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
Tina, I totally support your quit and everyone elses. Absolutely and 100% – just had a bad minute there.
Fwew. Some people have bad moment and move on – I blog.
No Smoking People. Smoking Sucks. We do not. This is difficult, for sure, but absolutely worth doing! There is major freedom in not having to run for that cigarrette – it’s GOOD to have to learn a new emotional strategy – preferably one that won’t cause lung cancer or any other health problem.
It’s good to get to the core of my issues and work them out so I can move on. Smoking was my way of going around my issues and problems. But, straight through it probably only the effective way.
Quit smoking – it’s worth the struggle.
Tracee
Tracee,
I hear you. I think smoking and all other addictions mask underlying issues. Whats that old saying about drinking? Start at 16, stay 16 (emotionally)till you quit? Something like that anyways…Yeah, alot of anger. Losing a best friend sucks. Turning 50 sucks. Drinking Bud Select sucks. Only being able to Party once a week sucks. Work sucks and damn it!, get out of my way because you suck to! Guess I am still 16, cause the previous is pretty pathetic. Because the things that really matter, like my record collection…er….my wife, my 2 kids, my 11 house cats, all the feral animals I take care of at work, my brothers and thier families, my mom and on and on, are worth growing up for and growing old with. The original anger that retarded my growth and led me astray years ago have, in my case been addressed. 1 issue has been resolved. 2 issues never will be. And thats just the way it is. Angry young men can be cool. Bitter old men aren’t. The anger that has accompanied my quit is another matter. It seems to be out of my control. The only way I know how to fight it to continue to not smoke. I have to assume that it continues to be my body and mind having a monsterous frankensteinian fit of rage over taking away it’s fix. Everybody says it’ll get better, and it seems to have . But I have a feeling , that this is gonna take a long time. And why shouldn’t it? I smoked for 30 years. Even with Chantix , as wonderful as it is, learning new behavior and new ways of dealing with things isn’t gonna happen overnight. Just hope it doesn’t take me another 30 years!!!!!! Mike
Day 26 Chantix , Day 19 non smoker.
Hi guys! New to blog, and thanks for all your posts. You encouraged me to take my first pill rather than putting it off right as I was reading. Forgive me for getting technical here, but I have a question that I am wondering if anyone has found anything on:
1) Chantix is a nicotine agonist, that blocks the nicotine receptors so you can’t get nearly as much of a dopamine response as you would have without it. Manufactured by Pfizer.
2) Wellbutrin is thought to work for smoking cessation by its action as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor — it increases levels of dopamine much in the same way as smoking did. Manufactured by GSK.
So, seems to me that Chantix is working on the habit enforcement (smoke a cig, feel good, smoke another, feel good, smoke another another another), while Wellbutrin works on the cravings (I already HAVE dopamine, why do I need more)?
This would never happen in marketing, because the drugs are manufactured by different companies, but it seems that taking them together would be a real 1-2 punch.
The Chantix insert just says (basically) that Wellburtin did not alter the effectiveness of Chantix in the study, and that the safety of the combination has not been established.
Just looking at what each drug does is encouraging. I would like to know if anyone has heard or seen anything about these two drugs being used in tandem. I could be on to something, or just dumb enough to be dangerous.
Might check with my doctor, too (hmm… ya-think???)
Anyway, thanks again all — I hope to post many more times as I take this journey.
Mike..nice and accurate response.
Tracee…I feel the same way…but I’m not sure why.
It might be like this for me…
Get drunk-3hrs- hangover
Do an 8ball-3 hrs- come down
Food buffett-1 hr- sleep, wake up feel like crap
Cheat on spouse- divorce, loose kids and family
Gamble- broke
Smoke-feel ‘good’-30 min. smoke again-feel ‘good’
The consequenses and damage isn’t realized so quickly as the other addictions.
So..’If it doesn’t make me sick,tired,full,hungover-etc., why can’t I do it?”
I don’t know-it’s crazy thinking attempting to justify something that does nothing positive for me.
