Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: das boot on September 19, 2008, 08:40:47 am

Title: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 19, 2008, 08:40:47 am
As they say..."today is the first day of the rest of my life".

I have a doctors appointment later this morning, I've decided that after smoking for forty plus years it's about time I quit for good. I reckon that last year's heart attack was an early warning, so I'm going to get a non-smoking course set up with him, get the arm patches, and generally get this habit stopped once and for all. Enough is enough, I wake up in the mornings with a mouth like the bottom of my parrot's cage, and that's not a pretty sight sometimes.

I'm going to stick the price of a two ounce pack of Old Holborn away in a jar once a week, that cash will be going towards my next years project, the U-Flak 1 (U-441) in 1/32nd scale.

Wish me luck...I'm going in.




Rich
Title: Re: wish me luck, chaps..
Post by: barryfoote on September 19, 2008, 08:44:45 am
Very best of luck Rich.

I quit 12 years ago. Best thing I ever did.

If you have moments of weakness, come on the forum. The guys here will help you stick to it....
Title: Re: wish me luck, chaps..
Post by: DickyD on September 19, 2008, 08:53:27 am
Best of luck Rich.

If you feel you are weakening please read my posting  http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4693.msg49580#msg49580

Title: Re: wish me luck, chaps..
Post by: nhp651 on September 19, 2008, 09:16:25 am
I really do wish you good luck and good health, U33.
I am on a strict diet for health reasons and sometimes  I crack, but with good support from those around you, you'll get there. O0
Best wishes, neil.
Title: Re: wish me luck, chaps..
Post by: White Ensign on September 19, 2008, 09:27:40 am
Rich- whenever you are on the "monkey", just pop in here at our little "hospital ship".... we`ll get you over it.....

And hey! A new sub is the best motivation ever- don`t you think? Just hang some posters around the places where you use to smoke (gardenbank, loft, garage...) and you know what you have quited for!

Make it happen, buddy- get over it!!!!!!!!

All the best,
Jörg
Title: Re: wish me luck, chaps..
Post by: das boot on September 19, 2008, 09:54:40 am
Ah, thanks guys...that's good of you. I'm on a diet too for health reasons, no more truckers breakfasts, no chocolate (well, maybe the odd choccie digestive here and there) and plenty of salads and fresh fruit.

But these damm cigarettes have to go one way or the other. Apart from the incentive of U-Flak 1, I'm fed up with coughing and running out of steam at the crucial moments in life.... ::) What I used to be able to do all night now takes me all night to do... :embarrassed:

Twenty minutes to go chaps...twenty minutes.

Thanks for the good wishes guys..

Rich
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: mikeyh on September 19, 2008, 10:11:04 am
Good luck Rich you can do it. I stopped a fifty a day habit in January 2007. I kept myself occupied building my models for my garden railway. Its not easy but I dont half feel better for it (and I've got money in my pocket!!

Mikey
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 19, 2008, 10:12:02 am

Doctor tells a man:
"Quit smoking, quit drinking, quit fatty foods, avoid all stress and leave the women alone!"
Man:
"Will that make me live longer doctor?"
Doctor:
"No.... but it will just seem you have!"

 All the best of British Rich!  Live long and prosper.

Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: tigertiger on September 19, 2008, 10:13:55 am
Best wishes and good luck.

I quit when I couldn't afford to run an old motorbike and smoke, one of them had to go.

Occasionally I would go out for a beer, or I would be having a bad day, and smoke.
I refused to see this as failure, just a 'day off' or relapse. In the morning I would throw away any ciggies I had left, even though this seems like an expensive waste it is a small price to pay for not continuing.

Sometimes I would do this twice a month, until eventually if I did it I got nothing from it but a bad taste and a dizzy spell. By that time I was off them all together. Took about a year, but in that year I probably only bought 10 packets and only smoked half of them. The rest I scrounged.

BTW one of the first effects noticed by many people who give up is no overdraft at the end of the month.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: White Ensign on September 19, 2008, 10:24:32 am
A guy, end of the 50`s was told by his doc to quit smoking, no more alcohol, no more meat- just veggies, and to leave the ladies in peace.
"You could turn age 90 with that!", the doc mentioned.

The chap stared at the doc and nodded: "Then tell me just one *&%?ß* reason why to become 90!"
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Seaspray on September 19, 2008, 10:39:52 am
Can't remember when I quit but it was a long time ago. Golden Virginia was 47p a 1/2 oz., so work that out. I was tipper driving at the time on site and was puffing about a 3/4 oz. a day, one in my mouth all day.

Went to the docs for something and hinted I would like to stop smoking. Amazed he said there is a young doctor here that is into hypnotism and may help you. Got an appointment with him and he spent an hour chatting to me about this and that relating to smoking. Later I got to know that he was sussing me out to see if I really subconsciously wanted to stop. Having made the choice that I did he treated me. No charge and it worked. the rest is history now.

I can now use that hypnotism myself as he did put that into the treatment and it works.

All I can say is if you really deep down (subconsciously) want to stop, then this is something to consider.

Martin

P.S. From experience the worst thing you can say to anybody is that you have stopped smoking, they'll offer you a cigarette. Best to say no I don't smoke and its great  when you can say that.


Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: malcolmfrary on September 19, 2008, 10:48:34 am
I felt for years that not smoking was a good idea, and stopped several times.  The final one about 20 years ago was when I had the mother of colds and spent the ciggy money on fresh fruit (health-giving vitamins and fibre).  After the cold was over I carried on by putting off buying cigs.  You can only eat so much fresh fruit and you simply dare not be in the presence of a naked light.  It worked for me.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Reade Models on September 19, 2008, 11:00:27 am

I gave them up at 29 after smoking 20+ per day for years - I was already smoking heavily when I left school.

