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Author Topic: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN  (Read 7909 times)

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Offline OutOfDarkness

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Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« on: June 13, 2008, 04:41:00 pm »
I have tried to quit smoking so many times that I pretty much know what to expect about feeling nicotine withdrawals.  It has been 3 months since I have had a cigarette and to help me get through the initial fits, I chewed the gum off and on for the first 4-6 weeks.  So here I am now and all this week my body is tightening up and I feel like I am going to the store any minute just so I can have one.  I am trying so hard not to do this, but why the HELL is my body feeling the withdrawal 3 months after I have quit????  Does anyone know?  I have been a 1/2 pack day smoker off and on for 8 years now and I have always heard the hardest time is in the beginning, but that just isn't true for me, here I am 3 months later and I thought it gets easier.  I'm freakin' out :o
2000 - seroconverted
2005 - cd4 350, VL 113,000
3/06 - started sustiva/truvada
3/08 - cd4 1,300 VL >50(undet.)

Offline bear60

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2008, 06:14:00 pm »
Just guessing ........that you transferred your addiction of nicotine to the gum.
You will most likely need to get help to get off the addiction to the nicotine.  Some use Wellbutrin, some use Chantix.  I used Wellbutrin.....I had ZERO interest in cigarettes.
I'm sure others will chime in here.
Cigarettes/nicotine was the hardest thing to quit in my whole life. I quit using coke and weed and all that stuff with no problem but nicotine....holy shit.
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2008, 07:14:58 pm »
I started Champix (aka Chantix) on Thursday. I've smoked for 22 years.

I'm confident I'll join the Glorious 44%.

MtD

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2008, 07:29:48 pm »
I started Champix (aka Chantix) on Thursday. I've smoked for 22 years.


What kind of person starts smoking at the age of 10, Mary?
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline OutOfDarkness

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2008, 08:16:12 pm »
what kiind of medication is chantix?  I keep hearing the name pop up here and there.  i already take anti-depressants and really can't change them because they have been working for the most part.  thanks for the info and hang in there mtd!  did you really start at age 10? 

hey bear I hear you on the transferring the addiction, but I don't think that is it because I only chew like one piece once a week.  I think that maybe it might be that I have not been out for much walking and I was doing that whenever I started to feel this way, but it was too hot and humid, so I will try to get back to walking tomorrow before it gets nasty weather again. 

I am still freakin out and just right on the brink of stopping at the store, man.
2000 - seroconverted
2005 - cd4 350, VL 113,000
3/06 - started sustiva/truvada
3/08 - cd4 1,300 VL >50(undet.)

Offline rondrond

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2008, 09:58:46 pm »
What kind of person starts smoking at the age of 10, Mary?

When I was 10 there would be free cigarette samples sent in the mail. Whoever got the mail, got the cigarettes.
"I'm not done yet"....Glen Campbell

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Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2008, 11:27:34 pm »
What kind of person starts smoking at the age of 10, Mary?

My kinda person, Baldy. The mean streets of Boolaboolabongbong make a body old before his years.

MtD

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2008, 01:00:56 am »
One had to live in a trailer park to smoke at the age of 10 in Leesburg.  It's still completely frowned upon in our country club.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2008, 01:12:45 am »
A trailer park? Luxury! I grew up in sack under a railway bridge.

MtD


Offline anniebc

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2008, 07:40:06 am »
A trailer park? Luxury! I grew up in sack under a railway bridge.

MtD

Sheer luxury....At least you had a roof over you head.

OUT..Iwould have thought after 3 months the cravings would have gone, try looking for a trigger, i.e. are the craving happening at a certain time, or when you do something you associate with smoking in the past...they say to drink lots of water when the craving starts..have you tried that?

It's a hard habit to give up, but keep it up if you can, you have come this far and personally I think you are doing great going cold turkey..I could never do that, I gave up for 2 years in 2000 but with the aid of Zyban, it worked really well for me, then a few months after I was diagnosed...stress, yada, yada...I started smoking again...and have regreted it ever since..but one day I will do it again.

Hugs
Jan :-*
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Offline DanielMark

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2008, 09:51:47 am »
I have been a 1/2 pack day smoker off and on for 8 years now and I have always heard the hardest time is in the beginning, but that just isn't true for me, here I am 3 months later and I thought it gets easier.  I'm freakin' out :o

I can only speak from my own experience (of course), but I quit cold turkey in 1991 and lasted 12 years. I must admit however that the desire to smoke never left me entirely. I started again when I was going through a break up with an ex, had a major HIV attack and started on meds. In short, it was a hellish time in my life. I have tried repeatedly to quit again, using every available assist known to mankind but without success.

