Day... update here... 8!... not smoking

Hubby and I quit smoking 5 days ago. I'm using Chantix, he's using the patch. I'm having a much easier time of it than he is. He tried Chantix once and it made him feel "goofy" so he didn't want to try it again.

We couldn't figure out why we never had any money anymore. Well, both of us had slid up to smoking almost 2 packs a day. At $5 at pack, that's $20 a day! $600 a month! YIKES

I could have a really nice car for that kind of money.

For some reason when I'm on vicoden I smoke like a fiend. It's like smoking when you're drinking, it goes hand in hand.

Good for you guys!!! That is a huge accomplishment! I quit years ago and it is not easy. I did it cold turkey with no helpers. The hard part for me wasn't the chemical addiction but the "what do you do with your hands now" especially while drinking coffee or alcohol or in your case, vicodin. I found I got a lot more done because I had to keep my hands busy. Too bad that part has kind of worn off

The money was noticeable for me right from the beginning. I noticed I always had money and lots of change in my purse, whereas when I smoked, it was always being scrounging around for cigarette money.

Good luck!!!

good job and keep it up paradox. i know it's tough stuff.

i can't see continuing smoking and having any luck at reducing migraines.

if you get passed the withdrawal, you'll do well.

you are already passed day 3, which is the toughest day to breach.

~When I was working I had very successful quit smoking sessions.
I applaud you guys. I did it in 1973 when my son was born.

Way to go Charlotte and her DH! That is one tough habit to kick and I'm proud of you both.

And from what I've seen it is more a social habit - what do you do with your hands to keep them busy? Some people cut up straws and carried them around - about the same shape.

Me - same problem but only with food. So I don't allow myself to sit on the couch and only watch TV...I always have something in my hands to do so I'm not mindlessly eating.

I quit when I was pregnant with both my boys. But then BOTH of the little stinkers had seizures when they were eight hours old and were rushed by neo-natal ambulance to a high risk hospital.

The first thing I did when I got in the car was lite up.

All I've noticed so far is being a little antsy in the evenings. But, between that and my Internet being down at home, I'm getting a whole lot of housework done!!!

Sweet placid Hubby has been anything but. I was looking at him yesterday wondering "who is this hateful, angry man?". I just stayed out of his way as much as possible. With me quitting at the same time the fights could be explosive! (I know that's supposed to be a cherry, but it looks like a bomb to me).

i gave up last july that horrible 'i want to kill someone and i want to do it now' stage will pass, hang on in there, i find even now the nicotine cravings have long gone, the association of smoking at social events is still there, went out to a 60th birthday party the other week and had a little sulk, because all of the ususal crowd were havin drinks and ciggys, whilst i was driving and not smoking, just felt sorry for myself for a while which i know is silly, went to the buffet table to console myself, not good either, but you gotta have something in life which is naughty!!!!

Good for you, Charlotte.

Stick at it. I was good at giving up - did it loads of times!

Finally quit permanently about 7 or 8 years ago.

The habit is harder to kick than the "addiction"
The fix is brief, that's why we need so many.
Most of the craving is not a need, it is withdrawal.

Used to use lots of little tricks with clients.
Vitamin C....smokers dont have any....
Helps with the "craving"
All sorts of things can help.

Good job guys.

Even after all these years since smoking I would like to have one (just for the fun of it). I wouldn't do it though. Smoke doesn't bother me. I love the smell of it and don't mind being around smokers. It was just a fun thing to do. Doesn't take long to get right back into it so too risky for me.

Good for you and hubby, Charlotte. Hang in there!

I'm a smoker too, but I have never been more than a "pack a week" smoker. I didn't start until I was in my mid-late 20s. I find I can go days, even a week, without a cigarette and not feel any cravings, irritableness, etc. But if I go to do something I'm used to smoking and doing - wham! I "have" to have a cigarette. Like hanging out with certain friends who smoke, having coffee at Starbucks with them and sitting on the patio, going to play bingo with my mom (she loves to play bingo), or going to the Indian casino (which I can't afford very much anymore, but we used to go once a week when I was working). I can't not smoke and do those things. But at home, I can take it or leave it. Example: today is Wednesday. I smoked the last cigarette in my pack Saturday, and haven't bought a new pack. Haven't smoked since that one single cigarette Saturday, haven't been bothered by it. Yet I can't quite quit.

BTW, I always smoke more when I am migraining, and/or on the stronger pain meds, too. Is that weird?

BTW, I always smoke more when I am migraining, and/or on the stronger pain meds, too. Is that weird?

It's as bad as sitting at a bar and getting a full drunk on, chain smoking. Wonder what the connection is?

I gave up really easily when my son was born.
My husband struggled more.

But for years I would have a crafty ciggie when someone else smoked.
And the ones I missed were with a drink and in the car.

Haven't had one for about 5 years now, and think it would give me a headache.
Hate smoke, that will give me a headache....

Still sometimes miss them though even after all these years.

It's as bad as sitting at a bar and getting a full drunk on, chain smoking.

LMAO Charlotte that's one thing I've never done. Alcohol and smoking never a big mix for me, but I don't drink except very rarely.
He he, full drunk on - haven't done that since I was in my 20s.

Wise decision, Charlotte! Hang in there, cigarettes have nothing good in them.

I quit smoking 15 years ago. I was 25 at that time and I did not even realized that I was quitting. I was not an inveterate smoker, I used to smoke 5/6 cigarettes a day and they were all connected to rituals (first coffee in the morning with my colleagues, lunch time, break at work at 4 pm, waiting for the train to go home....). So, when I changed job, habits and colleagues I lost my rituals and had to fix new ones, this time without cigarette! One day I found a box of cigarettes in my car and realized that I had not smoked for 7 days.

Anyway, how can you smoke with migraine??? When I was a smoker, I could not touch a cigarette for 2 days in case of migraine. It gave me horrible vomit and nausea....

Ivy - I wonder how people can smoke with migraine also. Although when I smoked I was a pack a day person and didn't have migraines at the time, if I even had a cold, I couldn't smoke. I think with a migraine I would not only not want any but if I did I would be throwing up. We are all different though. So glad I quit before my migraines started!!!

Day 8 - No Smoking. Went shopping yesterday and spent the $147 I saved on cigs, on clothes. At least I have something tangible to show for it!

Hubby doing well too. He went to the races last night and when he got home I made sure to greet him with a nice big kiss. But, I was really sniffing. He passed my sniff test.

Good for you!! Keep it up, and know that there are people out there who are so proud of you for doing this.

Great job!! The hardest part is past you, so don't give in now!! I quit in December when my dad was dx w Lung cancer. I didn't smoke much... A pack every 2-3 days, but I feel great about quitting!

I'm proud of u!! Keep up the great work!