I was a smoker for about 10 years on and off...and quit cold turkey one day....I should own stock in Tootsie Pops!!  Without those, I never would have made it...hehe        Good for you!!!  Stay Strong!!!! 

Vanessa - Good for you.  I wish you the best of luck. 

I have noticed that more and more younger people are having heart attacks and strokes and they are smokers.  My grandmother died a long painful death due to those nasty cigarettes.  I know it must be hard to stop, but try to remember that you want to be here for your loved ones.  Stay strong.  They say as soon as you stop the lungs start to repair some of the damage.

Vanessa be careful with the Chantix it will depress you.  There have been three reports that I know of that cite related suicide to that drug.  I'm with the you on quitting but I am doing it drug free.  If I get anxious about having one I pop a dumb dumb or piece of gum and get my hands busy on something else so my brain gets busy on something else.

I wish you success but please be careful.

Good for you!  Here's to a GREAT '08!  Could you call my wife and convince her to quit?

www.mattcrow.com

Be of service.  The rewards will come!

Vanessa - I quit some 25 years ago and I have not missed them.  Good luck at kicking the habit as it will take a lot of will power.  8-)

Good luck and please report back.  This is also on my to do list and have discussed Chantix with my MD. Just haven't quite been ready yet.

God Bless you!  Just take it one day at a time.  It can be done!  You can do anything for one day.

I smoke on and off and have for years too.  I quit and then go back after I start gaining weight because I am eating too much.  I quit sometimes for 1 year and still go back so stay strong and be determined to beat this bad habbit as I still am trying.

Vanessa ~ Good luck! I am going to direct you to the same site I directed TLW to - www.quitnet.com.  It was a big help to me to read about others, help others through and post. 

I also found that Chantix did not work for me, although insurance covers it and not Wellbutrin XL.  I had better success using the Wellbutrin but had to pay full price for it (unless it's changed since).

Woo Hoo!  Congrats on taking charge of your life!

 I quit in 1992.  I was up to almost 2 packs a day and had smoked for almost 20 years.  I started when I was 13!  I went to smoking cessation classes given by the Heart Association.  They told us that nicotine stays in your body for 48-72 hours.  After that, it's all mental.  Carrots and celery sticks became my friends!

Have a HEALTHY and Happy New Year!

U da Man!!!! You can do it!!!

Vanessa, good for you - and your pocket book too!

Best wishes, it'll be tough but you can do it because you want to!

Vanessa, CONGRATULATIONS on taking that step! It's such a tough one but with the true desire to quit, you WILL SUCCEED! Keep us posted and may 2008 be the best year yet!

Congratulation Vanessa!  As everyone else says, one day at a time!!  I am anxious to hear if the drugs work.  It only takes about 3 days to rid your body of the nicotine so to me I would rather wait out the 3 days.  The psychological addiction takes over you after that.  I wonder of Chantix works with all parts of the addiction and not just the physical withdraw.

Lots of posts from people encouraging you Vanessa.  Funny how nobody seems to know you but they are all offering support.  I guess that is just human nature to encourage others when you know the outcome will benefit them.  Here is my two bits: Don't let all of us down.  It would be great to see another post from you in 2009 stating that you are still smoke free!  Good luck.

I was planning to have a meeting soon, but if you are having addiction problems, maybe I should wait (LOL). Just kiddiing, I've never been a smoker, but I've noticed that it helps to be around none smokers when you quit. Be tough, I know you can do it.

Real Estate Client Referrals - Thanks, I have a couple bags of dum dums and toostsie roll pops as well as a bag of Werthers... here goes nothin!

Karen- Yes, the human body is amazing in how fast it repairs itself. After several yrs you are at least 50% less likey to have heart issues as a smoker

Vanessa, Jan 3 will be three years smoke free for me after a 2 to 3 pack a day habit for just under 30 years. Keeping a positive attitude is key. Get through the first three days and you've got it.Also try an online support group I had quitnet .com it was a great help. Good luck you will never regret it.

