Turkey's Triumphs: Page 7

Hello gang at WhyQuit,

I am GOLD today, but I am not a member. Thank all of you for your support and education this past year. I smoked for half of my life and I am only 35. I was a closet smoker for the past 10 years after a heart problem was diagnosed. Only my husband and a couple of friends knew my "secret". I would tell my hubby that nothing short of a 30 day rehab program could get help me stop.

My eyes were opened after I found you doing a search on the web about quitting smoking. My yearly physical was just a couple of weeks away and I could not stand the thought of going back in still smoking. I was always embarrassed because what sane person would smoke after being diagnosed with heart problems. I still lurk around the website and still find valuable info. If I ever win the lottery I would love to advertise your website everywhere.

Thank you all!!!

CC

I never thought that I could go one year without a puff. Today is the day I can honestly say I have gone one year without a puff. Your website was one of the main tools that helped me achieve this goal !! I have recommended your website to everyone who has shown interest in wanting to quit. I still refer to this site for help and motivation. The battle has been won for me. Thank you !!!!

Tim Burdett
Billings, MT

I attribute my quit to my family:

In January 2005 our family met in Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend. After spending a lot of time with my daughters, they commented to my wife about my breathing seeming to be labored. My wife confirmed to me that she had also been noticing the same thing recently, but didn't say anything so as not to upset me. Since my daughters asked her to, she decided to let me know.

At age 52, and after smoking for over 25 years, and having a grandfather and an aunt both die of emphysema, what my family was telling me, scared me! I promised them that as soon as I returned home, I would once again try to quit.

As I had promised, upon returning home, I dug through my drawers, and once again pulled out the remaining nicotine patches, and nicotine gum left over from the last time I tried to quit. I would guess I had tried to quit over ten times using all available methods during my 25 year smoking run, none of them lasting more than a few months.

Anyway, driven by the prospect of emphysema, and just plain old hating smoking and tired of being the "odd man out", I was determined to try yet again. On the evening of February 10, 2005 I sat with my wife on our patio and smoked my last few cigs. As I did, I asked her to help me. I told her that I would sleep late and would she please round-up all smoking paraphenalia (ashtrays, lighters, butts and 2 fresh cartons I had just purchased on a recent cruise), and dispose of them somewhere away from home so there would be no chance that I could find ever them.

Oh, and one other thing I asked her "Please dear, no matter what I say over the next 30-60 days, DO NOT TRUST ME TO BE ALONE!" Do not allow me to go get a gallon of milk, a newspaper, walk the dog......NOTHING ALONE! I retired that evening, and my wife complied.

I chewed so hard for the next couple of days, that my jaw hurt! Upon going to bed on Valentines day (2/14/2005) I felt that nicotine craving yet again, so decided to chew another piece of gum before retiring, then it hit me!!! WHAT AM I DOING? HOW WILL I EVER QUIT? ALL I HAVE REALLY DONE IS CHANGED THE DELIVERY SYSTEM! I'M AN INTELLIGENT PERSON.....SOMETHING JUST DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT HERE!

So, while chewing that piece of nicotine gum, instead of watching TV, I got on the internet and did a search on quitting smoking......That's when I found it!!! WWW.WHYQUIT.COM

I read for over 4 hours straight that night, and didn't get to bed till after 2 AM. I was thrilled and had new hope, because what this website was saying made sense.....what was I thinking? You want to quit, just get rid on the addiction......NICOTINE! (I couldn't wait to start)

The next day, I told my wife that the patches and nicotine gum must go. I need to go "COLD TURKEY" and I will be going through 3 rather unpleasant days. Needless to say, the next 3 days,uh, 3 weeks, were some of the absolute worst times ever in my life! I still could not ever imagine life without cigarettes, but trusted what everyone on whyquit.com was telling me......"IT WILL GET BETTER". I spent hours upon hours reading, reading, and re-reading everything on the website, then I started all over read it all again!

I had many, many times when I felt I just could not do this....It will never get better, I thought! But I stood fast and never ever cheated....not even once! NTAP !!!!!

I had a very bad quit, but stuck with it! Cut back on coffee and drank plenty of juice! Did a lot of heavy breathing, walking, and showers! Had many "Smoking Dreams", but I'll be darned if things didn't start to get better! Just a little at first, but it started getting easier!

It all started for me after about 3 months....believe it or not but the cravings were gone, and I only thought about smoking 50 times per day......down from about 5000 times per day!

By 6 months every once and a while, a complete day would go by and I would never even think of a cig! I started to really feel like I could do this. My last smoking dream was about a year ago!

Somewhere between 6 mos. and 1 year I acheived complete comfort!

Guess what?......after 1 year I was able go through days and even weeks without even think about smoking!

I see others smoke, sit next to them in the casino or bar.....no effect! (Well, maybe I feel a little sorry for them)

I have now been quit for almost 2 years, and have COMPLETE ABSOLUTE COMFORT....No cravings, No thoughts, just a lot more time on my non-stinky hands! I am loving every minute of my quit, and my family is so very happy.

