Chantix
May 1, 2007 by Tracee Sioux
Filed under Parenting
A week ago I started taking a new smoking cessation pill called Chantix. I had heard of quite a few people who have actually quit smoking by using this new wonder drug. I had also heard it causes night terrors, but that seems a small price to pay considering that if I do not stop my life might end with the nightmarish reality of dragging an oxygen tank around everywhere I go.
My true motivation is that someone told my daughter that I will die if I smoke. While true, I think this was totally inappropriate and I feel a little bit of anger and resentment about it. Of course, what I’m really angry about is that I HAVE to quit smoking and I love smoking and don’t really want to stop doing it.
In my perfect world, smoking would not only not kill me, but it would be healthy like exercise or my daily vitamin.
But, in reality my five-year-old daughter bursts into tears and with true pain begs me to stop smoking so that I don’t die because then who will be with her and take care of her.
Who can smoke in the face of that? Apparently, I can. Not only have I expected two pregnancies to cure me of my life-long habit, but I’ve quit at least once a week for the last year since my son was born. I’ve quit so many times and tried so many methods, I’ve come to the realization that smoking is like shackles on my life and I can’t seem to find the key to get them off.
At my recent OB/GYN visit I asked about the new miracle pill and he gave me a prescription. I thought, I don’t care what it costs I’ve got to get rid of these shackles once and for all. I hated that it controlled me. Turns out it was covered by my insurance. Even better.
I nearly wept with unadulterated joy when the pharmacist told me to take off the nicotine patch and smoke during the first week of taking Chantix for the best effect. Permission to smoke for another week! YES! Without guilt or harrassment from my five-year-old conscience. Could it get any better?
I’m currently into my second week. I stopped smoking a few days early while I went on my retreat because there was no smoking allowed on the grounds. It’s going okay. I think I’ve grieved enough for my lost right to smoke, surrendered my precious identity as a smoker, broken the physical habit and addiction. Hopefully, taking this pill will help me get over my urges to cheat and have just one, just this once.
I’ll let you know how it goes. And really, you should stop smoking. If you think you’ve got it bad, you can read just how much I loved my cigarettes at So Sioux Me.
Try the Chantix. Couldn’t hurt. I haven’t had any night terrors, by the way. Thank God for that.
AMENDMENT on Sept. 27, 2007:
This is Tracee Sioux from Blog Fabulous/ Chantix, where you’ve been hanging out and getting support. Because readers are finding it difficult to navigate 700 comments, I have built a new website called Quit Coping.
Quit Coping will be using the same tone and texture you enjoy here on Blog Fabulous, but it will allow more interactivity and connection with other quitters. It won’t take so long to load up and I’ll be better able to encourage everyone personally.
Please continue our wonderful discussion at Quit Coping,com.
I am greatly honored to be part of your transformation from smoker to non-smoker.
Sincerely,
Tracee Sioux
http://www.quitcoping.com
Saraybe, I’m just right behind you on my 27th day smoke-free. Amazing and wonderful!
I smoked well over 20 years, quit over a year once, otherwise tried quitting several times with not even remotely as long-term success. Chantix has helped me tremendously, but I was not ready to quit on the 8th day, so I allowed until the 15th day, but quit on the 13th day when I felt I was ready. I do think Chantix kind of does hit different people differently, and that was my day. Even now, this process is still not what I would call easy. If smoking was suddenly not bad for you, contained no poison, didn’t cost alot, and no longer smelled bad, I would light up in a heartbeat because, honestly, I do still miss the things I loved about smoking those many years, but since smoking will never be any of the above, I got ready to fight and will stick with it. I’m lucky that my insurance, Kaiser, does cover Chantix, so I’ll be staying with it the whole 3 months now that any of my minor side effects have gone because it really has made the urges much more manageable. Even if it’s still sometimes tough (though getting easier overall), I don’t feel like I am actually out and out suffering as I have with past quits pre-Chantix.
Jerry, glad to see you hanging in there and got to see some positive progress. I really do believe and hope that the road will get a little bit easier for you as you keep on going. Eventually it just has to, right?
saraybe…wonderful..
