A few questions for former smokers:

[SeattleGirl]

I quit smoking a little over three weeks ago (hooray for me!). Yes, I have my urges, etc., but I wanted to ask the former smokers here some questions:

1. Did you initially have a hard time sleeping? I can't seen to go to sleep until 4:00 or 5:00 am. Thank goodness I work from home, and essentially make my own schedule, but it still drives me nuts. I can be yawning my head off, tears running down my face I'm so tired, but if I go to bed before 4:00 or 5:00, I just toss and turn. I talked to a friend of mine the other day; she quit a little over a year ago and said she was like that the first month or so. Anyone else have that experience?

2. Did you have days when you woke up feeling as if you had smoked a pack of cigarettes the night before? Tightness in the lungs, etc.? That's happened to me several times. I'm thinking it might just be my body continuing to heal; I have days when I cough a lot, but mostly I am fine. I have not been around any smokers since I quit, so its' not a reaction to second-hand smoke or anything. So I'm wondering if others had that experience when they initially quit.

3. Did you go through weird things with your skin? My face has been breaking out, for crying out loud! I don't know if it is still reacting to getting rid of the toxins in my system or what, and I'm hoping I'll get over that too.

Any stories or experiences you'd care to share will be most welcome. Thanks, all!

[billyskank]

1. Hi SeattleGirl!

:hug: :loveya: :hi:

I quit more than three years ago. I had a pretty easy time of it, no hacking cough or anything. I didn't have a problem sleeping, and indeed I found myself going to bed really early through boredom. ;)

It seemed to me that my skin became much more lustrous after to quitting, and I seemed to have much more energy, which I attributed to the lack of carbon monoxide in my blood.

[SeattleGirl]

Thanks billy!

I actually do have more energy. Been walking about 20 miles a week, partly to reinforce my non-smokingness, and partly to keep from turning into Wilma the Whale! Hey, maybe that's it -- maybe the reason I'm having trouble sleeping is because I do have more energy. Hmmm.

The good thing I've noticed about my skin, at least on my face, is fewer wrinkles under my eyes and around my mouth, from not depriving it of oxygen, and not puffing on cigs.

:loveya: :hug: :loveya:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. Make sure you drink enough water...

This will help flush out your system, and help your skin problems. Exercise will help too. Tar is nasty stuff...it coats your lungs, and will make you cough for quite some time after you've quit. Also, if the air quality is poor in your area, it'll still feel like you're smoking.

[SeattleGirl]

3. Thanks GOG

I do drink a lot of water, actually, and I have been exercising by walking around 20 miles a week. Walking is my very favorite exercise, and I was doing it even when I still smoked (though it's much easier now, I admit). Well, again, it's only been just over three weeks, and I know the crap from cigarettes takes awhile to flush out, so I'm thinking -- hoping -- that all this is just a normal part of the process of not smoking.

[graywarrior]

4. The effects of nicotine should be gone after 7 days.

What have you added to your diet that would keep you awake...more sugar, caffeine, soda's. Are you chewing gum, eating lifesavers? More of anything will keep you awake because your body cannot digest easily on a full stomach. Sugar make you more nervous.

Your lungs are probably waking up...not so numb after smoking. Drink more water to flush out those toxins. Your body has more oxygen, so your blood is going through a cleansing thing.

What do you do when you get stressed? Before, you used smoking to handle it. Suddenly, you have no calming habit to control it. Find another way to handle stress.

This info comes from Mr. Gray, Hypnotherapist.

[SeattleGirl]

5. I'm actually drinking less caffeine.

And I switched to caffeine-free Pepsi for time in the evening when I want soda to drink. I probably have been eating too many mints, though.

I actually have not felt too stressed out, which is good. I think the walking I've been doing has helped. But I was a smoker for many years, so I'm sure that it will take some additional time to slide further into the non-smoking persona.

Thanks!

[querelle]

6. Well Let's See.........

1. No problems sleeping, but it was a restless sleep. I couldn't tell how much my sheets were messed up in the morning. I normally don't move much when sleeping, but when I quit smoking I was all over the place. My bed was a mess when I got up in the mornings.

2. Never had problems waking up. I am an early riser and that never changed.

3. I noticed that my complexion actually improved. It looked brighter and less haggard.

I wish you the best of luck SeattleGirl. It's so hard to do. I know. It's been five years for me and I still struggle with it.

