What else can I do?????

[shannasheldon]

Okay I am going need to lean on the wonderful ladies here. I don't know if anyone remembers but my Uncle died a little bit ago, the main reason for his death was his smoking. My Grandfather also died from lung cancer, he smoked a crazy amount. Then my Aunt about 4yrs ago had a stroke at the rip age of 43. My sister at 20 had a stroke also, which scared the hell out of me. Now yesterday another of my Aunt's had a stroke and she is not expected to live. I am just tired....

What I really need help with is not so much dealing with all this tradegy is that I want to quit smoking!!!! I tried the Champix pill and wow did that make me crazy and it caused a lot of havoc within my household. So I have been trying cold turkey and I am failing miserably, my FH is being a dumbass and isn't recognizing how hard this is, so when I need him to just let me get grumpy and such he gets all mad at me. I told him lastnight that one of the reasons that I am still smoking is because he doesn't give me the support that I need to do this. Even if I am totally wrong or being irrational he won't back down.

This is where I need you guys, I know all the risks and I myself have had preventive treatments for cancer that luckily they removed. But I need people who won't mind if I rant and rave. I have to quit smoking and this last tradegy brought that to light.

Sorry it is so long...;)

[anschuier]

I've never quit smoking, but I think it's great you're trying. Knowing that you want to change is great... I've heard all the usual "put money in a savings jar from what you would spend on cigarettes (use it for your honeymoon!!)" and "eat carrots" or something.. But talk to your FH, tell him you really need support and you can't do this without him.

And my Grandma died of lung cancer, too. I would never smoke, because of her!

[karebear46168]

Rant and rave all you want, i applaud you for taking the matter into your hands before it's too late! Don't give up, keep trying, and when you need reassurance or to vent let us know! Have you tried the nicotine gum or anything like that? A friend of mine went to her DR and they gave her this pill that made smoking upset her stomach and she quit........

Let me add that I did quit smoking over 26 years ago.....cold turkey!!!! it is hell!!!!! but then I was pregnant and a partier, I quit smoking and drinking as soon as I found out I was pregnant.

[kirstenh]

If there is anytihng I can do to help, let me know. I quit two years ago (cold turkey) but I am one of the freaks who didn't have any withdrawal so I'm afraid I can't offer advice. You could try the patch - my FH also quit the same time I did, although he started again after 3 months. He probably would have been successful at quitting if it wasn't for the fact that he spent 8 hrs a day in a van with a smoker (he worked as a countertop installer at the time and his partner smoked). If it had not been for being around a smoker all day long it probably would have worked. Try explaining to your FH that you being grumpy and moody is better than you being dead and see if that gets through to him - sometimes guys just react instead of thinking.

[rhiannon0320]

Hey, that's what we're here for! Not only to listen to rants about nuts-o in-laws, but about life struggles as well.

Group hug!

Also, my dad had to quit cold turkey because he had a back issue and was in the hospital for a few days and they wouldn't let him smoke. He did do gum for a while (just regular chewing gum) bu then turned to gnawing on cigars (ick). It's tough, but at least you realize you need o do it and that is one of the most important steps in helping yourself. :)

[karebear46168]

OOOOO I just remebered this....my hubby had to quit smoking and he went to a hypnotist and it worked................he still does not smoke!

[MelissaandJames]

I quit smoking a few years ago cold turkey also. I had a really hard time at first. I ate carrots ALL day long. I also found that if I carried 1 cigarette with me that I didn't go "crazy" because it was a choice and I could lite up at any time. I also found that the hardest time was right after I finished a meal or when I got in the car. So just holding the cigarette for a few minutes helped sometimes. Goodluck that's all I can say.

[shannasheldon]

Thanks girls, wow you guys are great!!!
I have tried the patch and that just doesn't work it makes me ill, but the gum I have never tried.
He usually is always supportive which is frustrating that he can't see that I need him. We have been together 9yrs so there are no surprises but this is making me question things which isn't good. The doctor when I was on Champix said that he is going to need to understand that I am not myself and WOW did he fail.
I will do this, it just may take longer than I was hoping.

The hypontist seems like a great idea!!

Thank-you so much this will be a daily battle but I hope to perserve.

[allisonw1400]

Shanna! Kudos to you for this!! I used to smoke off an on but was never addicted. I have been addicted to other things though and I know how hard it is to quit. The ladies have given some great advice! Just keep the faith and you can do it. I would def have a talk with your FH about cutting you some slack! He should be happy that you are trying to quit and support you through this. We are here for you though!!! I'm also very sorry about your loss. My whole family on my dad's side smokes and I worry about loosing them to cancer. If you need to vent, let me know. (PS I'm still working on getting MSN...then we can chat it up all the time :) )

Good Luck! You can do it.

[SoonToBeWed]

I quit years ago as well cold turkey. However here is my suggestion for you:

1) Figuere out how much you smoke a week.
2) Now the next time you buy a pack of cigerettes cut off about a quarter of an inch of each one. Stick to the amount you smoke a day (ex one a day etc).
3) Then over time cut the cigerettes down more and more.

Second recommendation

1) Figuere out how many you smoke a day
2) Cut down by one a day
3) Over time cut back one more each day

Eventually I hope this helps totally quit.

[lovecat4984]

I'm a smoker and I know how hard it can be. I know I should stop..... but I don't think I am in the right frame of mine to. I applaud you for doing so.... we are hear for you to rant and rave.... don't be shy!

[karebear46168]

Also as a side note, the pill that my friend took did not make her go crazy....I want to say it was Welbutrin...........

[shannasheldon]

Okay you guys have been awesome...the suggestions and support are tremendous.
Well I had a miny meltdown at lunch and told Fh that I am trying to do something for my health and he just isn't being there so I think he got the point. Cross my fingers, he got the message.

I am only smoking about 4-5cigs a day but since stopping the Champix it has been climbing. While on the pill I didn't smoke at all, but being crazy didn't help. I have heard of welburtrin it is the same as Zyban so I may go on that if it gets really bad.

I may start a daily journal then maybe talking about it will help.

[bigbooby]

I have never smoked so I can't say I know how it feels, but Good Luck!!!

[allisonw1400]

I may start a daily journal then maybe talking about it will help.

Thats a great idea. :D

[shannasheldon]

Thanks Allison!!! I thought it might help...