Today is the first day that I am into my no-smoking campaign. Last night I found it rather difficult to get off to sleep, and awoke early this morning. I have been up since six a.m. and although so far (it is now almost 08.30hrs), I have resisted the "urge" to roll up a ciggy.
I have, however, munched my way through a cold sausage, a Scotch Egg, half a tube of Polo Mints, two mugs of tea, and all this time catching up on other Blogs and News Sites.
I shall be getting dressed, shortly to pay my usual visit to my local market.
I do have some packs of filter tips left, also a brand new, unopened pack of tobacco.
I wonder if I will have the unopened pack of tobacco left by the time I go to bed tonight?
I'll try to keep you posted with regular(ish) updates, as to my progress or lack of it.
I am also posting these updates regularly on Newsvine, as I have joined a "Quitters" Group there, and have some virtual support from other Members.
Ken R
Good Luck Sandie, stick with it girl !
I've given up at least 20 times so far , all to no avail, Gordy will probably drive me to my grave before the dreaded ciggies get me !!
Sandie Seward
Thanks, Ken. Well, it's now a quarter after midnight. The unopened pack of tobacco is still unopened, and I have not had a single "puff".
Feeling good about it so far.
JoJo
Well done Sandie, I know of someone who got tablets from the doctor, mind you she lives in scotland so maybe they get more stuff than we do, I know when my OH gave up years ago how difficult it was, Have you tried the patches
Sandie Seward
I am now into my fourth day without the dreaded weed, and I have to say that last night and so far this morning, it has been very hard.
Not because I crave a smoke you understand, I am not "craving" them, hardly even thinking about smoking, but I am certainly suffering "withdrawal" symptoms.
Sweating, slightly shaking, coughing and retching, vivid dreams when asleep, flatulence, you name it, I seem to be suffering from it.
Let me tell you, people, going through "Cold Turkey" from tobacco is almost as hard as coming suddenly off prescription tranquilsers, or going cold turkey from illegal amphetamines. How do I know this?
Because I have been there in the past, and know just how unpleasant stopping any drug that your body has grown used to, either because you have been prescribed it or scored it yourself illegally.
It makes no difference. Tobacco is a "legal" drug, but there, it is a "drug", your poor body and mind become so used to it, a smoke is just so "comforting", and reassuring, now the world suddenly seems much emptier and colder, a very dark, unfriendly place to dwell.
My body "needs" a nicotine "hit", so does my mind. I look longingly at the still unopened pack of hand-rolling tobacco on my bookcase, and imagine myself picking it up, removing the outer cellophane wrapper, and opening the flip-top box, removing the pack of fifty free papers that always come with a half ounce of "Amberleaf". Lifting out the inner pack and removing that outer cellophane wrapper.....(they always like to make sure that your poison comes to you as fresh as possible).
"Open Carefully" it reads, between the graphic pictures and messages that tells you just how bad for you smoking is, full of dire warnings that tell you "Smoking when pregnant may harm your baby", or "Protect your kids, don't let them breath second-hand smoke".
Somtimes there is a grim over-blown picture of some poor sods lungs, or teeth, all broken and discoloured, and the "piece de resistance" is that picture of the poor guy who is sporting a droopy mustach that looks like a throwback from the sixties or even earlier, then your eyes travel downwards and you see his throat and neck (or rather what's left of them).
A mass of putryfying rotting fleshy rolls of skin, the picture looks like it belongs to one of those Victorian "Black Museams", from the late Nineteenth Century.
Anyway, you open carefully, and smell that wonderful tobacco smell, you breath it in, and savour the moment, before transferring it very carefully to your carrying pouch.
Then the "ritual" of skinning up and lighting up, you inhale deeply and blow the smoke back through your nostrils.
Ah, Bliss!
This pleasure I will now have to forego for the rest of my life, it will be hard, but I am fully determined.
I was talking to lady I know yesterday who was telling me about her father. He stopped smoking suddenly when he was sixty-one, with the money he saved, he re-newed his Passport, and visited quite a few places that he had always wanted to go to, including America.
Sadly, he died in his seventies, of Cancer, but not however, smoking related.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life, I have already "saved almost £12, (about $9), and I have only just started.
Please wish me luck.
JoJo
Sandie it's not only the things you mentioned, today we went to visit my Sister -in-law and her Husband,both are not in good health,but my Brother-in-Law is a heavy smoker, we were only with them for about a hour in which time he had smoked three cigs, I felt like a smelly old ashtray by the time we left, I had to change my jumper when I got home it just smelled so bad, and you are right all that money going up in smoke what a waste
Sandie Seward
Joan, except for a couple of "rough moments", it really hasn't been so bad.
I did a "medium" food shop today, and carried two full canvas shopping bags back home.