At first, Champix seemed like a wonder drug, but after three weeks I became seriously depressed and was contemplating suicide. Others seem to have no problem using it. Everybody's different.  Maybe one day I will achieve being smoke free again, but for now I just go on insanely giving into the addiction. Some say that Nicotine is as hard as Heroin to quit using. Never tried Heroin but I can believe it.

Wishing you every success with your efforts to stay stopped.

Daniel

BTW, I started smoking at age 13. A friend used to steal cigarettes from his older sister then we'd go and light them up behind a nearby church, hacking and coughing until we nearly puked. Were we ever cool!  ;)
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Offline somdamon

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2008, 12:22:04 pm »
Hey Outofdarkness,

I totally relate to how you are feeling. I have quit so many times I have become an expert at it! Currently I am on day 12 without a cigarette and feel confident it will be permanently gone from my life this time. A recently discovered problem with clogged arteries (contributed to by my smoking habit) has scared me into being a nonsmoker. I slammed into quitting cold turkey and feel surprisingly good. I believe if you have a solid commitment to quitting - it really helps.

My longest successful life as a nonsmoker has been 3 years (also quit cold turkey). That was about 7 years ago. I let my guard down and started playing with smoking during social situations (VERY BAD MOVE) and it lead me back to my love affair with cigarettes. I know better now!

I have been a heavy smoker for 32 years and know very well how difficult quitting and staying quit can be. I also know it can be done. It has been helpful to me to change other things in my life at the same time so the void of not smoking isn't so obvious to me. For example: Driving different routes, eating different foods, trying new things in general, change my morning routine around, regular meditation, etc.

Know you can do this and that your life will be a much richer experience by letting it go. Love yourself enough to succeed!! It does get easier!!!  ;D

Damon

All you have been waiting for is your own permission.
--  Emmanuel (Pat Rodegast)

Offline OutOfDarkness

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2008, 09:32:30 pm »
Hey all!

Well, today was a different day alright - thanks for your help and suggestions.  I still thought about buying some but it wasn't as bad as yesterday and last night.  Jan, I can't figure out if there is are particular things that set off this craving, I am sure maybe some stress but hell, I have to deal with that everyday.  I think it really is throwing me for a loop because I havn't craved like that since I quit the last time, this time was less and less cravings and less and less gum.  So just when ya think you got under control it sneaks up on you I guess.  Something new I have learned this time around with quitting.  Just hope I can keep holding out and hope the cravings get under control.

Thanks again y'all!
2000 - seroconverted
2005 - cd4 350, VL 113,000
3/06 - started sustiva/truvada
3/08 - cd4 1,300 VL >50(undet.)

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2008, 11:09:41 pm »
Last time I quit I underwent hypnosis -- seriously, it worked for 2.5 years which was better than my two cold turkey attempts. 

So it's been 7 years since my last cessation attempt.  Didn't Coco Channel make it to 87 smoking?  What's all the worry?
« Last Edit: June 14, 2008, 11:12:17 pm by philly267 »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Ann

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2008, 05:53:39 am »

At first, Champix seemed like a wonder drug, but after three weeks I became seriously depressed and was contemplating suicide. Others seem to have no problem using it.


That happened to me too.

Some say that Nicotine is as hard as Heroin to quit using. Never tried Heroin but I can believe it.


I found quitting heroin to be like child's play compared to quitting nicotine.

Last time I quit I underwent hypnosis -- seriously, it worked for 2.5 years which was better than my two cold turkey attempts. 

So it's been 7 years since my last cessation attempt.  Didn't Coco Channel make it to 87 smoking?  What's all the worry?

The other day I discovered a hypnotherapy clinic right around the corner from me - and the first session is free. I'm going to give them a try and hopefully I can afford the additional sessions I'll need. (three, I think) 

What's all the worry? For me, aside from the obvious health issues, it's MONEY. With the way food prices are skyrocketing here on the Rock, I'll soon have to choose between ciggies and food. Such is my addiction to nicotine that the ciggies will probably win.  :-X

Hang in there Out, good luck with fighting the demon-nicotine cravings. I totally empathise!