I went three days without Chantix and took one thi afternoon cause,,well, just a safety net…
It is amazing isn’t it??
Jerry…don’t know if you read an earlier post of mine but my heart rate of 160 on the eliptical dropped to 130 after three days of not smoking….that was keeping the machine set at the same level as when smoking..
Keep it up…the rewards continue to grow.
Graham
7 months ago I started Chantix….I have not smoked in over 6 months (after 30 years of smoking). I stopped the Chantix over 2 weeks ago. Tonight I sat by my husband who still smokes (damn him) and I was drinking. I did get buzzed but I didn’t smoke and really didn’t want to smoke. The Chantix will make you nauseous if you don’t eat and drink plenty of water….but if you really want to quit that god aweful habit, it will help you get past it. Someone told me the other day, they thought I looked 10 years younger. I cannot believe how good it feels to breath….
I think we have to remember that, yes, there may be some side effects, or even long term affects of Chantix. May be….
However, don’t we all know without a doubt the side effects and long term effects of nicotine??? To me, its a no brainer. Does that make it easier? NO! I still (only been 9 days smoke free/16 Chantix) miss the old Tina and my mini-vacations every night with my wine and my cigs.
Sometimes its overwelming and I have been depressed over the past few days.
But as many of you have said, the rewards do grow. I know I can keep it up…
Hey Tracee thanks for starting this whole thing. All the chantix quitters have a place to hang out and get some inspiration and even air out thier grief. I’m on day 28 now and it’s getting easier to believe I am now a non smoker. I do feel like I’m mourning the lose of my old friend. Never mind the fact my old friend was trying to kill me for 40 years. I need to learn to get some excercise and start taking better care of myself now that I can breath. Hope everyone keeps thier quit. I would recommend http://www.quitnet.com to everyone who’s quit smoking or even thinking about trying to quit. It’s the biggest and I think the best quit site. Not to mention it’s free!
Bob
This is good stuff:
Here’s what a NIH page says about withdrawing from Nicotine:
In active tobacco users, a lack of nicotine produces a wide range of withdrawal symptoms, including any or all of the following:
Headache
Nausea
Constipation or diarrhea
Falling heart rate and blood pressure
Fatigue, drowsiness, and insomnia
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Anxiety
Depression
Increased hunger and caloric intake
Increased pleasantness of the taste of sweets
Tobacco cravings
The Side Effects of Chantix:
nausea (may persist for several months);
stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, gas;
weakness, tired feeling;
increased appetite;
unpleasant taste in your mouth;
headache; or
sleep problems (insomnia) or unusual dreams.
Considering these against the side effects of smoking, i.e.death, cancer, COPD etc…seems doable to me
Maybe we’re looking for Lions and Tigers and Bears rather than accepting some things as the perhaps unpleasant but necessary side effects of the battle.
Got this from another website… thought it was excellent info.
Nikole,
I understand your desire to combine the cigarettes with the alcohol. When I have quit before, I told myself “I will only smoke when I’m drinking.” For whatever reason, I started drinking nightly (duh!).
I have been smokefree for 9 days, been on Chantix for 16. It has not only helped with the smoking, but I have not had a drink in 9 days either. I loved my evenings with 2 glasses of wine after work, and 10 cigs. And really loved my weekends!
This site has great info and insight. You will gain support here. If you are looking for extra help, try Quitnet. I recently joined and already have tons of help and people to support me. Check out the club “CHANTIX USERS CLUB” – there is also a brand new “Chantix Winos” club for those of us who are getting two for one with Chatix. Hope to see you there!! You can do this -
Tina
Chris, that’s awesome. I love hearing about people still not smoking even after Chantix.
