| Author | Message | ||
     Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 889 Registered: 7-2004  |
Yesterday I decided, for no particular reason and with pretty much no thought about it, to quit smoking. Does anyone have any ideas so that I don't feel like I am going to lose my sanity? I have been playing with a straw for a little while to remind me of the good days (2 days ago, those were good times) Jamie, I still think there should be smoking in bars. *If you happen to know me and see me smoking a cigarette in the next couple of days try not to yell at me. | ||
| Buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3957 Registered: 5-2001  |
OK. I used to smoke, until the night in college I smoked a pack of cigs w/ a lot of tequila. I have not had a cig or tequila since 1991. I have an uncle that smoked from about 9 until his heart attack in his 50's. He now walks around w/ an unlit lucky in his mouth. Seems to work. Now, if you really want to quit, I suggest eating one or two unfiltered cigs. After that meal, you will never want another smoke. Or chew gum, that's what Johnny Dangerously does. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 890 Registered: 7-2004 |
Buzz, I have chewed about a pack of gum since last night. But I don't really like gum all that much. I probably won't eat 2 cigarettes, but smoking two unfiltereds never seemed like as good an idea as it does now. | ||
| SlowDog Citizen Username: Bca Post Number: 56 Registered: 10-2002 |
Cold turkey is hard, but the most direct way. The nicotine will be out of your body in three days, then its all psych warfare with yourself. I quite 5 months ago, and chewed the nic gum. Repattern your life (to rid yourself of associations) and breath through your cravings - they don't last long. Good luck. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 5798 Registered: 5-2001  |
I did the patch for a week and then very mild paxil so I wouldn't murder anyone. I also started yoga and it's a good motivator to stay off the smoke. It really sucks but you can do it. People say it's the hardest thing they ever did, for me almost the hardest but not quite. Best of luck! | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 6775 Registered: 5-2001  |
Read my Blog. Seriously, tho. When I quit, I changed my routine. Mem is definitely on to something with her yoga. You can't change everything, but if you get up every morning, shower, dress & then have coffee & a cig, change up. Have your coffee before your shower. Take a walk around the block. Any little things you can change in your day that you associate with a cigarette can help. Being in a bar can be rough, but if you can't avoid it, try changing your drink or what you do while you are having a cig in a bar. Start thinking of yourself as a non-smoker. Wait for the cravings to pass. Good luck. Next Monday will be 19 years since my last one. I still get cravings occassionally, but I just don't have one, because I don't smoke. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1442 Registered: 3-2003 |
The patch helps a lot with the physical cravings. It's also a head game. If you haven't been exercising, start jogging. Tell yourself how good you feel. Exercise is a big help. When you get a craving, it will pass. Tell yourself that as much as you think you want a cig, you feel a lot better knowing you can do without it. It really is a head game - somtimes you even look forward to a craving since you know you'll feel good about not having a cig. If you tend to have a cig with coffee, cut down on the coffee. You'll come up with your own little things that work. And most of all, you can look forward to going to Bunny's and knowing that you'll be able to sit there and not have to worry about smoking. Good luck. | ||
| Amateur Night Citizen Username: Deborahg Post Number: 1764 Registered: 5-2001  |
I quit three years ago, used wellbutrin (what do they call it when it's a smoking thing?) for three weeks, really helped with the cravings. It took about 6 months to really stop climbing the walls, and I definitely gained some weight, but it is so worth it. My best friend died of cancer at 42 leaving a young child -- with or without the extra poundsq, I plan to be around and bugging my kids for a long time to come. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1443 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mayor - I can't emphasize enough how important exercising is. When I stopped in the late 70's, I started running and it seemed as if almost everyone I was meeting when running had been a smoker, and started running as a way to give up or stay off the cigs (and to also not gain weight). | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 1808 Registered: 8-2003  |
Mayor - I quit a few years ago. It was hard. I haven't had a cig since, but I still get cravings. I admire you going cold turkey. I didn't quit cold turkey because I didn't think I could do it. I went on wellbutrin, the generic of Zyban, for 3 months. It worked so well because it elminated the edge and craziness that is asscoiated with withdrawal. It made me feel nromal. Everyone talks about about changing habits that you associate with smoking. I didn't step foot in a bar for 3 months. I thought the temptation would be more than I could bear when I was still weak and suscpetible to suggestion. I think the best thing that can happen for you is that there won't be smoking in bars, thus you won't have to fight the inevitable temptation. Remind yourself that you quit smoking because you really really really wanted to quit smoking and you will succeed. Every time you think you can just have that one cig - DON'T DO IT!! You will undo progress that your body and mind have made. You are already 24 hours smoke free. That's progress! congratulations on your decision and good luck. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 1809 Registered: 8-2003 |
amateur - Zyban only 3 weeks?? I was on for 3 months! | ||
| Da Lat Citizen Username: Sidrn Post Number: 172 Registered: 6-2005 |