Ann
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Offline BT65

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2008, 08:55:05 am »
I have two bottles of Chantix in one of my cupboards.  When I started taking it, things were fine.  Then, after a couple weeks, I started having severe anxiety attacks.  And I don't fare well with anxiety attacks.  But good luck to whoever is having success using this.

The big deal to me is, my father died with COPD, and my mum with lung cancer (from 2nd hand smoke).  So my chances aren't that great.   And, like Ann said, the cost is crippling anymore.  I know people who can smoke 4 or 5 cigarettes a day, or even 1/2 pack.  I ain't one of those people.  I smoke like a fiend.  And that adds up quick.

Out, I wish you success in your quitting.  It's been three months, so I'd say you have an extremely good shot at this.  Hang in there.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #16 on: June 15, 2008, 11:40:20 am »
See, that's my fear about Chantix.  I basically live with a low-grade panic attack coursing through my body daily, which I've adjusted to over time but it can spike easily.  As in just hearing a loud noise will cause me to jump, etc.

I guess I could try it though and see -- if I do have to stop it once I stop how long does it take to exit one's body?
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2008, 12:25:30 pm »
I guess I could try it though and see -- if I do have to stop it once I stop how long does it take to exit one's body?

I think when I quit using Chantix, the panic stopped in only 3 or 4 days, but I can't clearly remember.  I have a problem with daily anxiety also.  The Chantix sure didn't help.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2008, 12:48:02 pm »
Yeah, but if I don't binge on my monthly Klonnie and take it as directed I should be OK with this.

::ponders::
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #19 on: June 15, 2008, 01:01:37 pm »
Yeah, but if I don't binge on my monthly Klonnie and take it as directed I should be OK with this.

::ponders::

I take Zyprexa for anxiety.  I used to take massive doses of Valium.  Klonopin never worked for me. 
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline DanielMark

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #20 on: June 15, 2008, 04:13:12 pm »
I guess I could try it though and see -- if I do have to stop it once I stop how long does it take to exit one's body?

As I recall Philly, I stepped the dosages back down and was off it within 3 or 4 days.

"If you are going to be taken off of Chantix, your healthcare provider may slowly wean you off the drug to minimize your chances of developing symptoms of Chantix withdrawal, although this is usually not necessary (nor is it recommended by the manufacturer). If severe withdrawal symptoms do occur, your healthcare provider may return you to your previous Chantix dosage and then wean you off even more slowly."

Limiting Chantix Withdrawal

Daniel
MEDS: REYATAZ & KIVEXA (SINCE AUG 2008)

MAY 2000 LAB RESULTS: CD4 678
VL STILL UNDETECTABLE

DIAGNOSED IN 1988

Offline BT65

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #21 on: June 15, 2008, 05:40:34 pm »
I just stopped Chantix; there was no weaning.  And I experienced no withdrawal from it.  I didn't even know someone could have withdrawal from Chantix.  (of course, it could be because I've been through so many "withdrawals" in the past I just didn't notice it).
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #22 on: June 17, 2008, 03:41:47 pm »
Hey Out,

Someone close to me had a particularly difficult time quitting smoking and has an anniversary date for quiting 8 years ago.  He sent me this to help www.quit.net  ;D  Have the best day
Michael

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #23 on: June 17, 2008, 04:08:32 pm »
After decades of low to middling level smoking I quit for real about three years ago. Just got tired of the discomfort of all the coughing. Bummed a cigarette off of a friend about 6 months ago just to see what it was like. Couldn't even get through it and stomped it out. Damn!

I do miss being able having a reason to use an elegant, silver Porsche lighter I still have. I suppose I could use it to start fires but it just wouldn't be the same as lighting up a delicious Galouises Blonde.

It doesn't bother me when others are smoking. I kinda like sniffing 'em. You should excuse the expression...
« Last Edit: June 17, 2008, 04:10:43 pm by Andy Velez »
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Offline joemutt

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #24 on: June 17, 2008, 06:45:19 pm »
Smoked from 14 until 40, it took me a good two years to stop
for good , but now it s five years without cigarettes. I didnt use anything
just stop again and again.

Offline John2038

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #25 on: June 18, 2008, 01:37:46 pm »
Hi,

trying to stop smoking as well.

First attempt has failed (Zyban).
Second as well (nothing)

Then I realize that I am unable to stop smoking because I do not have the real desire to do so.

Finally, I decided to change everything (food, sport, cigarette, and so).

