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Posts created by Rhinette

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3

THIS IS IT!

I'm done. After 35 years and many attempts to quit, I'm done. I'm not doing this for anyone else but myself. My last attempt was 7 years ago, right after Dad passed away. I also found out a month later, I had started menopause! But all was good, because of the Zyban, the stress of taking care of Dad was gone (although I miss him terribly and would give anything to have him back), and the hormones were still at a "good" level. Actually quit for 6 months with only one slip during that time -- dealing with the bank about my Dad's account. Had I been tall enough to reach over the counter, I'd have dragged that woman across it and....well, suffice it to say I was ticked!

Got home, the neighbors were having a sidewalk party, and I bummed one...just one! Then the holidays came. I have no problem with someone asking if I quit, answering Yes, and then moving on; or discussing it with someone who's been there. But my Mom, God Love her, doesn't know when to shut up sometimes. Hormones had also dropped to where the better-half was apparently lucky to still be here (according to him!), and the 'scrip for the Zyban had long run out, and well, I picked it back up again. Slow at first, then back to full smokin'.

I know that by quitting I will feel more like doing things again. The ability to breath better and the energy alone gained will be the best benefit. So far I've been able to stay off all meds that my family has been subjected to, except cholesterol drugs. I want to continue that record. My biggest fear is the weight gain. Until menopause, I weighed 105 lbs...the same as when I graduated high school. I'm now at 130 (part metabolism, part age, part reduced activity). My family has a tendency to be heavy and I vowed as a child to never, ever let myself gain that same weight. My favorite Aunt had emphysema. Although she lived to 82, managed to stay fairly healthy and off oxygen until her last year, I know how she struggled. My best friend's mother died from COPD. I was there her last day. Yes, those things do scare me and has helped me come to this decision.

I have set my quit date as 8 Apr. This is one week after I quit my part-time job (there are people at that place that if I was a drinker, I could become an alcoholic; a beer/wine distributor, and I order the beer!), and my appt with the doc for my check-up. Haven't decided whether or not use NRTs or Zyban again. The Zyban actually did work for decreasing my cravings. I was sitting at the 'puter after two weeks and realized I hadn't even reached for or thought about a smoke. It was a good feeling!

Sorry this is so long, but just having written all this down makes me feel much more confident about my success in quitting.

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3

THIS IS IT!

Thanks!

I've already gone through the majority of the site; personal goals, etc. Looking forward to seeing that Quit counter add the days. I have done half-hearted quit attempts in the past 7 years, but this time I'm determined. And I realized after rereading my post, how many excuses I've always used to re-start.

My neighbor, a die-hard "they can have my smokes when they pry them from my cold dead hands" smoker, quit cold turkey 3 years ago. He's also part of my inspiration.

I appreciate the support. It's much different coming from people who've been there and know that it's not an over-night thing.

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3

THIS IS IT!

Thanks, all for the warm welcome and advice. I've been gathering an arsenal of projects, setting up things to do with my non-smoking sis-in-law, getting research papers in order, and stocking up on mini tootsie pops -- gotta have some chocolate!

I figured this was the best time of year to start, or should I say QUIT. With starting into the warm weather, I won't be cooped up in the house. It's not going to be easy, and I'm sure I'll have a few fits and starts, but I know the end will be worth it.

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