Yes, I did get a bit out of breath, but nothing like I did even a few days ago.
Apparently it only takes a couple of days to eliminate the toxins from your body, and, here on the evening of Day Four, I am feeling quite good.
JoJo
Thats good Sandie stay positive I am sure you can do it
Sandie Seward
Day Six has dawned, and it's getting easier by the hour. I have now had another sound night's sleep, and woke up feeling good.
At this rate, I shall soon be able to take my packs of unused filter tips back to my friend's stall down the market, where I initially bought them from, and give the unopened pack of Amberleaf to my elderly neighbour who would really appreciate it.
JoJo
Keep us updated Sandie
Sandie Seward
Day Seven dawned Bright and Sunny. I know this because I was up with the proverbial lark to see it.
My cough has all but vanished, and my sense of smell has returned. I can walk about again, and although I still get a bit "puffy", it's nothing compared with what I was like only a fortnight ago.
I cannot believe that just stopping smoking for only seven days can really make such a difference.
Sandie Seward
Three Weeks yesterday, no tobacco, no patches, no gum!
It CAN be done........if you want to badly enough!
JoJo
Ken R
Yes ! A Very Well Done from me too Sandie...... wish I had your willpower
Sandie Seward
It was that "health scare" that did it for me, Ken. I do not want a repeat of it, after all, when I go to Northumberland later this Spring, I am supposed to be going out "Hill Walking".
My friend is almost nine years older than me, and she can still do it, mind you, she has never ever smoked in her life.
Sandie Seward
Health Update:
Well, if I'm honest, I have been really suffering these past couple of weeks. My breathing became very bad again, so much so, that I could hardly make it to the shops and back.
I was forced to sit on a bench, just to try to "catch my breath", and to force myself to put one foot in front of the other.
My cough has returned, a different type of cough this time, not the "smokers'" cough I had before I stopped.
I hit my two months milestone last evening (it's gone by very quickly), and if I am honest, I feel a lot worse than ever I did when I was smoking.
But, I am not giving in, and shall "stick it out" and try to be patient by thinking that my poor body is "working overtime" just to try to restore the balance and begin the healing processes.
JoJo
Maybe a visit to the doctors is needed Sandie you sound like you may have an infection, and a few tablets will put you right, I know I don't like going but sometimes it's the only way let us know how you are feeling
Sandie Seward
Thanks, Joan, first I need to register with a doctor, my last one was "stuck off" by the GMC for "outdated medical practices" (he kept his patient's files the old fashioned way, by hand, and could not (or would not) use a computer.
I think you are probably right, that I have some sort of infection, the aftershock to my system for suddenly stopping nicotine, no doubt.
JoJo
If you don't feel better in the next day or so Sandie go get yourself a doctor,do as you are told now !!!
Sandie Seward
"If you don't feel better in the next day or so Sandie go get yourself a doctor,do as you are told now !!!"
Yes, Mummy.........
JoJo
Yes mother knows best!!!
Sandie Seward
This new cough is doing some good, as it is helping me shift some very unpleasent gunge from my system.
I went out for a bit of shopping this afternoon, and managed to get my shopping without feeling like I was going to collapse.
Perhaps the warmer weather's helping?
Anyhow, feeling a lot better today, although still not 100%, it's a big improvement.
This has really opened my eyes to the damage smokers can do to themselves, now, whenever I see youngsters smoking, I want to say to them to think what trouble they are storing up for themselves in the future.
But, at the risk of being called an "Interfering Old Bag" (or worse), I don't talk to them. I just hope they'll realise before it's maybe too late.
Then, to cap it all, on my way home, I almost bumped into a young schoolgirl, wearing her uniform, very pregnant, and, guess what? That's right. Smoking.
Grrrrr!!!!!!!!
Ken R
Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better Sandie, I think it's just a case of give it time ! Mind you, am I really in a position to give out advice here, I'm still smoking !
Anyway, Good Luck to you !!!!
Sandie Seward
Thanks, Ken. Yes, I think that it's just a matter of waiting for Time to heal my poor old ill-treated body.
Thankfully, I do not have any "cravings" for tobacco, which makes it easier in one way than I expected it to be.
However, having said this, I did not expect the other problems besides.
Sandie Seward
I have registered with a new Doctor today, and have an appointment for a "health check" on Wednesday afternoon.
I am not looking forward to it, but common sense tells me that I need one done.
Did not feel too good again today, and I am still getting short of breath when out walking.
"Walking" is getting slower and slower, and "sitting" more and more frequent.
JoJo
Pleased you are seeing a doctor Sandie sure they will sort you out.
Sandie Seward
Thanks, Joan, I certainly hope so, because everything is such an effort at the moment.
