I'm finally asking for HELP! - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

Mickey · 3rd Apr 2009, 12:49 PM

Okay,everyone. This is my first time asking for help and I need some encouragement!
I am quitting smoking COLD TURKEY! Today is my third day without a cigarette. I thought it would get easier. Nope,it's harder today than it was the first day.
I can't use the patch and have tried a number of other things before,with no success.
The only thing I'm using right now is lollipops and sheer determination!
To be honest,I didn't think I could even make it this far,but I have.
It's getting really hard now and I need you guys for support and maybe some other things I can do to make this easier.I got rid of all my ashtrays,lighters,etc. There's no visual reminders anywhere. And I can only sleep so much! Any ideas?

beckyg · 3rd Apr 2009, 12:51 PM

You can do it Mickey! Giving up smoking is one of the hardest things to do. Kudos to you for trying!

Just Adam · 3rd Apr 2009, 12:59 PM

yay kick that nasty habbit

Apocalypte · 3rd Apr 2009, 01:00 PM

If it comes to it, can you use Chantix?

silverhalo · 3rd Apr 2009, 01:01 PM

Congratulations on getting so far thats amazing, I say try and keep yourself busy, especially your hands, but chatting to everyone one here might help take your mind off it.

Sexiross · 3rd Apr 2009, 01:01 PM

I know you can do it... i smoked for 4 years...and i quit last january...and i can breath again when i run!!!! its awsome! you can do it!!!!

xequar · 3rd Apr 2009, 01:23 PM

You can do it! From what my BF (who's over two months smoke-free now) and others I've talked to have said, the first two weeks are brutal.

BUT, if you make it through those, it gets a lot better!

Mickey · 3rd Apr 2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocalypte

If it comes to it, can you use Chantix?

Thanks! I knew I could count on the people here,to encourage me! I appreciate it very much!
I tried Chantix last year and had some real problems with side effects. I did well,at first,then I got migraines,nightmares and some others,so my Dr. told me to stop taking it.
Right now,I feel really crappy. Tired,lightheaded and kinda miserable.
I really need to vent,but I'm trying to hold off, 'til I really need it.
I'm staying in my room and isolating to avoid taking it out on anyone else. ( namely,my mom) It's raining,again,so I just go outside to take the dog out.
I'm doing okay one minute and want to punch something,the next. Damn mood swings!
I know I'll be okay,in a few days,I just need help to get through until then!

Ps-This is my 3rd time quitting,but my first ,on my own. And I've been smoking like 6 years since the last time I quit. The other times I quit,I was in the hospital for extended times and just didn't smoke when I got out. Once was for 14 months,the other was for 7 months. I kick myself in the ass for ever starting,again!

silverhalo · 3rd Apr 2009, 01:31 PM

Greggers · 3rd Apr 2009, 02:06 PM

Your going to think im a freak...

...but nibble on dry spaghetti when you get urges.

It sounds weird, but i swear by this method for kicking ALL nasty habits. Well i get an impulse or urge, i just grab a piece of dry spaghetti and go to town on it.

**EM68** · 3rd Apr 2009, 02:15 PM

What about the gum. I forget the name of it.

Mickey · 3rd Apr 2009, 02:22 PM

Yea,nicorette. I don't want to put nicotine IN,I want to get it OUT! I got told to drink plenty of water ,it helps to flush it out. I'm doing that.
I don't want to replace one problem with another. Eventually,I'll have to cut any and all nicotine,so I figured I'd do it right from the beginning. That's why I'm doing it "cold turkey".
It's just so much worse today! I'm hanging in there. In a few days,I hope to do an ex-smoker thread! Thanks,everyone!

MusicIsLife · 3rd Apr 2009, 02:27 PM

My mom started exercising a lot when she was quitting smoking. like...when she needed a smoke instead she took the dog on a walk or went on a run or something.

Zach · 3rd Apr 2009, 02:30 PM

I quit on new years eve about 10 years ago. I had two non-smoking friends that both bet me I couldn't quit for at least one full year. The bet was $100 from each of them if I stayed smoke free. I collected on that bet.

My parents, grand parents and everyone in my family all smoked so I was use to the smell and didn't really notice it growing up, and it wasn't until I was out on my own that my friends made that costly new years eve bet, and then once I had quit I realised just how bad that habit litterally stinks. Now I can't stand the smell so I don't think I'll ever start again. If you truly want to quit, just hang in there, it does get better after two or three weeks.

Zingerific · 3rd Apr 2009, 02:51 PM

Hi Mickey.

You mentioned getting rid of ashtrays and other visual reminders. I think that's a good first step, but you might want to go further. Whenever I want to break a habit, I rearrange the furniture! It may sound odd or frivolous, but I find that a big break with the status quo can sort of "jolt" you out of patterns of behavior. A lot of breaking any habitual behavior is to break the patterns leading up to it.

Quote:

I don't want to replace one problem with another.