Q

[SeattleGirl]

7. Maybe the skin problems are due more to the heat than not smoking.

I was thinking about that earlier. It's been better here for the past few day, but damn, it was hot for awhile, so maybe I was reacting more to that where my skin was concerned, because the other side of the breaking out thing is that my skin tone IS better.

And contratulations to you for being smoke-free for 5 years! I believe that it is one of the most difficult habits to break. I say that because I used to work in alcohol/drug treatment center, and have had cocaine and heroin addicts say that while breaking THAT addiction was hard enough, stopping smoking was even more difficult.

I just read that there is a shot coming out that keep nicotine from crossing the blood-brain barrier, which then take away the "high" one gets from nicotine, and while work still has to be done by the individual to top smoking, the researchers think it will make it easier to quit, because the "payoff" won't be there. That would be great, I think.

[querelle]

9. Interesting.......

I still crave cigarettes even after five years. If there were a shot that could eliminate that urge, I would be so grateful. It's like having the fortitude to quit wasnt't enough. But I deal with it. Whenever I get the urge to smoke, I go for a bike ride, and I also have the support of many good friends.

Again, I wish you the best. You CAN overcome this.

Q

[SeattleGirl]

11. I do have a lot of support through family, friend, DU, and co-workers.

It's wonderful. The best part is, if I say I am struggling on a particular day, they don't judge me; they encourage me to resist the urges, which is wonderful.

Again, congrats. I will see if I can find the link to the article I read about the shot, and pass it on to you.

[billyskank]

15. Just concentrate on the present

live moment to moment, not worrying about the future. Don't think things like "no more cigarettes" and just concentrate on not smoking now. The future will take care of itself.

:hug:

[querelle]

16. Many Thanks........

If I were a religious man, I would pray for you but I'm not. Is it enough to keep you in my thoughts? Yes. I always try to help friends quit if they want to. But it is such a hard thing to do. I really think you will succeed because you want to. If you want it badly enough, you will succeed.

As we say en francais........Bon Courage Mon Amie. Bon Courage.

Q

[SeattleGirl]

20. Merci! I will gladly accept good thoughts and encouragement

from anyone who wishes to give them.

[cobalt1999]

23. actually...

smoking does do quite a number on your skin. Drying and staining it. My doctor friend once said a cigarette is equivalent to a couple of hours in the sun for skin damage. You may be breaking out because you skin is actually coming back to life.

[SeattleGirl]

39. Interesting.

Well, as long as it's a sign of a good thing, then I guess I can deal with it!

[SlavesandBulldozers]

8. no to the sleep thing.

but i certainly can see how that could be one effect. That is likely part of the psychological aspect - not physical at all. Your mind was likely accustomed to having that pre-bed cigarette - now it's schedule is all jacked. Perhaps replace it with something else for your mind and body to turn into a pre-bed habit. And I know what youre thinking sicko!

yes to the weirdness in the chest, and I imagine that will be a couple months worth of clearing up.

skin typically clears up, as others mentioned - and perhaps it is just eliminating toxins.

One thing's for sure - you got a lot healthier the moment you made that step. Stick with it, i know its hard believe me i do. You won't regret it, as long as you remember how shitty cigarettes made you feel and how hard it was to get to where you are now in terms of quitting. You will literally feel healthier by the day - and that feeling alone is worth it. Well, that and knowing youre not gonna die choking on your own black lung fluids - which is a real plus.

[SeattleGirl]

12. I think you're right -- my mind is still saying, "Hey, where's my ciggy?"

Even if I am not feeling a physical urge, I think my psychological urge is still there. And the fact that I smoked the most in the evening probably add to it. I do expect that eventually, my sleep pattern will return to more of what it was before I quit. It's just a bit frustrating at the moment.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

52. definitely. and again, congrats.

and do keep an eye on that weight. i stacked on poundage, with no discernible difference in diet. stay active.

[LostinVA]

10. To answer your questions, sweetie:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No

It really does get better, I swear! Just gut through it.. and DON'T SMOKE!!!! By this point, it is 100% psychological urges.

I quit almost 11 1/2 years ago -- cold turkey. I smoked two pack a day. PM any time you need...

Kisses and hugs.

[SeattleGirl]

13. Whoa! Cold turkey! I've tried that before and it did not work for me.

Good on you, VA. And to be smoke-free for so long is just great!

