Thank you all for the support. I actually just came back from the doctors. I go for an MRI tomorrow morning, as my doctor is pretty sure I have a herniated disk. It is such a relief to me to know that this is not all in my head and me just manifesting it. I truely felt crazy for a bit there. After I left the doctor, all I wanted to do was smoke a cigarette. Thank goodness for my husband who became very stern and said "too bad, you're not having one". I did some research on herniated disks and it says they tend to be more common in smokers...so after that craving passed, and I read that, I was darn happy I did not smoke it! It's amazing how much I am learning about when and why I smoked. I am staying true to the downsized 3 a day from a pack...and in one week, the official quit begins. I know it's for real this time. The universe has sent me so many signs to clean up my act and it is now that I must do it. I am so glad this little piece of the web exists!!!!!!

I think the addictive personality, more than likely, has some form of obsessive issues. I am definitely a bit OCD, but definitely not enough to take over my life. I was also diagnosed with moderate Bi-Polar disorder and a psycho therapist suggested I take some meds. However, my psychologist and I both agreed I had grown so much that I was now able to be conscious of what I was doing....and that the drugs may actually take me a step back. It's quite strange actually. When I am obsessing and being totally irrational, I am FULLY aware of how irrational I am being...yet I cannot make the feelings subside. The human mind will forever fascinate me! As soon as I see the doctor and my muscles start feeling better, I am thinking of taking up Yoga. I actually think that will really help during this time. Has anyone else used Yoga to help them with their quit and withdrawal symptoms? [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] -8 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 0 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $0 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Those are very lovely words, and so very true. Thank you for sharing them with me! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] -8 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 0 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $0 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Hello everyone. I was wondering something...could obsessing be a symptom of withdrawl? Please let me clarify what I mean by obsessing. I have had a pulled muscle in my shoulder blade and it feels like it is getting worse. On friday, I made an appointment with my doctor to get it checked out. Yesterday I had to go to the E.R. b/c I woke up screaming in pain. For the last week, I have been trying to keep my body flat when I sleep, but I cant seem to do it. Anyway, they gave me some meds and it's feeling better. Here's the problem...I am obsessing about it. I am thinking it's worse than it is. My Mom was diagnosed with cancer because of a pain in her back. Her being my main reason for quitting (along with MANY others, but that really hit home). I also made an appointment with my psychologist... So, have any of you ever started obsessing over something when you quit? I have a feeling some is psychological, but I do believe there may be a smaller underlying physical issue...and my obsessing is making it worse than it is. I truely feel insane at the moment. On a positive note, the muscle relaxers are really helping with the cravings...I really don't feel the need to smoke! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] -8 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 0 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $0 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Jaz, Yoga? Nope, not for me. I love walking, hiking, playing softball, etc. But I won't contort my body unless I'm having a good time doing it. HEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! Hugs and Hang in There!! Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 7 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 356 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $19.53 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 8 [B]Seconds:[/B] 15

jazphoto Yes i understand this...for me it was a different subject, though...I am not a psychologist and am not giving you any advice or direction on this, but I will tell you my subjective experience in this area... As the nicotine left my body, I began having very intense and obsessive reactions to past life events. These were things that I thought I had handled. For me (and I am not saying this is true for you), memories of my divorce from a very good and wonderful partner came down on me like a ton of bricks. I began speculating on what I could have, should have and maybe didn't do to change the outcome of that very sad chapter in my life...Keep in mind that this occurred a number of years ago in a different country and a very different place. And for me this was because the nicotine had tamped down the pain of seperation and I lived in a nicotine dream for a long long time...However, that type of thinking has to be managed as well...You are doing the right thing...go and seek professional help and see what they say about your situation... Remember, nicotine acts on the minds perceptions, and that is both a strength and a weakness when it comes to dealing with the quit...Here is something I wrote along the way that may explain what I mean... Smoking has been a part of me for a long long time. And make no mistake; I have been its willing companion. An amazing magician is this substance. When I was hurt it told me everything would be alright as long as I didn't actually feel the pain. And I believed it. And I never learned to grieve. When I got angry it told me everything would be alright as long as I didn't defend myself. And I believed it. And I never learned to communicate. When I was afraid, it told me everything would be alright as long as I never tasted the fear. And I believed it. And I never learned to cope. When I was happy, it convinced me it was my friend as long as I took it to the party. And I believed it. And I never felt total joy. You are doing the right thing is seeking professional coucil in this area...These are very individual and delicate threads of the phyche that you are dealing with...Let them help you to help yourself... I hope this helps... You sure are beauti

jazphoto Do what you must, but keep on quitting the best way you know how... Stay well nonic

That's an interesting thought - I think I've been obsessing about calories and fitness (because I want to obsess about something that is not related to smoking) I wonder if it's part of our personalities or a coping strategy??? Windy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 167 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,356 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $835 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 16 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 20 [B]Seconds:[/B] 32

Oh my word. I obsess about so much I can't begin to tell you. But then, I've been that way for a while now. I think stress (worry about your mum; focussing on your quit) makes the habit worse. Only thing I've found that helps is to get up and DO something physical. Whether it's cleaning cupboards, walking with my headphones on, counting lengths as I swim. Anthing that puts my mind elsewhere and gets me moving. Hugs to you and your mum. S [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/10/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 77 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,713 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �462 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 23 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 21

I think many people obsess when they quit. I obsessed on the quit for about the 1st 2 weeks. Then that felt all too consuming so I had to force myself to stop that. If you are going to obsess do it on something that is good and positive. Your Mom is in my prayers as are you....take a muscle relaxer and watch a movie! :p [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/25/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 31 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 630 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $127.72 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 37 [B]Seconds:[/B] 50