[archipelago]

I put the patch on today. I started with the medium level at 14mg. I was using a lower dose patch before at 7mg and cheating so I thought, well if I up the dose then maybe I can do that for a week or so and go back down.

So far it is working. Hooray. Of course it is still morning, but I've been up since really really early. So far so good.

I'm going to start a fresh diet and exercise so I'm really taking good care of myself and concentrating on my body so that it helps me get through and feel okay while I get used to the whole thing.

The patch is how I did it ...

From three packs a day to 20 years smoke free!

I wish you the same success!

[archipelago]

Congratulations! That is a hopeful story. I want that too. So far I'm doing way better than I thought I would.

[H3rmit]

It's amazing how much habits and things can change when you find the right thing for you. I've never smoked, but I've seen everyone in my family quit over the years! I've recently changed some habits and it feels great. I can't see myself going back. Wish you well.

[archipelago]

Thanks, H3mit. Good for you. I'm taking this time to change some other things as well. When I got busy and then depressed, the first thing that went was fresh food shopping and cooking. So I'm going out today to fill my frig with healthy food and low cal drinks. And start up an exercise program that looks really good.

So this is Day 2. I did have a craving when I woke up, but put a new patch on. Now I'm fine. These craving only last for a little while so I just have to patiently wait it through.

[archipelago]

Starting Day 4 now. I think this is going to work this time. I can't even believe it.

[happiedasiy]

Originally Posted by archipelago

Starting Day 4 now. I think this is going to work this time. I can't even believe it.

CONGRADULATIONS

I have 5 cigarettes left, I do not want to be a smoker anymore.
Feeling anxious and time to just say "No more"
Wish me luck!!
Happiedasiy
Smoke free before the end of the month?
NO patch, no gum.

[archipelago]

Thanks and good luck to you. It's really not so bad after you take the plunge. I've been trying off and on for a while and finally let go and decided this was a good time and that I could do it. I have been sleeping more and a little bit restless but otherwise okay. I filled the frig with low cal drinks and veggies so I would have little things to put in my mouth. so far it is working.

[gayleggg]

Contratualtions, archipelago. Way to go.

Happiedasiy, I wish you the best of luck with quitting.

As a twenty year, smoke free person, I wish you both the best of luck. Even though, I know it takes more than luck. It's not easy but can be done. Hugs to you both.

[archipelago]

Thanks Gayle. Good to know someone who did it and stayed quit that long. I like your signature. I'm a Buddhist. Using some mindfulness to help me.

[Michel_H]

i wish i could use the patch myself.... i find that i have more of an oral fixation problem... i like the feeling of the cigarette in my mouth. plus, i have sensitive skin, so i am afraid i might get rashes. but good on you! i hope using e-cigarettes will help me out the way patches did you for

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by Michel_H

i wish i could use the patch myself.... i find that i have more of an oral fixation problem... i like the feeling of the cigarette in my mouth. plus, i have sensitive skin, so i am afraid i might get rashes. but good on you! i hope using e-cigarettes will help me out the way patches did you for

Just a suggestion. I was always told, and did, cut straws in half and stick one in my mouth. Those poor chewed, gnarled straws took it bad!

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by archipelago

Thanks and good luck to you. It's really not so bad after you take the plunge. I've been trying off and on for a while and finally let go and decided this was a good time and that I could do it. I have been sleeping more and a little bit restless but otherwise okay. I filled the frig with low cal drinks and veggies so I would have little things to put in my mouth. so far it is working.

One of the things that happened to me was that I fell asleep one night and dreamed I smoked a cigarette. I didn't realize at first that it was a dream. Thought I might as well go buy a pack since I blew it. Very depressed. Halfway walking to the Bake-Mart near my home I realized I didn't do it.

[notz]

One of the things that happened to me was that I fell asleep one night and dreamed I smoked a cigarette. I didn't realize at first that it was a dream. Thought I might as well go buy a pack since I blew it. Very depressed. Halfway walking to the Bake-Mart near my home I realized I didn't do it. ~reesecups

It's called a using dream, very common, especially in early withdrawal. Keep working on this addiction! I'm nicotine free for 15 years...you can do it too!

[spondiferous]

Congratulations on a strong start! That's really important. I quit numerous time before the last time took - and each time I discovered that for me, the first three weeks were always the hardest. For me it wasn't the physical cravings that got to me, it was the anxiety, the restlessness. I was a chain smoker and smoking took up a lot of time. I didn't know what to replace it with. But it's been six years now and I haven't looked back.

[avlady]

Good Luck!!!!!!!!

[archipelago]

Thanks. I hope all of us make this time. It helps to know people have done it and stayed quit. I'm going to stay on the patch until I am really sure this time. And I might get some straws as well.

[happiedasiy]

Originally Posted by Michel_H

i wish i could use the patch myself.... i find that i have more of an oral fixation problem... i like the feeling of the cigarette in my mouth. plus, i have sensitive skin, so i am afraid i might get rashes. but good on you! i hope using e-cigarettes will help me out the way patches did you for

Maybe my cigarette my binky ?
Going to try the straw method with my mint tic tacs
I'm glad people are posting here!
Best wishes for all who want to quit smoking!
Lets keep in touch
H.

[notz]

The straw was helpful for me. Having it between my fingers was especially comforting.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by notz

It's called a using dream, very common, especially in early withdrawal. Keep working on this addiction! I'm nicotine free for 15 years...you can do it too!

Actually, that happened to me years ago. I ended up quitting for 10 years. Stupidly started up,again and smoked for 5 years, and I have been smoke-free since a June 27, 1999!

[archipelago]

Congrats to all who have quit or are trying to quit. This morning I woke up after a smoking dream. It's better to have cravings when asleep and you can't do anything about it. LOL

Did anyone experience cravings for certain foods? I'm craving salty stuff. Not sure why.

[spondiferous]

I don't remember having specific food cravings. But I chewed gum nonstop. Just the regular kind, not the nicotine kind. But a lot of people report eating a lot more once they stop smoking.

[happiedasiy]

Originally Posted by archipelago

Congrats to all who have quit or are trying to quit. This morning I woke up after a smoking dream. It's better to have cravings when asleep and you can't do anything about it. LOL

Did anyone experience cravings for certain foods? I'm craving salty stuff. Not sure why.

Dear Archipelago,
Unfortunately I am still working on quitting however still less than before!

No, I never had a dream that I was smoking person, makes me think about things.
In the past I have woken up during sleep to have a few cigarette puffs and go back to sleep. Anyone else here do that?
Happiedasiy

[reesecups]

Archipelago, how are you doing now?