Thanks for listening…
Graham
Hi Tina,
Boy can I identify with you! I’ve been a pack-a day smoker since I was 15. I’m now 39 and in the past few years I’ve added a nightly bottle (or 2) of wine and an additional pack of cigarettes.
I just started Chantix this morning–wish me luck!!!! Several co-workers have quit with ease, and I’m hoping for such a miracle.
Hope to be a Chantix ex-wino, ex-smoker soon!
WOAH I am a little blown away. Yesterday was a bad day starting off with a flat tire on the freeway arriving to work late. Followed by a few orders that I goofed up on etc. that is kind of how the entire day went. All I wanted to do is go home and lock myself in my room for the rest of the day. Just sulk with out my ciggaretts. Although I did have some wine. Even when my boyfriend called I really wasn’t in the mood to talk to him and felt as if I was angry with him. I just tried to tell myself that it’s been a while since I had a really bad day and it was due. As a teenager I use to have depression maybe why I started smoking at 15 but I thought that was all behind me. Well here is the next day and I feel a little better but still a bit angry and not quite sure why. My caring boyfriend called to see how my day was starting and I wouldn’t even answer his call. I’ve even been doubting this whole relationship and he has been nothing but good to me. So when I was reading the blogs this morning as I do every morning to motiviate myself I felt comforted. I’m not married so Tracee I’m not trying to compare my doubts in my current relationship with your thought of divorce in any way but it just made me feel like o.k. so these feelings and thoughts that I thought suddleny manifested for no good reason could just be an underlying issue that I have put on the back burner for who knows how long. O.k. so I guess the the trick is since I don’t have ciggarettes to calm my nerves is to figure out the the heck is wrong and find another outlet. I know they say exercise is good and I try to fit it in but since taking the Chantix I’m so tired I sleep so much these days. Well mayb I will just keep reading the blogs and blog I seem to feel even better now. Keep blogging its very comforting to know that this is hard for everyone yet you all keep on going.
Shannon-
Speak to your doctor first. And do more research on your own, as well. 7 years ago I was prescribed both wellbrution & buspar. It worked great, I was cigarette free for 4 months, and then the meds started messing up my heart. I ended up in the hospital… and back smoking.
They NOW know how dangerous is is to take both meds at the same time, but it was almost too late for me.
I take great peace in knowing the struggle didn’t encourage you to give up Tammy. I’m am greatly encouraged that hearing that underlying anger isn’t making you want to light up and give up. Now I feel more open to expressing the difficulty of my quit.
There’s a bit of a disconnect because my thoughts are not on “smoking as a resolution” like they used to be. The Chantix worked a miracle in changing my brain to NOT see smoking as a resolution.
I hadn’t actually connected the two – my anger and smoking – until I blogged about it here and you all reported feeling the same way. Listening Pfizer? “Many Chantix users report the surfacing of unresolved anger as a side effect.” It would be nice to know how long it lasts. When I quit prescription drugs it lasted about 2 freaking long terrible years.
The question becomes what IS the resolution? I’m working out like a feind now. Seriously, I can’t even make it through the day and cope with the anger at all unless I do yoga and cardio or weights and cardio. I’m also dieting, though not in an extreme way.
My arguments with my husband are all centered around the basic feeling.
CONTROL. I want to contol my own life. I want control over how I spend my time and energy. I want to control our finances and budget. I don’t want to be so economically dependent. I want to have some control over my own body and it’s health and fitness. I want to have control over my own actions and emotional response. I want to control my own destiny.
IE: all addictive behaviors are an attempt to control one’s own feelings or emotional experience. But it’s a terribly distructive way to go about controlling one’s own emotions. Not particularly effective either.
I’m not a neat freak. I’m not particularly organized. I’m not fastideous or rigid or anal. So I guess I’m suprised at how important controlling my little universe is to me and how far I’m willing to go to do it. Obviously, I want to control my anger as well. I want the freedom to choose another response. One that’s more effective at getting me what I want.
