Has been 3 Months Today
and still going strong
Wednesday, August 1, 2007 by starkers | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Well peoples, mrs starkers and I gave up smoking 3 months ago today and we're feeling so, soooo much better for it....it's a celebration....yippe. 
Having tried and failed so many times before, I'm actually very, very surprised at just how easy it was/has been for me this time. Not once have I resorted to nicotine gum, lozenges or patches to help me beat it. Nope, this time it's all my own effort/doing....now I'm free, free, free of the filthy addiction after 45 years plus of smoking. And no, I'm not suffering with impulses or cravings ....the smell of it now is quite repulsive and there's no way on earth I could bring myself to take up the filthy habit again.
Although I found it easy, mrs starkers had some difficulty to begin with and used the gum to help her to wean off 'em, but that was only for the first week or so and she has since been nicotine free.
Just thinking, with no smokes and no grog, were now addiction/habit free....oh, with the exception of WC and Stardock....and even if there were patches lozenges or gum for that, we wouldn't use 'em anyhow.
Having tried and failed so many times before, I'm actually very, very surprised at just how easy it was/has been for me this time. Not once have I resorted to nicotine gum, lozenges or patches to help me beat it. Nope, this time it's all my own effort/doing....now I'm free, free, free of the filthy addiction after 45 years plus of smoking. And no, I'm not suffering with impulses or cravings ....the smell of it now is quite repulsive and there's no way on earth I could bring myself to take up the filthy habit again.
Although I found it easy, mrs starkers had some difficulty to begin with and used the gum to help her to wean off 'em, but that was only for the first week or so and she has since been nicotine free.
Just thinking, with no smokes and no grog, were now addiction/habit free....oh, with the exception of WC and Stardock....and even if there were patches lozenges or gum for that, we wouldn't use 'em anyhow.
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PurrBall
Reply #22 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 5:20 PM
Reply #22 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 5:20 PM
Great work starkers. Keep it up!
Between 2 weeks and 3 months:
* circulation improves
* walking becomes easier
* lung function increases
Between 2 weeks and 3 months:
* circulation improves
* walking becomes easier
* lung function increases
BigDogBigFeet
Reply #23 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 5:26 PM
Reply #23 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 5:26 PM
Glad to hear you quit. Been on the nicotene roller coaster myself. It's been six years since I quit and some additional effort to eliminate second hand exposures to tobacco. I feel better and the effort has been worth it. Continued good luck Starkers to you and your wife. 
NightTrainthedark
Reply #24 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 7:39 PM
Those words help alot. So much that I'll send you a skin I made that noone else has.
Reply #24 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 7:39 PM
it does get easier over time and is truly worth the effort
Those words help alot. So much that I'll send you a skin I made that noone else has.
starkers
Reply #25 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 11:14 PM
Yep, we have every intention of doing just that....and thanks for those stats, they're even more encouraging.
Yeah, it is a roller coaster alright....and it never ceases to amaze me how people who never smoked will say things like: "Aw cmon, it can't be that difficult!" or "I know what you're going through." Sure....and I know how painful it feels to be extremely wealthy.
And that second-hand smoke, geez, isn't that a bummer! As a smoker I didn't notice it, but whoa, it sure reeks like buggery now I'm not....eeew! Oh, and thanks muchly for your words of support and encouragement, they're appreciated and mean a lot.
I'm only too happy to offer words of support and encouragement....knowing how trying and difficult quitting can be, it's a given that I'd wanna help friends and family to succeed as well....and that's what we are here at WC, isn't it. As for the skin, well that really isn't necessary....er, but then again, I've always been a great admirer of your work....
Reply #25 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 11:14 PM
Great work starkers. Keep it up
Yep, we have every intention of doing just that....and thanks for those stats, they're even more encouraging.
Glad to hear you quit. Been on the nicotene roller coaster myself. It's been six years since I quit and some additional effort to eliminate second hand exposures to tobacco.
Yeah, it is a roller coaster alright....and it never ceases to amaze me how people who never smoked will say things like: "Aw cmon, it can't be that difficult!" or "I know what you're going through." Sure....and I know how painful it feels to be extremely wealthy.
And that second-hand smoke, geez, isn't that a bummer! As a smoker I didn't notice it, but whoa, it sure reeks like buggery now I'm not....eeew! Oh, and thanks muchly for your words of support and encouragement, they're appreciated and mean a lot. Those words help alot. So much that I'll send you a skin I made that noone else has.