Got a bad dose of pharyngitis - the doc said that if I gave up smoking, my lungs would recover by the time I was 35 and I'd be OK - if I continued smoking much past 30, the damage would be irreparable.

I walked out of the surgery and put my cigarettes and lighter in a litter bin - haven't smoked from that day to this - I'm now 58. The first couple of weeks were Hell, the first year wasn't easy, and if I were to be completely honest, I could pick one up and smoke it now - but I won't.

Downsides...I started eating as soon as I stopped smoking - and have lived with excess weight ever since, but I am a lot better off without cigarettes.

Malc




Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 19, 2008, 11:39:39 am
Well chaps..'tis done. I have the patches and tonight after dinner I will have my last smoke. I'm well happy that I've made the first move and this time it has to be for good.

Had an short MOT at the docs just now..blood pressure fine, heart is working fine, but I couldn't move the lung test thingie much, so that's warning number two. Doc also says that stopping smoking will improve my love life....I'll tell the g/f that when she turns up. Could be in line for a slap... :D

I'm glad that so many of you have trod where I'm about to tread, I know it'll be hard but I must stick to it. Got the first fiver ready for the U-Flak 1 fund...

Cheers and thanks all...

Rich

Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Bunkerbarge on September 19, 2008, 12:24:16 pm
I don't know what all the fuss is about, giving up smoking is easy, I've done it loads of times {-) {-)

Seriously though, I gave up for six years then started living with a girl who was a heavy smoker and so started again.  A few years later I had to go through it all again. 

I think the most important things I can pass on are 1)  It will not be easy, do not kid yourself otherwise, but as time goes on it gets better.  2)  If you are a smoker then you are a smoker for life.  You can stop but it is still in you to start again so never ever kid yourself that you can have just one and remain in control.  I have not had a cigarrette now for about 10 years but I know I could have one now and enjoy it.

If you feel like giving in don't, you will only have to start all over again, come on here and have a moan and you will be surprised at how much support and encouragement you will get.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: omra85 on September 19, 2008, 02:16:36 pm
Rich - on a practical note, I tried the patches and found them useless! If they don't seem to be giving you "the kick" you need to replace the cigs, ask to try the Nicotine Nasal Spray.  It is stronger and works MUCH quicker (makes your nose sore and runny for the first couple of days). It has more of the effects of a cig but is far more "socially acceptable".  A quick squirt up each nostril and away you go ....
Don't get hooked on it though - it's can be MORE addictive than cigarettes (as it's more convenient). But once your out of the cigarette 'habit' then its easier to give up the spray.
You WILL put on weight and it doesn't go away - don't be disheartened, just buy some bigger clothes with all your spare cash!
Good luck
Danny
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: White Ensign on September 19, 2008, 02:46:44 pm
... I had a collegue some years ago and we spend sometimes our social time together. He was living in the house of his parents, so I`d known them both well.
One day- we had a seat at at the balcony, his father came up with some beers. When he sat down, he lighted a cigarette. I was much surprised as I know, he quited smoking 27 years before! I asked what`s that all about and his answer was a bit shocking:
"I quited smoking 27 years ago- my wife carried on. But it doesn`t disturbed me anyway. Due to our vacany at the Northsea it was windy and she tried to light a cigarette. Her worthless tries amused me so much, that I showed her how to light a ciggy in the wind. Once in my mouth- I can`t stop it and I feel know as being back on a drug".

This is what we have to be aware, once off, you`re like a Junkie and the temptation will last until the very end.
I had tried to stop it 3 times, know what I`m talking about.... (weak as I am * :embarrassed: )

Jörg
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: sheerline on September 19, 2008, 04:28:06 pm
U33, a couple of tips here from one who has given up several times: From today, you are not giving up...YOUV'E GIVEN UP!, keep this in the forefront of your mind, it may help. Convince yourself you hate fagsmoke and think of the money your saving. Try not to think about it (very difficult) and when you do, deliberately go off and do something to keep your hands and mind occupied.
Also, try to think of our beloved Chancellors face everytime you think about fags and the fact you (and us) have put millions of pounds in his hand just for the asking!
Good luck and God speed!
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: catengineman on September 19, 2008, 04:34:41 pm
Good luck  O0

I wont go into the story of why I stopped but just say that don't stop stopping it will get easier to live without the weed and it is not necessary to eat in place of the habit.

You have made up your mind to stop so decide that you are not going to "over eat" as well and keep that new build in mind at all times

R,
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: funtimefrankie on September 19, 2008, 05:01:32 pm
I have a doctors appointment later this morning, I've decided that after smoking for forty plus years it's about time I quit for good. I reckon that last year's heart attack was an early warning, so I'm going to get a non-smoking course set up with him, get the arm patches, and generally get this habit stopped once and for all. Enough is enough, I wake up in the mornings with a mouth like the bottom of my parrot's cage, and that's not a pretty sight sometimes.
Rich
Health and  Safety gone mad......
Surely you don't believe all that goverment clap-trap about "Smoking Kills"
and
Remember any extra years now will be incontinent ones, sat in a chair, in care home....not teenage drinkin and chasing women ones..... {-)
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 19, 2008, 07:44:55 pm
I can't believe the response to this, thanks so much chaps...it's giving me immense encouragement for tomorrow morning.

I can't put on weight, since coming off driving the sweeper I've lost four inches off my waistline and also got rid of nearly three stone in weight, I don't want to put that lot back on. Guess I'll have to walk around my work patch instead of driving a van. G/f says I feel like a new man...I got enough with her without getting a new man as well.. ::)

Tomorrow morning then, soon as I wake up, it's hit the shower and get the first patch on. I'm almost out of tobacco anyway, that'll go tonight and then that'll be it.