When I was pregnant, also an experience when I felt out of control over my own body, I felt like I had Angery Terrets Syndrome. I feel similar now, like it’s taking superhuman strength to control my anger. Am I some kind of rage-aholic?
I’m seriously turning to God to miraculously set me free from the need to control – while attempting to exercise contol over my anger, my tone and the other distructive symptoms. I wrote about how my tone is becoming a problem over at So Sioux Me if you want to check it out at http://traceesioux.blogspot.com/2007/08/tone-turtle.html .
Good luck everyone. It is reassuring that I’m not the only one feeling like this.
Tracee
Shannon – go to http://www.quitnet.com and join the chantix users club. great place.
you can take the wellbutrin and chantix at the same time. there are no known interactions with chantix. a number of people at quitnet are using the same combo with no ill effects.
Ralph
day 63
Tracee,
Very intense stuff. I see a Henry Rollins set coming on here. Rage on…But I would say, controlling your little universe is doable. Controlling the universe around you isn’t. Open up the budget and finances so that you are both equally involved. That way niether person is dependant. If either you or your husband is opposed to this I’d say it’s a BIG red flag. You can control your own life, but being married with children you are not gonna be able to control how you spend all your time and energy. However you do have control over your destiny,actions and fitness. To “One that’s more effective at getting me what I want. ” I say YCAGWYW. That doesn’t mean anyone should ever stop trying.. It just has to be within the little universe. Aint’t gonna fly with hubby,the kids or anyone else otherwise. O.k. Dr. Pill is signing off for now. Please forgive me. Just my 2 cents worth. It’s a bitch being nicotine free and clear headed ( or thinking you are anyways..) innit? I can just see how this is gonna go. Tommorrows 3 weeks smoke free!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know what YCAGWYW means.
F.I.N.E…… :,) You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
MJB — Sorry to hear of your troubles. I remember Phen-fen (sp?) and some other combos that were safe when taken individually, but naughty when combined. Hope you are over your woes. I took Buspar once and it sucked BAD…. not to mention it made me uninsurable — doctor should have told me to maybe cut back on the two pots of coffee I was drinking a day before prescribing something so ucky!
Thanks, too — Ralph. Gonna go check that out.
Second pill down readin about all your successes and getting very excited. North of two packs a day here (work from home — no workplace smoking laws to get in my way). Tired of Friday nights alone as a good looking (kinda) guy because people gross out at smoker’s breath. Being a hack-mouth used to mean you were cool, but now it makes it really hard to meet a nice lady!
How great to read so many progress reports and successes ! I decided to use Chantix for my quit. I seriously doubted I could quit — I smoked for 36 years and felt I did not have the willpower.
I’ve now been quit 4 days, started Chantix the week before, started the American Lung Association Program several weeks before the Chantix. I think I need it all — the drug, behavior mod, support from other quitters.
I can’t say I have no cravings — certain activities definitely trigger my cravings but I am making it through them. I am hoping a few weeks from now it simmers down some.
RE: anger — I’ve often been a bit quick to lose my temper, hold alot of that in but there it is. On the Chantix, I find my anger doesn’t burn all the way to white hot — I get irritated, but it just doesn’t bloom the way it used to. I’m definitely more in the moment. Smoking takes up so much time ! Remembering to smoke before you’re somewhere you can’t, the whole ash all over the place thing. I am SO grateful to be able to say I smoked, not I smoke. I am really looking forward to starting to feel more active, etc again — as I always was an active person.
Thanks for the info on stepping down — I went through Pfizer’s site tonight and was surprised not to see a step down plan. I take it you’re breaking your pills up? I planned to check if that was ok with my doctor — but that’s down the road for me anyway.
Tracee,
Thanks for the anger managenment class. I needed it.
Bob
Thanks for the info Terry, I will try a bit of peanut butter, I guess a being a little nauseaus and having weird dreams is a small price to pay. Tuesday is my official quit day……still craving cigs….probably move than ever. I guess its just a mental thing. I will be so happy if I can just fill my lungs with CLEAN FRESH AIR. I have to say this blog has given me alot of motivation. You guys and girls are very inspiring. My friend who dont smoke just dont understand. Thanks!!!
