Smoke Free

[Steve McMahon]

I am now at the end of day 7. Some weird stuff happening though: A number of canker sores inside my mouth, never had them before, and a few minor pimples, also not common for me. I assume that after smoking for 33 years the detoxification is going to take a while.

[chas]

"I am now at the end of day 7."

If you can do one, you can do two. Ask Barney! / Jim

[Steve McMahon]

End of day 8. Googled "side effects of quitting smoking" and the general consensus is that I suffer from the 1 in 30 chance of being affected by "sore mouth and bleeding gums". I will tough it out. I made my wife a meal of bbq cajun haddock, basmati rice, and mixed veggies tonight. I gave my share to the dogs and had a box of Kraft Dinner, no salt or pepper. My mouth and tongue feel like I took a gulp of boiling water.

[Steve McMahon]

Some of my inspiration:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...-campbell.html

[George Jung]

I've only seen a few 'quitters' with such severe initial symptoms - how much were you using? I'm impressed that you're able to 'detach' yourself from the symptoms, recognize them for what they are, and maintain your stance - you must really want to quit, and quite honestly, that's the single most important item in terms of being able to quit. Kudos!

[fishrswim]

Steve-

Severe side effects. Imagine how your body will feel when it's detoxified and this is all over. Hang tough.

[Steve McMahon]

I generally smoked 20-25 a day for the last 30+ years. Yeah, I'm looking forward to being detoxed. I wish I had a sauna.

[AussieBarney]

I'm Baaaaack!!! the little virus that the computer caught has cost me over $1K when everything has been factored in. The puter feller I took it to slugged me 350 an I managed to get a replacement for about 800. (Yeah, I know, computers are cheaper than that, but, if you live in a regional town in Australia, you will pay.) The cruel thing is, I had to take the money out of the slush fund for finishing the garvey. I am spewin', let me tell you. I'd like to get the pimply faced little geek who wrote the code for that virus and do some very imaginative things to him or her.

Steve, congratultions for doing the thing an puting yourself through the torture. day eight, you're in the sweet zone for getting the horros and starting up again, so be carefull.
I had a google search about quitting when I started and they scared me into having nightmares so I never went back, bloody great sook is what I am

I am still ciggarette free, how? dont ask me, I only play the piano here

[WX]

Barney if I lived closer I'd set you up with a system that never gets viruses, malware or any of that stuff and it would have only cost you $100 for the install.

[AussieBarney]

Gary, dont say things like that it makes me want to cry. Between me and you, living at Port Macquarie, I have a brother who has a degree in IT. He, on one hand is laughing his head off and on the other he does sympathise with my problems. He was the one who told me the system was fried and I owed Sue a new computer. Nothing can be done.

Cést la vie.

A little girl in this town was in the shopping centre on Wednesday. As she walked along the street, holding onto Mums hand , a bloke walking back the other way brushed past her,but, as he did the durrie in his hand contacted her face. She has a row of second degree burns where the coal wiped across her face, the worst part is, she will probably lose her eye as a result. A good and compelling reason to stop smoking.

I do know that a lot of Americans would not see this as a reason restrict smoking in public. The libertarians would cry ,He has a right to smoke. I would say that a little girl has a right to grow up with two functioning eyes and a face without scars. two contary views, game on.

I'm still not smoking tobacco. How? Why? As I said yesterday, "please dont shoot me, I'm the piano player"

[Steve McMahon]

AussieBarney:
"I'm still not smoking tobacco........ ???
Banana leaves???

[yzer]

I'm smoke free. A 1.5 pack a day habit of 35 years is history. I took a long route in the transition from cigarettes to vapor as I found it very hard to give up the last two or three smokes per day. Finally, I got tired of having two sets of clothes (one that stunk from cigarettes and the rest that didn't) and gave up the couple of smokes in the morning and the one after dinner. It's been vaping only for a couple of months now.

The APV (advanced personal vaporizer) I use is an E-Power 14650. This model is actually pretty basic compared to some of the variable voltage rigs out there. It does the job for me. 3.7V regulated power, uses 510 threaded cartomizers, the protected Li-ion 14650 batteries lasts me 24 hours between recharges and it fits in my jeans pocket.

My lungs are better, my throat is better, my sense of taste and smell is returning. Couldn't be better.