Mayor,  on your decision to quit. I know it really sucks right now. When I went through it, it would have been better if someone had stuck needles in my eyes for the first weeks. Every time that overwhelming desire came up, I sprinted around the block or swam furious laps around the pool. It's amazing how much you realize how much you need smoke-free lungs after doing that. You also can't refer to those "good days." How can they be any good at almost $6/pack? Here's another reason to quit: http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20060223/hl_hsn/smokingboostsriskforrootcanal I'm rooting for you. Good riddance to the smokes, Buddy! | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 1169 Registered: 11-2001 |
Mayor........ Zyban can be very effective. It does contain the same active as Wellbutrin (generic: bupropion). Changing your routine is also effective. If you have to have a smoke when you have a drink, make sure you have something else in your hands so you can only negotiate that and the drink, and not be able to manage the cigarette. Chew gum or use some sort of powerful breath freshener to remind yourself how good your breath is now that you aren't smoking. Put all the money you would have spent on smokes into some sort of special fund. Then at the end of a week or month (depending on how much you smoked) see how much money is there and buy yourself something special. Btw, years ago, a boss of mine (when I worked at Philip Morris, of all places) used to proclaim, "I need a cigarette!" whenever some irritating situation came up. He'd open his box of Marlboros, extract one, inhale its scent, and stick it in his mouth for a few seconds before tossing it in the trash. Guess we all have different ways of dealing with it. Good luck on quitting! It may not be easy, but it is healthy! | ||
| Strings Supporter Username: Blue_eyes Post Number: 817 Registered: 4-2004  |
I am speaking on behalf of Mayor McCheese, a personal friend of mine, he says: "I would to thank everyone for their support, I'll be able to thank you in person in a week when my ban is lifted." Let's all hope the mayor can make it through a week with no cigs and no MOL... talk about a double whammy. | ||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2005 |
I quit 1/1. I only do it when I drink, and that is difficult since I am part fish. I was going good for 2 mths, then went out partying HARD. Broke down and had 2 cigs. I exercise, I don't frequent the bars as much. I find that it is oral stimulation as well. So not to be crude, but I suggest when you get the craving...stick something in your mouth. It helps.  | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 6779 Registered: 5-2001 |
Strings/Mayor - good start at changing habits! If you smoke while you post, this is a great opportunity. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 899 Registered: 7-2004 |
I feel like having a beer, does anyone know what time HT2T opens on a day like today? I think a nonsmoking bar would be a good idea for the quitting process. Makes it easier if the people around me aren't smoking. | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7049 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mayor: Check Art's website (there is a link under restaurants on the MOL home page). I think he usually opens somewhere between 8PM and 9 PM. I never smoked but my husband sure did. He quit after he had a massive heart attack which very nearly killed him. He literally heard the doctor in the emergency room ask for a blanket to cover his face as he was regaining consciousness. What got him to quit was seeing all the tobacco by-products come flying out of his body during the balloon treatment he went through about a week later. Turned out all four of his coronary arteries were almost completely blocked with gunk. Bottom line is that you need to have a strong motivation to quit and then stick with your decision. Changing behavior patterns you associate with smoking is a definite help but nothing works as well as strong motivation and a great deal of stubborness. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1073 Registered: 5-2003 |
Every time you have the urge to smoke, place the amount of money that you would spend for a pack of cigarettes in a jar. Count it at the end of a week. Seeing the amount of money you have been sending up in smoke should be a big motivation in helping you stop. | ||
| LazyDog Citizen Username: Lazydog Post Number: 165 Registered: 6-2005  |
r.e. mem's post ..... Mayor, just the thought of you trying yoga makes me want ROTFL. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8757 Registered: 4-1997  |
The image of LazyDog ROTFL makes me crack up. | ||
| monster Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 2186 Registered: 7-2002  |
oooohhhh but I just had the image of Lazy and Mayor ROTFT, and I got sick, ugh... | ||
| Buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3962 Registered: 5-2001 |
since you are only giving up the cigs the word is wide open: booze cool air hikes porno comic books cheese fries gettin' it on live music hitting the road boxing open mic night the island of manhattan has a lot of this and there is no smoking in any public place | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 901 Registered: 7-2004 |
Buzz, I will not change my stance on smoking in public places. I still approve of it. However, tonight was hard. I sat at a bar in Millburn and watched people smoke. It looked like a lot of fun. But so far, so good. I am trying this cold turkey. But if it does not work I will probably be asking about the drugs like zyban or the patch. Thanks everyone. | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 70 Registered: 11-2005 |
Years ago, I remember reading that smokers trying to quit experience shortness of breath which increases the likelihood that they will resume smoking in order to increase their oxygen intake. consider taking deep breaths when confronted with the urge to smoke. | ||
| Buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3964 Registered: 5-2001 |