Tracee,
Good lord, honey, one thing at a time! You don’t have to conquer the world today or tomorrow. Cut yourself a break and work on the smoking. Because smoking or not, are lives remain the same.
First, did you start taking the Chantix again? If not, maybe you are feeling “tense” because of the lack of dopamine. Nicotine gives us that (and so does alcohol, BTW). When we stop, it takes time for our bodies to begin producing what we lost. Thats why the Chantix is so effective… and thats why we should take it for 3-6+ months.
If the Chantix is not an option, and you feel comfortable with your quit… then, you need to work on NOPE. Thats the hard part… its where we come in to support you when you can’t or don’t want to.
Tracee, I have been where you’ve been as far as emotions and how to control them. Thats what it is – emotions and controlling them. Our emotions are what causes are ups and downs, and especially the way we relate to other human beings. Thats includes anger, disatisfaction, love, sex, the whole shebang. So what is making you so emotional? If its not the quit and the lack of dopamine, its another chemical. Your excercise will do wonders to increase seratonin. But what about everything else?
I saw a doctor, and finally after years, I started to take an antidepressant. Believe me I fought it… but ya know what? It works. I am now “normal” (lol) as far as my emotions.
You can try to analyze the anger and what causes it as far as relationship issues. But it sound like this is part of your nature by what you describe. If its making you unhappy and impeding your life progress, talk to a doctor and analyze the hormone/chemical issue.
You are a very intelligent, beautiful woman. Kick smoking’s ass! If anyone can, you can!!!!
Tina
Tha last time I “quit” I asked the dr. for Zoloft to help with my mood swings and depression. I have continued taking them during my “unquit”. Now that I am on Chantix and still “quit” (Day 14), the Zoloft seems to keep me at an even keel. Even those days of frustration (major trigger) and I craved my “frustration cig”, I was able to refocus on my goal, take deep breaths and not smoke.
Guys, not smoking is a tough HABIT to break as much as the nicotine. We started this addiction for some reason (low self esteem, life trauma, depression, etc.). Hang in there and continue your quest. It can happen and will and hopefully before you get nodules on your vocal cords!!!!!
Cheers and luck,
Terry
Funny you mentioned the anger because I thought it was me going through dopamine withdrawal. I found myself turning into quite the shrew when I took my little pill late or the first few weeks off chantix. However as time has gone on, I find myself becoming more calm. But it has taken a lot of time and self control. Life as a non-smoking nicotine addict is looking up. I think it is so awesome that so many of us are breaking free and taking control of ourselves. Keep the faith and be proud of yourself!
Guys, I’m superglad the antidepressants are working for you. I’ve taken some form of anti-depressant for most of my adult life. They are a wonderous thing and there is a definate time and place for them.
This is the first time in my life I’ve tried to manage my emotions without ANYTHING. If it wasn’t the smoking it was prescription drugs (including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety), before that recreational drugs and binge drinking.
Here’s what I know – For Me. I want to figure out how to manage my emotions without assistance because I feel like that’s the only thing that’s going to put me on my spiritual path, my personal legend, enable me to become my best self.
I’ve never been in a position to attempt this before. Never felt emotionally equipped. Never felt like I had the right resources or mind set.
But, this time. I don’t want to quit smoking only to start the anti-depressants. For me, it’s always been another way to hide from or avoid my own emotional management.
I’m not mentally ill, I don’t have a chemical imbalance, my hormones are not traumatized by birth or birth control or puberty.
What I have is emotional immaturity and difficulty accepting that life is simply not fair. What I have is a terrible time accepting that though I have tons of valid and legitimate reasons to be angry -I can choose not to be. Because it’s ineffective. Extremely difficult to go through the emotion and deliberately let it go. But, I’m determined to do it.
Which is not to say that everyone else should do this without anti-depressants. I could never try this if I hadn’t already broken the psychological addiction to smoking before trying Chantix. I’m not experiencing withdrawl symptoms or obsessive thoughts about smoking. I’m just trying to fill the void of not having cigarrettes to fall back when I’m upset.