Today was much better. Still had some scary moments. Today went very slowly; it showed me how much time I spent smoking. Wow! Reminds me a lot of when I quit drinking in 1993. I suddenly had more time on my hands and more discretionary money in the bank. Since people are actually reading these ramblings, I want to clarify what I ‘ve been griping about with respect to “urges”. By “urge”, I mean the strong desire to get some nicotine in my body. For 22 years, I did ONE THING to make sure I got my dose – I smoked. From previous quit attempts, I thought I knew how tough it was to get past the nicotine withdrawals. That’s why I’ve been disappointed with 1/2 the supposed benefits of this drug – I expected more “help” with the severity of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Once I voluntarily put myself in “Chantix Jail” (a term I saw earlier today that describes the biochemical “trap” of being on a medication that blocks nicotine from getting into the pleasure centers of the brain), I was and still am kind of helpless against the severity of the cravings. Since I can’t get the nicotine into my body for a few days after taking this stuff, I helps to force me to “ride it out”. In that respect, this stuff is helping me. I just didn’t expect the withdrawal symptoms to be as bad as they’ve been. If I remember correctly, the product literature does use the word “could” when it says it will lower the nicotine cravings. I think it states something much more certain about how it will keep the user in the “Chantix Jail”.
Made it through another day. Hope all is well with everyone.
Good morning to all
I made a remarkable discovery yesterday…There are certain phrases that I used in conversation at lease once per day for many years, that I no longer use. Here are a few examples- see if any of these sound familiar:
1. Yea, I’m gonna quit one day-just not today.
2. It IS a nasty habit, isn’t it?
3. Do you mind if I smoke while you eat?
4. Yep- a pack and a half every day…I know, I should quit. ( see #1).
5. Can I borrow a light?
6. Can I bum a cig-I need to go to the store.
7. God, I hate this cough-No, it’s just allergies..
8. Whew, one flight of stairs and I’m breathing hard….must be out of shape.
9. Can we take a break- I need a quick cig.
10.Hey, I’m outside..if the smoke bothers you that much…then find somewhere else to stand. Damn non-smokers-who do they think they are?
Please add to list.
Day 45- No cigs-Day 4 No chantix.-No craving
Have a great day.
Graham
Hello,
17 days smoke free. I never thought I could do it. Side effects? Sure! Nothing in life is “free”. Would l I consider this a Wonder drug? No. But Wonder where I would be without it? Oh yeah, I know, I would still be smoking…killing myself….and ensuring that my death would be any early one. I cannot allow myself to do that to my 3 year old baby. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but Buck up, stop whinning and complaining…. you CAN do this.
My dad’s a dentist, so I took a suggestion I saw on a stop smoking help list and had my teeth cleaned today – the idea of moving my non-smoking self into a fresh, clean mouth. Feels kind of nice. Cleanings are normally not my favorite activity, so I usually ask my dad to completely “numb me up” so that I can withstand the ultrasonic tooth scaler; works like a charm. I noticed that I was calmer than in the past while in the chair (I usually ride airplanes and dental exam chairs the same way – white-knuckled grip). I think a combination of already being able to breathe a little bit deeper and my blood vessels being a bit more open led to me being less stressed out. Don’t know if anyone else has noticed a lower stress response after their quit? Glad to hear from others who are “making it”. I’m gonna make my quit work too!
I can’t thank you all enough for posting your experiences here, and for continuing to check in. I am on Day Two of the Chantix and hoping beyond hope that I’m one of the lucky ones for whom this drug seems to work so well. That being said, I am *so* impressed with Jerry’s resolve – I know would feel pretty ripped off too, and I could just see taking my pique out on myself by giving up. You are inspiring me!
Hello quitters!
Wanted to comment to Graham, very nice that you are not smoking, and off Chantix, and not craving.
I think with using Chantix and not smoking is that you initially need to follow the instructions and plan your quit, and do it. Take the full dose for as long you can, and get off of it.
It is a new drug, use it and let it go.
Glad I did use it, because I am not smoking, but don’t fool yourself. You will want to smoke after you get off of it. JUST DON’T
Jeff…I agree…I did feel a slight urge last night..(but I was alone, hungry and tired) so I took one Chantix—I feel that if , after 30 days, one every four or five days is all that’s needed, then I’m sure that will extend itself soon to longer times between. I’m not suggesting anyone else try anything other than what their doctor or Chantix has suggested…This is just my story.
