Quitting Smoking (OT)

[Rach]

Good Afternoon Purty Ladies! And all Supporters!...you all Stink Purty too 

Mim, I'm so proud of you & your hubby. Mine, is still holding on without too many troubles.

How'd the stay over fair? Have you done a body count to make sure all are still present? I remember those days when my daughter had slumber parties..... 15 screaming little girls and a defrosted refrigerator the next AM. (and me sneaking off outside to smoke & watching the door)...oh the horror.

No one really knows that I've quit, cause most don't know that I smoked! The few I did confide in were shocked that they didn't know to begin with. I knew it though.

Billye, I'd like to hear of others who Stink Purty... they could join this club you know. Who knows how far it could go? I'd bet Oprah Winfrey would invite us to her show...then everyone could see all the Good that it is. Most people make no big deal of it...and it should be a Big Deal! These days, the world needs to see good things happen when people who are ill, stick together, or Stink Purty together! And too, to improve their lives.
Oh...I'm dreaming of that Pink leather jacket.... 

Another issue that's been on my mind is, Stopping Cold Turkey... I'm against it in one respect & I'll explain. If you have smoked a better part of your life, then just stop... how can your weak body adjust?

Most would become stressed out & that can not be healthy to an already damaged heart or lungs. In some cases causing a stoke or heart attack... it's true.

I feel or think, it's better to let your doctor know that you want to quit instead of surprising him/her. Better to be safe than sorry and not end up in the ER. And is why I believe using a nicotine patch or other is safest, then gradually decreasing the dose. After all, you start with one cigarette and gradually work up to 1-2 packs and for some 3 packs a day! (I don't see how anyone could do that, but I have heard of it).
Stress is not good, smoking is not good, but we need to be realistic too.

Okay...my fingers are stressed...I am pooped.
but today is very good day #6

Stink Purty,
Rach

[LenV]

Rach,
I tried to research out the negative effects of "cold turkey" cessation of smoking.  The only thing I've found is the coughing and the mucus discharge.  I do agree that if I were to have to quit smoking, I'd probably do it with my physcian's knowledge.   

Maybe Linda has some ideas on this..

Billye

[Linda196]

If one choses to quit "cold turkey," there is a reaction to loss of chemicals in the body. Most withdrawal symptoms peak 48 hours after you quit and are completely gone in six months.

Without trying to scare anyone, a lack of nicotine can produce a wide range of withdrawal symptoms, from none to any or all of the following:

Cough and increased mucus
Headache
Nausea
Constipation or diarrhea
Falling heart rate and blood pressure, or paradoxical "racing heart"
Fatigue, drowsiness, or insomnia
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Anxiety
Depression
Increased hunger and caloric intake
Increased pleasantness of the taste of sweets
Tobacco cravings

Your doctor can prescribe nicotine and non-nicotine based aids. He can also refer you to counseling or to other cessation programs to get you through the withdrawal stage, if you chose not to replace the nicotine by another route, or with another drug.

And of course you have abundant support and encouragement here, and the added bonus of "stinkin purty".

[Pooh]

Rach,
When my hubby quit smoking "cold turkey" we almost didn't make it to our 50th.  Number 7 on Linda's list almost caused us to divorce or my kids having to see me on "Visitation Day".   I couldn't believe this horrible person was the same one I married and adored.  That said, we did make it, but it could have been so much more pleasant if he had gone to the doctor and went with the therapy approach. 

No matter how you do it,  you will "Stink Purty".

Hugs and God Bless,
Pooh

[sewgirl]

Good for you for quiting smoking!!  An investment in your future!  I have a friend that quit after many years by using peppermint oil on her tongue everytime she had a craving.  It worked for her and she smelled great!  She has not smoked in over 2 years now.

Sewgirl

[mim]

day 14  -  still stinkin purty   

L n H

Mim

Purty Stinker - Purty Stinker

[Rach]

Keep going girl, you're doing great & I'm very proud of you.

oh yes.... there was nothing on Linda's list that will make us cross-eyed 

[LenV]

Go Gang!! Go all you Purty Stinkers 

Are you finding it easier yet?  And have you killed anyone???   

Thanks Linda !!   We always  appreciate the information. 

Keep it up you are doing great!!!!

Billye
Leader of the "Purty Stinker's Gang!!"

[Rach]

 
i saw a little ant climbing on the water spout.

i squished it with a paper towel.