Hang in there. I feel better today – I really do.
Tracee
Tracee,
Your amazing wisdom and honesty is your best guide to your spiritual path. You have done an extremely courageous thing and yet you demean your strength.
To release something as powerful as smoking has tossed you off-balance and Life is ALL ABOUT BALANCE. To tip the scales back into balance with Source Energy must be done in small increments… reaching for ANY thought/feeling that feels “better” than what you are currently feeling and keep doing it. I know that that seems very simplistic, but I have worked this for a couple of years — I was a SEETHING MONSTER when I quit!
I was gifted a book, “Ask and it is Given” about 2 1/2 years ago — it helped save my marriage and has become so used that it looks like its been through a war. Well, in a way, it has… unlike you… I DID scream “I want a divorce!” A Lot! Fortunately, my husband (bless him!) would just shake his head and go for a walk… a short one!
It might help.
… and, just so you know, it’s NOT a religious thing at all!
India,
Thanks for the advice. I ordered the book from Amazon. The authors have been a recurring theme, so it must be a sign.
Sounds simple, but in practice it doesn’t feel simple. Still going to give it my best shot though.
Tracee
Tracee (and everyone else)
I just read all of these posts and put in a call to my dr. for a prescription. My husband has been quit for 5 days going cold turkey (I can never do that) I have tried everything and nothing has worked. Hopefully this will be the wonder drug for me! Hopefully Kaiser covers this so I can start tomorrow.
Yay You Liz! (get some for the poor hubby too – he’s in total hell right now.) Even if you have to pay full price that’s how much you had budgeted for cigs anyway.
Tracee
Liz, I also have Kaiser, and on my plan they are covering with enrollment in their smoking cessation program. It did take me a month to get an appointment (detailed on my blog how that went…), but it was worth it. Kaiser is one of very, very few that I know of who even cover Chantix, so I hope yours will be, too. Good luck!
Today is Chantix Day 76 and Smoke-free Day 64 for me.
Hi Everyone!!
Back from my SMOKE FREE vacation and it was GREAT!! I am glad to see so many new names here..
It was really kinda weird to not smoke at times almost a memory of the past during my vacation. The hard part was that my hubby was smoking like a chimney and sometimes the smell of it triggered these memories (yes they are now memories not urges)..but I would just walk away from it and it was o.k. I almost think that my quit made my husband aware of how much he really smokes and I don’t think he likes it because yesterday he also started Chantix YEAH!!!!
Time Smoke-Free: 15 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes and 2 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 479
Lifetime Saved: 3 days, 15 hours
Money Saved: $120.00
Tracee, Good move! And it is a sign. The same thing happened to me with the Hicks. I had the book for 3 months before I read it, then when I did, a different friend gave me some audio tapes (inspirational, I thought… ugh! not now!), but when I plugged them in, everything started becoming more clear…. then a couple of other “links” and it hit me (like a brick) that “gee… these are the same people?! DUH!!!” You have made my day!
Carolyn,
WOO HOO!!!!!! Congratulations! and BIG CONGRATS to your husband! You are such an inspiration, no wonder it rubbed off on him!!
Graham,
He got the RX filled, but is putting it off. At least they are still on the diningroom table… that’s closer! I think he’ll be calling you… my “encouragement” is starting to sound like nagging, so I’m shutting up. Thank you for everything so far and in the future!
Day 981
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I got my prescription filled and will start tomorrow. It was not covered by my insurance but I figure when I quit it will pay for itself.
India,,Ok, he’s much closer…..Here, print this.
Harry, I’m not your mother and I’m not your wife.