Since few days, I'm taking nicorette patches.
With relaxation and desire, I have reduced my consumption of cigarette by 50% (2 packets > 1 packet).
To do so, I reduce all by 2:
During a pause, I was smoking 2 cigarettes.
Usually, I'm smoking 40% of the cigarette the day, the remaining after the work till the bed time.
When I want to smoke, I usually remove the patches. After few put-remove-put, it is no more adhering (putting it on an area without hair). So I change it.

I am trying progressively now to reduce by 2 my consumption of cigarette.
The side effect of the patch is a higher heart beat rate.

When it happen, I remove the patch, lay down, and after 10 min, it's fine.

What I have learn from this journey, it's that being relaxed is not something we must try to be without effort.
For e.g, if I take a polar to monitor my heart beat rate, I will get let say 90bpm (stand up).
Even if I lay down, the bpm will typically reach 80 after 10 min.

Now if I try to decrease the bpm by breathing better, and "forcing" me to relax, the bpm can drop by 10% in just few second.


About quit smoiking:
For those who succeed, did your CD4 increase ?

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #26 on: June 18, 2008, 03:48:38 pm »
Hi,


For those who succeed, did your CD4 increase ?[/b]

I had my labs done at 30 days and will be able to answer your question on the 26th after follow-up meeting with my doctor.  ;D  Have the best day
Michael

Offline OutOfDarkness

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #27 on: June 26, 2008, 12:05:18 pm »
Sorry it has been a long time since I checked in with the forum.  Thank you for your suggestions and support!  I have been trying to keep up with life in general and the kids are out of school now so I may not be able to check in as often as I would like, especially when the kids like to use the computer more often now. 

Anyway, just to update, I am still NOT smoking and made it through that really difficult withdrawal time :o.  The last times I quit I would not have made it and I would be smoking again.  I think I figured out a reason why the withdrawals came back so sharply.  I started to take an OCD medication that is supposed to be increased little by little and paxil which needs to be decreased little by little.  I have not made the changes because my doc and I have been playing phone tag.  I just tried her again so we can get this thing going.  Even though I made it through the last really bad withdrawal, I don't know if I will be able to do it again without it really imposing upon my life, meaning relationships and  being able to focus on my education and just taking care of things in general.  I may end up in bed for days and I can't bear the thought of that right now. 

From all of the responses I have read there really seems to be such different stories of how this addiction has affected all of us, although there are some similarities as well.  But your replies have helped keep me distracted.  Thank you all. 

How are you all still succeeding or failing?? 
2000 - seroconverted
2005 - cd4 350, VL 113,000
3/06 - started sustiva/truvada
3/08 - cd4 1,300 VL >50(undet.)

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #28 on: June 26, 2008, 12:30:46 pm »



For those who succeed, did your CD4 increase ?[/b]
[/quote]


I just quit a few months ago , although I have cheated a few times and smoked one or two ciigs.
Every time I have quit I have had a cd4 increase , this time from 380 to over 500 .
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Offline BT65

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #29 on: June 26, 2008, 04:15:39 pm »
For those who succeed, did your CD4 increase ?[/b]

When I quit smoking last year, my CD4 remained the same (around 600).  They never went up.  And, now that I'm smoking again, they never have gone down.
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Offline OutOfDarkness

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Re: Trying to quit smoking AGAIN
« Reply #30 on: June 26, 2008, 06:04:37 pm »
I have never compared my counts to when I quit, that's a good question though. 

I  just started meds about 3 years ago and I have tried to quit many times during this time.  My cd4 has always increased over this time except when I took a break because of stomach problems, then it started to go down, and I don't suggest taking a break without talking to your doctor, which is what I did, because I knew that they would try to talk me out of it and I guess I was sick of being in the bathroom all the time and needed a break.  It turns out I was lucky when I went back on and my counts shifted for the better again.  I take truvada/sustiva and my cd4 is over 1200 and my viral load is undetectable.   When I started meds my cd4 was about 350 and the trend was that my vl was increasing over time and it peaked at about 110,000 for a couple of months and my cd4 was continuing to fall and I was anxious about it so I started meds in 2005.  I have quit smoking probably about 15 times so I have not been able to compare the counts.  That's a really good sign though, keep trying to quit and hang in there!
2000 - seroconverted
2005 - cd4 350, VL 113,000
3/06 - started sustiva/truvada
3/08 - cd4 1,300 VL >50(undet.)

 


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