Linda- I had not heard of the depression issue. I do know that physiologically the change does often bring depression with it, whether you use a cessation med or not...thanks for the heads up, I will watch out for it.

Matt- You know it has to be the choice of the person..service always helps. Thanks for the support!

Mike- I have attempted this before,quitting is not hard. Staying quit is. I believe God will help me as well as my friends and coleagues here on AR and elsewhere. Thanks!!!

I will come back and answer more comments later. I feeling a bit tense :.) so I am off to walk it away on the tread mill. Thanks for all the support, it will help in the time to come!!

Vanessa - Hope you are able to follow through. Smoking is a nasty habit. My father smoked for years and ended up having a quadruple by-pass as well. Hope you have an awesome New Year!

Did you see the report that came out on that drug?  I was watching it yester day morning on the CBS Morning Show.  Its causing an abnormal amount of suicidal thoughts in people.  FDA is investigating.  Other that that it seems to have success.  I'm going to take the plunge soon and quit smoking. 

Chad-You know, from a physiological and pharmaceutical stand point I wonder if the suicidal recation has to do with the receptor being blocked, I believe it blocks some dopamine receptors too..they may need to fine tune it...I was warned about that by Linda as well. I will watch for it, as I am prone sometimes anyway. Thanks for caring and supporting, I will have your back when you quit too!! Hurry up, now is the time...hehehehe(misery loves company right)

Gayle - I will most definately report back. With the reports surfacing about Chantix and depression I might talk to my Doc carefully if I were you. I know I will be watching that carefully. I will be here to support when your turn comes. Thanks a bunch dear!!!

Jim- How true, we can do anything for one day, 12 hrs, 60 minutes..Thank you my friend!

Stella- I am fearful of weight gain too and as I have had 3 back surgeries gaining is actually harmful and painful. I am getting on the tread mill for 10 mins everytime the urge to smoke gets over whelming. That should help the weight I guess.. You can do it too! We can!

Best of luck and the wieght thing will sort itself out and be a short lived problem. The smoking will have many benefits...taste, money health just fro a few...BEST OF LUCK!

Kathy- Last tiem I quit I did the quitnet site and the wellbutrin. The latter made me nutso and the former was not much either way. However, that may have changed with my willingness qotient if you get my drift...

Thanks for the the info and the support, it helps!!

Good for you!!

My husband has had the Chantix sitting on the shelf.  He hasn't taken the plunge yet, as he's waiting for me to take the plunge with him!  I plan on going to the doctor in January to sign up for it too, so we can do it together.  I'm tired of being a smoker.  A friend of ours warned us against the side effects, which is what made my husband hold off on trying it.  Funny thing is, that friend has now started taking it and is doing well. 

They say that you should not have any alcoholic drinks - at all - while on this, as it can play with those depression factors.

Good luck -- you've got a ton of support here!

Fantastic!!!  You will feel so much better (eventually ha!).  You will find how wonderful it is that you are not running around trying "hide" the smell with gum, perfume, etc.

Best of luck!

Nancy- yes within 72 hrs the actual drug is gone and the withdrawl is over pfysically. the strongest has always been psychological. Well I have 55 1/2 hrs to go for the 72. man, my damn teeth are going to fall out and I am getting nauseous with all the dum dumd..lol. Talking about it sometimes makes me more obsessed..ok, back to the tread mill for me!...God I am such a baby! Arg!

Vanessa - Congratulations to you for taking charge of this situation and deciding to quit smoking.  Apparently, you and I must be about the same age (I turned 37 in August).  You did start young!  My father passed away about two years ago from emphysema at age 62, but his quality of life was very poor for the last seven years of his life.  I will keep you in my prayers, as I know that this is a difficult mountain to climb.  Keep us posted on your progress!

Vanessa - I am happy to hear that you are calling it quits. We will be thinking about you. Hang in there.

Congrats and good luck!

Vanessa,

Congratulations on your decision to quit and best of luck sticking it out.

Sandy

Pat- Actually "I am Da Woman! lol..thanks for the vote of confidence!

Jim- yeah, if I save the 4-8$ I spent every day I could do something cool with it!