Your wife said that you filled your Chantix prescription and it’s sitting on the table..Well, I guess you also filled your Nicotine prescription today too…right? Well, good news,, you can take both of these prescriptions at the same time..that’s right…for a while you won’t even know that you’re taking both of them..But in a week or so, one of these prescriptions (i’m not saying which one) is going to make you not want the other perscription…and when that happens, it’s ok, you can stop taking the other one. It might take two weeks and that’s ok. Just remember to eat a little something and drink a little something when you take the ‘blue pill’ prescription…when you take the other one, you may want to wash your clothes, take a shower, brush your teeth, breath from an inhaler for a while, and spray lysol in the room–cause that one really smells bad, heck , you have no idea at this point how bad it smells, but you may find out soon.
(This is the type of thinking that works for me.lol)
Seriously, do what feels right for you–I just know after 34 years of a pack and a half a day-I don’t even think about smoking and it doesn’t hurt.
By the way, I think your wife cares about you a whole lot.
Call me with any questions..
Good luck,
Graham-just a non-smoker
Quit Time: 3W 2D 17H 14M 50S
Thanx 2 Chantix, however I am thinking about stopping chantix cause of sever GAS! It is so freakin bad, like at work etc..! I can’t stand holding farts!, makes me feel like I am literally blowing up like a methane balloon!
Maybe will change my mind by the time it is pill time again, but thought I’d chime in with my experience:
Other then the farts it has been a miracle drug! gets you over that insane urge and prevents homicides and suicides!
Is there anything I should be aware of after stopping Chantix?
Thanks!
Hey Everyone,
I’m roughly hanging in there on day 65.
My 45 year old boss goes tomorrow to have surgery to remove cancerous polyps removed from his vocal chords. I think he’s out on the loading dock having a cigarette right now. Doesn’t seem to affect my other co-workers who smoke at all. It’s not like they are freaking out asking me what the best way to quit. I guess it’s the youth and no fear. Also they are all from Russia and they tell me smoking is very prevalent there. They actually forget sometimes and ask me if I want to go have a smoke with them. The other owner a non smoker health freak has had boss number one aside having some pretty concerned looking conversations. I don’t speak but a few words of ruski so I have no clue what they are talking about. I’m hoping he’s chewing his ass and telling him he better quit after the operation.
Man I’ve been feeling the rage caused by frustration so much lately. I had a bunch of problems with not being able to play purchased music on realplayer last couple of nights. Had to spend a couple hours last night on tech support from India. Please no racist innuendos here, just good old fashioned suffering and helpless rage at my predicament, and the language barrier. Oh god why do I have to suffer this bullshit when I just quit smoking a couple months ago??? and then there is that high blood pressure issue. I could feel the blood pounding in my temples. I was at home alone drinking vodka sours and thanking my lucky stars there was not anything around to smoke in the house. I’m sure if I had any pot left and some papers I would have smoked that for sure. I might have even considered some nice dried cow manure rolled up neatly in a couple zig zags. I uninstalled realplayer and will just live with the fact I got ripped off for 38 tunes I paid for. Worse fates could have happened to me. I shouldn’t get so crazy.
I work in a busy showroom and am on the phone constantly with internet sales. Dealing with the public is also maddening. Do people even have a clue what a stupid question is? We sell remodeling and I’ve learned what the expression “tile emergency” means. Someone on the other end of the phone is about ready to cardiac arrest over the fact his/her tile order has a shipping problem and it’s not going to arrive until next Tuesday instead of this Friday. I’m always so amazed considering I was an air traffic controller during my 4 year hitch in the Navy. I’ve been on the radio with pilots who couldn’t get their nose gear down for landing, or had their canopy blow off at twenty thousand feet, who were way freakin calmer than these remodeling customers.
I did order “Ask and it is Given “ on India’s suggestion. I’m just such a
cranky, hurky jerky mess of resentment because of these damn cigarettes.
I’m naturally a sweet natured fun loving guy. I just feel like I’ve had something taken from me that needs to be replaced. I hope the book helps.
I do realize quitting drinking could help me a lot but I’m honestly weighing the old AA warning not to quit smoking until you had a year quit drinking unless you risk losing both quits. Is that just rationalization or is that a real issue?
Kudos to all you new quitters and hopefully you won’t suffer from whatever neurotic ailments I have in my quit.