Jerry…I knew you’d make it.. ( I too quit drinking-1998….)..I can’t stand dentist either…used to drink 3/4 bottle of rum just to get teeth cleaned…(you know, any excuse to drink). Less stress now, I’ve stopped my blood pressure medicine after 17 years. (checking it daily for now)…No smoke–good thing.
Thanks for sharing,
Graham
Hello,
18 days without smoking. I never thought I could do this. Have I had side effects? Sure I have. But the side effect of smoking is death… so it’s your choice. I choose to live. Thank you Chantix for helping me through this.
Still smoke free! Today was the first time where I felt like I was coming out the other side of the “tunnel”. Actually, today felt like I was completely out of it with respect to my body’s yearning for nicotine. I know it’s nowhere close to over, but I really feel like this one’s gonna stick. In a way, I’m glad that the withdrawal symptoms were as awful as they were. Well, I’ll now admit that the withdrawal symptoms could have been worse without Chantix; I really don’t know since I hadn’t tried a “cold turkey” quit in over 10 years; maybe I just needed something to gripe about as some sort of subconscious way to keep myself pumped up and going. The reason that I’m now thankful that my withdrawal was awful is that I won’t take this “quit” for granted; I never want to go through that (the first 4 days) again. If it had been easy, I might have started to see my “quit” as cheap and easy to get back if I “slip”. As it is, there’s no way I want to do the last 4 days ever again.
Someone mentioned the term “ripped off” a few posters back – yeah, I felt that way on Day 8 when the cravings were not really reduced, at least by my perceptions. I decided “screw it” and kept smoking on Day 8, although I could tell that it wasn’t satisfying the craving. On Day 9, I just decided to go for it anyway since I was already “there” drug-wise; it was either that or wait 2 days for the drug to exit so that I could truly “enjoy” a cigarette.
The good news is that it feels like the worst of the physical withdrawal is over, at least for now. The additional good news is that I think this Chantix stuff has kicked up a notch and is now helping the minor cravings pass very quickly. Even if this drug is not working in that way, it’s still nice to have it in my system as sort of a “protective custody” in case I go on a tobacco bender; it won’t let my craziness get me re-addicted. In the past, the few “cold turkey” quits where I actually had some good time built up all ended with ONE PUFF.
Today felt like a gift; low stress, no big physical withdrawal symptoms, was able to concentrate on something besides my discomfort, and I was able to not snap at people.
Hope all is well with everyone’s “quits”.
Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for starting this blog. I’m a 25 year old that has been smoking for 11 years. I got a prescription for Chantix about 6 months ago brought it to the pharmacy that day where it has been since then. I went back to the doc today who asked how I feel being smoke free and had to tell her that I never picked up the prescription. I am seeing her because I am planning to start a family soon and want to be smoke free before I get pregnant. Since I enjoy smoking (to the point that I have never tried to quit before) she told about these pills and said they will work but I kept putting it off (speaks volumes about my addiction that I have “complete control over because I can quit whenever I want to, I just don’t want to yet). So long story short I have to see a fertility specialist and she said point blank that quitting now is must. So I decided that getting pregnant is worth any price so I called the pharmacy to see if they still have my prescription there and they did so they filled it. My resolve to quit was stronger than ever so I came home and within a few hours (and probably 15 cigs later) I actually found myself considering leaving the prescription there and just quitting down the road when it became more of a necessity. For some reason I decided to look up Chantix to see if it would be worth it and as if by some miracle I found you all and read your stories and have decided that first thing tomorrow morning I am going to pick up my Chantix and start taking them. I am truly grateful to each and every one of you because without you I would have gotten up tomorrow, smoked a couple cigs and convinced myself that I could wait to quit. I just want you to know that you have given me the hope that this can work for me. I am planning on giving updates as I quit smoking – because I can and I will.
