I'm moving my blog now to my own site. please visit it at :
http://quitsmoking.longship.ca
Sunday, April 3, 2011
I'm back!
Well, I'm on the quit smoking trail once again. This time I'm on taking the Champix pills to facilitate the quit. I'm now on Day 2 of the pills.
The way this works though is that I continue to smoke for 8-14 days after starting the pills. Like most people, due to the anxiety of the final quit day, I have put it at the 14th. April 14th will be the day that I no longer light up. Now, from talking to other people, I may not make it to the 14th day of pills. Most people drop the smokes early on (between 8 and 10 days) because they just don't want to smoke any more. Keep an eye here to see if that happens.
I'm guessing, based on day 1 and the start of day 2 that I will not last the 14 days. The 3rd smoke after taking my morning Champix pill was very odd tasting. The only way I could describe it was the taste that I had when I lit up that smoke just over a year ago. It was the same sensation as a first cigarette. I can't personally describe the taste, it's like trying to describe the taste of a banana. However, I have to push through and make sure I keep smoking.
From the research I have read on Champix, there are only some minor side effects, but some people have much more serious side effects. I'm more worried about the effects of keeping smoking over taking the Champix. What this drug allegedly does is block the nicotine receptors. I had no idea what this meant until I read further. Basically the drug attaches to the nicotine and blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain. Therefore, while I'm still smoking, the nicotine is not fully getting into my body. It basically cuts me off the nicotine. Ok, I can get behind that.
So, I'm here on day 2, of course I'm still smoking. I'm finding that I sort of need to go out more for a smoke right now, but that's probably because the nicotine isn't making it into my system quite as much as it used to. Perhaps it's all psychological too. I'm not sure, and I don't care. In less than 2 weeks I can once again proudly state that I am a non-smoker.
Bring it.
The way this works though is that I continue to smoke for 8-14 days after starting the pills. Like most people, due to the anxiety of the final quit day, I have put it at the 14th. April 14th will be the day that I no longer light up. Now, from talking to other people, I may not make it to the 14th day of pills. Most people drop the smokes early on (between 8 and 10 days) because they just don't want to smoke any more. Keep an eye here to see if that happens.
I'm guessing, based on day 1 and the start of day 2 that I will not last the 14 days. The 3rd smoke after taking my morning Champix pill was very odd tasting. The only way I could describe it was the taste that I had when I lit up that smoke just over a year ago. It was the same sensation as a first cigarette. I can't personally describe the taste, it's like trying to describe the taste of a banana. However, I have to push through and make sure I keep smoking.
From the research I have read on Champix, there are only some minor side effects, but some people have much more serious side effects. I'm more worried about the effects of keeping smoking over taking the Champix. What this drug allegedly does is block the nicotine receptors. I had no idea what this meant until I read further. Basically the drug attaches to the nicotine and blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain. Therefore, while I'm still smoking, the nicotine is not fully getting into my body. It basically cuts me off the nicotine. Ok, I can get behind that.
So, I'm here on day 2, of course I'm still smoking. I'm finding that I sort of need to go out more for a smoke right now, but that's probably because the nicotine isn't making it into my system quite as much as it used to. Perhaps it's all psychological too. I'm not sure, and I don't care. In less than 2 weeks I can once again proudly state that I am a non-smoker.
Bring it.
Monday, April 26, 2010
And it's done...
Well, I made it to 7.5 months of being quit. However, life got waaay too stressful for me last week. So many things all at once, and trying to stay quit was just adding one more stressful thing to the list. I broke down and smoked a few. A few turned into quite a few, and poof, I'm back on.
I will be continuing to post here though. I will be determining my next quit date, and gonna try to make it stick again. It's not a failure if you are willing to try again.
I will be continuing to post here though. I will be determining my next quit date, and gonna try to make it stick again. It's not a failure if you are willing to try again.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Not a good one...
Ok, I'm at day 170 today. However, here are my issues TODAY.
I'm not even going to focus on yesterday or the day before, or even the weekend that has past. Those days all had their stresses that took me to the edge.
I looked over the edge, that much I can say. I thought about giving up and starting to smoke again, but I talked it out with many many folks. I still didn't light up.