I'm only too happy to offer words of support and encouragement....knowing how trying and difficult quitting can be, it's a given that I'd wanna help friends and family to succeed as well....and that's what we are here at WC, isn't it. As for the skin, well that really isn't necessary....er, but then again, I've always been a great admirer of your work....
mschleisner
Reply #26 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:31 AM
Reply #26 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:31 AM
Congrats: I can't say I have done that. I am not the only one here, but thats what makes it most difficult. I have cut back alot but it is really hard and I give credit where it is due. I can go about 6 hours and then it kicks in and then I kick it out with a puff or two. Trying... but not happening yet. I hope to do better once the weather turns here. Windows open and all that but too hot right now. 
mrs_starkers
Reply #27 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:31 AM
I agree bub, altho I have found it harder at times I get a whiff of the smoke and think YUCK, then I am ok and it don't bother me anymore
I am pleased with our efforts, and I think if my dad had been alive today he would be too.
Reply #27 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:31 AM
Yep, quitting was always the easy part for me too....did it time and time again, often 4 or 5 times a week. I dunno about the harder to quit as you get older bit, though. Never could do it while I was ten foot tall and bullet proof, but now I'm finding it harder to breath, bits n' pieces not functioning as well, I'm thinking more about my own mortality....how smoking results in a premature and painful demise. Nope, I got kids and grandkids....wanna be around for them a while longer yet, and in better health without the coffin nails.
I agree bub, altho I have found it harder at times I get a whiff of the smoke and think YUCK, then I am ok and it don't bother me anymore
I am pleased with our efforts, and I think if my dad had been alive today he would be too.
mrs_starkers
Reply #28 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:38 AM
I went on Zyban 2 weeks ago to help quit. Not doing as good as you
Hey Night Train, I have a link you might like to try I have found them to be very helpful....starkers didn't know about the link but I did and thought it may help you . I wish you all the best for your new smoke free life WWW Link
Reply #28 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:38 AM
I went on Zyban 2 weeks ago to help quit. Not doing as good as you
Hey Night Train, I have a link you might like to try I have found them to be very helpful....starkers didn't know about the link but I did and thought it may help you . I wish you all the best for your new smoke free life WWW Link
Alternate Setting
Reply #29 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:43 AM
Reply #29 Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:43 AM
Congratulations on your shared success
mrs_starkers
Reply #30 Thursday, August 2, 2007 9:23 AM
Thank you so much Alternate Setting, we are very proud.
Reply #30 Thursday, August 2, 2007 9:23 AM
Congratulations on your shared success
Thank you so much Alternate Setting, we are very proud.
jpkylegirl
Reply #31 Thursday, August 2, 2007 9:46 AM
Reply #31 Thursday, August 2, 2007 9:46 AM
Congrats guys. My husband has been trying to quit off and on for the last 2 years. He's on the pills too (I think it's Zyban also, not sure), and they seem to help. It prevents him from thinking about it much. Hardest part for him is being at work, since most of his buds still smoke (and they have all tried to quit too)...or when he gets really mad and stressed out. So great work, and keep it up!
starkers
Reply #32 Thursday, August 2, 2007 1:06 PM
To be honest, and this is not a crticism, but it was that kind of thinking that kept me smoking every time I tried giving it up before. Somewhere inside I hadn't truly made the decision to quit...therefore no commitment to myself to push myself beyond the cravings and defeat them. Having been smoke free for 3 months, I can look back in honesty and say that I failed previously due to human weakness, the inability to exercise willpower over myself. I believe the reason I'm succeeding this time is that my heart and soul are in it 100%...no ifs, buts or maybes.
Now I didn't suddenly come by this amazing self control overnight...it took a couple of weeks of conditioning, psyching myself into believing I could really do it...in myself ...then I set a date and stopped the night before, determined never to smoke again. And yes, it's a challenge when others you know smoke near or around you...I have family members who still do, but I've been able condition myself not to succumb to temptation. In fact, the smell of it now is rather repulsive/not at all pleasant, so it's not an issue for me anymore.
Okay, so it's not just a walk in the park, but with the right mind set anyone can do it with application and effort. I say anyone because I've done it...and I possess no special powers or abilities and suffer the same human weaknesses and frailties as anyone else.