Crystal
Hey, did you guys think the Chantix website was as lame as I did. Some nights checking in (cause I still did it), I thought I would bop that annoying guy. Regardless, I am still not smoking and can’t believe I was able to finally break free. I remember grilling my doctor about the side effects and then suddenly thinking what an idiot. Side effects of a drug to stop me from doing something that I know will kill me. I wish all of you participating in this blog the strength to see it through. I know that cigarettes for me are like a drink for an alcoholic….can’t even have that single drag.
Tracee,
What’s up with you?
I’m really glad that I’m not the only one who felt like strangling that Chantix dude with a piano wire. I applaud the effort of Pfizer for trying, but that site IS lame. In some ways, that site is important for gathering “beta test” data. I’m glad this stuff exists, but we really don’t know everything adverse that COULD happen. Smoking is so bad for me that I’m willing to take the risk, at least for now.
The good news, in light of all my early bitching and moaning, is that this stuff is now helping with my urges, in addition to the help it offers by keeping me safe from myself if I go on a bender.
Hello All . . . hard core smoker for 27 years. Recently diagnosed with COPD, recently prescribed Chantix. Day four. Wish me luck, please, I’m going to need it. I love cigarettes and I hate them too.
Still smoking, haven’t really felt the desire lessen yet. Then again, I’m so used to smoking ALL the time whether I wanted one or not, and more often it’s usually not but I do it anyway.
Congrats to all of you who have quit, I hope to be one of you soon.
I am on week four of Chantix, after having smoked a pack a day for over 40 years. I’ve tried everything from acupuncture to zyban, and this is working better than any of them. I’ve had very few cravings. Luckily, I’ve had very few side effects,too.
Like you, I did not WANT to quit, I’ve always enjoyed smoking, but after having had angioplasty and developing type 2 diabetes, I felt I really HAD to.
The most persistant problem I’m having is the feeling of having forgotten something. For a baby boomer with a family history of Alzheimer’s, this is quite scary. When I realize that what I’ve forgotten is to check & make sure I have my cigarettes in my purse or my lighter in my pocket, it really hits home…. what a slave I’ve been all these years, how so much of my life revolved around those little white cylinders. I feel an indescribable rush of freedom whenever I think of it.
Wish me continued good fortune in this, I wish you the same.
mj
Chris,
I’m still here clicking “approve” whenever someone new pops a comment on. That’s my job – to moderate the comments.
I’m deliriously (sp?) proud of all of you for quitting. I filled my month 3 prescription to take on vacation and never took one. I just don’t have cravings.
I did smoke when drinking and I should probably feel more guilty about that than I do. But, the next day I didn’t smoke, the cravings were worse, but not unbearable.
Smoking is just not effecting (read:controlling) my life anymore and I am profoundly grateful for that.
Tackling other issues in my life right now, my exercise level and money issues.
Giving up smoking for me represented giving up a lot of my little rebellions and really growing up a little and taking control over my body and health and money and stuff like that.
Anyone else feel like now that they’ve tackled smoking they are more empowered to take on spiritual aspects of life, resistance to exercise, eating healthier, cleaning the house better, handling money wiser? I just feel so much more capable of managing my stress and conquering more of the things that have held me back now that I’m really free of smoking.
Tracee
Glad to hear you are doing so well, Tracee, and glad you keep clicking these comments through
I’m at Day 33 not smoking, and I am starting to feel like I could one day rule the world – or at least start tackling some other stuff in my own life. Quitting smoking is just plain one of the hardest things to do (even with Chantix – though it’s made my road much easier), and if we can do this, well, it’s as if we can do anything. Very liberating, indeed. And I smell better.
Best of luck to those just starting down this journey. Expect that the Chantix will not miraculously quit for you but that it can help tremendously if you are willing to cooperate with it. Reading updates here and on people’s blogs help keep me going. It’s really inspiring. I wish you all the best of luck.
