going to the patch

[Zoe Girl]

Since I posted awhile ago about struggling with smoking I have been back and forth many times. It is ROUGH!! I feel horrible, ashamed really, about this. And yet the lure is there to say I need a boost of energy, that I need to manage a stress, that I want to feel connection to the people I know who smoke, and a big trigger is just loneliness. I did go a solid 3 weeks leading up to an asthma test, which was good. Then a little here and there, and then daily about 3 - 5 a day. But I have to stop!

I have been tracking triggers, watching my diet for healthy choices, watching my energy level so I don't get too tired, trying to make more social plans, listing all the ways I feel like crap physically, and making plans for healthy things like a couple 5K's. etc. I just went to Target this morning for a box of patches. I wanted to go cold turkey rather than have nicotine still in my system but that was unrealistic.

It is such a social pariah thing! I don't want to tell anyone who has heard I am quitting that I am still struggling. I am the mindfulness teacher after all!

[IshbelRobertson]

I was a heavy smoker, probably 40 a day. My now husband was appalled and made me an appointment with a hypnotist. I Went... Didn't believe ir would work. I have not smoked since ... That was in 1975!

[Zoe Girl]

Great Ishbel, That is very encouraging. I emailed my DR and he says there is no interaction with my current medication so that is good.

Here is what I have noticed since I go on and off, that smoking makes me more depressed, of course I have a harder time with energy and breathing (short term I think that I get energy from smoking), and I really hate the smell and embarrassment. The patch is helping me not have the spikes in craving, that really helps. I can do this level for 2 weeks, another level for 2-4 weeks. If I still struggle I will call my brain DR back for medication support.

I blame the political climate! I started a year ago after years of not smoking and even being around smokers that entire time.

[JaneV2.0]

If I hadn't given it up forty years ago, I'd go with e-cigs--with or without nicotine. They would give me something to do with my hands, and they come in a variety of flavors.

[Zoe Girl]

Jane, that is another option. I hear that they come without nicotine. Okay I can't blame the political situation but I did start writing again and that is huge. So I have some options there.

[rosarugosa]

I only quit 5 years ago, and I smoked more than anyone I know, even when all my friends were smokers. I smoked for 38 years, and I may continue to chew Nicorette for 38 years. I buy the lowest dose and cut them in quarters (way more frugal that way). :)
I may still be addicted to nicotine, but I'm happy, I feel so much better than when I smoked, and I can chew gum anywhere and everywhere. No more smoky smoke; I am all about the minty freshness now!
And I never, ever want a damned cigarette, so I'm a happy camper in that regard.
I used an e-cig for awhile and I think those can also be useful tools for getting off cigarettes.

[Zoe Girl]

Glad to hear other quit stories, It helps my social pariah feeling. Especially in the education field, no one smokes. We eat health food, pack our lunches, run or exercise.

I want to hike and camp this summer, I am making new friends and there is a chance that someone may want to actually get outdoors.

[freshstart]

this can only be good for you, good luck with the transition

[Zoe Girl]

Okay day 5, this is when my lungs start to clear out so I had a serious coughing fit. I didn't ruin my makeup but it is good if I keep my inhaler on me now. I also seem to be adjusting and sweating some junk out. Even with the nicotine going in I can clear out lungs. My peak flow meter (for asthma lung function) is at 250. I think I can get to 300's.

I read a lot about this process since I have always been able to go cold turkey before. I have a written plan for tapering down. Trying not to do too much at once like eat healthy (already do that), add exercise and yoga, etc.

[iris lilies]

Excellent report! Keep it up!

[Zoe Girl]

Thank you Iris, cuz today I am ready to pull this patch off and run to 7-11 .Apparently smoking cut down a little on my generalized anger issues. So I am not sure if I need some sort of counseling session, but it is definitely happening today. I am eating a couple hours late and had to do morning program for a sick staff at 6:30 am. That would make sense of most of the anger right now,