Help!!!!

[aantol73]

need to quit smoking... but have failed so many times... can anyone tell m what they did to stop!!!!:pray:

[SharonA]

Alexis...

This is going to sound way too simple to you but I am going to go ahead, since you asked for help. My husband and I both stopped smoking in May of 1991 and neither of us has had a cig, since. What did we do? We just made up our minds that we needed to do it and did not turn back. It was hard work, make no mistake about that. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but so worth it.

We went through pure he** for the first 3 days. The experts say that in 3 days you have kicked the physical habit. After that, you have to deal with the mental habit. You know what I am talking about...the 1st one in the morning, the one after eating, the one after sex.

One of the things that has helped us both is learning that we are "recovering smokers". We know that just one will lead to two and so on.

I hope you make it. You will feel so much better...health wise. Besides the health bennifets...you will save so much money. One thing I wish we had done when we stopped is put the money away somewhere that we would have spent on the cigarettes so that we could physically see how much we were saving.

The best thing I can tell you is...GO FOR IT...:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: and do not light another one. :D

[SharonA]

I forgot...the best reason you have for not smoking is that sweet child who is in your post picture. :kissing:

[gypsyjoy]

I really have to share my experience with you. I smoked for 25 years and it was some time around the first of this year I decided it was time to quit, now I had half heartly tried to quit a couple of times in the past. And it didn't work of course because in the back of my mind I knew I wasn't ready to do it. There was a time when I was up to 2 packs a day. Once I decided it was time, I figured when the carton I had was empty that would be my quit day. I was smoking 10-15 a day. Well, about 2 weeks before I quit I went on wellbutin and started to buy the patches, now I am really broke I was tapping out what little saving I could but patches are cheaper than smokes. In a whole lot of ways.....your health , your familys health, YOUR BLADDER, and on top of it all you smell sooooo much nicer.
Well, on March 19 2004 I quit in the middle of the day on my baby sisters birthday( she thought it was a honor she hates cigerettes)
I have not had a single cigerette since. I have had a coulpe days when I really wanted one but I just went and did something else.
I thought I would put everyone around me through a living hell but it really hasn't been that bad ......the one thing I realize is how much more money I seem to have now that I am patch and cigerette FREE. Good luck and all I can say is go for it.

:dance: :dance: :dance: And OMG I smell soooo good:D
JOY

[CeeCee]

Hi!

The others have given you great advice. One thing I would add is this: Change the places you would go to smoke. Such as a favorite chair while reading a book.

I always loved to sit outside under a covered porch when it was raining outside and smoke. I couldn't do this for a while. I'm happy to say I now enjoy this again!!! With no cravings.

I'm so proud of myself that I have made it this long. I love bragging to others. Which is soooo funny when you think about it. I'm bragging that I don't smoke any more. Go figure.:confused:

Every time you want to smoke get online and write us a note instead.

Good luck. You CAN do it.

:thumbsup:

CeeCee

[ICNDonna]

I used Nicorette gum to quit smoking --- the patches weren't available at that time and even the gum was a prescription. I smoked two packages a day for a long time before I decided to quit. The thing that helped me most was staying away from where people were smoking --- I was sooo addicted to nicotine that even smelling someone else's smoke was enough to keep the addiction going. I told myself if I could get through four days, I could do it. It's now been 20 years and I don't even think about smoking and haven't for years.

Oh, yes --- almost forgot to tell you --- my bladder felt better after I quit smoking.