Sorry for taking up so much space on this blog. Prayers for my crazy boss would be appreciated.
Bob
Bob,
re your question:Is that just rationalization or is that a real issue?
my experience and answer: Suffering is an option-the length of suffering is one’s choice.
Graham
Graham, I printed it. It’s on the table next to his Chantix and cup of morning coffee….
Bob, I’m glad you’re getting the book. It’ll seem weird when you first start reading it, but keep going. All of the sudden, you’ll realize that, as Graham so eloquently put it, “suffering is ONE’S CHOICE.” Everything is actually.
The nice thing about blogs is that they don’t run out of space… and each entry will fill a need in someone else. I am so thankful for Tracee starting this one. We all benefit.
India
India…hope he has a good sense of humor…
my enemy list is presently at -0- and I’m not trying to change that number.lol
graham
Hi all
Long time no blog. 18 days smoke free!!!!!!!!! I havent had any big urges just a little ones now and then. I just stay really busy and I read alot. The hardest part for me has not to replace smoking with eating. I got on the scales this a.m. and i actually lost 1/2 pound. Everyone hang in there you can do it.
Hi there Barbara,
Super glad your quit is going so well!! Mine is going good too. It gets easier every day.. Have not heard from Heather and I hope she is still doing o.k..
We Will Do This With a little help from Chantix lol
Hugs Carolyn
You’ve been Quit 18 days. $135.00 and 4 days, 4 hours of your life saved!
Bob, you are a non smoker. You have achieved your goal. You are a non smoker. You are what I and everybody else on this board want to be. You should be happy – but you’re not. It’s because you feel like you have sacrificed something, like you are denying yourself a pleasure. I strongly urge you to find the book: Allen Carr’s Easyway to Quit smoking. Based on what I’ve learned from that book, you are making yourself miserable moping about a perceived loss. This book will help you understand why you smoked and why you are sacrificing nothing by stopping. PS – I am only on day 2 of stopping (coming off a 27 year habit). I used Chantix roughly 2 weeks before it kicked in and I stopped smoking. I read and re-read the Allen Carr book to keep my head straight (hundreds of thousands have stopped with this book alone) – so far stopping has been mostly easy, and I know in my heart I will never smoke again. I am happy. – Grant
Hi Grant,
Just a funny coincidence. I bought the Allen Carr DVD online. It was a hasty purchase and I didn’t even give a thought that when I got the DVD from England that it wouldn’t play on my equipment. Apparantly DVDs are set up to play on the equipment in different contenents. I tried to change the settings to universal on my TV (so I could play this) and almost permanently crashed my Bose surround sound. I’m hoping I can read the book India suggested without incident lol. OK I’ll order the Allan Carr book too. I don’t know how many of you know who Allan Carr was so I’ll just shout out that he dedicated a great part of his life to very successfully helping smokers, drinkers, etc quit. He in fact has recently passed from lung cancer even though he had been quit for 23 years. He still claimed to be a happy man because he was free from addiction.
On a good day, I’m really greatful for being quit and do count all my blessings especially my awesome wife and stepdaughter who are also my quit partners. We have three little dogs that are like having permanent children. Am fortunate to have a lovely home and even a little (tiny probably more accurate) bit of financial security.
Those of you who know me from this blog have seen what I’m like on a bad day. By the way did I mention my wife has been in menopause for about 8 years now and will turn on me on a dime???
OK, thanks to you all for your thoughts, comments, and support. Tina has been trying to help me sort out my drinking issues. Thank you too.
Oh to bring you up to speed my boss has been at work now two days since his surgury on his vocal chords. He can’t speak above a whisper but he can still smoke, Go figure………..
Bob
Hi Bob!!!
