Quitting smoking. Need help....

[malta blue]

I am on day 2 and have had some serious hot flashes. Is this normal? Also, I have the shakes - like if I had way too much to drink yesterday. Again, is this normal?

I am ready to chew my arm off right now. I am not using any NRT. Cold Turkey.

:nuke: :nuke:
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Ariana Celeste]

1. The first few days are the worst.

I had to keep reminding myself, that while a smoke would make me feel better for a few minutes, quitting would make me feel better permanently. After the first few days it gets easier and easier.
I know it's easier said than done, but try to do something you enjoy that will keep you busy. Drink lots of water, and try to exercise a bit.

:hug:

[malta blue]

4. I am stuck here at work, and we have mandated breaks

so I can't even go take a walk or anything.
:banghead:

[sarge43]

2. Yup. Very normal {sic}

You're addicted to a potent chemical.

Take it one day at a time "I won't smoke today; tomorrow is another day."

Drink lots of water. Stay away from coffee. Chew gum. Exercise, I found walking helped when I started to chew on my arm.

:hug: malta.

[malta blue]

3. Coffee - that is what I am craving too.

I usually drink 1 cup a day and have had 2 so far - and wanting more. I am trying to disuade myself from that too.

Thanks for the tips. My coworker just brought me 2 boxes of candy - one jawbreakers and one redhots.

:hug:

[Phillycat]

5. So you've had twice as much coffee as normal and you're wondering

why you have the shakes and hot flashes? Caffeine!

Best of luck to you. It's the worst, I know.

[malta blue]

6. I know, but I have also had this much coffee before without

feeling this way...

Thanks for the support!:hi:

[underpants]

7. I didn't do it cold turkey I used the patch

I would highly recommend it.

Other than that I don't know about hot flashes but the first 3 days are the worst. Get to 10 days and you have most of it licked.

Good luck.

[malta blue]

8. Thanks for the support!

I was going to try the gum, but someone told me it made them barf, so I am a bit apprehensive.

[Mojorabbit]

9. There is a website

http://www.quitnet.com/ where there is support and lots of tips on quitting.
Hubby brought me home some commit lozenges. They are cherry flavored and pretty good.
My quit date is June 1 and I am getting everything ready.
Good luck!
Mojo

[malta blue]

11. I thought about getting those lozenges, but

decided to go cold turkey. I tried getting the patch and gum from my state quitters' helpline, but apparently I did not smoke ENOUGH to qualify. Imagine that!

Good luck to you!

[SlavesandBulldozers]

42. the lozenges were good.

i'd say use those as a fallback point, since youve come so far already you are doing yourself a favor by not putting nicotine back in your system. if you have an insatiable urge though, go for the lozenges. 2mg, since you dont smoke all that much.

the lozenges helped me quit. it gets much easier, you just need the will to not die a gruesome death choking on your own afterburned lungs. its difficult as all hell i know, but completely worth it.

[LostinVA]

10. Yes -- both are normal

Blurry vision, too.

Keep it up! April 1 will be 12 years since I quit smoking.

[malta blue]

12. Thanks for the information LostinVA

Much appreciated.:hi:

[LostinVA]

13. It really sucks for a while, but it really does get better

The first 3-10 days are BY FAR the worst.

[LostinVA]

14. I did it cold turkey, btw

Just an FYI. From two pack a day until zero packs a day.

[malta blue]

15. Wow - I wasn't smoking all that much at all

but I still feel like a bear!

I was down to 3-4 cigs a day, but I could kill someone right about now.

Your input and support is much appreciated!:hug:

[LostinVA]

28. PM if you ever need to talk -- you can do it!

[malta blue]

29. Thanks so much!

I really appreciate it. 2:00 pm is the big smokers' exodus at work and I am bracing for it right now.

