Hi Ka2,

 

Wondering how you are doing? Is the brain back to mammalian mode?

 

Hope you are being gentle with yourself and hanging on to your quit.

 

Everything you've said sounds like classic depression to me- not neccesarily having to do w/smoking or not smoking. I've had depression before where I can't pinpoint "what" was making me depressed but I had no energy, no motivation, couldn't concentrate, couldn't work, couldn't understand what was wrong with me. It was bad. Now I did decide that smoking was the only bit of comfort I had so that was my thinking (or justification). Anyway, I wonder if the Dr. discussed antidepressants. But I do agree that patches would be a better alternative than smoking if it comes down to it. I am currently using them and it has made all the difference- however I am very newly a non-smoker.

I agree that it is a very personal decision that needs to be made based on whats best for you.  Certainly consider some healthy alternative methods and re-look at what your original game plan was before you go on the patch.  Sometimes going back to a few of the tricks you picked up in your first couple days/weeks will help you along.  Also, don't be so hard on yourself.  Sometimes we all go through a work slump or drama for one reason or another but it doesn't last forever.  In the long run you will eventually recover from this more than you would if you kept smoking and got sick.

Hey K2!!!

 

       I am so proud of you for persevering through the past 2 months!!!  I promise you that it will get better and you will look at this thread and giggle!!!  Time heals all and you are gaining more and more time each and every day that you maintain your freedom!!!

 

       Keep rewarding yourself each and every day and each and every craving that you overcome!  Rewards are what make the brain happy!!!  When your brain is happy, you are not craving!!!  Does that make sense???

 

       I, too, recommend seeing an addiction specialist or mental health specialist if your symptoms continue!!!  It has been often stated here that our many years of smoking may have masked actual physical or mental problems and by removing the nicotine from our bodies, these other issues come to light!  These can be as simple as emotional issues that can be remedied by counseling or they can be chemical imbalances in our brains that may require other types of therapies.  So, if the symptoms continue, please do consider seeking professional advice!

 

       By the way, did I tell you how great you are doing??? 

 

          Jim

I LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE!!!

It is a fight - as you already know by now. But is doable and we see that every day in the stats of the veterand on this website. So yes, we buckle up for the bumpy ride and give it our all. But guess what? At the end of each day, we get to pat ourselves on the back and realize we conquered the demon for another day... Doesn't that feel good???

Keep the quit

Cristina

To everyone:

I am tired, worn out and for moments (not brief I might add) ready to give up. But here I am fighting.

Almost 60 days and I want to thank you for your support, but ...

BUCKLE UP BECAUSE IT WILL (STILL) BE A BUMPY RIDE! and you as well  enjoy or hate it, as I will be screaming and crying and kicking all the way through the never ending finish line. 

Thanks Lizzie. Oh boy! I got a gift from you!  Thank you so much.

I am hanging in there. Nothing seems to be going well, but I guess that's Murphy's law. So here I am - worse than a child - whining, complaining, yelling about everything and throwing tantrums for anything.

Anyway, I decided that, only in an extreme situation I will try the patch. Although I think that is no fun at all. It seems, to me, as the same as having a non-alcoholic beer. What is the point? I rather puff ..LOL.

But it could be the lack of nicotine as I was told. Heck what do I know, since my body has not known itself without the chemicals since it was in its infancy.

Well, you will have to suffer with or because of me! But such is life and you might as well as accept it!

 

 

 

 

Ka2,

 

I'm glad to hear you still have a sense of humor.  "A few weeks??!!!"  Those were my words exactly when I posted the same symptoms 7 years ago.   Yes, apparently it's all quite normal - I was shocked - aren't you supposed to feel better when you quit?

 

Anyway, I found I had good days and bad days.  Then maybe a string of good days, and sometimes 3 bad days in a row.  I couldn't seem to predict it.

 

I think your reptile brain is working OK - I found it was the higher functions that were missing LOL.

 

Just try to hang in there one day at a time.....and come and vent often.  We do understand.

 

Lizzie

Hi Lizzie,

 

A few weeks???!!!I know, I know... I can't expect miracles. I can't undo 33 years of damage to my brain in 55 days. I am realistic, lots of phsychological stuff to work on,  but come on..all I ask is a little reprieve! LOL. All I ask is to have a little bit of brain faculty to function. Is there too much to ask? This reptilian brain mode is really causing trouble. Today I had a call from a client telling me that I was better smoking (of course  before I could just look at his file and tell him in a second the problem, find the solution or fix it) since it seems that I can't even put a sentence together while trying to convey the message. Heck I don't even know what I am saying most of the time. I just babble away!LOL

I am hanging on and just going through the days. Vegetate. I just wish I could have anmesia and not remember I ever smoked. I hate all of symptoms, cause and recovery. I am starting to hate my life and myself! - Just venting - thanks everyone