Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Day 3: Still Going Strong

Today is day number 3. It hasn't been as bad as days 1 & 2, but I still feel pretty ... slugish, I guess. It's hard for me to get out of bed and face the fact that I am now a non-smoker, and it's hard for me to sleep at night. Last night I woke up at 3:00 am and likely never fell back asleep.

The full Chantix dose makes me nauseous on and off. Not really really bad, but enough to upset my routine. Of course, when I feel like I'm going to throw up, a cigarette is the last thing on my mind ;-)

This is the second day now (Monday and today) that I haven't been able to concentrate much at work. I did do some stuff today -- a vast improvement over Monday where I accomplished absolutely nothing. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, however I have a feeling I won't be back in the groove for a week or two. Good thing I've been super productive over the course of this year; maybe they'll overlook this week or two.

My husband quit smoking the same day as me, only he is using the patch. It worked fine for him in the past. He has a very strong will, and last time we quit he was the one who pretty much forced me through. But yesterday morning he goes, "I feel like having a cigarrette... but you probably can't, can you?" I couldn't believe it, and I let him know: "OF COURSE you feel like having a cigarette! You're quitting! I'm quitting! NO we can't go outside and smoke." I was sooo proud of diverting this situation, cause usually I'm the weak one. However, for the next hour after he mentioned it, I had one heck of a craving. But hey, we got through it!

So ... that's all. Fighting the urge to smoke. At no point have I actually considered going out to smoke. Not once have I come that close. I'm proud of myself, and I thank you guys for all your support! I check my comments & other people's blogs numerous times a day to keep going. Thanks so much!!!

4 comments:

Mz Diva said...

Glad to read that you are still going strong! Actually, I REALLY want a cigarette! I have been feeling like that for about 20 minutes so I thought I would log on and check messages. DELAY and DISTRACTION are my two favorite methods of coping with cravings. It is time for my second dose of Chantix so I just got a big glass of water and took my pill. The craving for a cigarette will pass whether I smoke or not! Blogging and engaging in some other type of distraction definetly helps! My sister is also on the patch but is on a relapse right now so I am trying to avoid the smell of her smoking on the patio. She was telling me she thought she could be a "social smoker" about two weeks ago. I was like, "yeah, right if you say so." It was hard to be polite and just walk away. Anyway, her smoking is really none of my business. My smoking is my business and I am going to hopefully see this craving through and continue on the smoke-free journey.
Peace,
Diva

lynda w said...

My husband has said the same thing and you're right - it makes it so that you can't get it out of your mind. Good for you for being strong!

Good news - I too had nausea on and off when I went to the blue pills and I've noticed that over the past couple of days I haven't had any nausea at all. Maybe my body is use to the Chantix now? I just started my continuing pack so I think that makes it the start of my 5th week on the drug. When I think back, I'm kind of glad to have had the side effects of the Chantix though, because it made it easier to not want to smoke. So I'm letting you know there's hope to feeling normal again!

maggie said...

Brandie, good for you! It's nice to hear that you are quitting with someone, too, and so nice that you got to be the strong one to help you both stay on track. Just keep on going. It really does get easier, even if it can get a little tougher before it does (for some reason around day 4 or 5 for some of us, certainly not all of us). All of those tough moments now are completely worthwhile because of where they lead. You will be amazed at how the days string together and how much easier it really does start to become with just some tougher spots once in awhile instead of the other way around. You are doing just great!

Mary said...

Awesome job Brandie - Keep up the good work! Keep in mind how much you have overcome each time you shut the craving off, and how much stronger you become each time.

ps I added you to my links if that's cool - let me know if you'd like me to remove it. Thanks!