Quitting smoking

[catneon]

Well here it goes, this is the reason why I stopped smoking Sept 28, 2002. I wasn’t a big smoker 1/2 pack a day but I had been smoking for 10 years. Not a lot of people understand my motivation, so only here among REAL animal lovers can I explain.

In Spring of 2002 my cat Panther started coughing. Just a little at first but then he started to have coughing fits. Being very worried I brought him to the vet, who told me that, although she would have to do some tests to confirm, it sounded like he was asthmatic.:eek:
(he is a heavy cat at 20 pounds, his father was 25 lbs, we are now working on that aspect!) Right away I had to remove ALL irritants dust (vacuum every other day, or remove carpet), litter dust and STOP SMOKING! Well after doing all of it including buying him a humidifier and smoking outside or under the stove fan, I decided it was time to quit. I had never had a reason or motivation before, but seeing my baby suffer was unbearable.
I stopped with my hubby on the patch, we were on it for about 5 weeks. Now I can’t say I haven’t had cravings, but seeing my baby run around like a maniac without coughing even once reminds me why I did it and how glad I am that I stopped. My baby has not coughed in a long time and has not had a coughing fit since the fall.

I decided to post this when I saw a reply on the first few pages of this threat that said “ Can you believe what it (smoking) is doing to your furbabies?”

I know all of you CAN do it and I am sending positive vibes your way keep going!!!!! It is worth it 100% whatever your motivation.

Catherine

 

[cashisking]

my turn..

<Gulp> Yesterday afternoon I smoked my last cigarette (I MEAN IT THIS TIME):( Cold turkey for me. Chomping gum like a madwoman today. But I want to do this, sooooo badly. Sat will be my 72 hour mark, I really think if I can get there cold turkey, I can do this! Well, loads of water, gum and seeds for the next couple of days!! Went through this thread for some moral support, looked at some links, feel better.... So wish me luck....

Jenn

 

[catneon]

GOOD LUCK!

You CAN make it! ((((((((((((Positive vibes)))))))))))))))) going your way!

Catherine

 

[BRIDGIT]

My dad, step mom and step sister just quick a couple of months ago. My dad is 56 and has smoked since he was young. I am so proud of him for quitting for good. When he called me to tell me it had been 3 months I almost started crying because this is something he has always wanted to do but living in a house with 2 other people that smoke makes it a little harder. He got on the patch once but was secretly smoking while he had the patch on which caused him to have a mini-stroke. Good luck to everyone trying to quit. If my dad can do it any of you can. :D

 

[debbie knowles]

Hang in there Jenn and welcome to the "quitters" crowd. I have been taking the welbutrin for 7 days now and it is starting to work...cause I can't hardly stand to put one in my mouth...they taste sooooo nasty and I know that is coming from the welbutrin. I am down to about 3 per day and get a big big break next week...three day business trip in a non-smoking hotel room with a crowd of non-smokers.We're all riding together in their non-smoking cars, so I think this will be a big boost for me....so I had originally planned to make next Friday my last day but I am now moving that up to Monday 5-12. Stay strong girl...I'll be pullin for you...We CAN do this!! Deb

 

[cashisking]

you too Deb, I just keep saying Today, I am a non-smoker, today, I am a non-smoker. I bet that trip will be just the boost you need... We can do it!!!!!! Never tried the Wellbutrin, but Zyban was by far my most sucessful attempt at quitting, up until this one that is

Jenn

 

[debbie knowles]

Hey Jenn,
Welbutrin and Zyban are the same drug. Welbutrin is used as an anti-depressant..so the insurance company pays for it. If it is prescribed under the name of Zyban to quit smoking the insurance company won't pay for it!!! Makes a lot of sense, huh?? I used it to quit for 7 months but started back...this time WILL be different! Deb

 

[buddy'smom]

so I had originally planned to make next Friday my last day but I am now moving that up to Monday 5-12. Stay strong girl...I'll be pullin for you...We CAN do this!! Deb

AAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKK I was going to join you on the 16th but darn I am not even mentally prepared for the 12th!!! You can butt out first and I will do it 4 days later okay???

Speaking of Welbutrin/Zyban did you know how it was discovered as an anti smoking drug? It was a fluke actually. You are correct, it is an antidepressant, and was well used to treat people with depression. As time went on, people on the meds were saying they no longer had a desire to smoke. The doctors never really paid much attention to it at first, then one doctor began a study and lo and behold, the stats on smokers taking this drug for depression showed most had lost the desire. So, without any real answer as to why it worked, it became marketed for people wanting to quit smoking. Just a little trivia for ya.

BTW in Canada, neither is covered by drug plans, they caught on to doctors prescribing the Welbutrin for smoke issues, to get around the Zyban name, so now we pay, deemed as a self inflicted disease :confused:

Jean

 

[debbie knowles]

Oh Jean...I know I said the 16th...but I will spend the 13-15th three full days not smoking....so it just makes sense to keep it that way....you come on and join me on the 16th...I'll be waiting for you. Luckily my insurance still pays for the Welbutrin...just not the Zyban name! We can do this!!! djk

 

[buddy'smom]

Deb

It does make sense for you, I just need to prep myself for this, ie: mental prep, lose a couple pounds as I know I will gain, as well as gently break the news to my family and friends, I am going to need their support and they need to know why my usual niceness is not so great. Oh gosh the poor girls at work, and those poor old folks :eek: I may just lurk on BW as well and refrain from any postings for fear of a banning. Honest, any attempts I have ever made at quitting have not been a pretty sight. If C would send us his dancing video, maybe that would give keep my sense of humor up Join ya'll on the 16th.

Jean