Two Weeks In...
- I quit smoking two weeks ago and it was been very difficult for me. During the first week, I cried every day, had my first heated fight with my husband of 5 years, and felt depressed. Even though all this, I think I made the best decision of my life. I have asthma and in the past couple of days I have not been short of breath. I have more energy too and have been sleeping better.
- —Guest Ana
Free of the Fear
- It is a relief not thinking about getting cancer 24/7. Also, not smelling of the horrible smoke...just feeling good about myself being a non smoker. thank God.
- —ilovelayel
Each Day is Better
- I'm 2 days, 10hrs in and honestly feel slightly better. Day one sucked!! Day two was more psychological than anything... now just have to take it day by day. I will not let anything ever have control over me like cigarettes again. I'm 29 and started at 14. I used to think I'd never smoke more than one pack per day... LOL... I've smoked a pack in two hrs at the pub!! What a waste of time, health and money. i have journaled each day as well and that REALLY seems to help me (looking back to day one and two). Only advice is be very explicit as far as how you feel physically and mentally. Good luck to us all. Reading these has helped my through a craving or two.
- —Guest Josh
Feel Great
- I have smoked for over 45 years. I stopped cold turkey 7 weeks ago. What a difference! My breath is clean, my sense of smell is greatly improved, I have more endurance, I sleep better, I am saving money, and best of all I am rid of an addiction. This is the best thing I have done in a long time.
- —mikebelvidere
Smoking is Not My Friend
- Find it hard to believe that not smoking helps you feel LESS nervous. Any problems in my life and I'd always reach for the cigarettes - hard to change my head maps! Stupid though, when I'm nervous, I'd smoke, when I'm happy, I'd smoke, when I'm scared, I'd smoke, when I'm relaxed/bored etc etc etc - any excuse to light up. Hard to realize my 'best friend' who has always been there for me, who's seen me through good times and bad times turns out to not have been a friend at all. I am very new at being a non-smoker and am using acupuncture and the nicotine patch - whatever will get me through another day. That is my personality though - I like little hooks, tips, call them gimmicks to help me. Really hope this time it sticks. Don't think I'll have the courage to get through the first few days of nicotine withdrawal again.
- —Guest Taryn
Freedom-Bound
- I quit 5 days ago and am quite surprised that it wasn't harder than it was....thanking God. I was a closet smoker, my hubby and family didn't know and thought I was still quit for the past 3 yrs. I smoke outside of home...work, running errands. I have quit soooo many times, but can't seem to stay quit. I am trying to think positive this time around, which is hard after so many past failures. But, never quit quitting is a good motto---you never know which time will be THE TIME...and the real key is 'one day at a time' and to NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF. I always quit before big up-coming events like a daughter's wedding so I wouldn't want to be dealing with cravings at something I couldn't possibly sneak out a have a cigarette at. This time I am simply going to do it for my health, self-esteem, and the knowledge that I am taking back control of my life and not letting this demon on my back have the control.
- —Guest Sharon
Better Breathing and Endurance
- I quit 40 days ago. I still have the occasional craving, but for the most part I feel better, more confident. I am no longer wheezing and coughing in the mornings and can go longer on the treadmill than I could before.
- —Guest norma
More Oxygen in My Blood!
- I can smell fresh air, I can take a deep breath despite having a moderate degree of emphysema and being on oxygen often. Best of all though, during the course of this week, the oxygen level in my blood, called 'pulse ox', has gone from a daily range of 81 to 93, to 93 to 99!!! A level of 81 could be life threatening....it causes you to drop off to sleep, whether you're sitting in a chair or driving a car. So I'd say that's one heck of a nice benefit!!!!
- —neison
Benefits Galore
- Today is my 2-month anniversary of being smober and each day just keeps getting better. Tons of $$ saved; I can go longer, harder, faster on exercise equipment; I no longer ponder where/when I can have my next cigarette; I don't have to sneak a smoke around corners so my 3 yr old granddaughter doesn't catch me smoking. Why on earth did I wait so long to finally take this demon by the hair and shake it down??!!
- —gib10
No Wheezing, More Time
- It is now 24 hrs since I squished out my last cigarette with great determination. I believe in myself a whole lot more than I did a week ago. This morning I woke up a little daunted by the fact I had a craving, then I realized that I wasn't wheezing. I really wasn't expecting such health benefits after just 24 hrs. This is going to give me the strength to get through today and the days that lay ahead. My kids are loving the extra attention, and I am loving more moments. it amazes me how much smoking took me away from being able to enjoy so many simple pleasures and experiences of life..
- —stinkless
I'm in Control!
- No more planning ahead to make sure I have the money to buy enough cigarettes-even at the expense of going without some foods! No more stretching out an evening far longer than I should simply because I like to smoke and watch TV. No more having 'one more cigarette' before I get down to the day's work. No more cigarettes controlling my day!
- —Guest Mary
Every Day Gets Better
- First day of summer was my first day of freedom from cigarettes. Went on vacation last week and walked 3 miles in the sand at Lake Superior the first day! I feel great. Cravings are getting less and being aware of the triggers is what is helping me. Now I need to work on my husband to quit!
- —EkstromK
Benefits
- Well the benefits of not smoking 129 days after quitting are all obviously wonderful and important - be they giant leaps or just small steps (even though I dare say that they are all HUGE LEAPS AND BOUNDS!!)..... BUT!! : just this morning I went in for my yearly blood exam......and I was stunned! My blood - which used to be a dark liver-red color - is now a bright red!! I'm not much of a doc, but I'm sure this is good news! I beg you all to pardon my sillyness.....but I know my body hadn't seen that color running through its veins in a loooong time! A wonderful smokeless day to all! Ciao!
- —SandraMaura
5 Years of Freedom
- I will reach 5 years smober on August 18, 2010. So much has changed for the better. Quitting gave me a new confidence in myself and in God. I didn't think I could ever quit. I am happy to no longer have seasonal upper respiratory chest infections, yellow teeth and fingers, that awful smell or the cravings controlling my life.
- —MellyWelly
No Need for Cigarette Breaks
- I quit smoking 115 days ago!! I recently went on a tour bus trip with my husband, which I never would have been able to do before because of the smoking. It was wonderful not to think about where I was going to get a chance to get a cigarette. It really is amazing how nice it is to not smoke anymore!
- —Guest 4bluebird
