Tobacco free! after being a smoker for too long...

[SeanCharles]

Effective 10/31/2017 I have switched from cigarettes to Nico Gum! While this transition is a little premature, (before my official quit date of 11/7/2017) I have been slowly and as urges hit been using the gum as a replacement! Right now, I am using 4mg which may be a little strong and so I am not using overusing this which means I am limiting myself as I don't want to overdue the recommended and accidentally use too many pieces.

I am happy that I have once again to be trying to give up a habit that has plagued me far too long. My concerns, which I am not addressing here, are going to be shared in my diary. I decided to switch to the gum a little early as part of my mini quit effort. Several times I have wanted a cigarette and so far have been reaching for the gum. I am still having to adjust to using the gum in social settings such as my counseling sessions which I am hoping to use in conjunction with my diary, not as a replacement to using or avoiding writing here.
As for now,

 

[Freida]

Congratulations!!! That is fabulous!

 

[SeanCharles]

@Freida Thank you! This is my second attempt at quitting, the first time around I didn't plan as well as I have this time around. I am glad I have made the decision though as not just for myself, for my avatar's health too! I am feel confident that with the nico gum, I will have a better chance at not relapsing as easlily as I did previously which was in 2003! So, time will tell.

 

[Fadeaway]

Congrats. If you have a healthfood store that caries it, or can order from amazon, there is this herbal spray called SmokeOut. It helps with clearing your lungs out and any lung discomfort after quitting. I found it very helpful and it should be pretty cheap.

 

[SeanCharles]

@Fadeaway I do know of a health food store and will see if they either carry that or perhaps can get that. I could always order that from Amazon if I needed. I will check local first. Would a Health Food section of grocery store possibly carry that too? I will have to research... Will let you know what I find out...

 

[Deleted member 541]

Congratulations!!!! It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but well worth it. Keep up the good work and try not to give into the urge to smoke. That urge only last for a bit and then subsides. It will be a good 6 months of strong urge, but it does get better.....

 

[SeanCharles]

I have been using Nico gum for every urge which is about every 2-3 hours, and not every hour. I started ahead of my actual quit date as a bit of mini quit. :) I figured since I was out of cigarettes and had the gum arrive I figured I would start a little early. :)

 

[scout86]

Good for you! From what I hear, many people who succeed in quitting quit more than once before it sticks. I hope this is the time!

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Best wishes with your quit! I tried several times by meticulously planning everything out with gums, patches, etc., but ended up third time was the charm, cold turkey, after I finally tired of coughing up half a lung every morning when I woke, and after I tired of going outside to freeze my ass off to "enjoy" a smoke, etc. about 10.5 years ago. It's like the more I plan, the more time and ammo I give my brain to dread stuff, and that gets into dangerous territory in my world.

I thought it was the hardest damn thing I'd ever done in my life, until I became a whole food plant-based vegan consumer overnight, thanks to a medical emergency. At least I didn't have to consume tobacco products three times a day to stay alive and still try to avoid cigs. Aye, aye, aye.

Look up castor oil lung cleansing, as well. It's done externally via castor oil packs and may be good to use in addition to the other stuff. It's messy, but inexpensive and helpful in many arenas. I shared a link in one of @Lionheart777 's threads recently for the castor oil stuff, as he is attempting to quit as of today, also.

I know it sounds cliche as all get out, but if I could quit at the ripe old age of 40-ish after smoking since I was a pre-teen, I feel more than certain anyone can, once the time is right. Kick their little asses to the curb and breathe easier, my friend(s).

 

[SeanCharles]

Good for you! From what I hear, many people who succeed in quitting quit more than once before it stick...

I have a feeling this time will be successful as I am not planning on traveling which I did and was surrounded by smokers when I wasn't engaged in the day time activities. Also I am using the gum, which before I had quit 2 weeks prior to the trip. The trip was a learning experience though and did have some positives as well as negatives all in all, that brought me to where I am here and NOW! :)

 

[SeanCharles]

I know it sounds cliche as all get out, but if I could quit at the ripe old age of 40-ish after smoking since I was a pre-teen, I feel more than certain anyone can, once the time is right.

Yup! Here I am nearly 50! Sheesh, and I was smoking regularly from teenager to my 20's and so on... until I decided I would attempt a quit for my 34th birthday! (whoa!) and had success for 2 weeks! Then Itraveled out of state, hectically visited my birthplace, and BAM! Came home a smoker! :( Not all bad though as I did have a bit a surprise of sorts which can be learned in my diary! :)

Anyway, I am extremely pleased and want to thank everyone for all the positive comments and feedback I have been getting on this major achievement which has been rough and is going to take quite a few therapy sessions and definitely lots of diary and maybe some other posts elsewhere.

 

[Lionheart]

Hey bro' @SeanCharles ,

I am on my quit day today too!!! We can so do this!!!

I am on the Nicotine patch and taking Zyban/Wellbutrin, plus I have the added advantage of having a quit partner, (my younger sister). Here is a link to a site that I am using to help me, maybe it will help you as well...it is... https://smokefree.gov/

I am going to pick up one of those little fidget gadgets that they've come out with too to give me something to do to keep my hands busy.

I have emphysema and my motivation is in part due to the fact that I do not want to be on 24hour oxygen therapy.

Anyways I want you to know I fully support your quit and you may private message me whenever you are experiencing a craving, and we can talk ya thru it!! I hope you would do the same for me. Since we are good friends anyways, it makes sense that we support one another in this difficult, but soon to be successful, endeavor!!! Don't you agree?

The cravings will fade as long as we remain smoke free.

Stay strong.

Brotherly hugs,
Lion