I'm thinking positive here...

Thanks again guys...

Rich ( a non-smoker)
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 19, 2008, 08:50:57 pm
At the risk of being something out of a Bateman cartoon I can honestly say iIve never had a ciggy in my life. At school, I was a perverse s*d and when the others went behind the bike sheds I went the other way just to be different.

However, when it comes to whisky.... (hic)
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 19, 2008, 09:27:44 pm
Colin, you've led a very sheltered life, I can see this.

There were FAR more interesting things going on behind the bike sheds at our school than having a crafty smoke. Not that I ever went there, of course.... :angel:




Rich
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 19, 2008, 09:33:17 pm
You went to a co educational school then? I shudder to think of the alternative.....
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: alan colson on September 19, 2008, 09:38:38 pm
GO FOR IT U-33, I stopped last November, the hardest time was on holiday in France this July, but I got through it. GOOD LUCK
Alan
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: grasshopper on September 20, 2008, 11:31:48 am
It'll be two years come November since I gave up - walked out of the hospital, looking forward to my first ciggie in a week, lit up took one drag and thought 'Arrgh!! burnt cornflakes!!'

Not had one since - keep having pangs and that smell when it wafts my way and I think 'just one' - but never have.
The up-sides, food tastes so much better (I don't use quite as much spice in my cooking - and I have less hot curries)  I don't smell/stink like I must have before (kids will sit next to me on the settee now) always seem to have money in my wallet.

Down-sides, I now notice how much other people smell / stink - but I think that's more my sense of smell returning.
WEIGHT - two reasons - when I was bored I used to walk round the garden (never smoked indoors) and end up doing a little exercise, now I stroll to the pantry. and food is so much more interesting now...

I'm still convinced that it's not just the addiction to the 'drugs' in the tobacco, it's also the 'life-style and motion' that goes with it. Most quitters see to the chemical side but forget the idle finger syndrome that leads you back to smoking.

Whatever, best of luck with you stopping - it is the best option, and ignore your friends that say 'go on, one won't kill you' - it might not but it's not worth it.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: White Ensign on September 22, 2008, 04:41:39 pm
Rich- you non-smoke!!!!r (applause, TUSH!)

Give us a update:
How are you buddy????


Jörg (still a ß%&§*#y smoker....)
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 22, 2008, 06:12:21 pm

So how's it going Rich?
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Weeds on September 22, 2008, 07:04:48 pm
LOWER BLOOD pressure is an immediate result of quitting smoking. Lower blood pressure means no stroke and no heart attack.  O0
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 22, 2008, 09:03:11 pm
I admit to failing miserably the first day....force of habit, and my on fault for not throwing all my baccie away. Got up, showered, came in the kitchen, put the kettle on and rolled a smoke...and lit it. Failed...miserably.

Today has been hard, I've had a smoker working with me, but I have resisted all temptation and not had a smoke.
To give me more incentive, I've just had a fone call from the wife of a very old friend, I worked with him for years...he was a heavy smoker, and today at 1300hrs he had a heart attack and died in minutes.

He was smoking at the time he died....


Rich
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Didge on September 22, 2008, 09:38:20 pm
I like a smoke, so I don't want to give up. Then I saw these things on the market, and bought one.
Not touched a real ciggie for 4 weeks, as the 'Electronic Cigarette' gives the same 'hit', without all the tar and chemicals. Plus it can be used in pubs/clubs/offices etc etc. O0
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u248/Buellcyclone/th_BlackMiniCig.gif) (http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u248/Buellcyclone/BlackMiniCig.gif)


From here:-
http://www.theelectroniccigarette.co.uk/shop/default.asp

More info here:-
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Weeds on September 22, 2008, 09:49:49 pm
I admit to failing miserably the first day....force of habit, and my on fault for not throwing all my baccie away. Got up, showered, came in the kitchen, put the kettle on and rolled a smoke...and lit it. Failed...miserably.

Today has been hard, I've had a smoker working with me, but I have resisted all temptation and not had a smoke.
To give me more incentive, I've just had a fone call from the wife of a very old friend, I worked with him for years...he was a heavy smoker, and today at 1300hrs he had a heart attack and died in minutes.

He was smoking at the time he died....


Rich

Have you tried the nicotine patch? I don't think it's possible to quit without one..Have you tried smoking cigarettes with a filter? It feels like sucking air through a straw, but it's worth it..
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: White Ensign on September 22, 2008, 10:05:59 pm
Rich.... and if there are dozens of moments when you fall back.... DON`T GIVE UP THE TRIES!!!!!!!!!

10 times you fall back, at the 11th time you`ll be the winner!!!!

Jörg
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Seaspray on September 23, 2008, 08:17:12 am
Hi U33
Sorry to hear you have had to have a cigarette

I see some of the members  have offered stop smoking  aids to help you stop, try them.  I said you have to really want to do it deep down in yourself.

At least you have admitted to the deed which is a good thing.  So lets see you start again.    O0

Alternatively you could get involved with the help on the NHS stop smoking site. Or get help the way I done it.

Good Luck    O0


Martin
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: sheerline on September 23, 2008, 09:30:41 am
U33, you must get everything out of the house that is connected with smoking, baccy, papers lighter ash trays... the lot.. this is a must. This way you don't even cater for smokers who visit you and you declare the house a no-smoking zone. If you can learn to hate smoking you will win, it's almost a form of self hypnosis. In my experience, smoking is 5% nicotine addiction and 95% mental addiction. The nicotine addiction wears off after a week so beyond that it's all down to your mind.
So you have had a fag... forget it, that was yesterday, your'e on a new day now so one day at a time and just keep plodding.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: DickyD on September 23, 2008, 04:33:29 pm
Stick at it Rich less you want a reasonable chance of ending up like me.

