Hello - it has been 1 month ... and had a strange set back - as I originally posted there was no way I could use nicotine to take the "edge" off ... since then, I had seen an internist for other reasons , if you don't know or have read my page I have other issues that I have to handle on a day by day basis ...
So anyway, I see this internist and he says that while it is great I am attempting to quit the only thing he suggests is a drug (he actually called it a "designer" drug) .. Chantix ...
So , I wait and ask my pharmacist about it and as usual I am told to try , but if I feel uncomfortable to stop ... okay, no problemo ..
I read about the drug on-line , read the warning that comes along with the meds .. and see that it says it could have vivid dreams (night terrors was more like it) , may take up to or over a month to take effect (not with me) , and a bunch of other standard CYA info for the docs, pharmacies and drug makers ....
all was fine the first week, although I did start having some "vivid" dreams ... but it did seem to take the edge off ... so i shrugged it off and figured it is not forever ..
well seems the combo of meds nearly impacted my bowels .. lack of nicotine, which i did not know, also aided in this as it is a form of laxative .. hmmm .. now they tell me ...
oh, not when i ask the questions of interactions to the doctor or pharmacist , but after i ws in urgent care getting xrayed ...
so my experience was bad .. and i had a small set back (to say the least) and bought a pack .. just to get back to where i was doing so well ..
never again ... so it has been a week now , again, of no smoking, and now when i feel that edgy feeling , i go for a walk ....
that is my share experience ... i am determined to be smoke free .. i am determined to get off this cycle of allowing drugs to impact my life ... thanks ... agserra
Dear AGSerra,
It's terrible for you to have to suffer through so many other physical issues while also struggling to quit this very powerful addiction (as if it weren't already bad enough).
Your determination is what will see you through. Keep remembering that this too will pass.
We quit by taking it one day - sometimes one hour - at a time. Eventually you will look back in awe at your success. Give yourself time - be easy on yourself, and don't give in. Your body will thank you and you will be grateful that you hung in there. You can do it!
best,
anne