You are so right!
I am feeling rather edgy and weird today. Of course, instead of sleeping in (which would have been the smart thing to do) I've been up since 5a.m.
They tell me the nicotine is totally out of your system after 3 days and that any symptoms after that are purely psychological. Is there any truth to this?

I am sure hoping that things get better soon - the meter says 2 days, 11 hours, 31 minutes (but who's counting, LOL) I am quite edgy, am up 4, yes 4 pounds in 2 days - I'm sure it is just water weight, but...
My dog (Dana - a 4 year old Boxer), knows somethings up - she hasn't left my side. Which is nice and supportive in a way, but in the other way, she smells! Very doggy! But she's clean - has she always smelled like this and I just didn't know?

I'm an old timer (nearly 2 years) but it still feels good to post mine
so here goes:
Time passed
89 weeks, 6 days, 2 hours, 57 minutes, 42 seconds
Cigarettes not smoked
18,873
Money saved
$ 2,689.40

Erika

That is awesome, Rainbowgc! How long did it take before it felt good?

It took about 2 months - I had awful withdrawal but I was determined.
The only thing that worked for me was not to pick up another cigarette. I did it by going cold turkey with patches available for backup - which I never used.
Erika

OK, I'm scared. 2 months of active withdrawal? I am doing the cold turkey thing and everyone keeps telling me it gets a lot better after 72 hours. It doesn't?

Oh yes it does but you will have bouts of witdrawal for up to two months. Just treat yourself like the addict you are when it hits you and you will get through. A lot of hot baths and personal pampering got me through some tough spots. Also I treated myself to new perfum so I could smell myself for once in 30 years AND smell good LOL.

When the going gets rough, remember, like any other drug addict your body is going through huge changes - that's why you feel so lousy. Your body is ridding itself of poisons! That's why the first 72 hours are the roughist. After that your body is still adjusting - screaming for the drug of choice (nicotine) Slowly it subsides - normally within the first week or two. Then, if you are like me and have smoked for awhile, it will take awhile to break the habits associated with quitting and that's part of withdrawal too!
I had a very difficult time sleeping - I was having jolts in my sleep.
Called the doc and he said to take benedryl which worked very well for getting rid of some of the physical symptoms.

Even today, sometimes I want to smoke - but the addiction is gone and I can easily tell myself that like a herion addict if I can't have just one or I'll be hooked all over again!
So I let the thought pass without acting on it.
This is the part that gets easier each day after the first 72 hours.

Hope this helps,
Erika

Thanks Erika!
I've been trying not to romance the cigarettes, not to feel deprived because I am not smoking. TomX's "That's ludicrous" works very well at vaporizing the cigarette thoughts. It is just the general uneasiness, tenseness and irritability that is bothering me the most. Actual cravings can be almost fun, in a sick sort of way. I know I can win that battle. it is the feeling not myself part that worries me the most.

Wow how insiteful! Keep kicking those thoughts butts and you will make it! Just remember it does get better every day!

3 hours 46 min
 

Atriana...did it and tossed the last 10 cigs out...today I only had 2 first thing this morning...decided at 12 Noon to quit..with NO last cigarette to say good bye.
Ok I will not start whining with if's and but's....funny thing is I am totally emotional since I've decided to quit. Can not stop crying and have a headache from that.
Anyhow just wanted to let you know:) I am here suffering with ya

Mischa

mischa (((hugs)))
Are you sure you are ready? I feel like I guilted you out with whyquit?
Read all the stuff you can on the Freedom site - there are some really good articles. Don't mope and be sad - try to rejoice in the fact that you don't have to poison yourself every hour or so. It does get better - promise!

I have chosen not to smoke for 5 Days 8 Minutes 3 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 200. Money saved: $26.03.

mischa - are you OK?

I woke up wanting to smoke for the first time in a few days. Odd. The thought went away almost immediately, but it was still there.

I have chosen not to smoke for 5 Days 11 Hours 1 Minute 7 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 218. Money saved: $28.39.

Atriana, I feel edgy...like you said in earlier post's. My coffee is sort of "nacked" but I can still handle it. I feel a headache coming up...other then this I just want to smack someone...heheh I have the urge to ring someones neck :lol: I guess my nerves are a bit stretched....well I will keep busy today and do my biking and hope I get through day 2 without freaking out:)

22 hours, 10 min, 2 seconds:) wohooooo

Mischa

Mischa - Use that edginess to good advantage, LOL, lay into the next telephone solicitor that calls you, tell off that rude clerk at the market.
Physical activity helps this edginess - you need to release some endorphins!
It really does get better.

Atriana, how did you get through the day...did the urge to smoke ease off again?
I had a really good day but I kept busy all the time. Gulped down buckets of water and did 30 min stretching exercise (Pilates) this morning and 70 min biking and Elliptical Trainer this afternoom. So far so good and I gained 2 hours 45 min by not smoking. Hehehe John said time watch an extra movie *smile*.

Anyhow time to prepare my supper...did not need my afternoon snack but should eat it with dinner, because I keep calories just above my metabolic rate so I won't gain!

Have a great evening

hugs Mischa

1 day 6 hours and 28 min *jump* and not even ripping my hair out:)