[fishrswim]

yzer, Tell me more about vaping. I'm a non smoker, but I have two family members (nieces) that can't seem to quit, even they try every year or so. Do you start off using cartridges with nicotine, and wean yourself off, go cold turkey or what worked for you???
Thanx

[yzer]

As you suspect, the transition to vaping varies by individual. I have been pretty active on E-Cigarette Forum for the last several months learning about vaping and helping new vapers. It's a great resource for those interested in an alternative to smoking. I spent several hours at ECF lurking posts and learning about choices available before purchasing my first e-cigarette.

I started by vaping and smoking. I replaced about half the cigarettes I used to smoke by vaping and increased the replacement until I quit completely. Some make a cold turkey, sudden switch to vaping. I can assure you that nicotine is not the only addictive, psychoactive drug in cigarette smoke. MAO's are also present and I felt withdrawals from these for the first week after I gave up cigarettes completely for nicotine vaping.

I use a lightly flavored e-liquid that I purchase in 30ml plastic dropper bottles. I chose the concentration of pharmaceutical grade nicotine to match the nicotine I received from smoking. I use cartomizers, one of several e-liquid delivery systems that are used by several e-cigarette systems. I fill the blank cartomizers with the dropper bottles.

A box of Smoktech 510 single coil 2.0 ohm XL cartomizers.


Most people begin with the little e-cigarettes that look like cigarettes. If they have a serious smoking habit they quickly advance to a more capable e-cigarette like an APV. These are larger units that feature batteries that can last all day long or a couple of days per battery charge. These units also feature higher voltage and produce much more satisfying vapor than the cigarette look-alikes.

I have already reduced the amount of nicotine I used to get from smoking by about 30%. I plan on reducing nicotine concentration again in a few months. Eventually, I hope to quit vaping, too.

[fishrswim]

yzer- Thanks I'm going to talk to my nieces about this at a family event next month.

[AussieBarney]

Steve, Smoking tobacco was and is only one addiction I have. I am an old hippie. I'll leave it at that in case I step over some unwritten line.

[yzer]

Great! Vaping nicotine represents a 99% reduction of health risk compared to smoking tobacco. Pharmaceutical grade nicotine and the vapor base is not risk-free, but it certainly beats smoking. Nicotine is non-carcinogenic but it will affect the cardiovascular system by constricting blood vessels. It's best to quit it all, eventually.

There are specialty shops for vapers that provide excellent gear and supplies but they can be few and far between. Avoid the mall kiosk e-cigarette outfits like the plague. The vendors registered at ECF are all very good in my experience: making online purchases of the gear the best choice for most people.

[yzer]

I am now at the end of day 7. Some weird stuff happening though: A number of canker sores inside my mouth, never had them before, and a few minor pimples, also not common for me. I assume that after smoking for 33 years the detoxification is going to take a while.

Steve, i got this these after quitting smoking entirely and switching to vaping. These are called mouth ulcers and I got them on my tongue. It was like having an infected taste bud. It went away after a few days. This is a common symptom from people who quit smoking cold turkey.

[Steve McMahon]

Steve, i got this these after quitting smoking entirely and switching to vaping. These are called mouth ulcers and I got them on my tongue. It was like having an infected taste bud. It went away after a few days. This is a common symptom from people who quit smoking cold turkey.

I'm looking forward to them being gone! They are getting better but still not to the point where I could eat an orange or anything acidic like that. Bathing my mouth in scotch does take the pain away for a while though.

[Steve McMahon]

Steve, Smoking tobacco was and is only one addiction I have. I am an old hippie. I'll leave it at that in case I step over some unwritten line.

[AussieBarney]

Right, you blokes! I have an issue with this effort. Over the last couple of days, I have had the most insane desire to Exercise. Gawd, bleeding hell. I mean, Oh god, exercise!!!! This confession comes from a bloke who thinks making coffee of a morning to be bloody hard work If I was any more laid back I would be in a coma. So.....

If any problems or issues arise from this completely insane idea, I shall hold the forum severally and jointly responsible.

Anyhow, hows that, I have actually improved to the point where I want to increase the positive effects of this program. Love it, truly I do. I am , at this time and it is subject to change at any time, 96.9 kilos (214lb) or 15 stone 4lbs. I am going to try to drop a few kilos and try to improve my heart health, which is a little secondhand at this time.

Thanks to everyone who has cheered me on. Look what you have started, I do believe you lot may be the reason I may live a reasonable length of time.