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4693.msg49580#msg49580

I am actually worse now than when I did that posting.
I haven't been able to get to my shed for the last few weeks.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 25, 2008, 08:17:39 pm
That's how Bernie Wood went Dicky, not a pretty thing to see. He got to the point where he couldn't do anything without being on a oxygen bottle, poor old Bernie...but he still smoked his Old Holborn.

I've had a good day today...not one cigarette at all. I haven't really wanted one until dinner time, then I fancied one, but seeing as how I don't have anything to smoke that put paid to that! I cleared out the flat of everything connected to smoking, cleared the car of dog ends and even washed out the ashtrays. Then I did the same to the van at work this morning, the guys thought I'd finally flipped..

48 hours without now...three packets of chewing gum, but no ciggies!

Thanks guys, you are helping me so much without realising it...

Rich
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 25, 2008, 09:20:25 pm
  2 days =  :) :)
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: catengineman on September 25, 2008, 09:38:29 pm
Hi just a smalltip

 Go easy on the chewing gum.

it can and will act as a laxative if taken in too large a quantity

first signs is a lot of       "wind"  :embarrassed:  :-\

R, keep it up man you'll beat the addiction
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: rem2007 on September 25, 2008, 10:15:43 pm
Great for you Rich, after reading this thread over the past few days you've inspired me to pack up. I've set a date and have told the missus and will consult my gp. Seeing as how my next birthday is the big 50, I believe that packing up is the best present I can give myself, beside the PT Elco kit I already bought.
Anyway, its nearer the end of November and I'll keep you posted, besides, its hard to inspire a 9 year old to be a good footy player when you have a crafty fag at the half.
Keep it up mate.
Robert
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: dreadnought72 on September 26, 2008, 09:26:50 am
Two days is excellent - you're near the end of the physical addiction: the bit where your neuro-receptors are clammering for nicotine. Two more days, you'll just be facing the psychological pressures of "I can do this, so why not have one?" which'll pass in a fortnight or so. 

Don't give up!

rem2007 has made a great point. It is inspirational hearing how you're doing, and it should be a kick-start to others.

So, along with him, I shall give up (small cigars) too: it's insanely expensive, bad for me, and stinks the place out. I smoked cigarettes in my early twenties for a number of years and gave them up (complete cold turkey - which was odd, since I'm a vegetarian  :D) when my mortgage shot up to about £200 a month (!). Naturally I became the traditional sanctimonious reformed smoker, stayed a smoke-free zealot for fifteen years, then met and married ... a smoker.

It's got to stop. The smoking, not the marriage! And - of this morning - I have just finished a box. So that'll be my last one.

Andy, keen to see the £1500 a year I'll be saving.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: omra85 on September 26, 2008, 04:16:10 pm
I found this chart helpful a few years ago when I packed up.
Print it out, fold it up and put it in your pocket.  Take it out frequently and work out where you are on it.
The money side is based on someone spending wasting £5 a day (one packet)
The "pain" line shows that, with most people, the worst days are between 3 and 7, as has beem already said, the nicotine craving wears off after a few days but the "habit" keeps on for longer.  It's like those giant cigs in the TV advert waiting in hiding to catch you unexpectedly!
The main point of the two graphs is to show that the pain WILL eventually fade but the money saved keeps increasing for the rest of your (now longer) life!!
Keep at it lads.

Oooh - I feel a "D-Day" speech coming on ....

Danny
 
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: DickyD on September 26, 2008, 04:23:24 pm
Just for you Danny  O0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEyCjN9riiY
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: omra85 on September 26, 2008, 04:29:45 pm
Just what the ex-smokers need Dicky - that, and 2000 Mayhemmers cheering them on  O0

Danny
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on September 26, 2008, 04:32:34 pm
Another day...another smoke free day so far. Well...almost. Somebody at work gave me a cigarette earlier, so when I got home I had my shower and a cold beer (non alcoholic, I hasten to add) and lit the cig. By heck, it tasted bl**dy awful...one puff and out of the window it went. End of story...that's it. The front room now stinks again, whereas it didn't when I came home...in a way I'm  glad I did light it because it brings it home how much the things make your home smell, and I guess I must smell the same.

So, that's it boys...I can't do that again, it was horrible. I am now officially a non smoker...period.

Rich
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: omra85 on September 26, 2008, 04:58:28 pm
Rich - in a couple of weeks, you'll be able to smell a smoker a mile off.  Its not just the breath, it's the clothes, the houses, the cars ...
By that time, you can allow yourself a small smirk of self-satisfaction cos you'll be well over the "pain barrier".
There WILL be times when you'd do anything for a cig, but it passes quickly and becomes far less intense with time.
Remember though, that with time your memory will try to filter out the "bad bits" about smoking which can fool you into thinking one is OK - at least now you know what ' just one' tastes like  :P

We will fight them on the beaches, in the houses and down the pub!  We will never surrender....

Danny
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Seaspray on September 27, 2008, 05:32:40 pm
This is why I am glad that I stopped smoking but at the time smoking was suppose to be the in thing and good for you . Hopefully it will help others to.

Martin
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: White Ensign on September 27, 2008, 05:46:31 pm
Rich- hope you are still on your way to keep yourself clean.... good guy, strong mind.... and when you wanna try one and it smeels like bulls**t, good for you! Always remind that it tasted like this....
Keep it up buddy, be strong, become yourself without it.... glad that another one had made his way.

