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florida-rock
Jul 29, 2007, 3:04 AM
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I'm not sure why I'm writing this other than the fact that I havr gone approximately 56 hours without a cigarette. To be honest I don't even want one. Before I quit I got to thinking. The hours that I sit in front of a computer in my home or in a restaraunt, or any of the other thousands of places where smoking is no longer allowed when I am too busy or preoccupied to smoke; I got to thinking and meditating on how I feel when I don't want a cigarette,did I just ramble?
I've read that physical nicotine addiction actually only lasts about three days depending on metabolism and body weight. So I just have to keep telling myself that I'm a non-smoker and I DON'T want a cigarette until the physical addiction goes away. I'll be forty next September (08) and I want to be in the best shape of my life. This isn't the first time I've quit smoking but that doesn't scare me either. What scares me is when I get to the point in the future when I again say I can smoke one cigarette and never smoke another. That's what got me last time. I had quit for seven years that time. I must never think that I have come so far that I can't go back.
The other thing is not gaining weight or killing my children. It is amazing how much more tender your nerves get when they are not being dosed with nicotine twenty or more times a day. I am glad for Rockclimbing.com as it has provided me a nice escape from reality while I detox. Everyone at home has been very supportive. I have struggled not to eat everything in the house. Today I ate a pork chop for lunch, a piece of peanut butter toast at 3p.m. a chicken breast with rice sprinkled with parmasean cheese for dinner. Tomorrow is a new day and I will see what it holds for me. Cheers!
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shortfatoldguy
Jul 29, 2007, 3:08 AM
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Hang in there. It's worth it.
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dan2see
Jul 29, 2007, 3:56 AM
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Been there, done that, and I'm glad that's over with.
When you quit smoking, the positive benefits start right away. Focus on how much better your heart and lungs feel, and don't give up.
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notapplicable
Jul 29, 2007, 6:27 AM
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Good on ya. You might notice you pockets getting fat with all that extra cash too, enjoy it you've made a wise choice.
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thomasribiere
Jul 29, 2007, 7:15 AM
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At least, if you really want to eat something, maybe try to prepare something by yourself : it will occupy your mind and may be even better than something ready. ANd eat proteins instead of fat ot fast sugars!
But before all : congrats. I have never been a regular smoker, and for me starting to smoke (in a party or whatever) means that the day after I won't feel the need to light up another cigarette or joint. But I understand your fight.
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gwendolyn
Jul 29, 2007, 7:42 AM
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Congrats on quitting smoking - you'll feel so much better in the long run and your kids will appreciate having a healthy father around in the future.
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petsfed
Jul 29, 2007, 9:58 AM
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And from those of us still struggling with it, all it takes is purchasing a pack to fall off the wagon. Do that, and you're a smoker again. Its gonna take months to be well and truly free of it. Your appetite will go through the roof. But you'll have a keener sense of smell, better cardio-vascular performance, and the $5 you used to drop for every single pack will instead be spent on things like climbing trips or your kids.
Its hard, but its totally worth it. I'm pullin' for ya!
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charley
Jul 29, 2007, 12:38 PM
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The best of luck to you. It is posible and well worth it. I saved the money and after a few years I had enough to buy a pickup truck. It was used but it gave me something to drive fishing and hunting. I didn't climb then. That was 25 years ago. Hang in there. You can do it.
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limeydave
Jul 29, 2007, 12:44 PM
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petsfed wrote: And from those of us still struggling with it, all it takes is purchasing a pack to fall off the wagon. Do that, and you're a smoker again. Its gonna take months to be well and truly free of it. Your appetite will go through the roof. But you'll have a keener sense of smell, better cardio-vascular performance, and the $5 you used to drop for every single pack will instead be spent on things like climbing trips or your kids. Its hard, but its totally worth it. I'm pullin' for ya!
^
What he said.
Keep it up, I quit about 6 weeks ago - tried a product called Chantix this time which was really helpful. (Last time cold turkey for 5or6 years)
It was within one week I started running better on the soccer field, tasting and smelling stuff again was a novelty too.
Good on yer mate.
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limeydave
Jul 29, 2007, 12:50 PM
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And some looney is doing laser brain treatment around here to help people quit. If I find the link I'll post it, but seemed a bit scary to me...
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grampacharlie
Jul 29, 2007, 2:25 PM
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I have jumped on and fallen off the wagon more times than i can count. I think you're right though about never beleiving that you can have "just one". that's what has gotten me time after time.