Donna

[aantol73]

Thanx for all th great advice.... I tried the pathes but they made me jumpy and seemed to bother bladder... I have to just pick a day to quit and stick with it... I have tried but I get bored at home and end up cheating... I know horrible huh... Plus I know I am capable of quitting, The day I found out I was pregnant I quit on the spot, then started again, convinced myself it would me to lose th weight I gained, *80lbs*.... maybe I should just get pregnant again:D
I'll let everyone know the day, since I am in such a bad flare right now and have a uti I will make it SOON...........
Thank you for the support!!!!:pray:

[gypsyjoy]

Girl, I know you can do it ......something else that helped me sugerless hard candies that have splenda. When I first quit I used these for 2 reasons 1. I didn't want to smoke and 2. I didn't want to gain any weight. Well I haven't gained any weight and I had just started Elmiron and Elavil on top of quitting.
Good Luck I hope you do it soon.
JOY

[JessicainArkans]

Dear Gypsy,

Good for you!! give those cigarettes the same attitute you do your IC, " You ain't goona get me , even if you huff and you puff and try to blow my house down!"
Here's to less puffing!
Your a stong and determined force that cannot be reckoned with!!

Much love,

JessicainArkansas:hiding:

[marinda]

IT WAS HARD WHEN I QUIT. WE WERE ALREADY IN A FINACIAL
CRISIS AND MY DOCTOR KEPT TELLING ME THAT QUITTING SMOKING WOULD HELP THE IC FLAIRS.
SO ON THE LAST CARTON I HAD I PRAYED TO MY DEAR LORD FOR
SOME HELP AND SMOKED MY LAST PAC.
THE FIRST THREE DAYS WERE HELL. I CRIED LIKE A BABY.
BUT DEEP INSIDE I KNEW I DIDNT WANT TO SMOKE ANYMORE.
AFTER THE THREE DAYS THEN THE MENTAL STARTS.
YOUR MIND MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE CRAVING.
FROM THIS DAY I STILL GET CRAVINGS BAD.
NEXT MONTH WILL BE ONE YEAR OF NO SMOKING.
THERE ARE BENEFITS FOR IT. YOU SMELL BETTER.
WHENEVER I GET A CRAVING I GO AROUND SOMEONE WHO IS
SMOKING AND THE SMELL TAKES THE CRAVING AWAY.
THE ONLY THING ABOUT QUITTING IS THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GAIN WEIGHT. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU

[VickiB]

Alexis,..

I hope you are finding success in your quest to quit smoking!

I smoked for 27 years ( 2 pks a day) before I was able to quit. I tried, and failed many times before I was successful at giving those cigarettes up in '97! I used the nicorette gum, and credit that with making my transition to the non-smoking world a lot easier. It was difficult because my husband continued to smoke, although he keeps trying to quit to this day.

I must admit I did gain weight. However, I'm pretty sure it was an oral fixation thing for me, and I calmed the little demon with hard candy that wasn't sugar-free. Now I'm trying to give up my candy addiction! Will I ever be free????

Vicki

[JessicainArkans]

aantol,

Have you ever thought about Wellbutrin, the drug was introduced some years ago to help aide in stopping smoking addiction.
I took Wellbutrin for depression, because that is also one of it's many benifits and lost 30 pounds!
I do not know if there is anything out there that is quite that powerful, I did not have any need for food, but it was okay since I gained 30 pounds ofter being diagnosed with IC. :(
It does come with side effects so talk with your doctor before you decide with him if this is the drug for you.
Good luck!
:thumbsup:
Jessica Day

[gypsyjoy]

I really loved the wellbutrin too bad it wasn't too easy on my bladder. It speeds everything up a little too fast.
I am still off the cigerettes, so far I have saved 720.00 or somewere around that amount. I have also lost as of this morning 35 pounds, I am more than half way to my goal weight.
:dance: :dance: I will be looking good soon.My Mom went and bought a dress for me to wear with no waste because of the recent surgery and it is 5-6 sizes smaller than the last thing I bought. And it is almost to big...I'm LOVIN' THIS.

Good Day ALL, JOY

[plaedes]

i am going through the same situation. i'm in a flare and it just isn't going away. i suspect that my smoking is a major factor, but i've been smoking 10 yrs. now. i just got back from vacation and told myself that when we got home there would be no more smoking in the house. that would at least help me cut back. yesterday i was going to ask my doctor for zyban and just plain ol' forgot to ask. the rational part of me desperately wants to quit and there is a part of me...the weak and needy part...that says no don't quit. it's so enjoyable and satisfying. but it stinks, can't do it everywhere anymore, and it is really hurting my health. i really hope you can find a way to quit. i have to get the mind set right for it right now. i've tried to quit before. once i made it a week and once i didn't even make it through the day. mine and my husbands families both smoke like freight trains too, so that makes it that much harder. all i can do is scream out a big AARRGGHH!! with you and hope i can make it someday too.

