[reesecups]

Haven't heard from you and was hoping you had a status update? How are you doing? How are the cravings?

[archipelago]

Still going with 14 mg patch on. 5 more days and I'll switch to 7 mg. I admit I had one over the course of a day, bummed and just a few puffs at a time. It tasted awful, but I was stressed and gave in. Then I washed my clothes and swore it off again.

I still have cravings for salty things. I wonder if that is stress. I read somewhere that when your adrenal glands are taxed you crave salty food.

I've also incorporated the straws to chew on and play with. That is good for now when I don't have to see anyone really. I'm sleeping more but that is okay for now I think.

How are you doing? And thanks for asking.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by archipelago

Still going with 14 mg patch on. 5 more days and I'll switch to 7 mg. I admit I had one over the course of a day, bummed and just a few puffs at a time. It tasted awful, but I was stressed and gave in. Then I washed my clothes and swore it off again.

I still have cravings for salty things. I wonder if that is stress. I read somewhere that when your adrenal glands are taxed you crave salty food.

I've also incorporated the straws to chew on and play with. That is good for now when I don't have to see anyone really. I'm sleeping more but that is okay for now I think.

How are you doing? And thanks for asking.

You may have slipped a little but you are fine. Don't beat yourself over one little slip or give up! Keep up the good work! Drink lots of water. I know slight weight gain is common when you quit and if you aren't careful about your foid choices, you might end up with another unhealthy habit.

Please keep us updated. I admire anyone that tries to beat this!

Take Care

[archipelago]

Thanks so much for all the support and interest, reesecups. You're great! It hasn't been easy, even with the patch on. I wake up in the middle of the night, even on sleep meds, wanting a smoke. That never happened when I was actually smoking. I had cut down to 2-3 a day before I stopped so I thought I was doing pretty well.

I know about the weight gain and have been careful to have healthy food in the house, though I have had pretzels too. I have a workout plan all set that I want to start next week. I feel ready. I've done parts of it before and like it. That will actually help with all kinds of things. This is turning into more than quitting smoking. It is like I am reclaiming my life and health. I see potential but I'm not getting ahead of myself. I've done the reading. Nicotine receptors take months to diminish so I have no illusions about a quick fix. I wish that I had never started. What a horrible thing to market. Pure addiction that kills. And so normalized that people don't really get how powerful it really is.

[PTSD101]

You are a total legend!! You are doing so well!

[archipelago]

How are you doing PTSD101? I've been lighting incense and thinking about us both. Keep on trying. There is no shame involved in that. It is a noble effort. I've been trying for more than 2 years. I just finally said enough is enough.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by archipelago

Thanks so much for all the support and interest, reesecups. You're great! It hasn't been easy, even with the patch on. I wake up in the middle of the night, even on sleep meds, wanting a smoke. That never happened when I was actually smoking. I had cut down to 2-3 a day before I stopped so I thought I was doing pretty well.

I know about the weight gain and have been careful to have healthy food in the house, though I have had pretzels too. I have a workout plan all set that I want to start next week. I feel ready. I've done parts of it before and like it. That will actually help with all kinds of things. This is turning into more than quitting smoking. It is like I am reclaiming my life and health. I see potential but I'm not getting ahead of myself. I've done the reading. Nicotine receptors take months to diminish so I have no illusions about a quick fix. I wish that I had never started. What a horrible thing to market. Pure addiction that kills. And so normalized that people don't really get how powerful it really is.

Can I suggest some things I learned when I quit? Take the info or leave it as you will. Make a list of all the reasons you want to quit. When I did it, I was told not to include your health because if you only quit for your health, it is easier to say 'to he k with it, I don't care' and start smoking again. My main reason was to set an example because I worked at that time with a lot of teens who thought I was cool because I was over 18 and they admired me. But thry say to give yourself 5 reasons and carry them with you to remind you when the going gets tough.

Also, you need to use the patches on your schedule. If you need to use the higher amount a little while longer, then I would do it. 'Whatever it takes, right?'

Good luck and I'll be following this group as much as I can. I think it's wonderful to see people who are struggling and beating this awful addiction. It took some time for me to realize how goad I was that I was able to do it. You should be proud of yourself..

If you want to PM me, feel free. I'm not always on, but will try to respond as soon as I can. Good luck!

[archipelago]

Well, I did put health up there for 2 reasons. One is I genuinely want to get healthier in other areas not just this one so it's all in a package. The other is that a friend who quit smoking a long time ago developed stage 4 lung cancer recently. It woke me up to an urgency about quitting, when I had already been trying anyway.

Mainly I'm just sick of the whole thing, the way it smells and tastes, the fact that it's expensive and stupid. A total waste in every way. I'm still in some denial about the fact that I've been a smoker. I've always eaten healthy and worked out and often only smoked in the evenings while socializing. But with PTSD and depression smoking became more like a friend and like I needed it. People who don't understand the intersection with mental health issues may not understand that that adds to the difficulty of quitting if you have these things going on. That's why I'm posting here because I feel like that is understood.

Thanks for all your support. I'm glad you quit and are around to guide me.

[reesecups]

No problem! I know you can do this!

Take Care

[notz]

You really are doing a good job!

[archipelago]

About to switch to 7mg patches. Been eating really healthy food. Almost all protein and veggies and salads. Hardly any carbs, except for a little bit of fruit and fruit juice. I am about ready to start a low level workout. Been taking a lot of vitamins and supplements and distracting myself with low anxiety things. Trying not to take anxiety meds or drink, but occasionally I do, but very light. Haven't in a few days though. I'm noticing that my complexion is better and I have better circulation. Starting to feel better from the depression as well so things are going as well as I could possible expect at this point. Good thing too because school starts up next week. The timing of this worked out well.