Congradulations and good luck!
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shortfatoldguy
Jul 29, 2007, 3:54 PM
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charley wrote: I saved the money and after a few years I had enough to buy a pickup truck.
This is great!
I figure I'm saving $75/month (about a half a pack/day), which I find pretty damn cool.
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wjca
Jul 29, 2007, 6:33 PM
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petsfed wrote: And from those of us still struggling with it, all it takes is purchasing a pack to fall off the wagon. Do that, and you're a smoker again. Its gonna take months to be well and truly free of it. Your appetite will go through the roof. But you'll have a keener sense of smell, better cardio-vascular performance, and the $5 you used to drop for every single pack will instead be spent on things like climbing trips or your kids. Its hard, but its totally worth it. I'm pullin' for ya!
Months? Try years, pal. November 17, 2007 will mark the 10-year anniversary of when I quit. I don't think about smoking every hour or so like I used to, but once or twice a week I still have to fight the urge to light one up. You're never truly free of it. Never.
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florida-rock
Jul 29, 2007, 9:24 PM
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It's fourteen hours later and sometime today at work I experienced an unexpected burst of energy. I'm not sure what caused it or if it was psychological from trying to find things to do to keep from thinking about smoking. I did tell one co-worker about my situation as he was smoking. He quickly put it out when I said I was either going to join him or cut him. We have an interesting group psychy. If one person is trying to lose weight; everyone else walks around with a Snicker's bar in their pocket. You can imagine the fun they are planning for me. Some days there just aren't enough bullets.
I came home to find a gopher tortoise in my back yard. My wife said it just came up in the yard. Is this my reward for not smoking? I'll have to ask my native american friend why a tortoise? Its kind of funny when your a kid you want to touch the turtle, pet the turtle, feed the turtle, carry the turtle around and show him to everyone of your friends and their parents. My three year old was walking up to touch the turtle and I yelled,"No! You'll get salmonilla." He ran away crying about being bitten by a salamander. So everyone of the kids got a bath, and the wife got a bath. Me and the turtle are sharing a peanut butter and apple slice sandwich.
Thanks for your support and for reading my rant.
P.S. I just found out the turtle represents longevity, protection, and a self contained source of creative power. That from a Cherokee.
(This post was edited by florida-rock on Jul 29, 2007, 11:23 PM)
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limeydave
Jul 29, 2007, 10:46 PM
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You just need to make it to bed and to sleep without having one today.
Same applies tomorrow.
Gets easier as you go along.
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stymingersfink
Jul 29, 2007, 11:24 PM
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florida-rock wrote: I'll be forty next September (08) and I want to be in the best shape of my life.
get thee up a Big Wall.... it'll take care of both goals!
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florida-rock
Jul 29, 2007, 11:31 PM
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get thee up a Big Wall.... it'll take care of both goals!
Got any suggestions other than El Cap. I hear it is a big wall of human excrement.
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stymingersfink
Jul 29, 2007, 11:55 PM
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me wrote: get thee up a Big Wall.... it'll take care of both goals!
florida-rock wrote: Got any suggestions other than El Cap. I hear it is a big wall of human excrement.
(This post was edited by stymingersfink on Jul 30, 2007, 3:41 AM)
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limeydave
Jul 29, 2007, 11:56 PM
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florida-rock wrote: Got any suggestions other than El Cap. I hear it is a big wall of human excrement.
I suggest a first ascent of one of those big walls you have there in FL.
You have my support in the smoking thing, but Yosemite has a special place in my heart, even if I only hiked up El Cap (Feb 93) and Half Dome ( Apr 03) rather than climbed them.
(This post was edited by limeydave on Jul 29, 2007, 11:57 PM)
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florida-rock
Jul 31, 2007, 2:45 AM
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Well another day has gone by. It is 10 p.m. and I haven't eaten dinner yet. My stomach feels like my throat's been cut. The crazy nervous energy that coursed through my nervous system has waned as the day went on. My wife says it is because of the hematite choker she made for me. Supposedly it recirculates and grounds my personal or spiritual energy. It is a rather handsome piece of jewelry. I did a little bit of research. Hematite is an interesting stone or ore. Followers of the New Age religion believed it symbolized Mars, the Roman God of War; and therefore offered protection. Finally! Dinner ...
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petsfed
Jul 31, 2007, 3:11 AM
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Well, hematite is pretty common on mars. Its abundance is major evidence in support of the belief that Mars once had liquid water, since terrestrial hematite typically forms in aqueous environs.