After a full year went by, my wife finally threw those 2 cartons, which she had very well hid, (just in case) into a constuction dumpster.

I tell you newbies the honest truth. It was not easy, probably one of the hardest things that I have done in my life, but it is not only possible to live and function without smoking, it is the greatest feeling ever! You can breath so much easier, you are so proud of yourself, and it it probably the best present you can give to youself, and your family!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE CONNECTED TO WWW.WHYQUIT.COM

Sincerely and ever so thankfully,

Greg T

I had my last cigarette on November 14, 2005. Today I have been nicotine free for one year and one month.

I started smoking when I was 14 years old and I automatically felt that "awwee" sensation. I had a failed quit attempt at the age of 30. I allowed myself to smoke when I drank, and when I was with my mother (who smokes). I ended up quitting and starting over and over again. I was constantly withdrawing and then getting addicted. I gained around 90 lbs in addition to getting my addiction back full fledged.

I worked on losing the weight I gained for the next three years and lost the 90 lbs. However, in spite of walking an hour to 2 hours a day I still was getting sick quite frequently.

I went on a hiking date in late October of 2005. It was at a high altitude and I had to stop about every 30 minutes to catch my breath. A hike that probably should have taken 5 hours took us 8 hours. I was with a non-smoker and at the end of the hike I had to "feed" my junkie and I sucked down a cigarette. I sat there with him and I came to an epiphany. My smoking was keeping me separated for getting close to others; it was a way to escape situations, avoid conflict and my withdrawals from nicotine kept me from being present in the moment (was always wondering when I would get my next fix). I decided to quit and I did so 14 days later.

I have felt so physically healthy since I have quit. I have gained about 30 lbs, but I am leveling off and learning to control what I eat.

I feel like a different person. I feel that since I quit smoking I'm capable of accomplishing more then I used to imagine. Many more doors have opened in my life. I have become much more optimistic/positive about my life and what I can do. My perspective of the world has changed.

I was one of those "committed smokers". I smoke everywhere I legally could. I felt it was my right as an American to smoke. I felt superior to other addicts, my drug didn't intoxicate me, I was somehow "better." I now realize how wrong I was.

I have also become a believer in 12 step programs. The Serenity Prayer has become one of my mantras. However, I have also learned that all you have to do is [relearn how to do] everything without nicotine. At times this has seemed overwhelming, but I am getting my sea legs. As one of the members has said I have spent sometime on the "Lido Deck" in nicotine free comfort.

I wanted to let those of you who have quit recently know, as others told me, it will get easier!! Listen to those who have quit before you, it will happen. One day you will wake up and it will feel "normal" not to use nicotine. In fact, it will fill you with joy and serenity. I am getting there myself and though it isn't always easy, it is simple!!

My friends and family where fairly supportive in the beginning, but over time a lot of the ones who smoke seem to resent the fact I have quit for good. I have had one friend who quit a few months before me criticize me indirectly by saying she doesn't always have to talk about her quit. I wonder sometimes if she is a "smokeless smoker", like a "dry drunk". Many others have surprised me with their support and encouragement, and I am so grateful for there love and empathy.

Most of all I have to thank all of the members, managers, and Joel for your support. You have all been my anchor so many times. I have made the journey alone, but at times you all have carried me. God bless you all and NTAP!!!

Lisele

I did it! My story is nothing out of the ordinary. Every bit of what I went through was mirrored by the stories shared on the forum and this web site. I elected to not join Freedom because I would probably post once and never get around to it again, but I have spent much time there learning. I quit smoking 11-11-05. This was the same day I stumbled on to this site while I was seeking info on quitting New Years.

I never before had the real damage smoking causes pointed out. After seeing the Brian fellow lying on his death bed holding a picture of himself and his son, I could not ever again justify smoking. I had previously visited the Phillip Morris site because of the cigarette commercials on TV telling about all the good info on quitting. I swear after reading there I felt okay about smoking. They made it seem as though cancer and the other horrible things only happen to a few unlucky. They put emphasis on quitting all the ways that didn't work.

I am very grateful to everyone involved here. I was a pretty light smoker, but the difference in the way I feel cannot be put into words. Quitting is cool. You don't want to be tired, wrinkled, and weak before it's your time. Try it for a year. If you don't like it, I hear starting back is a piece of cake.

Thank You,

Greg Watkins
Memphis, TN

Last year at this time, I was a home-based worker for a notable high-tech telecom company. Due to the expansive layoffs reaching back to 2001, I was doing the work of 5 people, and using cigarettes to make up for sleep. I'd smoke 2 packs at work...one seemingly right after another. Then I'd go home and smoke cigarettes out of my wife's pack. On November 12th, I had just finished my 3rd 20 hour shift that week (which I never got compensated for overtime due to being a salaried worker). I contracted the flu and strep throat at the same time. It was 7 days before I had the strength to barely get out of bed, but when I did... I decided that I needed to quit.

