Quitting smokeless: A journal - Page 4

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-05-2006, 12:03 PM

If you're "feelin' it", that means you're getting a lot closer to cleansing the system. Don't give up. Find alternatives to keep you busy.

AlexB · 05-05-2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bea-Arthurs Hip

Jari - are you still using the patch?

Yeah, the last time I stopped for any notable time, I followed roughly the schedule they recommended. I plan to drop to the third and lowest level this weekend, and then after another week or ten days, stop using patches as well...

After I did have some Easter Monday when I went proper cold turkey, I figure I'd best follow the regime again

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-08-2006, 07:42 AM

The lack of posts over the last 3 days is making me nervous. Weekend sobriety check-in? Did we make it?

AlexB · 05-08-2006, 08:46 AM

Weekend was fine - today's a bastard though.

Very nearly stopped at the store at lunch time: well actually I did stop at the store but bought a Diet Coke instead.

MizzouRah · 05-08-2006, 10:03 AM

D-23 and I almost stopped this weekend, well I went to get gas and decided to see if they had my brand.. they did and I really wanted to get a can. Oh I hate this!

Swaggs · 05-08-2006, 02:46 PM

You guys should try rewarding yourself by putting the money you would have spent into a jar and then using the savings to get a new game or go to ballgame or out to a movie (or whatever else you enjoy doing in your spare time).

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-08-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

D-23 and I almost stopped this weekend, well I went to get gas and decided to see if they had my brand.. they did and I really wanted to get a can. Oh I hate this!

Good for you! Stay the course, man! I'm going to have to start throwing some Mizzou bait out there for you to entice you to keep going. Rumor has it that I have basketball season tickets at center court and that my wife very rarely uses the other ticket for the games. But that's just a rumor.........

MizzouRah · 05-08-2006, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Good for you! Stay the course, man! I'm going to have to start throwing some Mizzou bait out there for you to entice you to keep going. Rumor has it that I have basketball season tickets at center court and that my wife very rarely uses the other ticket for the games. But that's just a rumor.........

You're giving me too much incentive!! I can't handle it...

Neuqua · 05-08-2006, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Rumor has it that I have basketball season tickets at center court and that my wife very rarely uses the other ticket for the games. But that's just a rumor.........

That's an incentive?

AlexB · 05-09-2006, 07:31 AM

OK... Today sucks as well. But I've just made myself feel slightly better about it via the good old internet - no not like that: I'm at work

The last two days, and generally when I have 'needed' a cigarette in the past, my arms ache like hell - for the past 36 hours my forearms have just been aching pretty much non-stop. Not fun at all. As a result I am not concentrating that well, and am a little bit impatient (I wouldn't say irritable yet, just impatient

)

But I have read that this aching/numbness is actually a good sign, a sign that my circulation is improving. So despite the constant ache, I feel better about it.

But I guess this is the disadvantage of patches as opposed to cold turkey. The initial enthusiasm and desire to give up has naturally faded, and the symptoms come as you decrease the dosage, well after the initial determination when you would be best able to counter the withdrawal symptoms.

The bad news - this is happening when I have dropped down to stage 3 of 3 on the patches - I still have a week or two on this level before using nothing at all, when I assume I will go through this again

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-09-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neuqua

That's an incentive?

Hater. We'll see you in December.

JeeberD · 05-09-2006, 11:17 AM

Excellent work, guys! Glad to see that both of you are still going strong...

MizzouRah · 05-09-2006, 01:38 PM

D-24 boys and girls!

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-10-2006, 07:43 AM

Your mouth has to be feeling a TON better than it has in the past. I've seen how much that stuff tears up your gums. Congrats on another day completed.

AlexB · 05-11-2006, 11:30 AM

OK - I've thought fuck it: If I'm going to feel this level of tobacco withdrawal using the patch before I'm supposed to stop altogether, it's not worth it....

So I've taken the drastic step of not using anyhting: I don;t feel particularly great, but if I'm going to feel like this, it may as well be for completely getting rid of the nicotine rather than just most of it.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-11-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jari Rantanen's Shorts

OK - I've thought fuck it: If I'm going to feel this level of tobacco withdrawal using the patch before I'm supposed to stop altogether, it's not worth it....

So I've taken the drastic step of not using anyhting: I don;t feel particularly great, but if I'm going to feel like this, it may as well be for completely getting rid of the nicotine rather than just most of it.

Well, this should add some drama to the thread.

Good luck to you.

MizzouRah · 05-11-2006, 12:30 PM

JRS - Way to go!!

I almost lost it last night and it's becoming a better idea to put a fatty in by the day. I'm tired of work, friends, co-workers, internet forums, just about everything.

D 26 has me pissed.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-11-2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

JRS - Way to go!!