Can't really comment on the choker's effect on you, but your gradual calming is at least partly from the nicotine cravings subsiding.
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crimpergirl
Jul 31, 2007, 3:20 AM
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I like turtles.
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florida-rock
Aug 1, 2007, 2:27 AM
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I think I'm about over the physical addiction of the nicotine. Thank all of you who responded with encouragement. I don't feel abuzz with energy anymore. I feel pretty normal except for the productive coughing I am experiencing. I don't even feel as bad about not having any cigarettes as I used to when I was down to one cigarette.All in all I am encouraged that this is the beginning of the rest of my smoke free life. I'll be looking for local Big Walls. I hope my thoughts and feelings will help encourage another who is or wants to quit smoking.
Cheers!
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lagarita
Aug 1, 2007, 4:34 AM
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Good job FL rock...
As far as the crap you hack up... get ready for some pretty nasty shit. I smoked for approx. 11 yrs. and havn't had one in approx. 2 1/2yrs. All the tar that has built up over the years on your lungs looses up and thats the shit you'll hack up every morning for about 2-3 weeks.
I hope you don't piss of as many people as I did. I fired 2 employees in a fit of rage and nearly lost my job in the proccess. This was approx. my ninth attempt quiting. (previous attempts lasted between several weeks to 10 months when my daughter was born.)
As for when the urge goes away...It depends on the person.
With me I substituted. I took up climbing. I started jogging again, and started getting more aggresive with my work out routines. I went in the totally opposite direction than the one I was heading and it feels great.
All in all, good luck and congrats...
Sean
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florida-rock
Aug 2, 2007, 1:00 AM
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Thanks Sean,
I was smoking Ultra-Lights so hopefully I'll cough up 1/3 less tar. LOL.
I'm taking my mountain bike down from its hook Friday. We have such nice mountain trails. Actually there are a few hilly parks that allow bicycles. I have begun working on a plan to be in the best shape of my life by the time I am 40 which will be in fourteen months; right after I finish this delicious home-made banana bread. I do catch myself yelling when it wasn't necessary. I made everyone at home a promise. I would do my best not to lose my temper. I think I have actually lost it less than usual. I just keep thinking good things, good things.
Enjoy the good life.
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limeydave
Aug 2, 2007, 1:19 AM
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florida-rock wrote: Thanks Sean, I was smoking Ultra-Lights so hopefully I'll cough up 1/3 less tar. LOL. I'm taking my mountain bike down from its hook Friday. We have such nice mountain trails. Actually there are a few hilly parks that allow bicycles. I have begun working on a plan to be in the best shape of my life by the time I am 40 which will be in fourteen months; right after I finish this delicious home-made banana bread. I do catch myself yelling when it wasn't necessary. I made everyone at home a promise. I would do my best not to lose my temper. I think I have actually lost it less than usual. I just keep thinking good things, good things. Enjoy the good life.
Nice work mate - another day done.
Funny how when we were smokers we'd get anxious when we were about to run out....
Then you get used to not having any.
Then you only think about it every couple of hours.
I'm down to about twice a day it crosses my mind. (maybe 6 weeks quit?)
I know from when I didn't smoke 2001 - 2006 that eventually you don't think about it for weeks at a time....
Again nice work, and good luck
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limeydave
Aug 2, 2007, 1:21 AM
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And while I'm here...
Unexpected PageTurnForTheWin!!!11!
Kiss my face you Brent_e threaders - I own your meatbomz.. hahahahahahahahahahahaha
Sincerely,
LimeyDave
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markc
Aug 3, 2007, 1:59 PM
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Good luck to you, and remember to just take it as it comes. Some days may be tougher than others, but just commit to not smoking each day. I haven't smoked regularly for about 13 years, and haven't had any tobacco for 8 years or so. (I went through a dumb cigar phase for a couple months, and I smoked for a few days after my grandfather's stroke.)
I quit during a particularly nasty bout of bronchitis, which helped for the first several days. For me the weeks getting used to the change of routine were worse than the physical withdrawal. Supportive family and friends that understand why you're on edge helps. I didn't expect to have such a productive cough when I quit, and it took a little while for the lungs to clear out. It was a good reminder of why I wasn't smoking each day.
While I still glance at the cigarettes in the store on occasion, I can say not smoking gets easier the longer you do it. I still think of it as a daily decision rather than something I've given up forever.
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florida-rock
Aug 6, 2007, 3:12 AM
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Hey,
Friday evening I bought a portable air pump. I took it home and bolted it on my mountain bike. Saturday morning I woke up and did about ten miles. That bike has been hanging in my garage for about six years. The gear shifts don't half work, but it was fun to get out and pedal over the bridge without hassling for air.
A plane landed on a local beach.
I am still being extra careful not to eat everything in the house. My wife says I'm eating less than usual. I feel it is necessary until I don't want to eat as bad as I do. I'm eating two or three ounces of meat twice a day with a couple cups of vegetables and a roll or some kind of bread. Not too much per meal, but I did eat some home-made banana bread. I like banana bread.
Thank you for your support.
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barefoot_utah
Aug 7, 2007, 8:46 PM
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Thats awesome!! I did it and am almost at the 2 year mark, best damn thing I ever did for myself. Just keep at it and remember all the benefits of being a non-smoker and the deficits of being a smoker when those urges come. And they will, just be strong.
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hiyapokey
Aug 7, 2007, 9:11 PM
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I quit 7.5 years ago and I don't know if its a coincidence, but I started doing fun and fulfilling things after I quit. It was very difficult for me and even after a couple of years I still thought about it often. Each time I decided not to smoke again my conviction got stronger and denying the impulse got less and less painful. The best part of not smoking is not needing to when you've been at something for hours. Like when I'm at work or on an airplane or long car trips where the driver doesn't smoke and won't stop every hour and won't let you smoke in the car. Keep it going man its the best thing you can do for yourself.
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florida-rock
Aug 7, 2007, 11:35 PM
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ON-BELAY!
I've been riding my mountain bike here in the local mountain range. I went to a few different bike shops here in town to price some supplies, and to ask why only half the gears worked. Couldn't have anything to do with it hanging in my garage for the last six-and-a-half-years?.?
The bike shop where I'll be dropping money is the one where the mechanic told me to just grease the shifters and work with them and they'll free up. It worked. The others said I may need new shifters, just bring it in and we'll take care of it.
Oh yeah, nicotine. Well I usually only think about it when she says she is so proud of me for quitting. I told her thank you and that we needed to move past that. If i spend all my time thinking about not smoking anymore I won't be thinking about any thing else. So, I decided to day that I will concentrate more on my business, mountain biking, and climbing. I can actually breathe a little better already now that all the coughing up crap is over. I think Tuesday I'll go to Ocala State Park. They have great single track.
Thanks for your support.
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clymbrchk
Aug 8, 2007, 2:19 AM
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congrats man! you might want to check out this site called quitnet. they have this rad little counter that calculates how long you've NOT been smoking (down to the second), how much money you've saved, how many ciggies you've rejected, and how much of your life has been reclaimed. all said, it's pretty rad.
they also have a bbs, mailing lists, and tons of information on biologic impact of nicotine addiction; how it mimics bio-chemicals, what to expect, and so on. i stayed with the site for about 6 months and still check on my counter. (i just passed my one-year mark.)
the only down side is that the money saver is a straight calculation and doesnt take into account the rising cost of ciggies. i've saved over $1200 in the last year. yeah baby!
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dookie
Aug 8, 2007, 4:13 PM
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Great job, fla man. I've never been a smoker, but coming from someone who grew up with a 2 parent smoker household, your kids are much better off for it. Even if you didn't smoke in the house or cars, your kids notices these things and pick up on them. It's a great show of strength that you're teaching your kids.
As a young pre-teen I harassed both my parents about smoking constantly, and I'm certain they are the reason I didn't smoke because I hated every aspect of it so much. But that's not always the way it goes, a lot of kids who have smoker parents grow up to smoke. So you're doing them a favor in more ways than one. Keep up the good work!  
(This post was edited by dookie on Aug 8, 2007, 4:13 PM)
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florida-rock
Aug 13, 2007, 3:07 PM
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The last couple of nights have really been hard, but I got through them ok. When the jones came on for a smoke (because one of the guys on my crew smokes-a lot) I remember thinking as long as I don't ask him for a smoke I'm ok. I told myself all its going to do for me is make me stink and jones for another one. I don't want to jones any harder than I do when I do jones. It is hard keeping up with all these jonses. The jones quickly goes away when I'm not panting for air pedaling up a hill or over the bridge during my daily bike ride.
Victory over the evil weed is mine  .
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