[LostinVA]

30. After dinner was tough for me for about three months or so

[CTyankee]

39. I don't know if this would help but

I was able to quit successfully 26 years ago by visualizing myself as a non smoker. I literally reinvented myself as a person who doesn't smoke. In those days there was no such thing as a "smoke free" environment. Non smoking sections in airplanes were a joke. Even non smokers had ashtrays in their houses for smokers.

So I had to create my own nonsmoking environment and persona. I had strong reinforcement from my new SO (now my spouse)who didn't smoke and didn't want me to smoke. I valued our relationship more than I did smoking.

Life is a lot better! Hang in there. I think you'll make it!!

[malta blue]

55. Interesting, it reminds me of my dad when he quit smoking

back in the early 1980's.

I am feeling much better today!

[LanternWaste]

16. I've been chewing off other people's arms...

I've been getting cold-sweats, hot-flashes, dizzy spells and the shakes really bad this past week (I've been quitting since Jan., but am only now getting to the 2-3 cigarette's per day stage).

I'm hoping it's 'normal' (as normal as things can get during a withdrawal process).

And if you're only about to chew your own arm off, consider yourself blessed-- I've been chewing off other people's arms...

[malta blue]

17. LOL

I think people are scared to get too close to me right now!:rofl:

Good luck to you too!

[Beausoir]

18. Panic attack. That's what happened to me on my 2nd day.

I phoned my doctor and she said it's very normal. Lots of anxiety involved.
It went away the next day.

Try some pretzel sticks and some club soda to drink?

[malta blue]

19. I am going to bring some seltzer to work tomorrow

so that I lay off the coffee (even though I only had 2 cups today).

I will keep the panic attacks in mind. I suffered from them in the past, but haven't had one in over 5 years.

Thanks for your input!

[zanne]

38. Lollipops are good

The hardest thing for me was that I had nothing to stick in my mouth or hold in my fingers for the first time in 25 years. (Okay, I can see how that might sound dirty). Keeping mints or other hard candy around is a good idea. You'll have that oral fixation for awhile after you quit. (Yeah, yeah)

[Shine]

20. I'm not a smoker, so I have no advice to offer, but...

I wanted to give you a :hug: and say :yourock: for deciding to let go of what no longer serves you!

:thumbsup:

[malta blue]

22. Aw Shine...

You are always so sweet!

Thanks so much...I have little tears right now.
:hug:

[China_cat]

21. I don't understand the resistance to using something

that will actually help you quit rather than setting yourself up for failure. The patch would get you through those times when you can't have cigarette and can't do anything else to help.

The patches and the gum aren't forever and can get you through the worst of it. I smoke Pall Mall regulars (the UNfiltered ones) for over 30 years and was never able to get through more than 48 hours of quitting on my own. The patch helped me quit permanently...and made for a really interesting dream life while I was using them.

Why put yourself through hell if you don't have to?

[malta blue]

24. Well, since I was down to 3-4 cigs daily, I figured it wasn't

really the nicotine anymore, but the 25 year habit. I was going to use the gum, but someone told me it made them throw up, so I nixed that idea. I will see how the next couple of days play out. I will reach for the NRT before I reach for the cigarrette though!

Thanks for your advice!

[MissMillie]

23. the only way to rid yourself of these symptoms for good

is to not smoke. If you feed your body the nicotine it craves, then you'll just keep getting cravings.

www.quitnet.com is a great site for information and support.

Good luck. I promise, you won't regret this.

[malta blue]

25. Thanks MissMillie!

I will check out the site.

Quitting is my birthday present to myself!

[SteppingRazor]

26. I'm also cold turkey. Day ... what? 7? 8?

I can't even recall anymore. It's killing me. You have my sympathy.

[malta blue]

27. Congrats and keep it up!

I quit when I was pregnant with Little MB, but it seemed easier that time.

[Roon]

31. The first thing i noticed when i quit smoking

was the extra buck in my pocket. Just think of all the money you will have!

[malta blue]

32. Surely,

but when Mr MB quits is when we will really notice it. He is the purchaser and the enabler.