Be with you-

Jörg

Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Roger in France on September 27, 2008, 05:58:11 pm
In 1958 (at a very tender age!) I went on a school trip to Paris. We boys smoked "Disque Bleu"....never, ever again. It cured me for life and, at the age of 65, I have never touched a cigarette since.

Hope all goes well for you, Rich. It is great to see all the encouragement you are receiving here on the Forum.

Roger in France.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: grasshopper on September 27, 2008, 07:56:06 pm
Glad to hear you've made it 'over the hump' That last ciggie thatv tasted like 'burnt cornflakes' was what did it for me too. now's the time you need the distraction from having a cigarette - the nicotine craving subsides and then it's the action of having the ciggie that you'll hve to cope with.

The chewing gum substitution needs watching as well - that can be just as addictive - and gave me mouth ulcers, I kept biting the inside of my mouth whilst chewing!
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: White Ensign on September 29, 2008, 07:18:09 am
Grasshopper..... know that feeling, that hurts so bad..... biting in your cheeks.... or tongue... uuuuuh :P
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: grandad on September 30, 2008, 01:28:48 pm
Rich
Please do not do what I did!
I had been smoking for (Like you) for over 40  years and had tried to quit numerois time with everything u could buy to hellp u quit! nothing worked!
I found myself lying to my family and taking money from my wife to buy a pack of smokes THEN!
In June of this year (I have had heart attacks before and they didn't stop me from smoking) I was in the yard taking a couple of puffs when my stomach began to hurt real bad and I mean BAD) without waking my family I jumped in my pickumup and headed for the ER
after the Dr. Examined me he told me that I had blown out my colon ! i wound up in intensive care for a couple of weeks THEN i coughed hard and blew out my colon again (weakened by years of smoking) needless to say every doctor in the hospital told my family that I could not live !
But one Dr. didn't give up and I am now doing fine

DONT START BACK

Larry
Grandad
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Colin H on October 02, 2008, 05:10:12 pm
Just a thankyou to Didge,

Both the wife and I have been chronic smokers for years having read Didge's post we purchased two electronic ciggie's haven't touched a real one for a week and now smoking for real is banned in our house.

Never know it may help to go the whole hog, will have to wait and see about that.

Colin H.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: das boot on October 02, 2008, 08:48:49 pm
Wow...seems I have started something here, so let's keep it going eh? I'm still struggling through day by day, I admit to weakening a couple of times, but then everytime I do weaken and have a smoke, it tastes worse and worse, so by my reckoning one day very soon a smoke is going to taste so bl**dy awful it'll make me real bad, and that will be THE one.

If I can keep on like I am now..one, maybe two a day, I'm pleased. I only roll them, take a pull or two and leave them on the dash anyway, so I don't really class it as smoking properly.

Tomorrow I have a doc's appointment again, I have to report to him about my progress...I'll post up his thoughts tomorrow after work.

But on the upside...even my cooking tastes better, so that's got to be a good thing!

Rich
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: omra85 on October 02, 2008, 10:04:47 pm
Rich
If your doc's any good he'll give you a CO2 test which will show IMMEDIATELY if you have had a single cig in the last 3 -4 hours.
I'm not saying this so that you can try to lie to him, just so you are aware.

I thought you'd chucked out all the baccy and cleaned the ashtrays  ::)
The old trick of keeping the car window wide open whilst driving along, eh?  Freeze your nuts off for a drag that you can't taste cos your so cold  ::) ::)   Why are we so daft  {-)

Bin there - done that - but keep it up giving them up and one day, you just won't bother with one and be able to sit in a lovely WARM car with the windows shut  O0

Danny
 
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: roycv on October 02, 2008, 10:56:14 pm
Hi all, I don't know if this will help but I gave up smoking in 1971, this was the 3rd. attempt and this time  it worked for me.

I bought my self a present.  This represented the cost of 6 weeks of smoking and it took some justifying. Doing this is a bit of an eye opener as to how much you spend on cigarettes.
I told myself that at the end of the 6 weeks I could smoke again or buy myself another 'present'.

I never bought myself that 2nd. present and I did not smoke anymore either.

Best of luck and I do hope you succeed.
Roy
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Seaspray on October 03, 2008, 08:15:30 am
C'mom mate,  just say no.  O0

Hard ain't it, been there. you'll get there if you really want to.



Martin

Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: sheerline on October 03, 2008, 09:45:37 am
For what it's worth, that odd drag you're having will keep the brain ticking away in the background and it's a timebomb. One really stressful moment and the smoking devil in your brain will demand satisfaction and you will definately light up that stogey you have sitting on the dashboard. The best thing you can do is sling it out of the window because you know it is there and you WILL light it up again! You have to learn to hate it and hate yourself for being a slave to it, these comments come from one who has bin there many times. I gave up for years and had completely forgotten about smoking until I let myself down ONCE and wiped out years of freedom because it put me straight back on it.
Keep at it but always bear in mind that even though you give up, that little b-st--d in your brain will still be sitting there for years waiting to pounce, so never get contemptuous of him.

Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: bosun on October 03, 2008, 10:07:46 am
Hy Guys
My wife and I had been relatively heavy smokers from our early teens, we had been married for 25 years when she was diagnosed with lung cancer, she died in my arms in April 1993,  I never, ever, want to see anybody suffer like that again, You would think that this would have made me stop smoking, but the stress of the time made it worse, I would smoke anything and everything I could get, I also turned to drinking, believe it or not my favourite drink would be Brandy and Nightnurse, yes you did read that right, I lost my home, family and friends through it all , not directly through smoking but it was a major factor, I could,nt even stop even for my families sake, and the reason why is  (Deep down I did,nt want to )  
I have since got it all back on course, I literally said to myself one day, what the hell are you doing to yourself,  I threw away the fags and the booze, and have not touched a smoke, or drink for 11 years, and the reason I could do it was, because I WANTED TO DO IT FOR MYSELF, not because somebody else had kept on to me, or it was the right thing to do. I am a musician and my working enviroment at the time was full of cigarette smoke and drink, so keeping to not smoking was hard,
  Since thenI have remarried,  and completely turned my life around ,I  still work as a musician but only ever drink water before I go on stage, I  never ever smoke, and usually dont have people around me that do. Why do I put smoking and drinking together, well in my case one begat another, they are both hard to stop once you get hooked, but believe me if I can quit anybody can. I am now going out to my shed/workshop. I have 6 tugs out there, either complete or part built, I have another 7 fishing boats to build or finish, but mostly I now have the health, the inclination, and god willing the time to enjoy my life. and I can honestly say if I had,nt stopped I would,nt be here to write tis message.
You can do it .
Best Wishes
Bosun
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: dreadnought72 on October 16, 2009, 10:24:56 am
And - of this morning - I have just finished a box. So that'll be my last one.

Andy, keen to see the £1500 a year I'll be saving.

Ummm, well. It wasn't my last one. I wrote the above in September last year.  :embarrassed: And I suppose I'm £1500 worse off than then.  <:(

However!!!!  :-))

On Tuesday night, the right moment came: I felt ready, I got a pile of support, and I quit. Cold Turkey. Enough. No more.

It's now Friday mid-morning and the physical craving has substantially gone. From "painful" to "next to nothing" in 60 hours: if you know the end is not too far away, and just get through this spell of two to three days, hour by hour, it's not too difficult.

So that's my brain just about given up on nicotine. The next two weeks are going to be spent concentrating on adjusting my psychological addiction. Not wanting one after eating, with a pint, etc.

...Then I'll be completely back with the sanctimonious reformed smoke-free people who posted here with so much good advice a year ago!

Andy, ready to start saving cash.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: sheerline on October 16, 2009, 10:45:26 am
Andy, good luck shipmate... go for it. A member of my family gave up two years ago, became a sanctimonious, self righteous reformed smoker and even told me he used to get irritated being around those who still smoked and thought it was the most stupid thing in the world.
I warned him he was just one fag away from going back to it and he should be ever watchful but he was so full of self righteousness and treated my comment with contempt.
One day his son brought loads of cigs back from abroad, he tried one..... end of story, he's straight back on the ruddy things and doing 20 a day. Worse than that, his wife had given up at the same time and she's back on them too!!
 Once a smoker, always a smoker.... BEWARE!! I speak from personal experience here too.
I hope his and many others experience will help speed you to a full and permanent recovery Andy
Wishing you all the luck in the world now you are almost a free man.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: derekwarner on October 16, 2009, 01:29:43 pm
Hi Rich........... %% I smoked for 46 years , but am now smoke free for 9 years

I used the Nicobate patch 3 month system
I do not crave a ciggie
I can light a ciggie for my wife with out the desire to smoke it
My taste sensation of foods has improved ......but only markedly
I do now notice others......that smoke by the odour of their clothing  :((

My memory tells me it was Sir Francis Drake  >>:-( who bought tobacco back from the Americas...unknowing the TAX $$$$$$$ for Governments  & the death rate involved

If you want to stop you can....but it must be your decision & your determination...........regards Derek  :-))


Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: DickyD on October 16, 2009, 01:44:49 pm
If you need some incentive to stay of smoking maybe this post I put on some time ago will help.

First I was still smoking when I was diagnosed.
The first symptoms were a shortness of breath when when exerting myself, I was a builder. Then there was the smokers cough which was getting worse. I then started to get a fairly serious shortage of breath when working in dusty conditions, not  good for a builder. I started to struggle carrying heavy weights especially on stairs or ladders.
I went to my GP who sent me for x-rays. When the results came back the GP asked me to call in the surgery where she told me I had emphysema, I packed up smoking that day [9/11] and I haven't smoked since.
The emphysema has got worse since then. I had to retire the following April and haven't worked since. Previous to packing up work I cannot remember the last time I was sick.
I have been bluelighted to the hospital twice and on the second occasion my wife was told to expect the worse, this was cause by an excess of CO2 in my blood caused by the lungs not working properly. The CO2 effectively shut down my internal organs.
I also suffer from cellulitis which is an infection in my legs that can make the legs swell to twice there normal size and is a side affect of poor circulation.
As I said previously this disease affects every aspect of your life. You think of something that you do and this will affect or prevent you doing it. Your life very nearly comes to a standstill .
Air quality which the average person doesn't notice can confine you to a chair because of the breathlessness.
Shaving can result in having to sit down for 5minutes to get your breath back.
Filling kettle and making tea can have the same affect.
You can not plan to do anything as you don't know how you will be on the day.
Boat building has to be done in short spells because the of fumes from paint glue solder etc
If you need anything lifted or carried you need help.
A lot of walking is out , you need a wheelchair and someone to push it.
If you need to pop in a shop you have to park right outside because it will be too far to walk otherwise.
You will learn to hate able bodied people who park in disabled parking bays, or use disabled toilets.
You are not allowed on a plane again because of the low oxygen and low pressure in the cabin.
For me that means I will never see my mum or sister and her family again as they live in New Zealand.
I have to be on oxygen every night which makes going away a bit of a problem.
Talking of nights, sometimes it can be a struggle to get upstairs at night, might have to stop a couple of times to get my breath back. I now need a stair lift.
I hope I haven't waffle on to much but it is very difficult to really tell it like it is.
I hope you can now see why I spend so much time on here, it is the nearest I get to meeting and speaking to other people. Sad or what ?
The one thing I forgot, the medication, I collect 2 months at a time and it comes in two carrier bags, so ask the wife to empty out a kitchen unit because you will need it. [See photo]
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: BrianCartwright on October 16, 2009, 06:05:55 pm
 :-))Rich,
Like you I smoked every thing and any thing for over 40 years.ten years ago I caught a severe viral infection.On going to the doctors I was prescribed antibiotics.By the time I got home I was really gasping for breath.I phoned the doctor again and he said what do you expect,give the medication a chance.I went to bed and could hardly breath even going to the bathroom.
The next day I felt a little better,thought I'd try a fag,as you would being a hardened slave to the weed.No chance.I couldn't get my breath for what seemed like a life time.Second day same results.Third day same.I then threw my toys out of the pram and I said sod it then I'll quit,and I did.
What I'm trying to do is boost your moral a bit as if you put your mind to it you can quit.
I think all these aids to quitting smoking only frustrate your efforts.
It helps a bit if like me you are a bit spoilt,arogant and bloody minded,particularly the latter.
Lookl Rich,just go for it,no more I'll d it on Wednesday.DO IT NOW!!!!!.
Best of luck mate.