A big phenomenon of quitting smoking for me has always been loss of work ethic, and a foggy head. I've always had a motivational drive that's brought me success throughout the years; especially when I was in the military, and then on into the civilian world. Those side effects scared me because it might very well cost me my job, and then thereby the food on my family's table if I didn't stay on the ball.

When I went back to work, my "Give a Damn broke" so to speak...where I had always been known as a person with a great attitude. I can remember thinking, "this isn't me", and "where is that hard-charging soldier that used to grit it out?" This threw me into a deep depression, and I broke.

But fortunately, that's when I found WhyQuit.com. I have a technical mind, and am a human sponge when it comes to information. I had finally found the technical publication to quitting smoking!!!! It was like someone turning on the light, and suddenly there was no mystique about what my body was going through. When you take the mystique out of it, it's cold hard science.

Immediately I adjusted my caffeine intake, forced myself to sleep 7-8 hours a night (both attributable to my foggy head), took a month-long vacation which included a weeks get-away with my wife at a spa resort, and I got away from that slave driving company (both attributable to my broken work-ethic). Most important of all, I discovered I had two kids (hahahaha).

Looking back, I had another addiction... I was a work-aholic!!!! The sad, stark reality was that my addiction to cigarettes, and my addiction to work kept feeding off of each other. When I took one away, the other suffered just as much.

Now I have my life back, and it was this website that kept me going in my darkest hours.

I thought that you might be interested in my angle on quitting smoking...I'm sure that others might be having the same problem.

Thank you!!!

Chris Wilcox

I never made the connection with my name and 'winning over the ash' until you pointed it out :-) Talk about a blind spot! Thanks for pointing it out though, it has become another metaphor for me in my journey towards health by never taking another puff.. Please post this message for others who may benefit in the same way I have.

My quitting journey has reached a very important milestone. I have flowed into gold a few days ago. In my last mail / post, I had mentioned that while completing 6 months was a chest-thumping achievement, at 11 months it felt as if I was peacefully drifting towards gold. Now, that I have achieved the one year mark, the feeling is really wonderful and difficult to express. I will attempt to share it with you.

Imagine if you will, a house of feelings. It stands tall before you with a welcoming door of acceptance, to which you now have the key. The windows are large where you sit and view the peace, serenity and pure experience. The walls remind you of the firm resolve that you once never thought you were capable of, yet now it is tangible beyond doubt. The roof is high, symbolic of the positive feelings and simple joys of everyday life, unclouded by smoke. All around the house is a lovely lawn of good practices in sleeping, eating, working, exercising that get built around this edifice of a nicotine-free existence.

So if you desire to enter such a heavenly abode, then there is one sure-fire way to do it. Never take another puff, and sooner rather than later, you'll get there!

Many many thanks to Joel, John & all the wonderful people @ WhyQuit/Freedom who made it possible! God bless you all.

NTAP

Ashwin
1 year, 8 days & counting

PS: My name is also the name of a Hindu god and it is a month in the Hindu calendar.

I want to thank everyone behind WhyQuit.com as your creation helped me immensely in quitting. I couldn't have done it without you guys, the knowledge available on your site prepared me on what to expect. Most helpful was the explanation regarding waking up in the middle of the night with a taste of just having smoked. Happened to me 3 times, the first time was the worst.

I am 37 yrs old now, used to smoke 25 a day, have been smoke free since 7/31/2005 and just finished my first Half Marathon last Sunday. ALL THANKS TO WHYQUIT TEAM!!

Keep up the good work!

Cheers!

Arfy

I did, I did it, I did it. YEAH! That is what Dora and my two year old twins would say. I did it and so can you. Just admit that you are an addict, educate yourself and never take another puff. I really thought that the "comfort" that I read about would never come, but it kicked in for me around 4 months. After one year of not smoking, I can say that it was clearly the best decision of my life to quit smoking.

I am still trying to get over the fact that I ever started AND that I hid (or at least tried to hide) my smoking from everyone around me. I was hurting myself and lying to my family. So when I quit, I did it on my own............only sort of - Although I never became a member at whyquit.com, I read at the site every day in the beginning. I read quite a bit for the first 3 or 4 months. Then, it hit me, the whole smoking thing went to the back of my mind. Of course, I know that I am an addict and I will never smoke again, but I rarely think about it.

Please, if you are reading this....take a peak, consider your options: (1) bondage to smoking and eventual death OR (2) Freedom to live your life without needing a fix. You can do it if you Educate yourself and Never Take Another Puff. Help is available if you need it.....just look at the board. Thanks to this site for helping to change my life for the better!

Sandra Wood

It will be 2 years nicotine free November 22,2006. I am so amazed that after 40 years of smoking and many attempts to quit I finally can say that I will Never Take Another Puff, no matter what. WhyQuit.com was a big tool for me. Thank you all so much !!

Thank you

Peggy Levine