[Jen_Cole]

I think the hardest part about quitting is that you have to give it time. The first few days are the worst-the physical addiction. The rest is literally 'in your head', so to speak. You think you need it. My husband and I both quit together-which really helped me alot. I don't let anyone smoke in our house anymore. How did we do it? Well, he has nicorette gum. I have nothing, lol. I did use Zyban in the past-a good help, I thought. Of course, expensive if not covered by your insurance.

[rose_thorn98]

I'm currently going to hypnotherapy to try to quit smoking. I've been trying to quit for 6 months but have not been able. The reason why I'm quitting is because my grandpa has emphesema (sp?). Believe it or not, smoking acutually makes my bladder feel better. I quit for 3 years at one point and started up again 5 years ago. During the 3 years I quit my bladder was the worst it ever has been. Anyway, I hope the hypnotherapy works.

[creatingkarma]

I have been thinking about hypnotherapy also. However, the thought of having someone mess around with my mind kinda scares me. My mind doesn't work right the way it is! I've tried the patches, gum, & cold turkey & just don't have the willpower. Please let me know how it goes!

Karma

[rose_thorn98]

Hypnotherapy isn't really like it is on the movies. You have to be open to their suggestions. You are totally conscious so they can't suggest anything to your mind that you don't want. I was lucky enough to know my therapist. She actually married us last summer. She is also a minister. I'd suggest you ask around to people you know. Word of mouth is better than just looking someone up in the phone book. You'll know if you can trust the therapist if you just listen to your intuition at the first session. I have found that I'm not quitting after the first session like some people. We are working on just getting me to be conscious why I want to smoke and what it means to me. Then once I'm aware of it more they hopefully I'll be able to quit. It's pretty interesting. I have recalled memoires of smoking at a very youn g age, much younger than I had thought I started. Anyway, I think it is helping me to get at the root of it so that I will never fall back like I have in the past after quitting.

Hope you can stay away from them too!


;) :)

[Ginny]

Have you heard of Quest cigarettes? Quest 1 has less nicoteen then other cigarettes, Quest 2 has even less and 3 has very little nicoteen.

Ginny

[aantol73]

Well, I got what I wanted... STOPPED SMOKING. Funny the things you can do when you get pregnant!!!! Everyone has been so great!!!

[VickiB]

Good for you!! And congrats on your up-coming little one!

Vicki

[kacnrob]

Can I join the boat? I was told that I have to quit smoking. I am scared to death. I have had a weight problem all of my life and within the last year I have lost almost 80 pounds. I don't want to gain the weight back. I will admit it, smoking is my stress relief right now. My husband has been out on workers comp since last Thanksgiving so I am the only one working. He has to have back surgery and we are fighting workers comp in order to get that done, We have no money and I am trying to pay the bills with what little we do get, plus all of the other daily stresses. I have tried the gum and I am allergic to the adhesive on the patches. I am also already on an anti-depressant. I am going to the dr. to see if he can prescribe me something to help me. I know that it is nice to know that I am not in this fight by myself. I will be rooting for ya!!

[VickiB]

Sure, there's lots of room in this boat!

I did gain about twenty pounds when I quit. All in all, I'm happy with the trade. Especially as I've watched the price of cigarettes sky-rocket!

So, grab yourself an oar! We'll be rooting for you too!

