Finally! My Efforts Have NOT Gone Up In Smoke!

Number of Days without smoking: 9

It’s official. I’ve gotten through what many ex-smokers say is a milestone: 1 week without a cigarette! Unlike the previous week that included a Saturday night relapse, I haven’t given into my cravings at all this past week. It’s been nine days without and my habit is starting to lose its control over me. Before now, my cravings felt overpowering and I had to use all my strength and will power to not succumb. Now, when I have a craving, my rational mind is in charge again rather than my body’s physical withdrawal. I actually get angry at the cravings, thinking, “How dare you show up! You’re not getting the best of me!” And I grab a piece of gum or candy to chew until the craving passes.

I believe the strength of my incentive to quit pushed me through last week (the last two weeks, for that matter). I really wanted the public relations job opening I mentioned in a previous blog. I knew without question that smoking and PR work do not go hand in hand. And not wanting to be associated with smoking—meaning, no hint of the smell anywhere on me, my clothes, my truck, or my furniture—was an immediate nix for my chances at being hired. And now, I got the job!!!!!!!

This cold-turkey has not done withdrawal cold. I have chosen a gradual step-down with Nicoderm CQ patches. I just completed Step 1 (21mg for 2 weeks) and started Step 2 last night (14mg for 2 weeks). I am so happy I took this route because the patch has taken some of the “edge” off the physical withdrawal, making it easier for me to stay in control. However, I have some itching and slight skin irritation where the patch is adhered. I also don’t like the redness and ring of adhesive left behind on my skin when I remove the depleted patch. And because I want to be discreet about quitting, my back looks like a red “patch”-work. But, I think the benefits far outweigh any side effects I’m experiencing.

I’m looking forward to the next week without smoking as I attempt to integrate a regular exercise regimen into my schedule!

Handy Candy for a Cold-Turkey

Aside from a lonely Saturday night setback of two cigarettes over the weekend, I’m on Day 5 without any cigarettes! The cravings have come on often, but they have lessened with each day of not smoking. When the cravings have hit me, I quickly turn to my readily handy, steadfast vice...candy and gum! I have used an assortment of these craving side-steppers and offer the following suggestions for those also preparing to quit smoking or are in the early stages of nicotine withdrawal:

CHEWING GUM: This has been my mainstay vice with packs tucked in my truck console, my purse, on my vanity, and next to the TV remote. I prefer sugarless gum because it doesn’t become hard to chew after 30 minutes, unlike the sugar-based gum (not to mention a lot less calories!). This means that my jaw doesn’t get easily sore, so I can keep resorting to a new piece when a frequent craving begins brewing. The flavor also seems to last much longer with sugarless gum, too. Because I always had an “ashtray” taste in my mouth as a smoker, I prefer the minty gum flavors. But, I keep some fruity flavors on hand to avoid boredom with the mint flavors. Icebreakers’ Ice Cubes sugarless gum from Hershey’s are my favorites because of the texture from the ground candy “crystals” in each piece.

Sugarless Faves: Icebreakers’ Ice Cubes’ “Spearmint” and “Kiwi Watermelon”; Orbit’s “Maui Melon Mint” and “Bubblemint”; Extra’s “Spearmint”.

Sugar-based Faves: Bazooka’s “Original” flavor; Super Bubble Gum's “Original” flavor.

HARD CANDIES: Unlike my chewing gum, I prefer the sugar-based hard candies instead. The flavor is sharper and more satisfying than the sugarless versions of the same candy. And, if I’m getting satisfaction from the sugar-based versions, then I eat fewer at a time—keeping my calorie count down! Hard candies have been ideal for me when watching TV because the flavor stays vibrant and last for several minutes.

Sugar-based Faves: Jolly Rancher “Original Flavors” Candy; LifeSavers’ “Original” flavors; Crème Savers’ “Strawberry & Crème”.

Sugarless-based Faves: Sugar-Free Nips; BreathSavers’ “Wintergreen”; Sugar-Free Werther’s Original.

LOLLIPOPS: As “hard candy on a stick”, lollipops appear to meet not just the oral fixation need of smoking, but also can compensate for the need to keep my hands busy, too. However, I find suckers activity restrictive because of stick hanging out of my mouth. As a smoker, I wasted a lot of time to stay near my lit cigarette and lollipops remind me too much of that habit. However, the lollipops with a soft- candy center are fun when my cravings are extremely strong and I need to attentively refocus my energy.

Sugar-based Faves: Blowpops; Tootsie Pops; Dum Dum Pops.

Sugarless Faves: The generic $1 bags of kid-proof handle lollipops you see at doctor's offices.

Tapering the week

I haven’t thrown in the towel yet. Whew! This new job prospect still has me stoked. I’m making considerable strides in tapering off. I’ve averaged about 3-4 cigarettes a day this last week. I am able to stave off the morning cigarette and have been going for long stretches without smoking. I still hit points in my day (usually late afternoon/evening time) and give in to my cravings. If I want this job, I have to quit smoking. There’s no way around it.

I went clothes shopping for updated business attire. I’ve gained 10 pounds from stress eating, which kind of bummed me out while shopping. I fear how much weight I will gain when I completely quit smoking? Experts say that once a person quits, that person’s metabolism temporarily slows down. Stress is making me exhausted with hopping on the treadmill being the last thing I want to do. I’m hoping that with a new job, my daily routine will adjust and I’ll sleep better (because it’s stressful not working right now as well). Then maybe I’ll have enough energy to exercise and counter the slowed metabolism?

I don’t have much to report this week. But, I’m making progress and haven’t given up!