I almost lost it last night and it's becoming a better idea to put a fatty in by the day. I'm tired of work, friends, co-workers, internet forums, just about everything.

D 26 has me pissed.

JRS is cold turkey and Mizzourah is having bad thoughts........

May 11th. A day that will live in imfamy.

AlexB · 05-12-2006, 03:53 PM

Ok, I've found a good way to stop thinking about cigarettes - to snap something in your knee: the only thing that bothers me now is my knee, despite the clinic giving it the 'if it still hurts in a week come back'.

Fortunately I've also found something that helps the knee pain, so later I'll be off to post in the Ping: Drunk Guy thread

JeeberD · 05-14-2006, 09:44 PM

I hope you guys had a good weekend!

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-15-2006, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

I hope you guys had a good weekend!

Yep, I'm checking in too hoping to hear good news.

AlexB · 05-15-2006, 10:04 AM

Yeah, still haven't had any cigarettes.

Can't say I'm enjoying the fact that I've not have any cigarettes though to be perfectly honest. Given up nicotine, and replaced it with increased caffeine and alcohol! Not really sure that's what's supposed to happen.

MizzouRah · 05-15-2006, 12:41 PM

I slipped this weekend.

I've quit drinking and had one chew from an old can while cleaning the garage. At least it's gone.

Day 1 - Shit!

JeeberD · 05-15-2006, 06:23 PM

Just think of it as having dipped just once out of the past 30 or so days. Stay strong and stay away from those old cans!

MizzouRah · 05-15-2006, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Just think of it as having dipped just once out of the past 30 or so days. Stay strong and stay away from those old cans!

Thanks Jeebs! It's been a long day and it's nice to read some encouragement.

AlexB · 05-16-2006, 09:30 AM

As Jeeber says, consider it once in 30 days - this once is a minor setback, not a reason to have any more. Stay strong Todd.

FWIW I'm beginning to find it a little easier with the no patches now, yesterday was a bit better, today a little more so. I've now got three dates I'm working off:
44 days since began to stop
29 days since my last cigarette (the only time I've smoked in the 44 days was 3 on Easter Monday)
Day 6 without either fags or patches

Really it's day 29, probably really only day 6, but I prefer one day in 44

JeeberD · 05-16-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Thanks Jeebs! It's been a long day and it's nice to read some encouragement.

Hey, I'm here for my friends (even if they're icky Cards fans)...

MizzouRah · 05-16-2006, 12:42 PM

Good for you JRS!

I'm back in the saddle again, Day 2

AlexB · 05-17-2006, 11:53 AM

OK - maybe that was just a good day

Today's been pretty tough again...

How you doing Todd?

MizzouRah · 05-17-2006, 02:27 PM

Day 3 - good day today!! Nice outside!!

MizzouRah · 05-18-2006, 11:23 AM

Day 4 and the fog is once again lifting.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 05-19-2006, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Day 4 and the fog is once again lifting.

Yeah, but you've got to work your way back up before I consider parting with any MU b-ball tickets. How could you?!?!?!?!?!?

stevew · 05-19-2006, 09:12 AM

Good luck guys, and keep trying. Roughly 2 full years without smokes for me as of today, and I still get the occasional urge.

AlexB · 05-19-2006, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

Good luck guys, and keep trying. Roughly 2 full years without smokes for me as of today, and I still get the occasional urge.

Congrats on the anniversary, but you're still getting urges - that's not cheering me up...

Eaglesfan27 · 05-19-2006, 01:59 PM

I've missed the last few days, but way to get right back on the horse, Todd. Like Jeeber said, think of all of the healthy days you've had and that you are going to have. Keep up the good work, guys.

st.cronin · 05-19-2006, 02:37 PM

I quit smoking a long time ago. I didn't find it nearly so difficult as most people, but I do think it might have been the best decision I ever made.

AlexB · 05-24-2006, 11:36 AM

Todd,

How's it going? Still clean? Hope so - stay strong.

FWIW for some reason this week has been really tough for me - there's bee 2-3 occasions where I've thought I'd just go and get 10 to chill out this time, start afresh the next day. Haven't succumbed as yet, but it would be nice for it to get easier instead of seemingly harder. Strange.

MizzouRah · 05-30-2006, 03:29 PM

Shit... unreal weekend.

Day 1 today and I really feel like an idiot. I don't care if I shoot myself I'm going to stay at home until I feel like I can go out and not cave.

MizzouRah · 05-31-2006, 09:39 AM

Day 2 here we go yet once again. How are you doing JRS?

AlexB · 05-31-2006, 01:13 PM

Yeah, this week has actually been a lot better - I read something or other about the withdrawal symptoms being the equivalent of a dying monster begging to be fed, so maybe the end of last week were it's dying throes? Hope so - the last few days I've not had the continual urge for a cigarette while at work, which was the main problem. So all good on the non-smoking front

You can do it as well, mate.