Here's what may be a stupid question: why do you smoke? If you smoke, for example, in stressful situations, it may be a good idea to develop more healthy ways to deal with stress; a previous poster mentioned exercise. My point is that a replacement doesn't have to be a bad replacement. I would suggest that once you are past the first couple of weeks, really pay attention to what's going on in your head when you get an urge, and figure out some other (healthy!) way to deal with it.

Mickey · 3rd Apr 2009, 03:42 PM

I smoke because I'm stupid! I should've never started,again ,once I quit.
Exercising is okay,but I have major back problems,so I have to keep that at a minimum. I also have COPD and the breathing capacity of an 84 year old! I made myself a friggen mess! I'm trying to regain control of my life and my health. Plus,I've lost 24 lbs. by switching to diet soda and by really watching what I eat. The first time I quit smoking,I also lost 100 lbs.,so I know it can be done! It'll just be somewhat harder, because I have since broken my back and so exercising is hard. I will do it,I just need to get through this damn withdrawal from nicotine.
Thanks,to all who responded. I knew I could count on The EC family to be there for me!
I'll keep you updated! And...I may need to vent some more! LOL!

**EM68** · 3rd Apr 2009, 03:44 PM

Vent all you want! I know you can quit smoking!!

revolutionrock · 3rd Apr 2009, 03:46 PM

Sunflower seeds and gum.

Derek the Wolf · 3rd Apr 2009, 07:21 PM

Chew regular gum. I recommend 5 gum, the red one X3
Just as a distraction.
Withdrawal is a bitch, but it's nothing compared to cancer. YOU CAN DO IT.

Mickey · 3rd Apr 2009, 07:44 PM

Once again,thank you to everybody. Like I said,I knew you'd all be there for me. I appreciate it,more than I can say.I'll keep you all updated.

With love and appreciation,Mickey*

3rd Apr 2009, 12:49 PM	#1
Mickey Older and bolder! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Massachusetts Age: 50 Posts: 1,775 Join Date: Aug 2008	I'm finally asking for HELP! Okay,everyone. This is my first time asking for help and I need some encouragement! I am quitting smoking COLD TURKEY! Today is my third day without a cigarette. I thought it would get easier. Nope,it's harder today than it was the first day. I can't use the patch and have tried a number of other things before,with no success. The only thing I'm using right now is lollipops and sheer determination! To be honest,I didn't think I could even make it this far,but I have. It's getting really hard now and I need you guys for support and maybe some other things I can do to make this easier.I got rid of all my ashtrays,lighters,etc. There's no visual reminders anywhere. And I can only sleep so much! Any ideas? __________________ We don't choose to be gay...we're CHOSEN!

3rd Apr 2009, 12:51 PM	#2
beckyg PFLAG Mom Community Liaison Gender: Female Orientation: Straight Out Status: Out to everyone/Yes, parents come out too! Location: Middle of Oregon Age: 50 Posts: 7,572 Join Date: Mar 2007	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! You can do it Mickey! Giving up smoking is one of the hardest things to do. Kudos to you for trying! __________________ "When we're free to love anyone we choose, When this worlds big enough for all different views, When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew, Then we shall be free" ~ Garth Brooks

3rd Apr 2009, 12:59 PM	#3
Just Adam Just passing through Full Member Gender: Something Orientation: Dunno Out Status: If they ask i will tell them Location: Wherever Age: 23 Posts: 6,002 Join Date: Mar 2009	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! yay kick that nasty habbit __________________ There Used To Be A Point Of Things.

3rd Apr 2009, 01:00 PM	#4
Apocalypte Ytse Jamming. Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Dublin, Ireland Age: 27 Posts: 2,217 Join Date: Oct 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! If it comes to it, can you use Chantix? __________________ "I like my beer cold...my TV loud...and my homosexuals flaming." - Homer Simpson

3rd Apr 2009, 01:01 PM	#5
silverhalo EC Addict Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Quite a few Location: England, Age: 29 Posts: 3,154 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Congratulations on getting so far thats amazing, I say try and keep yourself busy, especially your hands, but chatting to everyone one here might help take your mind off it.

3rd Apr 2009, 01:01 PM	#6
Sexiross Banned Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: All but family Location: washington pa Posts: 762 Join Date: Mar 2009	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! I know you can do it... i smoked for 4 years...and i quit last january...and i can breath again when i run!!!! its awsome! you can do it!!!!

3rd Apr 2009, 01:23 PM	#7
xequar Diapered and collared! Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: I have "The Gay." :) Out Status: Loud and proud! Location: Detroit area, Michigan Age: 30 Posts: 1,746 Join Date: Mar 2007	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! You can do it! From what my BF (who's over two months smoke-free now) and others I've talked to have said, the first two weeks are brutal. BUT, if you make it through those, it gets a lot better! __________________

3rd Apr 2009, 01:31 PM	#9
silverhalo EC Addict Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Quite a few Location: England, Age: 29 Posts: 3,154 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP!

