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Veteran Member
Member Since Apr 2009
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 458
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Jul 08, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Great to see you here, Colleen!!! 
Two days is a great start!
Are you using any quit aides?
Here are some of the health benefits you have already begun to experience:
Quote:
Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continues for years.
20 MINUTES - Blood pressure drops to normal.
- Pulse rate drops to normal.
- Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.
8 HOURS - Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.
- Oxygen level in blood increases to normal.
24 HOURS - Chance of heart attack decreases.
48 HOURS - Nerve endings start regrowing.
- Ability to smell and taste is enhanced.
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Isn't that fantastic!!!
So, while you are probably experiencing a bit of discomfort, (or a lot, LOL! ), you are definately GAINING much more already! 
And here are some benefits that are yet to come! 
Quote:
2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
- Walking becomes easier.
- Lung function increases up to 30%.
1 TO 9 MONTHS - Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease.
- Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection.
- Body's overall energy increases.
1 YEAR - Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
5 YEARS - Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half.
- Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.
- Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's.
10 YEARS - Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers.
- Precancerous cells are replaced.
- Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.
15 YEARS - Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.
What Are Some Rewards of Quit Smoking!
Within a few days you will probably begin to notice some remarkable changes in your body. Your sense of smell and taste may improve. You will breathe easier, and your smoker's hack will begin to disappear, although you may notice that you will continue to cough for a while. And you will be free from the mess, smell, inconvenience, expense, and dependence of cigarette smoking.
It is important to understand that the long range after-effects of quitting are only temporary and signal the beginning of a healthier life. Now that you've quit, you've added a number of healthy productive days to each year of your life. Most important, you've greatly improved your chances for a longer life. You have significantly reduced your risk of death from heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and several kinds of cancers; not just lung cancer. (Cigarette smoking is responsible every year for approximately 130,000 deaths from cancer, 170,000 deaths from heart disease, and 50,000 deaths from lung disease.)
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I have now been quit for One month, three weeks, six days, 5 hours, 42 minutes and 44 seconds. 1164 cigarettes not smoked, saving $349.43. Life saved: 4 days, 1 hour, 0 minutes.
I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
I'm using Chantix. I find it very helpful with cravings. I also depend upon behavioral changes. I learned this from a smoke cessation counselor years ago. I find it to be the most effective method to help me quit.
I hope you've read some of the posts on the forum.
I look forward to seeing you around and sharing our goals; our ups and downs and successes. Remember, keep the quit and post before you puff! 
Peace!
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IMAGINE
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