 Mayor it will not be easy. Be strong. Be the ball. Be one with the living force? Remember it is just burning paper and leaves put in tube form to make you breathe deep and feel relaxed. And the deep breathing is what makes you relax. In three days you will be over the chip that big business put in you. Zyban???? NyQuill might also be good. In the end. Think of why you want to do this and get on with it. With tequila. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 1177 Registered: 11-2001 |
Hmmm...NyQuil might not be so good. If you are going to take the pharmaceutical route, some sort of patch or Zyban would be better. At least they wouldn't make you groggy. Deep breaths -- great idea. Every day without a smoke is a big step. | ||
| The Oracle of MOL Supporter Username: Oracle_of_mol Post Number: 216 Registered: 2-2005  |
McCheese: Evidently I erred in my assessment of your access to an external support system. Now you owe these good mortals a debt, to be repaid only with your best efforts to escape the bondage under which you suffer. Yet please do bear in mind that you yourself are only a mortal, with numerous deficiencies (noted elsewhere), and little hope of success without becoming the change you seek. Free sooth for the unworthy... Go in peace. --The Oracle of MOL | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 904 Registered: 7-2004 |
Oracle, aka S.O.D.A., I want to be sure that you know that I would say this comment to you even if I was still smoking right now. You are a bad person. I would say that you are a very bitter person. I hope that someday you are able to change and live out the rest of your life in peace. The best of luck to you. Buzzsaw, I know it's only been one day, but those "burning paper and leaves" sure were good. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3023 Registered: 9-2003 |
I quit 2 years, 1 month and 22 days ago.. but who's counting? I bought the Control lozenges, but only used them a couple of days. I tried to quit dozens of times.. but I guess what made that last try successful is that I finally really wanted to quit. Much luck Mayor.... you can do it if you really want to. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 905 Registered: 7-2004 |
The strangest thing about all this is that I really don't feel like I have the heart to quit. I have no reason, and I have no real catalyst for motivation. But, I have gone more than a day, so that is better than I have done in at least several years. So I might as well keep it going at this point. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3025 Registered: 9-2003 |
One of the biggest things that hit me after I quit was the smell. My co-worker smokes and when she comes back from having a cig, she reeks! I can't believe I smelled like that. (although I will admit to deliberately walking behind a smoker and inhaling from time to time). You just have to want it.... and read Greenetree's Mom's blog. My son asked me to stop smoking when he saw what his co-worker was going through with her mom's lung cancer. It's a good reason to quit. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 1179 Registered: 11-2001 |
I smoked on and off for many years. Never too heavily, but frequently when I had a drink. Even when I was a smoker, I could absolutely not stand when people smoked in a restaurant, during a meal. Ugh. Be glad you're giving it up and can enjoy mealtime! (Or at least that I can enjoy mealtime.....  .) | ||
| Buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3965 Registered: 5-2001 |
Any updates Mayor? As a show of solidarity, tonight I will be skipping any adult beverages that I might have thought I earned after a long work week. Saturday is another story. And if you started back up. Let me know so I can have a few beers.  | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7054 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mayor: Wanting to live a full and healthy life not just for your own sake but for the sake of those who love you should be reason enought to quit smoking. Besides, we really don't need either another blog like Greenetree's Mom or more entires to that blog from other posters joining the big C club. Keep strong! The life you save can and will be your own! You can and will quit smoking! | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 906 Registered: 7-2004 |
So far so good. I haven't had a smoke since Tues. at about 2:30 pm. Buzz, go enjoy those beers. You deserve them. The smell hasn't turned me off yet. I actually find myself enjoying that second hand smoke. It smells so good! And Joan, I should say that I have no reason to quit. I have plenty. It is just kind of strange, they were the same reasons that I always had. But I never really quit before. (Well, for more than a day or 2) I think the reason this worked out is because I told everyone around that I was quitting. That way no matter which way I turned someone might yell at me for having a smoke. I need to stop this post now. It is making me want a smoke very badly. | ||
| Buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3971 Registered: 5-2001 |
OK then. if I see you I will help you with my tequila method - though I don't drink the stuff. Then again, I'm selling out if I give in. I need to think.  You will feel like this soon. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 908 Registered: 7-2004 |
Like someone is behind me trying to chop my head off? | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 1813 Registered: 8-2003 |
like a girl in a pretty party dress? | ||
| Buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3972 Registered: 5-2001 |
yes, mayor and pipi. I would put big money that the mayor has a party dress on now. In his mind. I love that picture. She is so happy that she is terrified. Just like the mayor will be for a few days.  Be the ball mayor. and remember what seperates us from the clams. A shell. Think about it. And we really wouldn't taste good in a garilc butter and herb sauce.  |