[CTyankee]

57. Yes, what an incentive that was! Also not having your clothes smell

of cigarette smoke. When I smoked that smell would be in everything I wore, including pantihose! My closet was intolerable!

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

33. I'm in the same boat

so hats off to you and good luck. I'm using the gum and still finding it miserable. No words of wisdom but you are one tough cookie for trying it cold turkey! :thumbsup:

[malta blue]

34. Thanks NotoriousP.I.G.

Good luck to you too!:pals:

[L A Woman]

35. Congratulations!

You are doing the right thing by going cold turkey. NRTs have a mere 9% success rate. The vast majority of people who quit successfully do it cold turkey. (Myself included - i quit 2 years ago).

My advice - drink ORANGE JUICE. Remember, a craving only lasts three minutes and it is primarily due to a drop in blood sugar. OJ helps tremendously.

Hang in there. It's better to get it overwith. Your only other option is to be a smoker until you die, probably from a smoking-related illness. :-)

THE PAIN WILL PASS!

[malta blue]

48. Orange Juice?

I will surely keep that in mind. Today is not so bad....:)

[Taverner]

36. I used the patch - it worked

Right now, I can hold a smoke in my hand and have no temptation whatsoever.

Of course, I'm still on the patch, but that's ok. The Patch is as safe as coffee.

[zanne]

37. Get thee the patch.

Why are you going cold turkey? Give yourself a chance.

[malta blue]

49. I am feeling better today Zanne - may not need to

get the patch. I have checked it out at the pharmacy just in case though!:hi:

[zanne]

56. I wish you all the luck in the world.

It's rough, but if it was easy, everybody would do it, right?

[lost-in-nj]

40. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Malta Blue...

I am on day 19 and am using Wellbutrin....
It was getting easier but for some reason today is a bear.
Yesterday I actually forgot I used to smoke! And the urge was non
existent. So each day is different but you can get through them!!!!

I was a 2 pack a day smoker. I smoked for 34 years.......


lost

[malta blue]

51. I took Wellbutrin for post-partum

and then I suffered some seizures, hence, no more Wellbutrin for me. I smoked for 25 years, not that many, but 25 years nonetheless.

Thanks :hi:

[hellbound-liberal]

41. I quit cold turkey too though I know different methods work for different people

The important thing is for you to remind yourself that you have done it! You have become a NONSMOKER. The cravings will last for years but they will get weaker and easier to get through. Everytime one comes along just tell yourself "This, too, shall pass" and it will and eventually they will pass more quickly every time. You've been through the worst. Hold out for the good days! They will come!

[malta blue]

52. I want to stay away from the NRT because I have heard

the gum can make you nauseous. I am pretty anti-gum in the first place - I don't care for it at all, so gum that could potentially make me hurl makes me even more anxious.

I am feeling pretty good today, and reading all the support from DUers has given me more of a reason to continue on the path to freedom from nicotine.
:loveya:

[Control-Z]

43. I used the patch and

chewed the gum at the same time. The patch made it easier but I needed the gum to fix the really bad cravings. (I had approval from my doctor to use both.)

Unfortunately, I was able to quit smoking but I still chew the gum. :blush:

[Synnical]

44. Best of "luck" to you

I've tried and tried, still smoking. There is a Smoking Cessation Group on DU, though it's not very active.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=326

I know someone who quit by sucking on oranges for two weeks. Helped with both the oral and hand issues associated with those "friends".

My best to you, keep on, keep on. And yes, your withdrawal symptoms are normal. My mom quit smoking, but is now addicted to the gum.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[malta blue]

54. I checked out the cessation board, but like you said,

it doesn't seem very active.

Thanks for your support and may you do it when you can too!

[VenusRising]

45. All the luck in the world to you.

I have tried so many times to quit, but I just end up giving in to the craving. One day I will quit, but it hasn't happened for me yet. I hope it works out for you!!