I hope this helps...and not just for you, but anyone and everyone who really wants to quit.
Reply #32 Thursday, August 2, 2007 1:06 PM
Trying... but not happening yet. I hope to do better once the weather turns here.
To be honest, and this is not a crticism, but it was that kind of thinking that kept me smoking every time I tried giving it up before. Somewhere inside I hadn't truly made the decision to quit...therefore no commitment to myself to push myself beyond the cravings and defeat them. Having been smoke free for 3 months, I can look back in honesty and say that I failed previously due to human weakness, the inability to exercise willpower over myself. I believe the reason I'm succeeding this time is that my heart and soul are in it 100%...no ifs, buts or maybes.
Now I didn't suddenly come by this amazing self control overnight...it took a couple of weeks of conditioning, psyching myself into believing I could really do it...in myself ...then I set a date and stopped the night before, determined never to smoke again. And yes, it's a challenge when others you know smoke near or around you...I have family members who still do, but I've been able condition myself not to succumb to temptation. In fact, the smell of it now is rather repulsive/not at all pleasant, so it's not an issue for me anymore.
Okay, so it's not just a walk in the park, but with the right mind set anyone can do it with application and effort. I say anyone because I've done it...and I possess no special powers or abilities and suffer the same human weaknesses and frailties as anyone else.
I hope this helps...and not just for you, but anyone and everyone who really wants to quit.
starkers
Reply #33 Thursday, August 2, 2007 2:09 PM
Thanks for the congrats, jpkylegirl, it's always welcome and appreciated. I do hope your hubby meets with success in his endeavours to quit. It's not the easiest thing but he can do it if he truly wants to...I just hope that he doesn't experience similar issues as I did with Zyban. I managed to quit without it this time....wasn't prepared to embark on another plot losing episode where I didn't know if I was Arthur or Martha.
Actually, the doctor I'm now seeing advised strongly against Zyban and suggested that if I really wanted to quit deep down, I'd do it without any crutches...as in no gum or patches, etc. At first I thought he was totally nuts, like: "You just don't know me, do ya....I'm the 105kg weakling who gives into temptation and every human weakness every time." ...but then, the more I thought about it, the more I realised he was right. I saw that if I wasn't truly ready to give up the smokes, nicotine replacements were only going to feed the addiction/cravings until the next cigarette....and if I really, really, really wanted to quit deep down, I didn't need pills, patches or gum. So, armed with that new found knowledge/surprisingly steeled resolve, I set a date to quit and stuck to my guns.....and I couldn't be happier for it.
Reply #33 Thursday, August 2, 2007 2:09 PM
Congrats guys. My husband has been trying to quit off and on for the last 2 years. He's on the pills too (I think it's Zyban also, not sure), and they seem to help.
Thanks for the congrats, jpkylegirl, it's always welcome and appreciated.
I do hope your hubby meets with success in his endeavours to quit. It's not the easiest thing but he can do it if he truly wants to...I just hope that he doesn't experience similar issues as I did with Zyban. I managed to quit without it this time....wasn't prepared to embark on another plot losing episode where I didn't know if I was Arthur or Martha. Actually, the doctor I'm now seeing advised strongly against Zyban and suggested that if I really wanted to quit deep down, I'd do it without any crutches...as in no gum or patches, etc. At first I thought he was totally nuts, like: "You just don't know me, do ya....I'm the 105kg weakling who gives into temptation and every human weakness every time." ...but then, the more I thought about it, the more I realised he was right. I saw that if I wasn't truly ready to give up the smokes, nicotine replacements were only going to feed the addiction/cravings until the next cigarette....and if I really, really, really wanted to quit deep down, I didn't need pills, patches or gum. So, armed with that new found knowledge/surprisingly steeled resolve, I set a date to quit and stuck to my guns.....and I couldn't be happier for it.
Chasbo
Reply #34 Thursday, August 2, 2007 3:30 PM
Reply #34 Thursday, August 2, 2007 3:30 PM
God Bless You!
I've tried 3 times and failed. One time I quit for almost a year! Hopefully I'll be able to quit before it kills me!
I've tried 3 times and failed. One time I quit for almost a year! Hopefully I'll be able to quit before it kills me!
mrs_starkers
Reply #35 Friday, August 3, 2007 12:34 AM
Chasbo, If you read #28 you will see a link, may I just encourage anyone to view it or sign up if they wish I found it to be very helpful...