I know I will get through this. This time, my mind and my body were both ready at the same time to quit, so I believe I will make it this time.

And thanks; I'll probably seek out your shoulder now and then if I go through a rough patch! :loveya: :hug:

[Ariana Celeste]

14. Yes to 1 & 2

3, though, I dunno. I've always had an issue with spontaneously breaking out.

I had sooo much trouble sleeping after I quit... for the first several weeks... so would have a couple (or few.... or several) drinks. That would knock me out! Although, I don't recommend it. :P

4 months later my lungs still feel funny to me sometimes... I think it's because I actually *feel* them now.

[SeattleGirl]

17. Alcohol is not an option for me right now.

Drinking alcohol ups my desire to smoke, so it's best to just stay away from it for the time being. It if were winter, I'd have some herbal tea or something, but I can't stand drinking hot stuff when the temperature is hot.

[billyskank]

18. That is indeed a big problem

In fact I haven't drunk alcohol at all since before I quit smoking. When I did drink I always had a powerful desire to smoke - I would totally chain smoke when I was getting drunk.

[SeattleGirl]

19. Yep, alcohol and chain smoking -- that was me!

Even if I wasn't getting drunk, but just having a drink or two, I'd smoke 'em one after the other, so yes, I need to stay away from demon rum (or in my case, Black Velvet).

[Ariana Celeste]

21. You're making a good choice

It helps me, but I'm one of those exceptions to the rule I guess! I've heard from a few of my friends, that if it weren't for drinking, they would have quit a long time ago.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

22. How about a glass of iced Sleepytime?

Might be just the ticket...

[Tikki]

24. It will two years this coming January......

Yes, at first I was restless at night...but, to answer how it got better I will answer the next question.
In a short time I could feel the tightness ease and noticed I was taking deeper breaths.
It was winter, cooler inside and outside here and I was moving around more than I might in very hot weather
and eventually my added activity helped me rest better through the night.
I can't remember any unusual skin lesions or such, but I believe my adult son...who quit the same
time I did....showed a few bumps.


We are both non-smokers, now, for 1 year and 8 months..
You will be, too.




Tikki

[SeattleGirl]

25. Congratulations to you and your son both, Tikki!

Reading of the success of others keeps me encouraged.

[RiffRandell]

26. My experience.

It has been 1 year tomorrow since I quit.

No trouble sleeping.

Lungs felt like shit for a good 6 months after. I was a social smoker, probably around 2-3 packs a week, but if I was drinking could easily smoke a pack. Yuck! I just said to my husband tonight that my lungs feel so much better and I don't wake up and hack like I used to.

No skin issues.

Good luck.

[SeattleGirl]

27. Congratulations on making it a year, Patty!

Excellent! I know everyone's experience is somewhat different, but knowing what different people went through is helpful to me.

[bettyellen]

28. i had big problems sleeping- many horrible nightmares....

when i usually can't remember my dreams at all. i can't use the patch because it gives me weird dreams too.
also had the lung thing that took over 4 months to clear.
good luck doll, i just made 5 months, am FINALLY feeling much better.

[SeattleGirl]

29. Five months! Good for you, bettyellen!

Thank goodness I have not had any nightmares; just frustration over not being able to get to sleep before o'dark thirty!

[Taverner]

30. You literally go insane

Your eyeballs fall out, and then your head explodes.

Oh you're talking real experiences, not imagined...

[SeattleGirl]

37. Gee, thanks, Taverner!

Anybody got a cig? Need to smoke before my eyeballs fall out! :rofl:

[u4ic]

31. Always been a non-smoker

except for a brief period of a month or two in grade 8, so I have no advice for you.

Good luck, SeattleGirl! I'm pulling for ya! :hug: :loveya:

[SeattleGirl]

38. Thanks, u4ic. And good on you for never being a smoker

(except for that laps in 8th grade.....). :loveya:

[bluethruandthru]

32. Try sugar free mints...

I quit 2 1/2 years ago (after nearly 30 years of smoking) and I still like to have sugar free mints..or sugar free coffee nips (yum). I had to do sugar free because the sugar was making me hyper! Funny, I can drink coffee all day and it doesn't bother me...but sugar will keep me up all night!
Hang in there.... you can do it!