Ryan- Thank you! I really, really want it this time. I am just getting through the hour presently.

Renee- I am not sure but it could be as they advise you to take it for up to 6 months...

Josh- Many names here I know and many more I do not until today. That is the great part of AR, everyone encouraging one another! Thanks for the support!! I yoo hope to be posting a 1yr anniversary next new years!

Larry- Promises, promises...Bring on the meeting and the non-smokers too! Ok, now you gonna call me everyday and encourage me? lol

Hugh- Congrats! 3 yrs, wow! That seems like so long to me! I hope I am there someday(like in 3 yrs from today). Thanks for the insperation!

You can do it!!!  - I cant relate at all, smoking is disgusting!  Dont ever look back! Like you said, focus on the new healthy you!!!!  It will be WELL WORTH IT IM SURE!  I hate seeing people cough themselves to death... one minute I feel sorry and the next I feel that they chose it!....  I'm sure it is hell but you can do it! Good luck!

Congrads!  Take it one day at a time.  Never sneak one as that just lets you fall back into the hole.  Took me seven years to understand this until I quit. October 23, 2000.  Still remember the day of my last smoke. Finally I do not miss it!

Bill- Yes it is a nasty habit! I have always hated the smell and the way others react to it. Now I can get my clothes cleaned, my car cleaned and not smell! Yay!Plus, the health benefits are so HUGE!

Perrin- Thanks, I know that after a little bit my endirance will go up and I will be back to the treadmill, bike etc like I once was...I really have to say how much all the support means to me! Thanks!

Jeanie- Hi, how is your son? Is he still home for the Holidays?

The Chantix does have a bit of GI upset, but if you titrate up like it says, always eat before taking and do water it eases up....I am so behind you and hubby when you do it! Just keep saying it over and over. "I will not smoke for this hour."  I am about 18hrs smoke free! Yeah! 

James- yes, the hiding will be over. I just spoke with a friend who quit 2motnhs ago after smoking for 30 some yrs, she did it with this medicine too. She said the first time she had a client come in who had just smoked the smell knocked her over it was so bad! At present I can't imagine that but I know I will soon smell it just like everyone always did with me..smoke, perfume and cinnamon gum. Yuck!

Jason- I turned 37 last May, so we are the same age basically.I started about 12 or so. So sorry about your Father, that must have been rough on him and you. My great aunt had Emphysema from smoking and she told me over and over that I would someday wish to God I had done something when I could.. I am! Thanks for the support, especially when it hits so close to home for you.:.)

Ryan- Thanks for the support and for stopping in.

Nate- Thanks for the support.

Sandy - Thanks for the support. My sister recently move to Olympia and I hear it is very friendly, artsy and beautiful! Thanks for the email as well, if I ever get out there to visit my Sis I will look you up for a cuppa!

Kim- Laughing! You are right, it is disgusting! Thanks for the support, I will gladly take any I can get and be very grateful for it! :.)

James- Wow 7 yrs, you guys are amazing! Show me the way! No, I am not one that can :fudge" it a bit. I am a all or nothing kinda girl. No "drags" or just ones for me. None is the way I will have to do it. Thanks so much for sharing your success with me!

Ok, I think I replied to everyone now. thanks you so much for the emails and all the support. I am going to do it this time, i can feel it!  19 hrs! Ok, so now I have to get in the car and do some errands. i have been avoiding it all day. I always smoke in the car. Courage is being afraid and doing it anyway...

So I will see y'all when I get back. ;.)

Vanessa, how did you do in the car?  I hope it wasn't too hard.  Just think, all your wonderful cooking is going to taste even better!  You won't have to worry about the weight if you keep jumping on that treadmill.  If you keep a jar next to the treadmill and put in that daily savings, you'll actually be able to see the financial incentive growing.  Best wishes on your success -- you will do it.

Elaine- The car went ok, I decided to take my mini weiner Rosie with me as a distraction! She isnormally never allowed in my car..Just a quick trip, but it was fine. I am such a silly goose...Thanks for the support, i know you all don't want a play by play of my struggle but...oh well, you got one...lol!