:hug:

[MissMarple]

46. It is different for everyone. You may need some med support.

And I always recommend needlepoint...or anything that keeps your hands busy. It really does help. Good luck! You can do this, sometimes it takes a while. Keep at it. :hug:

[malta blue]

53. I have been wringing my hands. It kind of reminds

me of my grandmother. She used to do it too.

[caty]

47. Don't use any

substitutions. No candy, gum, or nicotine replacements. Every time you replace a cigarette with candy or gum, you are just reminding yourself that you have quit smoking. Using nicotine replacements just prolongs the addiction. Just keep telling yourself that you are going to be healthier, richer, and more socially accepted because you have quit (plus your clothes won't stink). If you only smoked a few cigarettes a day, you should already have the "what will I do with my smoking time" issue solved. It's just getting the nicotine out of your system that is left. In three weeks you will have gotten through the hard part. After that, you will have a craving just now and then--with these cravings coming fewer and farther apart. However, remember that you will have these cravings every now and then, when you are under stress, for many years. It's more mental that physical.

I quit smoking the hard way. I had surgery for a ruptured appendix and when I came out of surgery my oxygen level wouldn't stay up. I was a 2 pack a day smoker for years. Anyway, I was in a special care unit for 3 days hooked up to oxygen. Between the pain from the surgery and the constant struggle to breath, the desire to smoke just vanished. I didn't miss it during the 5 days I was in the hospital. I was too busy trying to breath. I haven't smoked in 2 years and I know I never will again. I am actually afraid to smoke again. I don't want to go through the hell I went through in the hospital again. So, don't quit the hard way. Quit because you want to. Not because you can't breath without a struggle.

You can do it if you really want to. And if you should fail one day, quit again the next day. Like they say---keep quitting until you QUIT!

[malta blue]

50. Thanks for the support!

:hug:

[Evergreen Emerald]

58. go for a walk every chance you get...even if it is up and down the

stairs at your office. When I quit cold turkey, I walked and walked every time I got a craving. I could tell the difference in by breathing capacity and that helped keep me motivated.

[malta blue]

63. I have been making rounds aroung my cubicle...

breaks are mandated here...so I can't just up and walk when I feel like it.

[liberal hypnotist]

59. Some Help.

1. Drink lemon water throughout the day.
2. Get some "tea tree oil" toothpicks at local health food store.
3. Stay away from sugar products. They make you want to smoke more.
4. Don't chew gum or mints with sugar. Same as above.
5. Use cinnamon sticks to chew on. Also, celery and carrot sticks.
6. Walk whenever you can.
7. Take warm to hot showers to relax.
8. Remember, the desire to smoke lasts about 30 seconds. As you go on the desire to smoke is less often.
9. Smoking cessation is about the same as a mild to moderate flu.
10. Once you do it, you'll never have to do it again.
11. Wear an elastic (not to tight) around your wrist. Every time you think of smoking give it a little snap. Eventually, the brain associates pain with smoking.

Good Luck and hang in. You deserve it!

[malta blue]

61. Those are great tips.

I feel pretty good today!:)

[Qanisqineq]

60. I agree with Caty

don't use anything. I quit smoking a year and a half ago (did start up again for 2 months but almost a year without now). I didn't use anything and after the first few days it wasn't too bad. My dad quit a year ago after 30+ years of smoking and he went cold turkey.

The people that I know that quit and are successful don't use the patch or gum or anything.

[malta blue]

62. Thanks for your input!

All the tips I have gotten here on DU are really helping me boost my ambition to get through this!

[liberal hypnotist]

66. Very Good Point

And the tobacco companies are heavily involved in patches and gum.

[LynneSin]

64. I had a friend quit cold turkey with Hypnosis

She quit back at the beginning of the year

[malta blue]

65. hmmm

Not sure if I have the funds to seek that course....but I feel pretty good today!

[liberal hypnotist]

67. It is effective for about 25%

I do hypnosis seminars for smoking cessation. Hypnosis works if the smoker is truly willing to stop. Many people try to intellectualize it. It's a right brain function. It can work for many people if they follow instructions.