MizzouRah · 05-31-2006, 02:35 PM

Great news!

I know if I stay away from the triggers.. all will be fine, but alas.. can I stay away from beer? :P

JeeberD · 05-31-2006, 02:54 PM

If I can stay away from beer (I've been avoiding it for my diet), so can you. Stay strong, Todd!

MizzouRah · 05-31-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

If I can stay away from beer (I've been avoiding it for my diet), so can you. Stay strong, Todd!

Ok Jeebs... if you don't drink one to celebrate the signing of Clemens, I guess I can hold off.

MizzouRah · 06-01-2006, 11:56 AM

Day 3 - feeling fine these first days

Swaggs · 06-01-2006, 06:20 PM

Keep with it. You are mostly smokeless now, considering you have only done it a few times in the past couple of months.

MizzouRah · 06-02-2006, 01:42 PM

Day 4, thanks Swaggs!!

MizzouRah · 06-09-2006, 11:22 PM

Smack! I was back at it again and JRS sent me a PM saying how good everything was going and although it was another cave for me, I decided to get back on the horse.

Today was Day 1 and I appreciate the support by JRS and everyone else.

Thanks!

MizzouRah · 06-10-2006, 09:43 AM

Day 2 - have to run up to Springfield, Mo today to do a call (being on call is such fun... NOT!)

I have gum galore with me.

MizzouRah · 06-11-2006, 05:50 PM

Long trip.. I'm beat. Day 3 though!!

JeeberD · 06-13-2006, 11:37 AM

Keep it up!

05-08-2006, 08:46 AM	#154
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	Weekend was fine - today's a bastard though. Very nearly stopped at the store at lunch time: well actually I did stop at the store but bought a Diet Coke instead. __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

05-08-2006, 02:46 PM	#156
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	You guys should try rewarding yourself by putting the money you would have spent into a jar and then using the savings to get a new game or go to ballgame or out to a movie (or whatever else you enjoy doing in your spare time). __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

05-09-2006, 07:31 AM	#160
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	OK... Today sucks as well. But I've just made myself feel slightly better about it via the good old internet - no not like that: I'm at work The last two days, and generally when I have 'needed' a cigarette in the past, my arms ache like hell - for the past 36 hours my forearms have just been aching pretty much non-stop. Not fun at all. As a result I am not concentrating that well, and am a little bit impatient (I wouldn't say irritable yet, just impatient ) But I have read that this aching/numbness is actually a good sign, a sign that my circulation is improving. So despite the constant ache, I feel better about it. But I guess this is the disadvantage of patches as opposed to cold turkey. The initial enthusiasm and desire to give up has naturally faded, and the symptoms come as you decrease the dosage, well after the initial determination when you would be best able to counter the withdrawal symptoms. The bad news - this is happening when I have dropped down to stage 3 of 3 on the patches - I still have a week or two on this level before using nothing at all, when I assume I will go through this again __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

05-09-2006, 11:17 AM	#162
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Excellent work, guys! Glad to see that both of you are still going strong... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

05-11-2006, 11:30 AM	#165
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	OK - I've thought fuck it: If I'm going to feel this level of tobacco withdrawal using the patch before I'm supposed to stop altogether, it's not worth it.... So I've taken the drastic step of not using anyhting: I don;t feel particularly great, but if I'm going to feel like this, it may as well be for completely getting rid of the nicotine rather than just most of it. __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports! Last edited by AlexB : 05-11-2006 at 11:31 AM.

05-05-2006, 12:03 PM	#151
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	If you're "feelin' it", that means you're getting a lot closer to cleansing the system. Don't give up. Find alternatives to keep you busy.

05-08-2006, 07:42 AM	#153
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	The lack of posts over the last 3 days is making me nervous. Weekend sobriety check-in? Did we make it?

05-08-2006, 10:03 AM	#155
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	D-23 and I almost stopped this weekend, well I went to get gas and decided to see if they had my brand.. they did and I really wanted to get a can. Oh I hate this!

05-09-2006, 01:38 PM	#163
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	D-24 boys and girls!

05-10-2006, 07:43 AM	#164
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	Your mouth has to be feeling a TON better than it has in the past. I've seen how much that stuff tears up your gums. Congrats on another day completed.

05-11-2006, 12:30 PM	#167
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	JRS - Way to go!! I almost lost it last night and it's becoming a better idea to put a fatty in by the day. I'm tired of work, friends, co-workers, internet forums, just about everything. D 26 has me pissed. Last edited by MizzouRah : 05-11-2006 at 12:31 PM.