Brian
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Wasyl on October 16, 2009, 10:44:30 pm
Hi Rich,
I,ll stick my tuppence worth in,for what its worth,I,m 59 and up until 6 years ago,I still had both of my parents,but then in quick succession, i lost both of them,...To a smoking related disease,My mother was diagnosed as having Lung Cancer at 66,she had the diseased lung removed,and she stopped smoking,then  lived for another 10 years,then COPD (,Emphysema)took her,My father had a Heart Attack (smoking related)at 66,he, survived this, stopped smoking, and went on to live until he was 77,then a stroke took him,
3 Months ago I was diagnosed with COPD,(mild) but it will get worse,I too am trying to stop smoking,I am breathless,I,ve now taken early retirement,
I know i should stop altogether,but am finding it very difficult,I have been able to cut down from 3oz Old Holborn per week,to just 1oz per week, but it is still 1oz too many,I, have had encouragement from members on here,and I,have now set a date,to which i am now gearing,and on this date i will stop,
I did try to stop before,and was smoke free for 6 months in which time i was able to save nearly £600,which paid for a holiday,Hopefully this time i will succeed,My D,Day, is the 31st Oct,

Wullie
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: rem2007 on October 16, 2009, 11:31:39 pm
....was on the pacth for the first 2 weeks of October after listening to my 10 year step son always complaining to Mum and i while on holiday, stress got me and work, but as of Sunday am I've had it , no patch and no nurse, just go for it, I didn't need a patch to start smoking so why should I use one to stop, those 2 weeks I felt real good, teeth were cleaner, food tasted better, and my car smelt better, so go for it.

Robert
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: derekwarner on October 17, 2009, 01:50:18 am
Well Rich....it is nearly a month now since your posting & I see approx 63 replies.......which is a great response.....please confirm how you are progressing.....I am sure each of the other members who have posted would like to know........Derek  :-))
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Abuelo3 on October 19, 2009, 05:03:16 pm
HEY HEY HEY
STOP SMOKING, YES, YES YES
Let me give some advice, just fine when You need really to smoke, go to your favorite deli shop, buy some fresh CHILES, any kind but fresh, bite it , You will fell some fire, >>:-( but You will NOT need to smock, the other way is to wash your mouth with Tequila and off course , You have to spit ALL the tequila.
Goo Luck, and please do not give up.
Best Wishes :-))
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: ajb68 on October 19, 2009, 05:57:14 pm
If you need some incentive to stay of smoking maybe this post I put on some time ago will help.

First I was still smoking when I was diagnosed.
The first symptoms were a shortness of breath when when exerting myself, I was a builder. Then there was the smokers cough which was getting worse. I then started to get a fairly serious shortage of breath when working in dusty conditions, not  good for a builder. I started to struggle carrying heavy weights especially on stairs or ladders.
I went to my GP who sent me for x-rays. When the results came back the GP asked me to call in the surgery where she told me I had emphysema, I packed up smoking that day [9/11] and I haven't smoked since.
The emphysema has got worse since then. I had to retire the following April and haven't worked since. Previous to packing up work I cannot remember the last time I was sick.
I have been bluelighted to the hospital twice and on the second occasion my wife was told to expect the worse, this was cause by an excess of CO2 in my blood caused by the lungs not working properly. The CO2 effectively shut down my internal organs.
I also suffer from cellulitis which is an infection in my legs that can make the legs swell to twice there normal size and is a side affect of poor circulation.
As I said previously this disease affects every aspect of your life. You think of something that you do and this will affect or prevent you doing it. Your life very nearly comes to a standstill .
Air quality which the average person doesn't notice can confine you to a chair because of the breathlessness.
Shaving can result in having to sit down for 5minutes to get your breath back.
Filling kettle and making tea can have the same affect.
You can not plan to do anything as you don't know how you will be on the day.
Boat building has to be done in short spells because the of fumes from paint glue solder etc
If you need anything lifted or carried you need help.
A lot of walking is out , you need a wheelchair and someone to push it.
If you need to pop in a shop you have to park right outside because it will be too far to walk otherwise.
You will learn to hate able bodied people who park in disabled parking bays, or use disabled toilets.
You are not allowed on a plane again because of the low oxygen and low pressure in the cabin.
For me that means I will never see my mum or sister and her family again as they live in New Zealand.
I have to be on oxygen every night which makes going away a bit of a problem.
Talking of nights, sometimes it can be a struggle to get upstairs at night, might have to stop a couple of times to get my breath back. I now need a stair lift.
I hope I haven't waffle on to much but it is very difficult to really tell it like it is.
I hope you can now see why I spend so much time on here, it is the nearest I get to meeting and speaking to other people. Sad or what ?
The one thing I forgot, the medication, I collect 2 months at a time and it comes in two carrier bags, so ask the wife to empty out a kitchen unit because you will need it. [See photo]