Reply #35 Friday, August 3, 2007 12:34 AM
I'll be able to quit before it kills me!
Chasbo, If you read #28 you will see a link, may I just encourage anyone to view it or sign up if they wish I found it to be very helpful...
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #36 Friday, August 3, 2007 3:41 AM
Reply #36 Friday, August 3, 2007 3:41 AM
To all those now breathing clean air. It's a tough job to shake an addiction so you've done a fantastic job
starkers
Reply #38 Friday, August 3, 2007 3:44 PM
I certainly hope you can do it as well! Truth be known, you have all that's required to succeed right there inside you....you only have to tap into it, be determined and trust in yourself to beat it. It mightn't be the easiest thing you can do for family and friends, but it's certainly the best thing you can do....and when you think of it that way it's a huge incentive that helps make it that much easier.
I think what prompted me to quit was all the ads on TV that graphically throw all the negatives of smoking right in your face. I then thought of all those people I love, all those who love me too, and came to the conclusion it was selfish....that he alternative to quitting was a slow and painful death that I'd inflict family and friends as well as myself. Seen in that light, there was only one decision I could make, and now I have a comforting feeling in knowing I've done the right thing by all those I love and care about.
Hope these thoughts help you to succeed as well.
Reply #38 Friday, August 3, 2007 3:44 PM
God Bless You!
I've tried 3 times and failed. One time I quit for almost a year! Hopefully I'll be able to quit before it kills me!
I've tried 3 times and failed. One time I quit for almost a year! Hopefully I'll be able to quit before it kills me!
I certainly hope you can do it as well! Truth be known, you have all that's required to succeed right there inside you....you only have to tap into it, be determined and trust in yourself to beat it. It mightn't be the easiest thing you can do for family and friends, but it's certainly the best thing you can do....and when you think of it that way it's a huge incentive that helps make it that much easier.
I think what prompted me to quit was all the ads on TV that graphically throw all the negatives of smoking right in your face. I then thought of all those people I love, all those who love me too, and came to the conclusion it was selfish....that he alternative to quitting was a slow and painful death that I'd inflict family and friends as well as myself. Seen in that light, there was only one decision I could make, and now I have a comforting feeling in knowing I've done the right thing by all those I love and care about.
Hope these thoughts help you to succeed as well.
starkers
Reply #39 Friday, August 3, 2007 4:03 PM
Thanks for the thumbs up, Fuzzy, it's much appreciated.
I recall your 'Vileness of Smoking' thread....how I was gonna quit the smokes back then. Didn't last a week that time, and there were two subsequent attempts that failed just as abysmally in just as short a period, so this is my/our best ever attempt and one I/we know will succeed.
Lasting 3 months without means us should be able ter do it 'til tha cows come home .... and bein' we don't got no cows on board, me finks us can safely say indefinitely ... aaarrrgghh!!!!
Yep, that'd be good. Me thinks I might take me a little trip up to Lowood and convince all the local shopkeepers she's underage so they won't sell her any more fags.
Reply #39 Friday, August 3, 2007 4:03 PM
To all those now breathing clean air. It's a tough job to shake an addiction so you've done a fantastic job
Thanks for the thumbs up, Fuzzy, it's much appreciated.
I recall your 'Vileness of Smoking' thread....how I was gonna quit the smokes back then. Didn't last a week that time, and there were two subsequent attempts that failed just as abysmally in just as short a period, so this is my/our best ever attempt and one I/we know will succeed.
Lasting 3 months without means us should be able ter do it 'til tha cows come home .... and bein' we don't got no cows on board, me finks us can safely say indefinitely ... aaarrrgghh!!!!
What we need now is to get Kitty off the fags
Yep, that'd be good. Me thinks I might take me a little trip up to Lowood and convince all the local shopkeepers she's underage so they won't sell her any more fags.
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Reply #21 Wednesday, August 1, 2007 3:51 PM
Exactly, every day is more of a breeze than the one before....and the breeze part can also be taken as fresh air into the lungs...rather than filthy tobacco smoke.
No apologies needed...we all knew what you meant.....and I'm only too aware of what you mean by 7 or 8 tries over 6 years....bin there, done that....but there'll be no one puff to undo everything we've achieved.
Yep, quitting was always the easy part for me too....did it time and time again, often 4 or 5 times a week.