Sandie Seward
I was given a sort of health-MOT test this afternoon. My blood pressure is slightly low, but then, it always has been so, and the Nurse said it is nothing to worry about.
My weight and height both met with approval too, as did the fact that I have stopped smoking.
However, I told the Nurse that these breathing difficulties were what was worrying me most, so I have finally managed to make an appointment to consult with my new doctor tomorrow morning.
I'll let you all know any outcome, favourable (or otherwise).
Sandie Seward
My new doctor prescribed me a pump and some anti-biotics for my breathing problems. I also have a card to visit my local hospital for a chest x-ray.
Again, I had the same silly banter with him as I did with my previous G.P.
When you tell them that you used to smoke Roll-Ups, they cannot grasp the simple concept of rolling your own, and ask "how many did you smoke a day?"
I always tell them it varies depending on what activity I was doing and if I felt "bored" or not, when I would roll-up just to give me something to do with my hands.
JoJo
Pleased you have seen the doctor sandie, i am sure you will be feeling better in a couple of days,let us know how you get on
Sandie Seward
Paitent Update!
Today is the third day of my Anti-Biotics, and I am "removing" lots of gunge from my chest. My interest in food is returning, and toady I cooked and ate a big dinner. I am now feeling "stuffed" for the first time for many weeks.
Otherwise, things have been pretty quiet. Still not smoking (over three months now), and I still have no intention of ever returning to it.
JoJo
Give that girl a gold star Well done Sandie
Sandie Seward
After a weekend in which I would rather forget (as I felt like Death Warmed-Up ever since Saturday afternoon), today, (Tuesday) is the first day that I can truthfully say that I am feeling a good deal better.
Still not 100% you understand, but I have been out three times today and my breathing problems, whilst still noticeable, have receded a great deal.
I managed to get all my banking done (that which I cannot do online), and shopped, and arrived home not totally gasping for breath.
I am just over half way into the course of Anti-Biotics and they do seem to be doing the trick.
Go back to smoking? Not if you paid me thousands!!!!!!!
Sandie Seward
Further medical update on the health of your Admin.
Coming up now to the last day of the anti-biotics, and although my breathing is much freer, it is still not back to the way it was.
I still need to walk rather slowly and to "think" about what I want to do, rather than just pop out and do it!
However, one thing is certain, and that is, after a few abortive attempts, I have finally managed to "kick" the smoking habit well and truely into "touch".
So, something really positive has come out of all this, although I did not honestly expect to suffer quite so much.
JoJo
So Pleased for you Sandie, I have never really smoked but my Husband did, he gave up years ago but I remember quite clearly what a struggle it was for him, I am sure you will feel better soon. I had good news today my blood is back to normal,I have been put on tablets and I think the dose was too high my liver count went sky high about six weeks ago, but I am on a lower dose now,and it's back to normal,felt great when the nurse told me today
Sandie Seward
So pleased for you, Joan. I drove Louise over to stay with her Dad today, and felt like hell on the trip over. Her dad was going to call a doctor out for me, and did not want me to drive home.
However, it "passed off" somewhat, and I drove home, and the journey went safely.
Feel O.K. (ish) this evening.
JoJo
Are you any better Sandie? the tablets should be working buy now, go back to the doctors if you still feel unwell.
Sandie Seward
I'm feeling "better" in myself, Joan, but still getting out of breath very easily.
I have that card still for the hospital x-ray, so I suppose I shall have to go and get that done soon, before making a further appointment with my doctor.
JoJo
Good idea Sandie pleased you are feeling better,I have got a cold fell uurrgg!!! at the moment.
Sandie Seward
An "Admin" Health Update!!!!!!!
Well, I am still in the land of the living, feeling almost 100% in myself.....except for that breathing, which, although a lot better, still needs working on.
At least I can walk to the car now without feeling like I am going to collapse en route.
I am still taking things easy though, as I don't think I'll be entering any Marathons just yet.
My question last week was "Should I get a Mobility Buggy or not?"
The problem is, if I do get one, then I will not want to walk anywhere, and I do not wish to lose the use of my lallies just yet.
A cheaper option would be to buy one of those mobile frames, that not only can you push it in front of you, but you can put all your shopping in it as well, and it doubles-up as a seat if you need it.
Fun getting old, isn't it??????
JoJo
Well pleased you are feeling better Sandie, maybe a walker would be a good idea,I know when i was first ill I used to eye those electric buggies up and say the Vince that one looks ok,but he would say don't even think about it, and of course I am now back to doing almost what I did before I was ill, I saw my consultant he has reduced my steriods again, and I only need a monthly blood test because my bloods have been normal for three months now, so Sandie these things take time hang on in there you will be ok I am sure