Woke up a bit headachy, a little sick today, so I stayed home again. I have lots I can get done around the house as long as I actually do it.
So, I did lots of thinking (I'm doing that too much lately) and I came up with some points that I need to post about...
- By quitting smoking, I have saved some money, enough that I bought myself a PS3, however, since that purchase, I have not put any more money aside, it's being spent elsewhere now.
- By quitting smoking, I haven't had to smell like stale cigarette smoke to others around me. However, I have realized with others that smoke, the smell doesn't bother ME as much
- By quitting smoking, I haven't had to go outside at work and be chilled or wet just to have a smoke. However, I have missed the comraderie of the other folks that I used to hang out with.
These are just some examples. I know they aren't very valid or anything, but those are some examples I'm coming up with lately.
My reasons for quitting were not valid reasons, I can tell you that. But there are reasons to stay quit. That much I know.
Now I come to my issue. My big issue.
I'm feeling like I'm going insane lately. I have been putting all my effort, and all my energy into keeping this quit. I have to FIGHT to not smoke. I mean literally fight inside my head almost ALL the time just to not smoke.
I should not have to be in a constant battle. I have quit before in the past. I had quit for 6 years. I remember that quit vividly...after about 3 weeks quit, I never thought of cigarettes again (until 6 years later of course). This time, it's not working for me.
I need to find a way to make it work for ME, and not anyone else. If I can't figure this out soon, I *will* crack. I know this. I'm going to try and hold on as long as I can...I've come a long way, but it doesn't seem like enough....
Five months, two weeks, two days, 2 hours, 41 minutes and 40 seconds. 3382 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,353.23. Life saved: 1 week, 4 days, 17 hours, 50 minutes.
I'm not even going to focus on yesterday or the day before, or even the weekend that has past. Those days all had their stresses that took me to the edge.
I looked over the edge, that much I can say. I thought about giving up and starting to smoke again, but I talked it out with many many folks. I still didn't light up.
Woke up a bit headachy, a little sick today, so I stayed home again. I have lots I can get done around the house as long as I actually do it.
So, I did lots of thinking (I'm doing that too much lately) and I came up with some points that I need to post about...
- By quitting smoking, I have saved some money, enough that I bought myself a PS3, however, since that purchase, I have not put any more money aside, it's being spent elsewhere now.
- By quitting smoking, I haven't had to smell like stale cigarette smoke to others around me. However, I have realized with others that smoke, the smell doesn't bother ME as much
- By quitting smoking, I haven't had to go outside at work and be chilled or wet just to have a smoke. However, I have missed the comraderie of the other folks that I used to hang out with.
These are just some examples. I know they aren't very valid or anything, but those are some examples I'm coming up with lately.
My reasons for quitting were not valid reasons, I can tell you that. But there are reasons to stay quit. That much I know.
Now I come to my issue. My big issue.
I'm feeling like I'm going insane lately. I have been putting all my effort, and all my energy into keeping this quit. I have to FIGHT to not smoke. I mean literally fight inside my head almost ALL the time just to not smoke.
I should not have to be in a constant battle. I have quit before in the past. I had quit for 6 years. I remember that quit vividly...after about 3 weeks quit, I never thought of cigarettes again (until 6 years later of course). This time, it's not working for me.
I need to find a way to make it work for ME, and not anyone else. If I can't figure this out soon, I *will* crack. I know this. I'm going to try and hold on as long as I can...I've come a long way, but it doesn't seem like enough....
Five months, two weeks, two days, 2 hours, 41 minutes and 40 seconds. 3382 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,353.23. Life saved: 1 week, 4 days, 17 hours, 50 minutes.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Time flies...
But not really. Time is slow. Time is actualy a constant I think, but still.
Today is an anniversary day, so I figured I should post something to my blog.
As of 7 AM this morning, I have officially been off the cigarettes for 5 months. 5 Months is a long time when you think about it. It's not quite as long as a year, or even half a year, but 5 months goes by very slowly when you are kicking an addiction.
Over the last 5 months I have been tested. Oh boy have I been tested.
Those that have been following the blog know *SOME* of the trials and tribulations I've gone through in this quit, but let me tell you, there are MANY more that were not discussed on this blog.