Yay, 7th work day in a row with no tobacco. Since I sneaked a few a week ago Thursday and Friday in the early morning, my official quit day is Sunday, July 15th. I’m elated to say that although this drug didn’t seem to help much with nicotine cravings during the first 4 days of my quit, it now seems to be working in the way that I’ve heard many of you describe it. Last week, I decided that it was worth taking it even though it only protected me from nicotine getting into my brain; kind of protects me from getting re-addicted if I lose my resolve and go on a cigarette bender. I decided to just go for the quit even though the withdrawal was pretty bad and didn’t seem to be helped by Chantix. Now that the worst portion of the physical withdrawal is over, I know that I am still very vulnerable to psychological withdrawal, so it’s a beautiful thing that this stuff seems to be helping me with the occasional urge to go smoke one. I am feeling like it’s really possible that I could be a permanent non-smoker. Breathing so much easier, deep breaths don’t hurt anymore, can walk a bit faster, all sorts of good stuff. I hope everyone else is finding their quit to be as cool as mine has been so far, except for the first 4 days
Hi Guys,
I made it to my one month anniversary then had pretty much quit taking the Chantix because of the queezies. My mind got the best of me a couple days ago and I bought a pack and smoked a couple cigs after work. Really felt dizzy and dirty. I made it through the next 24 hours fine but went ahead and had a couple cigs after work again yesterday. On the way to work this morning I threw the pack and the matches out the window. Sorry for littering but I didn’t want to get to clever about how I was going to dispose of the pack and have any excuse to hang onto it. I realized the lose I feel for the habit is certainly not worth going through withdrawl again. So now I’m either 34 days quit with a 4 cig slip up. Or on a new quit starting yesterday at 6:30 pm. I think I’ll just go with the 34 days quit with a slip up. Trust me this is easy now except for the occasional mind games. I took .5 Chantix again today and think I’ll just repeat that everyday for awhile until my wings get a little stronger. Tracie thanks again for starting this. This is a nice place for us to come and get inspiration.
Bob
Bob, that’s really funny – I used to do exactly the same thing a couple of times when I quit before. I would buy a pack, smoke one or two, and then be like, “What the heck am I doing?” and ditch the pack and the lighter outta the window. I’m almost 4 weeks smokefree, 2 weeks off Chantix.
Don’t worry about the slip up. I think you’ll penalize yourself for that…
Bob,
It’s easy to seek out the approval from others when they hear how long I’ve stopped or
it’s discouraging when they hear that I slipped.
Gut wrenching truth is …which answer is being honest with myself? Am I counting for me or for others.
For me, I’ve had a few drags (three) during my 50 days..none of them tasted good and none made me want to start back…but then, i’m on a med that blocks the nicotine…what if I do that when I’m not on Chantix? will I smoke again? Why would I want to ‘test’ the waters again?
I didn’t restart my counting because of three drags over 50 days. If I were off Chantix and did that, I probably would.
Yes, these lovely mind games..Be true to yourself.
G/L
Graham
Day 5 of freedom, day 12 on Chantix. So far, so good. Thanks to all of your for your inspirational stories..it’s nice to know I’m not alone.
The urge to smoke during times of stress or boredom appears to be more and more fleeting. I just tell myself that I’m NOT going to give up all the positive progress I’ve made. I’ve tried to quit before, and made it a few years in between relapses. This time is IT. I’m DONE. I will be free of this addiction, and I will NOT let it rule me or my life any more.
I haven’t read about anyone taking chantix and allowing a few cigs at the same time. That is what I have been doing. I smoked a pack and a half for over 30 years and have been taking chantix for one month now and allowing myself 1 – 3 cigs a day. I hope to stop the cigs next month and continue to take chantix….. any comments, anyone do this before?
Graham and Stan,
Thanks for the support and comments. Actually I had kind of been losing my greatfulness I had felt early on in my quit. I had not been able to make it past 24 hours with any of the NRT’s, hypnotism, accupuncture, you name it I tried it. Basically I smoked for 40 years without a succesful quit until the Chantix. I was so thrilled when I first realized hey this stuff really helps .Having a slip and getting the fear back and the respect back for the over 30 days I had gone smoke free I think has actually given me more resolve now. I’m certainly not suggesting that having a slip is a good idea. However I would like to offer that if you do have a slip you can just jump back in the saddle and ride away smoke free. Good luck to you all.
wow so many stories here I couldn’t read em all . no way no how but looked over most. so many people quitting awesome I feel like a new me today I am on day 8 of chantix and day 1 SMOKE FREE……Yippeee too me…..I am so excited over not smoking today! Good Luck to all who are either working on the quit or have quit!!!