I have been a smoker for about 25 years and have been thinking of giving up not for purely financial reasons but also because my second wife Susan and i had a beautiful baby boy 4 months ago , having read the posts on this thread an Dickyd , s post especially i have decided to go for it i was a commercial fishing skipper and ive been to hell and back out there but i think this will be the toughest fight ive had , thanks to dickyd and all the others who have posted . Regards Andy
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: essex2visuvesi on October 19, 2009, 06:31:37 pm
Rich
If your doc's any good he'll give you a CO2 test which will show IMMEDIATELY if you have had a single cig in the last 3 -4 hours.
I'm not saying this so that you can try to lie to him, just so you are aware.

I thought you'd chucked out all the baccy and cleaned the ashtrays  ::)
The old trick of keeping the car window wide open whilst driving along, eh?  Freeze your nuts off for a drag that you can't taste cos your so cold  ::) ::)   Why are we so daft  {-)

Bin there - done that - but keep it up giving them up and one day, you just won't bother with one and be able to sit in a lovely WARM car with the windows shut  O0

Danny
 

Something to bear in mind.  The CO2 test can show false positives if you have been soldering or welding within the last few hours... I went for my checkup and I was showing readings similar to what I would have had I just had a cig.  I had actually been welding that morning.

I use a plastic cigarette called crafe away.  My mum sends me 2 a month from the UK.  They are 2 quid each
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: dreadnought72 on October 21, 2009, 04:59:21 pm
Well it's a week yesterday that I stopped.  :-))

And I feel fine.

The physical cravings have gone, completely, and there's only the odd "I used to smoke at this point" as I go through my daily routines - which'll pass in a week or two.

I can breath better, I'm snoring less, and I can run up and down the stairs at work like I used to be able to. Plus I'm saving money AND not giving the government half as much as I did! Win-win!!!

Andy, recommending everyone who does smoke to give "giving up" a go.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: jonny shoreboy on October 21, 2009, 06:32:34 pm
The hardest part of quitting smoking is admitting to yourself that you can NEVER EVER have another cigarette EVER! I quit just over 12 years ago and have never smoked since.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Abuelo3 on October 22, 2009, 04:52:28 pm
HIP HIP HIP.
wHEN I QUITT SMOKING I FIND THAT I HAVE A BETTER PERFOMANCE IN MY HUSBAND DUTY %% :P
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: rob on October 24, 2009, 03:16:01 pm
well done those of you who have done it.  Im trying to get over the chest infection i got from that new drug " Champix", its bloody hard to enjoy a fag with a bad chest !  Anyway, im off to a Hypnotherapist on Thursday evening........ i will either come out a non smoker or acting like a chicken everytime someone clicks their fingers !.

 but if its going to make me even better in the husbandly role..... i feel sorry for the wife !.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: rem2007 on October 24, 2009, 10:19:55 pm
....back on the patch tomorrow, really want to do this, smart enough to know better, wish me luck. Asked the nurse about the Champix and Zyban, which they don't use anymore, but first attempt had 2 weeks and all went well until first stress day and bang grab a fag, but have resovled to readdress this with better communication.

Robert
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Damien on October 29, 2009, 11:14:47 am
I was a smoker for 20 yrs  carton of 200 Marlboro a week  i gave up in '85 when they were $15 a ctn they're now 87 a ctn.
I tried to quit 6 time after a week each time my wife couldn't  stand my mood and bought a pack and that was it she studied hypnosis and under suggestion told me when i need a fag to eat a tic tac not real smart i was quickly dependand on tic  tac's lol . We tried again we swapped the tic tac's for each fag tasting like petrol it worked a treat. The worst cravings only lasted a few weeks and my biggest problem was what to do with my hands !!!!!!!!!!!!! so i got stuck into modelling.
In times of severe stress (every time mother inlaw visited ) i craved a smoke real bad this lasted 7 or 8 yrs

Stick at it Guys you'll be better off in the long run, it's been 24yrs since i've had bronchitis or pleursey.
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: dreadnought72 on December 20, 2009, 11:48:18 pm
Well it's ten weeks on Tuesday since I stopped - and now this part of the ride is easy. I'm £250 up on the spends, woohoo me! I've no desire for one anymore - secondhand smoke smells awful, and I had one dream a week ago where I'd had one, followed by a major guilt complex on waking up.  %)

Most important thing is the health benefits and having saved all that cash!  :-))

Andy
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Wasyl on December 21, 2009, 01:15:05 am
Well Done,just think of the money you can spend on that big boat of yours,



Wullie
Title: Re: Wish me luck, chaps.. (Quitting Smoking)
Post by: Netleyned on December 21, 2009, 03:37:04 pm
Keep it up! Istopped five years ago and still smoke in my dreams
Are you noticing that the nice fresh open air these days smells
more of smoke as every smoker now has to stand outside public
houses, shops,offices and all public buildings.
I seem to come out of shopping centres (smoke free) into
the smoky open air

Yours Aye

Ned