Vicki

[aantol73]

I'm already gaining... he-he

[JudyS]

I have read this entire thread and feel like I've been reading out of my journal! I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to quit smoking for a long time now. My desire to quit increased dramatically when my father died in May at the age of 62 due to complications of smoking. I know that smoking can increase my pain & yet I still can't give them up. My body has been addicted to nictotine since before I was born because my mother smoked heavily (3pks/day) while she was pregnant with me and after I was born. There was always a heavy cloud of smoke in our house and in the car. I started sneaking her cigarettes when I was 12 and was smoking regularly by high school.

I have managed to stop smoking three times before....each time I was pregnant. God granted me the ability to not smoke during that time, but my desire to smoke never went away and once my pregnancy was over I started smoking again. I never smoke in my house or car...even in the dead of winter in NJ & the heat of summer in AZ, I smoke outside. I just wish that I could kick the habit altogether. I've tried going cold turkey, using the patch or the gum, Wellbutrin, & even SmokeAway, but stress is my trigger to smoke and my life is very stressful! And the stress makes my bladder pain worsen quickly, so I usually cave to the call of the nicotine. :(

I too have been considering Hypnotherapy, but I'n not sure how much more effective it will be than SmokeAway was...I just know that I've got to keep trying and praying and looking for the will to find a way. You guys are all in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that we all find success. :grouphug:

-judy

[aantol73]

Judy,
It was the same thing for me growing up. My mom and step-dad are very heavy smokers. Growing up I told myself I would never smoke. Well by the age of 13 I too was sneaking their smokes..... and here at 31 I still want one!!! Since I have 18 m/o and my husband doesn't smoke I too go outside even when it is 115 here... I had quit smoking with my son but as soon as I had him I went right back to smoking... I have been able to give up SO MANY things cause of IC but smoking has been the toughest!!!! :yikes:

[jeanniebug]

I started smoking when I was 13..the occassional after school sneak-a-smoke with friends. By the time I was 15, I was smoking regularly. My mom let me smoke in the house even though she never had..not sure why she did that. But anyway I have cut down alot..I've been smoking about 5 cigarettes per day for the past 2 years..and even got down to 1 a day at times. It seems to get me right at the 24 hour mark when I quit..I turn into psycho woman and cry and withdrawel like crazy! :dizzy: It gets really ugly. I'm going to try to attend these smoking cessation classes offered at the Army base here once I get done with physical therapy..the times clash between the two and I can't make both right now. This is my last bad habit to give up, and I seem to cling to it with all my might. The longest I ever quit was 6 months and I craved the entire time. Good luck to all us puffers I know we can do it- :grouphug:

[Katrina]

Alexis, Jeaniie, Judy, and all who are trying to quit....I may not know the best way but I have heard that support in doing so can make a big difference.......so I am ruiting that you succeed as I say a prayer for you. :kiss: :grouphug: :pray:

[Saedy]

Reading these messages has brought a little relief to me today. I too smoke and thought I was the only IC patient out there who could not find the gumshen to quit. I quit once for a week and was not a happy camper. I have only been smoking for 5 years now, so you would think I could quit, but there's a little demond inside of me that loves the smoking. I suffer from anxiety and I am a very nervous person so the cigarettes help me "relax". My husband does not smoke at all and hates that I do smoke. We are planning on starting our family early next year...so I am hoping to quit soon...who knows maybe knowing that there are people out there like me who have quit will help me do the same...

Thanks

[monicahernandez]

Hi!
I smoked for 5 years, 40 cigarettes every day. I tried to let smoke a lot of times but always I failed. One day, my father gave me a book called “easy way to stop to smoking” from Allen Carr. This book eliminated my mental addiction. I have been one year without smoking. A lot of people from Spain quit smoking with this book.

Good luck and excuse for my English.

[ICNDonna]

Reading this thread again made me wonder how all of you are doing in your attempts to quit smoking.

When I still smoked, I had a friend who said one day that her doctor could tell her he needed to cut off her ears and she would do it without question --- even if he said her head needed to come off, she would consent without question --- but when he said to quit smoking, he was meddling!