3rd Apr 2009, 02:06 PM	#10
Greggers Sunshine & Optimism ...also Angels. Full Member Gender: Theatre Queen Orientation: Disco Sticks Out Status: Everyone and a few more Location: BC, Canada Age: 21 Posts: 3,528 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Your going to think im a freak... ...but nibble on dry spaghetti when you get urges. It sounds weird, but i swear by this method for kicking ALL nasty habits. Well i get an impulse or urge, i just grab a piece of dry spaghetti and go to town on it. __________________ "It's a male duck."

3rd Apr 2009, 02:15 PM	#11
EM68 Happily Married! :) EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out and about. Location: Stoughton, Massachusetts USA Age: 43 Posts: 4,288 Join Date: Jun 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! What about the gum. I forget the name of it. __________________ I'm beautiful in my way, 'Cause God makes no mistakes I'm on the right track, baby I was Born This Way -Lady Gaga

3rd Apr 2009, 02:22 PM	#12
Mickey Older and bolder! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Massachusetts Age: 50 Posts: 1,775 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Yea,nicorette. I don't want to put nicotine IN,I want to get it OUT! I got told to drink plenty of water ,it helps to flush it out. I'm doing that. I don't want to replace one problem with another. Eventually,I'll have to cut any and all nicotine,so I figured I'd do it right from the beginning. That's why I'm doing it "cold turkey". It's just so much worse today! I'm hanging in there. In a few days,I hope to do an ex-smoker thread! Thanks,everyone! __________________ We don't choose to be gay...we're CHOSEN!

3rd Apr 2009, 02:27 PM	#13
MusicIsLife EC Addict Full Member Gender: Not even sure anymore. Something in between. Orientation: I like girls :) Out Status: Everyone on orientation 7 people on trans issue. Location: Montréal, QC Age: 23 Posts: 1,595 Join Date: Dec 2007	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! My mom started exercising a lot when she was quitting smoking. like...when she needed a smoke instead she took the dog on a walk or went on a run or something.

3rd Apr 2009, 02:30 PM	#14
Zach Well Known Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Family and friends, and a couple of people at work Location: Janesville Wisconsin Posts: 191 Join Date: Feb 2009	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! I quit on new years eve about 10 years ago. I had two non-smoking friends that both bet me I couldn't quit for at least one full year. The bet was $100 from each of them if I stayed smoke free. I collected on that bet. My parents, grand parents and everyone in my family all smoked so I was use to the smell and didn't really notice it growing up, and it wasn't until I was out on my own that my friends made that costly new years eve bet, and then once I had quit I realised just how bad that habit litterally stinks. Now I can't stand the smell so I don't think I'll ever start again. If you truly want to quit, just hang in there, it does get better after two or three weeks.

3rd Apr 2009, 03:42 PM	#16
Mickey Older and bolder! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Massachusetts Age: 50 Posts: 1,775 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! I smoke because I'm stupid! I should've never started,again ,once I quit. Exercising is okay,but I have major back problems,so I have to keep that at a minimum. I also have COPD and the breathing capacity of an 84 year old! I made myself a friggen mess! I'm trying to regain control of my life and my health. Plus,I've lost 24 lbs. by switching to diet soda and by really watching what I eat. The first time I quit smoking,I also lost 100 lbs.,so I know it can be done! It'll just be somewhat harder, because I have since broken my back and so exercising is hard. I will do it,I just need to get through this damn withdrawal from nicotine. Thanks,to all who responded. I knew I could count on The EC family to be there for me! I'll keep you updated! And...I may need to vent some more! LOL! __________________ We don't choose to be gay...we're CHOSEN!

3rd Apr 2009, 03:44 PM	#17
EM68 Happily Married! :) EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out and about. Location: Stoughton, Massachusetts USA Age: 43 Posts: 4,288 Join Date: Jun 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Vent all you want! I know you can quit smoking!! __________________ I'm beautiful in my way, 'Cause God makes no mistakes I'm on the right track, baby I was Born This Way -Lady Gaga

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3rd Apr 2009, 03:46 PM	#18
revolutionrock Diggin' the obviousness. Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Arizona Age: 21 Posts: 246 Join Date: Jun 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Sunflower seeds and gum.

3rd Apr 2009, 07:21 PM	#19
Derek the Wolf Furry Overlord Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Pansexual Out Status: Majority Location: Illinois Age: 20 Posts: 1,325 Join Date: Jul 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Chew regular gum. I recommend 5 gum, the red one X3 Just as a distraction. Withdrawal is a bitch, but it's nothing compared to cancer. YOU CAN DO IT. __________________

3rd Apr 2009, 07:44 PM	#20
Mickey Older and bolder! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Massachusetts Age: 50 Posts: 1,775 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: I'm finally asking for HELP! Once again,thank you to everybody. Like I said,I knew you'd all be there for me. I appreciate it,more than I can say.I'll keep you all updated. With love and appreciation,Mickey* __________________ We don't choose to be gay...we're CHOSEN!