And before I forget...

A big shout out to the powers that be at AR for this message, it is so awesome that they are paying attention and supporting their members. AR rocks!

"We really support your decision to quit smoking!!! It isn't going to be easy, but when you have the urge, just blog instead :) "

Awesome to hear, Vanessa! Stay focused and don't look back!

Brian Wilson, Zolve.comp 

Brian- Hey, thanks for the support! I am now at almost 23 hrs smoke free! About 50 more to go and then the acute physical withdrawl will be over. I can do eeeetttt!!!!

:::::Playing the Rocky music in my head:::::::

Gotta warn you folks, me off of nicotine might be a bit scary at times....

You go girl!  Be the woman that you are and take control!

Congratulations and hang in there!!!  As you can see from the other comments, it can be done.

Vanessa -- you go girl!  If you want to quit, I know you can do it.  Quitting is not something anyone can make you do. . .you have to want it so bad that you get over all the hurdles and succeed. 

My mom quit after 40 some years with the habit and a severe case of emphysema.  She was never able to quit (even knowing it was slowly killing her) until she had an episode where she couldn't breathe and nearly died.  She took seven cigarettes, put them in the kitchen drawer and never smoked again.  Was it easy?  No, but she took advantage of all the things available then (nicotene gum, patches, etc.) and these things helped her over the hurdles.  But it was too late for her.  The emphysema had progressed too far and she eventually succumbed to it. . .

Vanessa, be proud of yourself for making the choice to quit now, before your health has reached a point of no return.

I know it will be hard on you, but it will pay off in the end. You will be able to smell better, and when you start smelling other people that smoke...you will think my gosh I can't believe I smoked! I have a friend that has been taking Chantix, and she has been quit 2 months now. Good Luck!

Vanessa - More Power to You - will power that is - it is a terrible habit glad to see your on your way to a smoke free life.

Vanessa- good luck with your quest to beat the addiction. I wish my son was strong enough to beat his. May 2008 bring you heath and happiness.

Excellent indeed, I had a friend who has the record for quitting smoking, he quite 1147 times. Unfortunately, he died but he had the record. So, if you can quit just once, that seems to be the trick. - Lance

Congratulations Vanessa,

4 years ago I quit too after smoking 28 years.  It was the hardest thing I did and it took me quite a few tries.  I always rememeber how hard it was and that keeps me from ever trying it again!

 Sincerely,

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain www.SeattlebyDesign.com

Vanessa, with so many people behind you, you will do great!  I've never smoked.....but I have a client that both husband and wife quit with the help of a new drug....don't know if it's Chantix or not.  They are doing great!  Good Luck and Happy New Year!

Vanessa I gave up 31 years ago when I learned I was pregnant.  As you know, it is hour by hour and, before you know it you'll be counting the months.  Good Luck,  Karen

Hi everyone! Not to worry I am still smoke free! I woke up about 30  ins ago! I have never in my entire life slept pass 6 or 7 AM! My hubby is gone to work and did not wake me up! I have to rush and get ready to show property in an hour, 30 mins from here. Nothing like jumping in with both feet eh? Anyway, I will come back and answer comments later.

Just wanted you all to know I am almost 39 hrs now!

Come on the State needs the Tax Dollars generated from cigarettes, and do the Tobacco companies.  If we quit, we are putting the poor farmers out of business, as well as the workers who are paid to make our cigarettes.  You know you want one.  HAHA!! 

Congrats for real, you may just inspire me to take the plunge and quit as well.

Great, keep it going!  But I am confused, I don't smoke and would LOVE to wake up before 9:30 a.m. 

..O-nooo, .don't tell me that's the secret.  

Ok, really, really I am going to answer and read comments sometime today. Just got home and am off to wash and clean my car. Ugh, smells awful and I must have it removed! Did really well on the drive both ways, had some carrot sticks to hold in my hand(go on laugh, it worked) and some suckers and werthers for the mouth. Jammed 80's tunes and took the weiner. I keep taking her and she will have to be in my ads! lol! I am in a pretty good mood co