worst but it is getting better. Still coughing up gunk it just goes to show how smoking injures your health. The positive side of stopping is I can taste food and I don`t smell of smoke.

I am drinking lots of water and that makes me less anxious.

[Kat29121981 16 Months Winner]

I went through same thing felt like I was dying but it does get better it's normal

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to Kat29121981]

Thank you Kat. That makes me feel better.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to Kat29121981]

Any advice on the anxiety? I’m having trouble leaving my house, I️ feel like I️ will get palpitations outside and I’m not sure how I️ would react. Thank you

[Bilabong in reply to thelespaul]

The anxiety is pretty normal and part of the withdrawals as others have already mentioned. What you are experiencing are probably panic attacks. It should pass in some time. There is also an anxiety support site here that you can take a look around should you feel so. Also, like others, I too would suggest you drink lots of fluids(2 litres a day minimum) and try green tea as well, helps a lot. All the best.

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to Bilabong]

Thank you for the support and advice Bilabong.

[shirehorse 5 MONTH WINNER]

Hi firstly well done , you will feel these anxiety feelings and fatigue this is normal on top of you brain telling you that your craving for a cigarette , stay strong , try a new hobby to keep your hands busy and your mind also. The other symptoms you may get will be sleep disturbances and sweats all these things will disappear was all the crap is out of your body. Keep me updated how your getting on

[thelespaul 7 MONTH WINNER]

Thank you so much shirehorse. Been a tough week but the support and advice is much appreciated.