Hi Lucia, I’m only on day 10, but that is exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve smoked about a pack and a half a day for 20 years. I now go all day without smoking, but when I get home and have a glass of wine or a big dinner I just can’t seem to completely give them up yet. I’m only smoking about 3-5 cigs a day. All between 6pm & 9pm. I’m hoping the Chantix will kick into overdrive and I’ll be able to give those up too. I figure at least I’m smoking 85 to 90% less than before I started the pill. Good luck to you.
Jason
Hi All!
I want to string up the person that invented the totally wasteful, irritating, frustrating, over the top packaging for Chantix. Who’s with me?
Come on, guys. After the first week the pills are all the same. Put them in a bottle & get over yourselves!
MJB..
Kinda like cigarette packing. Strip the seal, open the lid, tear the foil corner, smack the pack, pull out one, fold the lid down, put back in cig holder..
Yep, very similar.
graham
My e-mail to Philip Morris today:
I just received your $5.00 off coupon today in the mail. My wife Melissa received one also..You see, we both smoke Marlboro-me, ultra lights, her, red 100’s. I have smoked for 34 years, I’m 50, Melissa has smoked for 27 years, she is 40.
I noticed on the coupon holder the phrase. “From your frineds at Marlboro’.
Well, hate to tell you but you guys have one less ‘friend’ today. I quit smoking 50 days ago and am thrilled to breath again without inhalers, thrilled to not burn ash holes in my shirts any more, (no, I don’t drink at all ), I’m thrilled to not have to wake up in the middle of the night only to find that I didn’t prepare well for my addiction. Going to the neighborhood dealer to ‘get my fix’.
Philip Morris, you’re not my friend anymore, and now, I see, you never were.
PS> My wife still thinks you’re her friend. I hate it when people lie to her,,she trusts everyone.
Thank you for reading,
Graham Squier-non smoker.
well graham, i got the same thing in the mail yesterday! it was in a kinda nice rather large gold evelope deal. i threw it away. i dont even want to give them away to anyone i know. and to make it worse, they send them to my house with my mom’s name on it, who is dead. i dont know why a dead woman would need to smoke. much less save money on it. and she could also get a great deal on a car. oh well…how could they know. still its just odd to me.
oh and 1 more thing! i am 1 month 2 weeks smoke free. so yeah that feels great!
saraybe…I’m so happy for you really..I remember reading your first few posts and thinking…”she’s a determined person, she’ll make it”…
you mentioned the xboxlive thing, I play poker and am actually going to Vegas next week for first time smoke free….looking forward to it.
You know, I’m actually calmer playing as a non-smoker, than playing and smoking to stay calm.
You?. It’s a wonderful freedom..have a great day.
Graham
i do play calmer now, and i dont mess up in the games as often cause i’m not looking my smokes. it was strange going back to gaming and not smoking with it. i have always put the two of them together. but now it is not that big of a deal, i could care less.
good luck with going to vegas, i’m sure you will be just fine with it. i want to go there, but i can never make up my mind if i really want to go there. i’m strange like that. poker is fun, we play that over xboxlive sometimes, it is a good time. thank you for the kind words. i’m happy that i was able to make it and now be smoke free.
have a super day everyone! i’m off to play some video games…
Graham
Good point, same ritual.
Was having a rough one yesterday. Had no side effects for the first couple of weeks, but am now having reoccuring bouts of what my uncle used to call assfaceosis (vomiting & diarrhea). Don’t know if it’s related to the Chantix or not. Attacks have been occuring at 4 to 5 day intervals, which pretty much rules out a stomach virus.
Am wondering if it bears any relationship to my having diabetes. Anyone out there having similar problems?
MJ
Jason, Good Luck to u too. I am in my 5th week of chantix and still having those 3 cigs at the end of my day at home while in kitchen. I know I don’t need them, but I can’t let them go. I am curious to know how you do. You said day 10, well it took me just about 9 days to stop my regular smoking habits… so i am thinking you’ll do just fine!
