Hi Wendel my name is Karen. I'm new to this board too, I quit smoking - after 33 years on Monday. Main reason I had severe chest pains and received the big warning, quit now or die of a heart attack. So, I "missed" what you got. I'm very happy to hear though that you made it thru. Like you I find not smoking at work much easier than at home.
So what am I doing? Wearing the patch - I would have tried Chantrix but it's not available here in Canada. Keeping busy. My husband is a smoker but he has been very supportive, cleaned up all the ashtrays and he doesn't smoke near me. I've been going to the gym - another suggestion from the dr's and making friends with the treadmill. Walking longer walks with our dog - who loves it. Bought a puzzle to do - keeps my mind occupied and hands plus it's something I'm not used to doing. I'm trying to loose weight too so I can't just sit around (sometimes feeling sorry for myself). My husband also hypnotises me at night - he's a professional hypnotist - which really helps with the relaxation. I'm also trying to stay away from the triggers i.e. coffee with a smoke, smoke after dinner, you know what I mean breaking/changing the ways I use to do things.
Is it easy, no it's not. Do I miss smoking? Yes I do. But all the warnings over the years have finally hit home, quit or die. I've come to the conclusion that I like living, I want to around to spend time with husband and my son. I want to be around to do the things that I love to do. I want to be around to live. Smoking was important to me but living is much more important. I've heard all this stuff before, I'm sure you have too. But I was very lucky I got a warning that really made me listen.
I hope you can do this too. I've been reading lots of posts on here and it has helped. Good luck and I hope you keep coming back - it works and you're worth it. Karen