Hey – before you buy the book, there is an online PDF version floating around on our Q club. I don’t have the link right now, but either post there and someone will give you the link or I will get it to you tonight. Have a good one-
Tina
d49
Today is Day 19 smoke free. I have tried to quit many times before with Wellbutrin and cold turkey. I am now taking Chantix and I am amazed at what it does. Haven’t had a significant craving since day 8 of the treatment. Of all the side effects, the lack of sleep (insomnia) and the feeling like in a fog are the worst. My sense of smell has not improved and I am eating a lot less than normal because food does not taste good. Decide to cut back on the dosage to see if I could get some sleep and eat. I ate more today but it didn’t taste all that great and I got maybe an extra hour of sleep last night. No foggy feeling today also. I think that if I do not have any cravings, I will continue on the reduced dosage (5mg twice a day) and see what happens. After smoking for the last 30 some years, 1 – 2 packs a day, I can truly say that I believe I will make it this time. If Chantix could do away with some of the side effects, they would have a miracle product.
Bruce,
I agree. Chantix is a very interesting drug. Never made it past 2-3 days the past 30 years. And yet, here I am 27 days smoke free. True my current motivations may be stronger than in the past. But this stuff really does help/work. Something fundamental, that can’t be chalked up solely to motivation, has changed. Mike
That stinks about your Allen Carr DVD! I’m a big movie/DVD fiend and I think I can help you get around the region coding issue – IF you have a dvd burner (writer) on your computer (or a friend does.) Download a program called “dvdshrink” here: http://www.dvdshrink.org/what.html
You can use this free program to copy your dvd and it will remove the region coding. Then you burn this new copy onto a blank dvd. It’s fairly easy, but only if you’re into this kind of stuff. If not, you might find the learning curve a bit much.
As Tine mentioned, there is an Allen Carr book available for free download. It’s called Scandal. You can get it here: http://allencarr.com/central/article/100/free-download-of-allen-carrs-latest-book-scandal
It covers most (if not all) of the points in “Easyway” and is a great free introduction to his theories.
Day three today. I feel good. Not sure how much credit goes to Chantix, how much goes to Allen Carr – but this is by far the best, most positive experience I’ve ever had while quitting. – Grant
Every day I have a choice…. I can be happy or I can not be happy. Guess what, I choose to be happy…oh and by the way, I am menopausal. Bob, I am not going to feel sorry for you that your wife is menopausal. Enough is enough. You want to wallow, have at it….me, I like to be happy and find the good….my glass is half full…and so is everyone elses that gets through another day of not smoking!!!!
I have my chantix and getting ready to take the first pill on Monday. So glad to read all the positive comments but am concerned after reading about the dreaming. Could you be more specific about what I can expect?
Kay, I can’t speak for everyone on the dream issue, however, mine have been goofy. Not one has been wht you would call a nightmare. For example, last night I dreamt about being on a swimming pool raft with two woman and a guy from Monthy Python, rafting down the flood river in my town. I had lost my glasses and car keys at a local saloon and somehow found myself in the middle of Flying Circus.
Just goofy, and at times amusing, but so far, not bad. Hang in there, I am now 3 weeks smoke free and going for week 4.
Bruce
Grant and Tina,
I downloaded the Allan Carr book “Scandal”. Read it and it really has been helpful. Yesterday I was told the company I work for is going out of business so just clean up your orders and turn in your commissions. Even my wife was surpirised I didn’t just go buy a pack and smoke. I guess the 71 days I have behind me accounts for something. The Allan Carr book came at a really auspicous time.
Chris, This is a nice blog. Let’s leave it that way.
Bob
Bob,
So sorry about the j-o-b. That seriously sucks. But, I’m glad you didn’t smoke. Somehow the Chantix removed the “if I have a cigarrette I’ll handle my problems better” thinking. I hope a better job, with less stress and more upside will be just around the corner for you.
tracee
Bruce,
thanks for the additional information about dreaming. i feel better now. took my first pill this morning. no difference at all so far, but no side effects either. yea!
Bob,
just remember when a door closes, another bigger one opens, It has happened to me and all the cigs in the world did not change a thing.. It is great that you did not start again..
Carolyn
Time Smoke-Free: 23 days, 26 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 690
Lifetime Saved: 5 days, 6 hours
Money Saved: $172.50