Hello

[Jasfe]

Just popping by to introduce myself and to say thank you for providing this Support Community. I am 55 years old, and have smoked for over 40 years. I have given up on numerous occasions but it never "sticks" - last year I lost my partner (also a smoker) to lung cancer, and while we had both given up when we received his diagnosis, I started smoking again when he passed away. Every time I have a cigarette I am full of self loathing. I gave up again on the 5th January this year, so currently on Day 9 without a cigarette. I miss my partner so much, and it's really difficult to stay motivated when you have no-one to share things with. But I know he would want me to beat this once and for all, so here I am - really hoping that this time is the time that sticks.

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Hi Jasfe and a very warm welcome to our community 🙋‍♀️ We’re so pleased you’ve joined us and look forward to supporting you on your quit journey.

May I offer you my sincere condolences on the sad loss of your partner.

Well done for 9 days smoke free, I hope you’re very proud of yourself 👏

It’s very hard to stay motivated but every day you’re smoke free, give yourself a kind word to acknowledge how well you’re doing. The more you do it, the better you get. So keep going and we’re here for you🤗xx

[Jasfe 1 Week Winner in reply to Briarwood]

Thank you Briarwood. I've not tried a Support Forum before, so hoping this will be the missing ingredient I need to finally quit for good 😀

[Catmad10 LONG TERM WINNER in reply to Jasfe]

Like you, I tried many times to quit an each time failed. When I joined Quit Support I finally succeeded, and a lot of my success is due to the support I got here. I honestly don’t know how long ago I had my last cigarette though it must be around 10 years and I don’t even honk about smoking any more.

You have managed the first 9 days so you can do the same with the next 9 days, and the next, and the next.

Try to keep your hands and mind occupied. Amongst other things I did a lot of knitting and designing knitting patterns, that was enough to divert my thoughts away from cigarettes whilst I was occupied.

Good luck for the future.

[Jasfe 1 Week Winner in reply to Catmad10]

Thank you Catmad10, and congratulations on quitting! I discovered knitting last time I gave up (someone's advice I'm sure although I can't remember who), and I completely agree - having something to do with your hands is crucial in the early days. I'm very impressed that you can design knitting patterns, I have enough trouble following them, but the more complicated the better - if you are thinking about the pattern, you aren't thinking about cigarettes! I also clean a lot - I've never liked the taste of cigarettes after using cleaning products, and it's something to keep my occupied - my house has never been so clean!

[Stephanie44 8 Weeks Winner]

sorry for your loss but you have us here to share your achievements. Great job on 9days! You should be so proud of yourself.

[Jasfe 1 Week Winner in reply to Stephanie44]

Thank you Stephanie44, and I hope I have the willpower to get to 8 weeks! It's inspirational seeing how other people are succeeding.

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer]

Good morning Jasfe and welcome to Quit Support 🙋🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️🙋I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but you are doing really well, day 9 now then 👏👏👍

Try to keep yourself busy doing something and maybe alter your routine a little, cos you'll be surprised how that helps 👍😀

Were only a couple of clicks away if you need us 👍😀😸🚭

[Jasfe 1 Week Winner in reply to monky]

Thank you Monky, more good advice! Altering the routine is happening organically as I'm filling up the time I spent having a cigarette doing other things - but I'm intrigued by the concept of purposefully altering the routine, and taking a more proactive approach to this - rather than simply finding something to fill the "space". So more food for thought, thank you!

[Yvonneh1234 Administrator]

Hi jasfe I just want to offer my condolences 💐 to yourself even though you lost your partner last year it will still seem like yesterday for you think of the happier times you spent together ,💕 on a more positive note 9 days ! You’re doing great ! Don’t stop now ! Like the advice given to you already stay positive and you are doing this for a reason a more healthier you! 😊 I still keep a pen to hand now as it was the hand to mouth for me aswell try do a different routine especially when that nicotine monster 👹 tries to pull you back 😊 if your really struggling at times you could try NRT. There are lots available now adays and different strengths aswell lozenges ,gum ,nicotine patch plus a lot more which ever suits you best ? I gave up using a vape then decreased the nicotine levels when I was ready to nothing ( hence the pen now 😂) quitting smoking doesn’t have a time limit when you should be quit for the fact that you haven’t smoked for 9 days is great !! Soon it will 2 weeks then 2 months and so forth 😊 you’ve got this 💪😊!! And if you need anything we are not far away to support you on your quit smoking journey 😊oh and welcome to quit support 💃😊xxxx

[Jasfe 1 Week Winner in reply to Yvonneh1234]

Thank you Yvonneh1234, I do have some nicotine patches here but haven't used them yet. I've found in the past that I do better with the short sharp shock that is complete withdrawal, but I've bought some patches so if I am tempted to cave there is something here to fall back on. I think I've tried every stop smoking aid there is at some point over the last 40 years, and I know they work really well for some people. I'm trying a "reward" based approach as well at the moment - one of the things I have always hated about smoking is the effect on my mouth, as even though I brush twice a day and follow all the usual guidance, I have a lot of bone loss, receding gums and don't get me started on the colour of my teeth! My actual teeth are fine (not a single filling which isn't bad for my age), but I avoid smiling as I'm so ashamed at how my teeth look. So, I'm putting aside the money I'm saving on cigarettes (and doesn't that add up quickly!) ... and will reward myself with some cosmetic dentistry. It's giving me some added motivation! Everyone on here has been so supportive, I'm actually feeling far more positive than I usually do at this stage of my quit journey - this is going to be the time that sticks! So thank you again for taking the time to message me, it has really helped.

[Yvonneh1234 Administrator]

Jasfe way to go you 💪😊that’s amazing that you putting the money for dentistry What great motivation !!, and then you get a new smile aswell 😊🥰 as long as your happy that’s all that matters . This is a great forum we are here if you need any support or even just a smile 😂🤣we will help anyway we can some people stop without any NRT. Where others need to ween off the nicotine either way is great . As your still going to be smoke free 🙌🥳Let us no how your getting along Or if you need any support you’ve got this !! 💪😊💃xxxx