One thing you might try is to put a cigarette on the table in front of you. Then start writing down the good things about smoking it in one column and the bad in another --- don't forget lung cancer, increased bladder problems, and heart damage in the bad column. I gained 60 pounds when I quit smoking and my doctor said I was far better off with the 60 pounds because those pounds are a lot easier to get rid of than lung cancer!

One of the insidious things about an addiction is that your body will keep telling you that you need the nicotine --- that's the reason that taking in nicotine in another way helps.

Warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[RedLione]

I am amazed by all of you and your willpower! I am reading through this thread because my guy smokes, and I do not. I have been having terrible bladder flares lately and I was wondering if it might actually be from second-hand smoke? He smokes in the house, but I know he would go outside if we knew it bothered me. He's trying so hard to quit, but he's very high-strung and he's in a high-pressure job in a factory where everyone actually smokes on the job! He's considering trying the patch, and it sounds like several of you have had success with it. But could his smoke actually be irritating my bladder????

[Mishka]

Ahhh I need to quit too!

When I found out I was pregnant, I quit on the spot. It was EASY. The day I had her, it was like I had just quit the day before. I went through HELL. I struggled with it for 4 months, then I went on a road trip with my grandma to see my mom, both of whom are heavy smokers and that was it...I was hooked again.

I've tried the patch but it makes me very antsy and hyper and the cravings worse if anything...I need to do it for my daughter though. I remember when I was growing up I thought it was DISGUSTING. My whole family smoked, around me, at restaurants etc and I was just so grossed out by it...and now I've been smoking for 13 years. Ugh! I don't want her to go through the same thing.

Good luck everyone who is trying!!

[tigger_gal]

I would love to quit smoking.. However, right now its the only thing that keeps me sane...... I tried the patches, the gum, the inhalers.. and wellbutrin.... I wish us all the best of luck on this one.
Hugs
Brar

[work it]

I am not a smoker so don't know what you are going through but I do have a suggestion. Have you tried hypnosis? I have gone through Hypnosis for weight loss and have heard of many people doing it to stop smoking. Hypnosis has also helped me with the stress of everyday living.

Gypsy: CONGRATULATIONS on your weight lose

[liz25]

I understand what all of you are going through!!! :help: I too was a smoker for 7yrs.(18-25yrs0ld) I quit in April cold turkey! I loved to smoke too and I know I could easily start up again if I let myself. Once it is past 72hrs. with no nicotine it is all in your head because the nicotine is out of your body. So, it is mind over matter. All of my friends smoke, my mom smokes, my cousin smokes, but my boyfriend does not so that is what led me to quit. I went and stayed out with him and there is no smoking in his house. So, everytime I wanted a cigarette I had to either go outside or go in the garage. No one was smoking around me so I started smoking less and less. Then, I decided to buy a different brand that was cheaper and a little bit stronger flavor. I cut down even more. Then, one day with 8 cigarettes still left, I just stopped. I didn't touch another cigarette until this pat weekend I "fell off the wagon" and hit a friends cigarette, it tasted so good!!! :rolleyes: But, I stopped myself and haven't touched one or anything. I have axcess to some too at all times. Honestly, I don't know how I do it with everything else to stress me out in my life. But, there is a significant change in how I feel :) compared to when I smoked. I hope I could be of some help.

There is a bracelet you can get from AVON that is called a "Crcle of Friends" bracelet. It is for women who are trying to quit or have quit smoking to show their support.(it is actually cute)

Liz :)

[SusanB]

Hello,
I have stopped smoking for 32 days and it seems to be getting harder instead of easier.
I didn't smoke alot so I started on the 14mg. patch, now I am almost ready for the 7mg. patch, I am like the other girl sometimes I feel so annsy!!!!
If you are quitting would you like to be my smoking buddy to quit?
Susan B

[SusanB]

Hello,
I have stopped smoking for 32 days and it seems to be getting harder instead of easier.
I didn't smoke alot so I started on the 14mg. patch, now I am almost ready for the 7mg. patch, I am like the other girl sometimes I feel so annsy!!!!
If you are quitting would you like to be my smoking buddy to quit?
Susan B