I'm sorry. I lost my cool for a moment, but I'm ok now.

HOW ARE U COACH!!!!!    

how's therapy going?

love you all,
Stinkin Purty

[LenV]

Hi Ya'll!
Watch it! Don't kill the ants!  God is watching and so am I

Rach, I finished my therapy today.  The evaluation showed improvement 100% in some of my measurements and I know I am stronger and my balance is better.  The down side of this is that 4 weeks didn't do a diddle for the pain   
But hey..stronger and more balanced is better. 

I really didn't know when I started this thing with the "Purty Stinker" comment that I'd get such a good thing going.  I know when my Grand Dad said this to me..I couldn't have been more than 11 years old.  This comment has stuck in my mind for 50+ years.  He was so great.  And so are all of you.

Remember..We are Watching...Grandpa, God and The Coach..

Billye

[mim]

Hey Billye, glad the therapy has finished, and although the pain persists there has been some improvement in the balance and strength, will keep fingers crossed for you.

Rach - you should be ashamed of yourself picking on the itty bitty antie wanties, if you wanna squish something make it a big something so you get some form of satisfaction, a giant bean bag or something.

God, my brain is seriously going.

Day 15, getting easier all the time (having said that could easily go out and buy a packet of cigarettes - am not kidding myself I am a non smoker yet)  Having to get a serious check on eating, I ate 4 hot cross buns yesterday and hubby ate 8.  We are going to be the size of houses by the time we have finished.

Love n Hugs  (special thought for Grand Dad)

Mim

Stinking purty but getting fatter

[LenV]

Eating is a crutch for people who are trying to stop smoking.  Here's a good website for getting some hints on how to help the "munchies attack".  Try to aim healthy with your diet.  Remember this is all about being healthy.  http://www.actnowbc.gov.bc.ca/EN/everyone/healthy_eating_for_ex-smokers_and_people_trying_to_quit/?PHPSESSID=70e8724041f3a53ce9295f61b8383243&

Keep it up Gang!!  Stop that smoking!!  We don't want you to give up one bad habit and then take on another one with the overeating.  We want you to be one of the

"Getting Healthy Stinking Purty Gang"  !!!

Billye

[Linda196]

OK, another addition to the list: Quitting smoking is hazardous to the health and well-being of ants.

[Rach]

Linda, I gave him proper burial! in the shamrock plant. 

Billye, I'm glad to hear you've gained some strength back. Pain won't stop us, will it? Anything gets in our way.... we'll just barrel though! We Bad, yeahhha!!!
Do you have exercises to do daily or like routine? I try to walk everyday, but it's so cold out I just can't take it. Hang in there coach!

Mim.... we can't smoke (Grand-Dad, is watching). Great! now I'm paranoid & every grand dad I see.... "No Grand-Dad, I don't smoke".
Congrats Mim! and to hubby and for H!!! I hope things are well this week end for all.

I've no appetite since I quit. Maybe it's the amoxicillin/plaquenel/celebrex/darvocet..
I think I have thrush though. Going for my appointment in the AM to get blood results, blood pressure..etc... all that fun stuff.
My hubby is getting full of hot bread & candy... (he's going to explode I'm afraid)
If he does, I'll put him in the Shamrock plant 

7 smoke free days for me & 5 for hubby.

Love you all,
Rachael

[eyeamdry]

To all the Quitters from one who has been "smoke-free since 11-13-89" congrats and you can do it.  Just do it!!! Grit your teeth and refuse to give in to temptation!

I do symptathize.....remember the cravings....still have them on occasion 17 years later.  Remember bawling my head off late at night with the rest of the family in bed.  Big crocodile tears!  Wah!!!!  Back then, there was only one "thing" to help you quit and it was nasty old Nicorette gum.  Everyone hated that gum, but it enabled me to get off the butts.  Now, if I can just badger my daughter into...............oh, never mind.  I just have to keep myself in check and never let my guard down. 

My hubby quit 5 years after I did.  I never thought he would, could, ever.  He did it though.  He went to a acupuncture person and says that did it for him.  I added to my Nicorette gum one visit to a hypnotist, although I wasn't hypnotized.  Maybe it was the hundred bucks I paid her.  I remember smoking my last cig on her front lawn before my appointment.  She came out and interrupted my ceremony and asked "can I help you?"  I said "no, it's just my last cigarette and I'd rather be alone."  LOL.  Lucy