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Stop Smoking
Has anyone else faced this? I had surgery in October, didn't smoke now but am feeling better and today had the WORSE craving. What's that about?
I up to any ideas on how others dealt with this
Thank you
Kathy
Views: 65
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by DavidatpMOD on
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I smoked for 35 years and then stopped cold turkey. I haven't had any desires to smoke, no withdrawals, and in fact the thought of smoking nausiates me. I tried to quit many times in the 35 years and I think the big difference was when I decided that I really didn't want to smoke. Previous to that, I knew I needed to quit but still had the desire to smoke. It sounds easy and it isn't until you get the right mindset. I also talked to God about it and I'm real sure he has helped me. He will help you too. Good luck, God bless and keep the faith...
David
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Permalink Reply by RickThompson on -
Kathy,
I am a former smoker who has been off cigarettes for 8 years, 3 months and 14 days (but who is counting). I still get the occassional craving. My doctor gave me the best bit of advice -- the craving lasts just one minute -- all you have to do is resist it for 60 seconds.
I also remember where I was. Despite contracting lung cancer and having a lung removed, I fell better today than I did in the years leading up to my surgery. My stamina is a lot less and I more often than not have to nap in the afternoon, but I feel better. Of course. I'm also not as young as a used to be.
Rick
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Permalink Reply by Diana48 on -
I agree with Rick, time make the "urge" pass. I smoked for 39 years and was hypnotized (sp) and haven't had a cig since the first meeting with the hypnotizer (sp). . He kind of "programed" me to think......that is their problem, not mine....... when I saw someone smoking. That was 15 years before I was diagnosed and 21 years ago now.
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Permalink Reply by Fran on
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Hi Kathy............sorry saw this late. I smoked for 40 years. I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer in Oct. 2011. Had surgery on 11/14, I have been smoke free for 9 weeks as of yesterday. It actually was easier than I thought it would be. Yes I am having minimal cravings, but get over them quickly. I do have a crutch..........I use Nicotrol and it takes care of it. I normally just hold it in my mouth while I play on the computer, cook, clean, etc. My step-daughter gave me an electronic cigarette. I prefer the Nicotrol. Also, every time I may even think about lighting up, I remember hearing my diagnosis and the impact it had on my family. And still am having a hard time breathing just walking from room to room. I also have Emphysema/COPD, Not to mention, I feel RICH!!!! Not for just being alive, but for the amount of money I have saved from not buying cigarettes!! Good luck to you!!!!! Please fight your craving!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Merry on
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Hi Kathy- I smoked for 35 years. A week before my surgery (almost 15 years ago) I went on the patch. That came off before the surgery when I was in the OR getting prepped. I never put it back on. I had a very bad craving for sometime. Finally I just kept saying to myself, if you smoke, you'll die. I never lit up. Addictions are inconsistent, arbitrary and can hit you over the head when you least expect it. The trick is to realize what it is and ride it out. Some type of trigger I think sets it off . You have to continually deny the trigger by not smoking. Eventually, and everyone is different, you'll recognize the trigger and the feeling without the craving. You are doing great!!! Recovering from surgery and dealing with cancer and quitting smoking all at once is very tough. But you can do it!!! You already are.
Merry
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