:hi:

[SeattleGirl]

40. i'm thinking of picking up some sugar free mints.

Hopefully, they will taste good.

[WCGreen]

33. All three.....

And I still occasionaly get a craving and it's been 23 years...

[SeattleGirl]

41. 23 years, and you still get cravings? God; cigs are a horrible habit

to have, huh? Glad you quit though. Last couple of days have been kind of tough. Had more urges than I have had since I quit. Haven't given in to them, but whoo, it's been a bit tough!

[WCGreen]

48. I found that, like Christians of old, nipple clips would take my

mind off the cigarettes....

[tinfoilinfor2005]

34. You are so dumb. I HAD to quit quit smoking because I couldn't

afford it any more.

First of all, those gorgeous lines around your mouth that you worked so hard for all those years will start to disappear. You may start to look like a teenager. What could be worse than that?
And then, food will start tasting good. You will gain some weight but then lose it because pretty soon natural foods like vegetables and fruits will really start tasting exceptionally good. Melons and strawberries and tomatoes will suddenly smell like you remembered them like when you were a kid. Why on earth would anyone want to eat like that again?
And your clothes? Remember how great your clothes and especially your sheets smelled saturated with tobacco smoke? Well, forget it. When you quit smoking, they will no longer have that smell of an early morning bowling alley bar.
There are just too many things to mention...your hair will have the yucky smell of clean shampoo and your teeth will be sparkling white. You may even have to hide your hands from fellow smokers because they will notice your nonexistent yellow fingers.

Don't do it. It just isn't worth it. Especially when it comes to your automobile. How sad is it to step inside a vehicle that still smells like a new car? When you have worked for all of those months to make it smell like a can of old tuna?

Please...smoke...so many in the industry are counting on you to keep smoking!

[SeattleGirl]

42. ROFL!!!!

You win the Funny Post Award!

Sadly, I HAVE noticed fewer lines around my mouth and under my eyes. And food -- OMG, I can actually TASTE it. And for heaven sakes, my hair and my clothes and the bedsheets smell good -- how the HELL am I going to be able to deal with that?

The only thing that keeps me somewhat sane is that I never smoked in my car, so I don't have to put up with the lack of cigarette smoke smell in there.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

47. See, you are already ruining yourself.

For shame.

:)

[Zomby Woof]

35. Whenever you get the urge

Concentrate on this picture:

[SeattleGirl]

43. ROFLMAO!!!

You evil, evil man! :rofl: :spray: :rofl:

[tuvor]

36. Congratulations!

I'm about 4.5 years clean after 13 years of smoking.

Can't say that I've had the same experiences as you. OTOH, I thought I was a pretty sweet guy while I was quitting (nicotine gum), but my wife since informed me that I was a crankier-than-usual SOB.

When did you start smoking, and how long had you been at it? I started at about 25 and quit at about 37, so that's relatively late compared to most people I know.

Continued success to you, SeattleGirl! Trust me: It's soooo worth it, and you've got momentum on your side.

[SeattleGirl]

44. I started smoking when I was 16, and I'm 50, so quite a few years.

But better late than never, right? Thank for the good wishes. Believe me, even with the trouble sleeping and such, there ARE more advantage to quitting than disadvantages or difficulties, and the advantages are what I focus on for the most part.

[tuvor]

45. My wife started at 12 and quit at 40.

If she can do it, anyone can!

[jberryhill]

46. Last time I quit...

...I found out that the best way to take the edge off was to have a cigarette.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

49. You are absolutely right.

That is how I quit. I had a cigarette to take the edge off in two days. Then in four days. Then in one week. Then in two weeks. The in one month. Then in two months. Then in six months.

Some people can't do that. For me it was easier. I needed to be able to have that option. I can still smoke one or two nights a year and then leave it. But not everybody can do that.

[jberryhill]

50. What I did

Was to ease back up to a pack a day.

Felt great ever since.

[SeattleGirl]

54. ROFL!

That's the same thing that would happen to me, so I'd best not go with your method!

[SeattleGirl]

55. No way could I do that; I'm too much of a nicotine addict.

I do know some social smokers, but I also know that's not me, so I'll have to just forego that particular method.

[wildhorses]

51. Yay SG...I am so VERY proud of you!!!

:hug:
1. no
2. yes
3. yes
:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

53. Thanks wildhorses!

:hug: