My first full day as an ex-smoker

[HarryCaray]

Finally put down the cigs for good after smoking a pack of Reds a day for the last 21 years.

Started taking Chantix 9 days ago. On day 3 I cut down to 8 per day. On day 5, five per day. Yesterday I had three, and my last pack was gone, and I will not buy another.

I'm posting this for 2 reasons. First off to hold myself accountable, even if it is to a bunch of internet strangers.

Second, and most important, is to hopefully inspire someone else who doesn't think they can quit to give it a shot. If I can do this, trust me, anyone can.

So far I have already noticed major improvements in the way I feel, which I'm sure will only get better. I felt better waking up this morning than I have in a decade. I'm sure today will be a little rough, but Chantix is supposed to help with the w/d, and I'm excited to start my life as a non-smoker. I have no idea what it feels like.

I will document the journey - both good and bad - here.

 

[HarryCaray]

I'm siphoning off the $10/day I was spending on cigs into a separate account for awhile. I'm going to get my teeth whitened and my car detailed with the excess funds. Start fixing things I fucked up with cigarettes.

Will help me stay away from them I think.

 

[Jack1999]

Good deal. I am also trying to quit. Have not bought any cigs in over a month and last one I smoked was a bad experience. I Tried the Chantix and it did get me to stop for 3 months. But then I picked them up again. Using the Nic gum now and it's working. GL.

 

[PoundFoolish]

wow best of luck. i have quit twice before, once for about a year and another time for almost 2 years. but that was over a decade ago. i really want to quit, it is killing me. thanks for the inspiration and best of luck!

 

[SgtLanquel]

HC, this is inspiring news so thanks for sharing.

The beloved SheBar in 2001 - after a similar 20 year pack a day habit used Wellbutrin to ease the transition. Proscription was "90-180 days" but she did not even complete the first 30 day script and has never had even a short term relapse since.

 

[C.P.]

good job...bol...

I quit 20 years ago...and...

never had another one...

 

[SgtLanquel]

I'm siphoning off the $10/day I was spending on cigs into a separate account for awhile. I'm going to get my teeth whitened and my car detailed with the excess funds. Start fixing things I fucked up with cigarettes.

Will help me stay away from them I think.

Smart tactic. My younger brother and wife about six years ago used Chantix for approx 6 weeks to address their own 20 year 2pack a day habit and the monthly savings of approx $600 was redirected into a brand new mainstream SUV and affiliated insurance costs

 

[HarryCaray]

I knew all along the toughest one of all to get rid of would be the morning cigarette. Every day for the last week I have waited at least 2 hours after I woke up, to get used to having a cup of coffee and some food and waiting awhile before having it. This was in an effort to train my brain that I do not need it in the morning; I don't need it with my coffee, I don't need it in order to start functioning at work.

Right now is about the time I have been having #1 each day though, so it's starting to get a little rough.

Time to look at a few pictures of diseased lungs and gums, and then back to immersing myself in work.

 

[HarryCaray]

Good deal. I am also trying to quit. Have not bought any cigs in over a month and last one I smoked was a bad experience. I Tried the Chantix and it did get me to stop for 3 months. But then I picked them up again. Using the Nic gum now and it's working. GL.

Good to hear you're back on the wagon so to speak.

If you don't mind me asking, what caused you to pick them back up again?

 

[HarryCaray]

wow best of luck. i have quit twice before, once for about a year and another time for almost 2 years. but that was over a decade ago. i really want to quit, it is killing me. thanks for the inspiration and best of luck!

Thanks. I just think I owe myself a shot at feeling what it feels like to not smoke for awhile. Then I will decide if I ever want to pick it up again (the benefits should make this an easy decision I hope). That is what happened with alcohol for me.

 

[HarryCaray]

good job...bol...

I quit 20 years ago...and...

never had another one...

Always like hearing success stories as motivation. Thanks CP

 

[sharky99]

Keep the fight up fellas, all pulling for ya Harry:toast:

 

[Jack1999]

Good to hear you're back on the wagon so to speak.

If you don't mind me asking, what caused you to pick them back up again?

Was going through some tough times and was around others smoking. So I rationalized that smoking one or two wouldn't be an issue. Well I was wrong as I picked up a pack a day habit again. But now I can really feel the effects from it and plan to do whatever necessary to Stop. Keep us updated on your journey. Thx for posting.

 

[MattyMatt]

Way to go HC. If you didn't have bad dreams and thoughts on the Chantix, you're good to go and the worst part behind you. Continued success bud...

 

[Betallsports]

Best of Luck Harry ... I'm sure you will have some tough spots along the way. But you already have beaten the drinking, so i Believe you can do this.

If you remember I was quitting back in January and just wanted to finish the Cigs that I had left.
I went from a pack a day down to about a half a pack. Then to about 5-6 a day.
But when my niece got sick I started again. When she passed, all bets were off and went back to about a pack a day.

That wasn't the only death in the Family that I had to deal with in 2017 either
so i just didn't have the energy to want to stop smoking.

Going to give it another try in 2018 on Jan 1st.
This time I will make sure I don't have 4 cartons laying around.

 

[Coldweather]

cheersgif​BOL my friend. Hugh move and great for your health! Congratulation ! cheersgif

 

[Enfuego]

Best of Luck Harry ... I'm sure you will have some tough spots along the way. But you already have beaten the drinking, so i Believe you can do this.

If you remember I was quitting back in January and just wanted to finish the Cigs that I had left.
I went from a pack a day down to about a half a pack. Then to about 5-6 a day.
But when my niece got sick I started again. When she passed, all bets were off and went back to about a pack a day.

That wasn't the only death in the Family that I had to deal with in 2017 either
so i just didn't have the energy to want to stop smoking.

Going to give it another try in 2018 on Jan 1st.
This time I will make sure I don't have 4 cartons laying around.

Why wait? Start the rest of your life now.

 

[Enfuego]

What a great thread HC. Keep us updated.

I've smoked one cig in my life and I did it in an effort to get laid. The tactic worked but the cig was disgusting.

Good luck buddy.

 

[Betallsports]

Why wait? Start the rest of your life now.

Still dealing with Family shit
Plus lost someone last month...

Like I said, hasn't been a good 2017

 

[Recon792]

Still dealing with Family shit
Plus lost someone last month...

Like I said, hasn't been a good 2017

sorry to hear about the tough times BAS - -- may the grace of God almighty carry you through these tough times.