It's been a strange trip for the last 5 months, but I've come this far. The most common question I get, from non-smokers, ex-smokers and even current smokers. "Do you still get cravings?" To which I can only reply "do you get the craving to breathe?" I had smoked for long enough that it became second nature to me. So do I get cravings. Yes, but I don't really see them as "cravings" anymore. There are "triggers" that set me off.
Let me take recently for an example.
I went to a party with a bunch of friends. Some of whom smoke. Well, last year at this party, I was a smoker too. So I would go outside with them, have a smoke, then come back in to warm up, and have a drink. This year, I had that drink, and then thought, oh, I should pop out for a smoke. I had to tell myself mentally that I don't smoke anymore. But then guess what happened...my inner nicodemon started trying to rationalize the "just one" mentality. I wouldn't let him win. I came close mind you. Once I had about 10 drinks of scotch and a few beers to go with it, I was ready to give in. I survived. I *DID* go outside once, but that was simply to cool down a bit. As soon as someone came out to smoke, I went back inside so I wouldn't be tempted.
Then, as another one, this past weekend I was at a Sens Skills competition. Again, I was there last year. I think this may have been my first time at the arena as a non-smoker. Anyway, going into the arena, I had to tell Pattie that she may want to have her smoke now as I'm not sure if the smoking deck is open during the skills (there is no intermission). It was a reaction for me. Remembering that you must smoke beforehand. Was I tempted to have a smoke? Not as much as the party, but yes, it was there in the back of my mind.
All this is to say that I have started to become stronger than the cravings. I just have to keep my guard up a bit, and be sure not to let it get the better of me.
I will survive, I will not smoke. It is not an option. Right?
Cheers!
I have been quit for 5 Months, 2 hours and 24 minutes. I have s not smoked 3,062 cigarettes. I Quit: 9/9/2009 7:00 AM.
Today is an anniversary day, so I figured I should post something to my blog.
As of 7 AM this morning, I have officially been off the cigarettes for 5 months. 5 Months is a long time when you think about it. It's not quite as long as a year, or even half a year, but 5 months goes by very slowly when you are kicking an addiction.
Over the last 5 months I have been tested. Oh boy have I been tested.
Those that have been following the blog know *SOME* of the trials and tribulations I've gone through in this quit, but let me tell you, there are MANY more that were not discussed on this blog.
It's been a strange trip for the last 5 months, but I've come this far. The most common question I get, from non-smokers, ex-smokers and even current smokers. "Do you still get cravings?" To which I can only reply "do you get the craving to breathe?" I had smoked for long enough that it became second nature to me. So do I get cravings. Yes, but I don't really see them as "cravings" anymore. There are "triggers" that set me off.
Let me take recently for an example.
I went to a party with a bunch of friends. Some of whom smoke. Well, last year at this party, I was a smoker too. So I would go outside with them, have a smoke, then come back in to warm up, and have a drink. This year, I had that drink, and then thought, oh, I should pop out for a smoke. I had to tell myself mentally that I don't smoke anymore. But then guess what happened...my inner nicodemon started trying to rationalize the "just one" mentality. I wouldn't let him win. I came close mind you. Once I had about 10 drinks of scotch and a few beers to go with it, I was ready to give in. I survived. I *DID* go outside once, but that was simply to cool down a bit. As soon as someone came out to smoke, I went back inside so I wouldn't be tempted.
Then, as another one, this past weekend I was at a Sens Skills competition. Again, I was there last year. I think this may have been my first time at the arena as a non-smoker. Anyway, going into the arena, I had to tell Pattie that she may want to have her smoke now as I'm not sure if the smoking deck is open during the skills (there is no intermission). It was a reaction for me. Remembering that you must smoke beforehand. Was I tempted to have a smoke? Not as much as the party, but yes, it was there in the back of my mind.
All this is to say that I have started to become stronger than the cravings. I just have to keep my guard up a bit, and be sure not to let it get the better of me.
I will survive, I will not smoke. It is not an option. Right?
Cheers!
I have been quit for 5 Months, 2 hours and 24 minutes. I have s not smoked 3,062 cigarettes. I Quit: 9/9/2009 7:00 AM.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Long days ahead
It's been a while since I've posted here. Things started looking up for me after the 100 day mark and then the 4 month mark.