05-12-2006, 03:53 PM	#169
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	Ok, I've found a good way to stop thinking about cigarettes - to snap something in your knee: the only thing that bothers me now is my knee, despite the clinic giving it the 'if it still hurts in a week come back'. Fortunately I've also found something that helps the knee pain, so later I'll be off to post in the Ping: Drunk Guy thread __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

05-14-2006, 09:44 PM	#170
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	I hope you guys had a good weekend! __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

05-15-2006, 10:04 AM	#172
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	Yeah, still haven't had any cigarettes. Can't say I'm enjoying the fact that I've not have any cigarettes though to be perfectly honest. Given up nicotine, and replaced it with increased caffeine and alcohol! Not really sure that's what's supposed to happen. __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

05-15-2006, 12:41 PM	#173
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	I slipped this weekend. I've quit drinking and had one chew from an old can while cleaning the garage. At least it's gone. Day 1 - Shit!

05-15-2006, 06:23 PM	#174
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Just think of it as having dipped just once out of the past 30 or so days. Stay strong and stay away from those old cans! __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

05-16-2006, 09:30 AM	#176
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	As Jeeber says, consider it once in 30 days - this once is a minor setback, not a reason to have any more. Stay strong Todd. FWIW I'm beginning to find it a little easier with the no patches now, yesterday was a bit better, today a little more so. I've now got three dates I'm working off: 44 days since began to stop 29 days since my last cigarette (the only time I've smoked in the 44 days was 3 on Easter Monday) Day 6 without either fags or patches Really it's day 29, probably really only day 6, but I prefer one day in 44 __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports! Last edited by AlexB : 05-16-2006 at 09:38 AM.

05-16-2006, 12:42 PM	#178
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Good for you JRS! I'm back in the saddle again, Day 2

05-17-2006, 11:53 AM	#179
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	OK - maybe that was just a good day Today's been pretty tough again... How you doing Todd? __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

05-17-2006, 02:27 PM	#180
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Day 3 - good day today!! Nice outside!!

05-18-2006, 11:23 AM	#181
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Day 4 and the fog is once again lifting.

05-19-2006, 09:12 AM	#183
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Good luck guys, and keep trying. Roughly 2 full years without smokes for me as of today, and I still get the occasional urge.

05-19-2006, 01:59 PM	#185
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	I've missed the last few days, but way to get right back on the horse, Todd. Like Jeeber said, think of all of the healthy days you've had and that you are going to have. Keep up the good work, guys. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen.

05-19-2006, 02:37 PM	#186
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	I quit smoking a long time ago. I didn't find it nearly so difficult as most people, but I do think it might have been the best decision I ever made. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

05-24-2006, 11:36 AM	#187
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	Todd, How's it going? Still clean? Hope so - stay strong. FWIW for some reason this week has been really tough for me - there's bee 2-3 occasions where I've thought I'd just go and get 10 to chill out this time, start afresh the next day. Haven't succumbed as yet, but it would be nice for it to get easier instead of seemingly harder. Strange. __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports! Last edited by AlexB : 05-24-2006 at 11:36 AM.

05-30-2006, 03:29 PM	#188
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Shit... unreal weekend. Day 1 today and I really feel like an idiot. I don't care if I shoot myself I'm going to stay at home until I feel like I can go out and not cave.

05-31-2006, 09:39 AM	#189
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Day 2 here we go yet once again. How are you doing JRS?

05-31-2006, 01:13 PM	#190
AlexB Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Newbury, England	Yeah, this week has actually been a lot better - I read something or other about the withdrawal symptoms being the equivalent of a dying monster begging to be fed, so maybe the end of last week were it's dying throes? Hope so - the last few days I've not had the continual urge for a cigarette while at work, which was the main problem. So all good on the non-smoking front You can do it as well, mate. __________________ 'A song is a beautiful lie', Idlewild, Self Healer. When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Sports!

05-31-2006, 02:35 PM	#191
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Great news! I know if I stay away from the triggers.. all will be fine, but alas.. can I stay away from beer? :P

05-31-2006, 02:54 PM	#192
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	If I can stay away from beer (I've been avoiding it for my diet), so can you. Stay strong, Todd! __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

06-01-2006, 11:56 AM	#194
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Day 3 - feeling fine these first days

06-01-2006, 06:20 PM	#195
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Keep with it. You are mostly smokeless now, considering you have only done it a few times in the past couple of months. __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

06-02-2006, 01:42 PM	#196
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Day 4, thanks Swaggs!!

06-09-2006, 11:22 PM	#197
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Smack! I was back at it again and JRS sent me a PM saying how good everything was going and although it was another cave for me, I decided to get back on the horse. Today was Day 1 and I appreciate the support by JRS and everyone else. Thanks!

06-10-2006, 09:43 AM	#198
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Day 2 - have to run up to Springfield, Mo today to do a call (being on call is such fun... NOT!) I have gum galore with me.