My Kingdom for a camel!

[roger the rabbit]

Originally Posted by happy_terd

Pretty good actually. Today I completed my 2nd week of cold turkey.

It was hard as heck the first week and the second week wasnt quite as hard, but it still sucked pretty badly. Week number 3 I am actually starting to feel the benefits. For one thing I don't wheeze when I wake up in the morning anymore.

Breathing rocks.

The first 3 weeks do seem to be the most difficult, from then on it was easier for me.

The rewards for sticking with it are worth the grief!

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by devilsadvocate

And if that's not a reward, what's the point?

I mean, besides the whole adding-20-years-to-your-life thing.

But the damage you've already done through your smoking doesn't just "go away", does it?

[columbus]

Originally Posted by HarryT

But the damage you've already done through your smoking doesn't just "go away", does it?

You are quite right HarryT

From being an 80+ a day capstan full strength smoker I gave up some 36 years ago in 1974 after smoking for nearly 20 years.

On having a chest x-ray about 10 years ago the consultant said "I see you are a smoker", small shadow on lung. Which when I said when I had given up he said was inconsequential.

But apart from that I have no apparent symptoms of any thing resulting from smoking.

And I'm still here

[happy_terd]

"Is the Damage from Smoking Permanent?"

http://www.time.com/time/health/arti...819144,00.html

[roger the rabbit]

Originally Posted by happy_terd

"Is the Damage from Smoking Permanent?"

http://www.time.com/time/health/arti...819144,00.html

Good article!

So that's why I look like Amy Winehouse now

[HarryT]

Thank you - interesting article!

[GeoffC]

Yes - interesting - (works out his pack-years) ... where's my uncle at 90!!!!!

[devilsadvocate]

I personally refuse to let statistics tell me how healthy I "can" be as a result of my quitting smoking. I will still ride my bike to work for 3 months out of the year, and after all my outpatient stuff is done I'll still have my weight bench.

Between my nasal surgery and my recently-unburdened lungs, in fact, I'm looking forward to seeing how much more power I can put to the ground this summer.

[happy_terd]

Every few days it does get easier. Today was the first day I DID NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT SMOKING.

A small step perhaps, but thanks for all of the support along the way. Every single one of you who responded to this thread (or wished me luck in your mind) deserves Karma for helping make a difference in my life. This silly post on this silly site did indeed help me bunches. Half of the reason I post so much is me getting my mind off of the cigs.

I think at the moment I simply miss it as something to do rather than needing the nicotine.

On my one month anniversary we are having a party...here. You are all invited.

[pshrynk]

I'll bring the ashtrays!

Oops, did I say that out loud?

[columbus]

Originally Posted by happy_terd

I think at the moment I simply miss it as something to do rather than needing the nicotine.

That funnily enough can be as hard if not harder than the nicotine withdrawal.

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by happy_terd

Every few days it does get easier. Today was the first day I DID NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT SMOKING.

A small step perhaps, but thanks for all of the support along the way.

I think at the moment I simply miss it as something to do rather than needing the nicotine.

On my one month anniversary we are having a party...here. You are all invited.

Not such a small step. I'm so happy and proud for you.

Hows your wife doing?

[poohbear_nc]

I used to be a non-filter Camel smoker - yellow stained fingers and everything. Loved Turkish tobacco! House filled with Joe Camel stuff.

Then I had two pulmonary embolisms and spent a week in the hospital.
I came home, threw out all cigs and never looked back. Looking at your lung X-rays and pondering your mortality can be a powerful incentive to kick the habit.

[poshm]

Glad to see you're still going strong Happy!

Have you thought about taking up a new hobby, something else to keep your mind and hands occupied. I had a bad addiction to chewing my nails which only stopped when I took up sewing because my hands simply had something else to do.

I expect a party here on mobileread when the month is up

[alecE]

Originally Posted by happy_terd

Every few days it does get easier. Today was the first day I DID NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT SMOKING.

Yay! congratulations

I went to the body images exhibition in London last year - the sight of what a lifetime smoker's lungs looked like was enlightening and frightening. (Quite enjoyed the DVD 'Anatomy for beginners' though )