Today however, I got word that my Grandfather died. As much as I've known that this day was going to come, it was still a shock when it happens.
I've been having a rough time today fighting off the urges to just smoke. Give in and just do it again. I know in my mind it won't help, but it still isn't stopping the craves the way I had hoped.
That's why I'm writing.
In times like this, I'm remembering my Grandpa. I remember when I was young and would go out on the boat with my grandparents and have a great time. I was allowed to drive the boat regularly. I had a great time out on the water, just enjoying the time I had. We would play cards on the boat, go fishing, or go swimming. We would travel down to Alexandria Bay once in a while on the boat. I was probably happiest when I was out on the water.
I also remember the times we would play cards at their house and have lots of fun. Those were the memories I will keep with me forever.
Even though over the past years I wasn't as close or spent as much time with him, I still miss him and always will.
I know now that the pain you had near the end has stopped. For that I am thankful.
RIP Grandpa.
Today however, I got word that my Grandfather died. As much as I've known that this day was going to come, it was still a shock when it happens.
I've been having a rough time today fighting off the urges to just smoke. Give in and just do it again. I know in my mind it won't help, but it still isn't stopping the craves the way I had hoped.
That's why I'm writing.
In times like this, I'm remembering my Grandpa. I remember when I was young and would go out on the boat with my grandparents and have a great time. I was allowed to drive the boat regularly. I had a great time out on the water, just enjoying the time I had. We would play cards on the boat, go fishing, or go swimming. We would travel down to Alexandria Bay once in a while on the boat. I was probably happiest when I was out on the water.
I also remember the times we would play cards at their house and have lots of fun. Those were the memories I will keep with me forever.
Even though over the past years I wasn't as close or spent as much time with him, I still miss him and always will.
I know now that the pain you had near the end has stopped. For that I am thankful.
RIP Grandpa.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
100 Days
Not as impressive as the movie title "300", but still impressive to me.
I told everyone I'd write a bit of a rant for my 100, my centennial, my "holy crap it's been this long"...so here it goes. I'm going to recap a bit...hop in my time machine with me.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Day 1.
--------
I decided to quit smoking. Only after I went out for my morning smoke almost by accident. It was just a habit. My Girlfriend asked if I was going to quit, I almost forgot that I wanted to quit that day. Patch went on, and I went to work.
After only a few hours into work, I was getting twitchy as I had "missed" my smoke breaks. I kept busy as best I could and not think about it. It was not easy.
I for some reason, decided to put together the IKEA shelves I had purchased a few days before. Got really bad cravings after only getting one together and realized my patch fell off from the sweat. I panicked, put it back on, and relaxed for a bit. Almost lost it!
Day 2
-------
Yep, first morning wake up with no smoke. Put that patch on as quick as I could (after showering). Man I wanted to go out for that smoke. Was doing everything to try and convince myself that it would be OK. I didn't do it, and I'm glad for that.
I started chewing on some straws. Someone on another unrelated forum suggested that. What a great suggestion! Grabbed a handful from the cafeteria and chewed and sucked on those things for the day. Better.
Day 3
-------
Hell Day. Yep, Day 3. And yep, it *WAS* Hell Day. September 11. Was going to a bonfire that night with friends. Being around a campfire type of thing was a huge trigger to smoke. Guess what. I didn't. Yay me!
>>>>>
1 Week
----------
Fast forwarding to the 1 week mark. Stressful day, minor slip (took a puff off a smoke and almost puked). I don't count that as "returning to smoking". That was a painful reminder though. I still remember that gross taste, and that was a looong time ago.
2 Weeks
-----------
I was starting to get very irritable. Any noise was really making me mad. I was freaking out at the cat for meowing, I would yell at a door for creaking at this point. I knew I just needed to sleep this off, but I couldn't get to sleep if I heard a noise. It was a very rough night, but things HAVE to get better...right?
3 Weeks (21 Days)
------------------------
I'm just going to grab a quote from my Blog for this...
"Anyway, I'm 3 weeks in and I'm having issues.
I want to smoke.
I'm not sure if it's a craving, and urge or whatever they want to call it on the different websites and books and stuff. I have the desire."
