How it goes...

Hey TokeMonkey, Congratulations on making the best decision you'll ever make for yourself. Welcome and yes, YOU CAN do this. We're here to help. For those cravings and withdrawals: 1. Start drinking as much water as you can stand right now. Drink water all day long and even more when each craving or withdrawal hits. It's strange how water helps you though the cravings but it also flushes those poisons out of your system. 2. Get up and move during a craving. Get busy doing something else like cleaning something, step outside and walk a bit, exercise some, etc. 3. With each craving, and this is true, remind yourself that your body is in the process of healing. 4. Read as many posts as you can and you post all that you want or need to. Toke, get rid of all the cigs and ashtrays. If you smoke with coffee, lay off of the coffee for a while. Or, if you drink it black, add creamer to it. Change it. If you smoke a lot at the computer, that was a huge trigger for me, move your desk if you can. If you can't move it, clean it, sit a candle or candy jar where the ashtray use to sit, and sit out pictures of family and friends. Make your triggers different if you can't avoid them for a while. Okay? Get plenty of hard candy, gum, straws, toothpicks, sunflower seeds, etc. for that "hand to mouth" thing. Get whatever you want to use but get a variety of things so you won't become bored. Over to the left, there are some tools that will really help you out. It's important that you work the workbook. It really will give you a lot of information about this addiction and help you to cope. We're all with you. You CAN do this. Please stay in touch and keep us posted of your progress. If you need us, holler and we'll be right there. Okay? Stay Strong!! Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 649 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 43 [B]Seconds:[/B] 40

How it goes...

Heya TokeMonkey, I hope I answered enough questions to get you started. I'm a PLAIN speaker...simple and to the point, if you know what I mean. The first three days are the roughest. Okay? After 72 hours, the nicotine is OUT of your system. You may feel mad as hell during this time so, come here and vent all that you need to. We've all been there and we do understand. I'm only on day 14 right now so, we can work on our Quits together. Don't tell yourself that you want a cigarette. Fact is, the part of you that is addicted to nicotine is craving a fix. The rational side of you really does NOT want one. You're not losing a good buddy here. Cigarettes have done nothing but drag all of down. Remember, you'll be healing with each and every crave you have, you may feel deprived of something you love but that's just the addict playing with your mind, and if you start feeling emotional or angry, let it out by exercising, or some other type of tension release. Please, ask questions and more questions. That's what we're here for. Hang in there now....you sound truly sick and tired of smoking and that's a great start. Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 651 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 26

OK I feel like poo. Sorry to be gloomy.

Serenity, I sure do know what you mean by not having anything for just "Me." My children are grown now and out on their own but, I lived ONLY for my family for 25 years. My last child left home 3 years ago. In the last 3 years, I've had to train myself to do some little something for "me" and I've had to remember to set aside time for only "me." I still put my husband first and all of those "have to's" but I make sure that I have some "me" time somewhere. Often times, it won't be much time but, at least it's getting better. It's sooo important for you to start now having your own time. And it's so important for you to buy yourself something that YOU want from time to time. It doesn't have to be something expensive but something that's special to you. Or go somewhere that YOU want to go. I say that because well, you need it for one thing but for another, it WILL hit you hard when your daughter leaves home. I was devastated when my children left home. I lived for them. So you need to start now by learning to do things and have things for Serenity. You won't feel so lost and devastated after your daughter is out on her own. When I read your original post, I sat here and thought, "She isn't doing anything for herself." I did that same thing and now that my children are out on their own, I'm still working at having that "me" time. Living for your family and never for yourself is a hard habit to break. And if you were pathetic, I was too because that cig was the only "me" thing I had going too. I fully understand what you're sayng there. Wow, look at all of those little cig breaks we had. Now we need to use that time and fill it with something we truly enjoy doing. It'll take some imagination because we are both in the habit of putting everyone else first. But, we can do it. Today, please do get out of the house. Really pamper yourself today. Okay? Reward yourself from now on at each stopping point. Serenity, you deserve it. You'll be glowing before you know it. That three month mark will be over really soon so you hang in there. Start planning a big reward for yourself right now. Okay? Hugs, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 649 [B]