Tracie
I know what you mean. Overcoming one obstacle makes it so much easier to tackle other problem areas. In my case, stopping smoking is the result of triumphing over other, more immediately serious problems, like getting out of a a really bad marriage. Funny that quitting smoking seemed much less do-able than ending a 20 year relationship!
The lessons you’ve learned will stand you in good stead. Just remember the techniques…. taking a deep breath helps when you’re balancing your checkbook, too!
MJ
Hi everyone, I just read every message and and can’t believe how well this stuff is working for everyone.. (I am sooo happy for all of you)!!! I have been smoking since the age of 16 I am 43 now and upto 1 1/2 packs a day I have tried everything there is on the market and failed and this is my last hope. Recently about the last 6 month I have noticed an increase of my addition went from 1 pack
to a pack and a half and I seriously feel that the nictotine companies are increasing there addictive substances does anyone else agree? I have been thinking about quitting for a couple of weeks now and last night made up my mind to quit and this morning i found you guys (Coincidence??) lol, anyway I am going to call my Doc this morning for an appointment and ask for Chantix.. I will fill you in on what happens…
Carolyn,,
Well I/we are happy to have you join us and hope that you find what we have found in Chantix…a new life without tobacco and nicotine.
Enjoy the journey. It’s not as scary as it may seem.
Graham
Congratulations “oldtimers” and welcome to newcomers!
Today is day three of week three Smoke Free with Chantix. I’m still having vivid, memorable dreams.
Jerry, your story is an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been thinking of ways smoking served as my emotional “cover.” Having a cigarette, taking the time to light it, etc., gave me the time to think something over, remove myself from an emotionally charged situation, and provided all sorts of reasons for me not to engage with others. (I always enjoyed talking with other smokers, though!) … I’m just thinking aloud here.
I also used smoking as a wonderful wake-up device — nothing better! The cigarette was my reward buddy, of course; finish a project; not only did I get the reward, I got to look forward to it. So many emotional losses. Grief. My dreams are reminding me of losses. The other night I dreamed I was in the middle of smoking a cig. I felt horrified and panicked. I ran outside, looking for a place of disposal. I dropped it down a drain.
I’m glad I had that dream. I think my psyche knows I don’t want to smoke anymore.
The Chantix is helping with withdrawal. Friends are supportive. You guys on this blog are very helpful, and I’m proud of you!
Good luck and strong dreams,
Hi everyone,
I’m on day 40 of my quit. I’m really pretty mind game free at this point and have been on only.5 mg of Chantix for about the last week. I have a half pill in my pocket but think I’m ready to try and wean off the Chantix now. I’m exited for the new quits and glad to see the long term quits still posting. If you want support join quitnet.com and find the Chantix club. Also if you spend time in the forums where people are quitting everything from cold turkey to the NRT drugs you’ll get an idea how much better we all are off with this med plan. I did post earlier about when I had a little slip, but thankfully I just powered on past it with the meds. Hang in there and I wish you all the best.
Bob
Just popping in to say that I’m at Day 40 smoke-free. I’m still taking the Chantix and probably will for the full 3 months (insurance covers it, no horrible side effects), and the past week or so has really gotten noticeably easier. Not that there are no tough days, but just that overall it’s definitely getting better. Best of luck to all who are giving this a try!
Hi to all of you! I just wanted to let you know how very encouraging all of you are! I”m on day 27. Afraid to be too cocky since I’ve quit so many times before but right now I’m feeling really good about this! Think I’ll be taking chantix for at least 3 mths. I have read that some people are staying on it for 6 mths to lessen relapse. And how well does my MD know me?! He filled out the script for the 6 mths already. Btw, Tracee, I too am feeling motivated in other areas as well. I’m eating better – trying to undo some of the damage I’ve been doing to my heart. Also have been working out, cardiovascular – same reason. Wish, though, that this new ‘lease on life’ would carry over to housework, but alas…oh well.