There was alot more to that post, and if you want to read the whole thing, visit my blog (see link at the end of this post) and find Sept 29.
Almost 4 Weeks
--------------------
Almost at the month mark, and as I got ready for work, I checked my pockets for smokes and a lighter. I hadn't done that in a month. Even at the beginning of my quit, it wasn't a reaction, but for some reason it was this time. Didn't make sense, and I dismissed it shortly after. As I mentioned in the blog, if I did find them, I likely would have lit up by habit.
This was also my last day on step 1 of the patches!
At the month mark, I was starting to crave again. The cravings were pretty strong. I kept referring to it as a "desire". Maybe it was...
Thanksgiving Weekend (in Canada)
---------------------------------------------
Family, stress, want to smoke. Didn't smoke. Need I say more?
42 Days
----------
At this point, I'm stepping down again! Man it went by fast. But it was time to hit Step 3 in the patches.
Just prior to this however, I spent the weekend at Canada's Wonderland for the Halloween Haunt! It was a great time, and I really didn't want to smoke too bad. I was impressed with myself as I figured I'd want to stop constantly for a smoke. I didn't.
It was also my first fairly long car trip without smoking (even though we DID stop a few times like I normally would have requested just to have a smoke). 5 hour drive with no smoking. woo hoo!
The next day I had a great time. I had a trip to the photo club to learn the studio, went out for the Zombie Walk (whcih was a blast...see photos in my blog) generally had a great time.
Almost Halloween
-----------------------
Another quick copy and paste from my blog....
"A co-worker that I used to go out and have a smoke with stopped me at the door as she was headed out for a smoke. She looks at me and says "Did you quit smoking?" I'm like..yeah, almost 2 months ago now. She comments "huh, didn't even notice". I told her I don't even notice anymore that I used to smoke, as I don't have the urge to go outside and freeze for a smoke. and then her comment, that made me laugh..."Well, I guess that's both a good and a bad thing". Huh? What? I had to get an explanation. Her explanation "Well, it's good for you that you quit, but bad because now you aren't outside with us". Nope, that's a GOOD thing on both accounts."
Halloween is here!
------------------------
Now, you have to understand...I'm the MC at a big halloween party here in town. I get stressed about this every year. Stress = wanting to smoke. I didn't this time. I enjoyed every minute of the party instead of having to go huddle outside in the cold for a smoke!
I totally enjoyed myself, and realized how much of the party I would have been missing by smoking a pack during that party like usual.
Patted myself on the back and had another beer!
November
-------------
I did some math at break with some co-workers. I figured I smoked almost 20 a day. I tended to time my smokes to once every hour. Obviously I smoked more than once an hour if I had 20 a day. Then I thought to the people that smoke 2 or 3 PACKS a day. That's one smoke every 10 minutes or so. That they are awake. Do the math. Say you sleep 8 hours. That leaves 16 hours of wake time. 16*60=960 minutes in the day. 3 packs = 75 cigarettes. That is one cigaretted every 12.5 mintues (roughly). Now, figure it takes 5 minutes to leisurely smoke a cigarette. You *DON'T* have a smoke in your mouth for 7.5 minutes.
How Do You Have SEX?
Just sayin...
November 10
-----------------
Last day on the patch. I made it through, but I was nervous about getting rid of the patch. I stayed on 2 weeks longer than the box said, but 2 weeks prior to this, was the halloween party coming up and I knew I needed the help.
But, better the patch than smoking!
November 11
-----------------
Another sad day to not have the support of NRTs. Well, other sad day was Sept 11, and that was day 3 for me. Still.
I made it through. Craved a bit, but not as much as I had thought.
>>>>>>>>>
December 6
---------------
It's my Birthday! Woo Hoo! I made it another year! Hopefully now that I'm not smoking I can make it lots more years!
December 9
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3 months down! I made it 3 months! I got myself a Playstation 3 with all the money I saved!
December 17
-----------------
100 Days! Maybe I should write a rant on the Q for everyone. Who am I kidding, nobody is going to read it. It's going to be WAAAY too long.
Vidar
D100
$800 Saved!
http://vidar-quit-smoking.blogspot.com
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