It's a very tough morning

Good Morning Terri, I had a pretty good day yesterday too. This morning, I got slapped around some with a few cravings but they're gone now. I drank a whole bunch of water. Are you still drinking that water? Tell the truth now. ;) I'll be honest, I got soooo sick of water that I wasn't drinking as much as I need to. I started doing worse too, huh. :blush: Yesterday, I started really drinking more water again and had a good day. I plan to drink a lot of water today as well. I'm sick of it but, it does help. Girl, have you been reading posts? Have you noticed all the ones that mention that 3 week slump, then the 30 day slump, 60 day slump, 90 day slump, and even slumps at the year mark!!!??!! I want to see all of those times when there isn't a slump. ha ha ha Good Lord. Have a great day and keep hanging in there with me. Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 649 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 41 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

1st smoke free day

nsgirl, How's it going? We're here with you and so proud of you. Keep drinking that water. Okay? I mean so much that you slosh when you walk. ha ha ha Gross, I read about how water helps. It not only helps with those cravings but, it flushes out your throat, sinuses, esophagus, and lungs too. I have so many kinds of gum here right now it's funny. Not only gum but candy too and a bunch of other stuff. Don't let yourself get bored with the same thing. Have a stockpile of different stuff to nibble or chew on. Okay? Let us hear from you. You CAN do this. Hugs, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 664 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 53

Worried about depression

WhyNot, Please hang in there. Please know that we really do love you, we're very worried about you, and we want to help you all that we can. Please, keep talking to us. The more you talk about how you're feeling, the better it will be for you. I know, you're tired of talking too. The energy is gone. You're sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. But if you give into the depression, stop talking, stop moving, and stop fighting, you'll be trapped in that black hole. Sweetheart, you have to keep those lines of communication open. I know this will be hard because the depression has exhausted you. But please, everyday do something even if it's 15 or 20 minutes. Get out of that house even if it's for 15 or 20 minutes. Exercise, fix your face, get dressed, whatever you want and even if it's for a shot period of time. You'll feel better doing a little bit everyday. Please, don't give in and get lost in that depression. You really need to see your doctor now. There's no point in you feeling this way anymore. If it can be avoided with medicine, AND IT CAN BE, then go for it. It's time for some help. I had to get meds for my panic attacks and thank God I did. Think about your quality of life. Depression hurts, nicotine hurts......getting a little bit of help from the doctor, a leg up, won't hurt. It'll only help. My heart is breaking for you. We are all here for you and so concerned. Please, stay with us. Love, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 668 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 27

Anxiety

Heya Nonic, It's really good to know that the attacks get better in time. When you get a chance, please list your coping skills. Your skills may help someone else who also suffers from anxiety/panic disorder. Have you been reading other posts where folks are having panic/anxiety/depression. There are so many. I'm going to make more calls tomorrow and get even more information about nicotine and this disorder. Thanks A Bunch!! Stay Strong and Smoke Free with ME!!! LOL Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 669 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 49 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Lady's & Gentlemen, Tutti is Leaving the Building

Hey Folks, The building called "Heck Week!!" I busted out and I'm outta here!! Yee Haw Okay, what cool name do we have for the third week? ;) Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 669 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 49 [B]Seconds:[/B] 30

My one year!

Congratulations Angelic on a truly great job!! We're all so proud of you. And Grandma, look at you!!!! One year tomorrow. Congratulations to you too on a job well done. Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 671 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 54 [B]Seconds:[/B] 39

It's a very tough morning

Looky there, looky there....we're finishing up Heck Week. I've been doing the same thing. I've been reading post and expecting to find this specific day into the quit where everything comes up roses. LOL LOL I reckon NOOOOTTTT!! :confuse: Actually, since I've increased on my water again and laid off caffeine, the last two days have been much better. Today was really good. I am concerned about all of the posts I'm reading on people getting depressed and having trouble with anxiety. Are you reading those? Man, there's a lot of them. I know what anxiety feels like and I've felt a little bit of depression a few years back so I really feel for those people. I wish your day had been really good. I sure wish your husband would stop smoking around you. Just think, a few more days until you go to the doctor and I just know you'll get a good report. Will your husband go with you? One way or another, you need to get your doctor write something up so that your husband takes the smokes either into another room or outside. Your doctor will make him realize that he has to do this for YOUR HEALTH. Don't you think? Just think too, it won't be long and it'll be warm enough to open up the windows and you'll feel like doing some spring cleaning to get rid of the smoke smell. It'll feel so good to get some air circulating throughout the house. I hope you have a good day tomorrow. I've been worried about you all day. I sort of thought you were having a tough day because I haven't seen you post anything. Posting and reading posts really helps. Hang In There With Me!!! We CAN Do This!! Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 14 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 669 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $42 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 53 [B]Seconds:[/B] 33