Even if I wanted, I won't be able to smoke. I won't be able to run.

be good, stay safe an dont smoke.

Loves yous and I'm gone

[beernd]

Take it easy with the exercise and all that, let your heart and body get used to the condition.

There is only one single succes formula in this whole thing: Don't you ever go light a cigarette again (don't ask me how I know this)

And keep on smiling

Cheers

[AussieBarney]

beernd, I have booked in to see my doctor about exercising regularly. Many years ago I had a serious truck accident, in which I was crushed in the wreck when I rolled the truck into a gulley after the load shifted. Ever since I have had to be very carefull with what I do physically. This was the incident when I found out that you do not travel any faster than your guardian angel can fly, also it was the time I got the realisation that I was not ten feet tall and made of concrete

So, I will be under doc's orders while I exercise, this should mean I can do it without doing anymore damage. This exercise regime should make it easier to keep on the straight and narrow, I hope.

Anyhow, thanks for the encouragement.

Stay safe, be good and dont smoke.

[RFNK]

Steve, trying rinsing regularly with salty water for those mouth ulcers. I just put about a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and flush it around my mouth.

Rick

[Steve McMahon]

Steve, trying rinsing regularly with salty water for those mouth ulcers. I just put about a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and flush it around my mouth.

Rick

Hey Rick. Thanks, I have been doing that and it had been providing some relief. They are pretty much gone now.
I ate an orange for the first time in weeks today.

[RFNK]

Glad the hear it! Hang in there you blokes!

Rick

[PeterSibley]

Barney, thanks for the thread! It's great and cheers me up no end. I don't smoke but watched my Dad die of emphysema, not a good way to go at all. I makes me weep to watch kids smoking knowing the sh!t that they're letting themselves in for.

[Steve McMahon]

Wow. It is now the end of day 25! No cheating, no nicotine substitutes. I am still amazed at the detox process going on. My gums still feel like they are leaching acid, my lips are split and sore, and my tongue feels like i stuck it in a pot of boiling water. Rinsing with salt water helps some, but it is still hard to eat salty or spicy food. (my favorite kinds!) I wish there was a magic cure but expect I am going to have to ride through it.

[AussieBarney]

Bloody hell Steve, you are in the wars aren't you? I have had no real discernible health problems at all. I have been using nicotine substitutes to get over it and I salute you for going cold turkey to give up You are a stronger man than me.

[JayInOz]

G'day Barney. My uncle Ken- the only uncle still smoking and the one who has always reckoned that smoking doesn't hurt ya- went to the doc the other day to try to find out why he's losing so much weight. Doctors sent him off for x-rays and tests- now give him three weeks tops- the dancer's right through him so stick with it!
And this next bit has absolutely nothing to do with smoking but- your story about the girl getting burnt with a cigarette reminded me- friend of one of the kids was bashed and left for dead in Bathurst a few weeks ago. After a few days on life support the family agreed that as there was no hope they'd have the Briggs and Stratton turned off the next day. Anyway they couldn't do it- the bugger woke up and last night he's sitting up in bed chatting with the daughter on Facebook! Whadayareckon? Lottery ticket? JayInOz

[AussieBarney]

Peter, I am at your service. I was just trying to be a good citizen when the MAN went an whacked a sticky on the sucker. The rest is history. If, by being involved in this thread I can help someone realise a goal and improve their health I have committed a good deed in a naughty world and I hope I am collecting good karma along the way.

[AussieBarney]

Gawd Jay, what a good news story that is. Lottery ticket? nah I reckon the lad has used up all his luck. Too many times you read or see on the telly that some young feller was out on a night on the tiles with his girl an some drunk decides to smack him and there is a mother crying in the night.
My condolences about Uncle Ken I hope that his passing is easy and peaceful as the big C does not obey the medicos an goes about it's work with enormous indifference.
Thanks for sharing, items like that tend to focus the mind wonderfully.

[chas]

" You are a stronger man than me."

Stick with her, lads!! You're both whompin' that demon pretty good. Don't let up now! / Jim

[George Jung]

Impressive stories. Yeah, lung cancer is generally fast moving - a blessing, in my eye, and generally not a lot of suffering, if it's done right.

I think of this thread as a public service, and think all of you deserve kudos. Imagine the impact you can have, not only for yourself/future life/family, but for anyone else who might quit as a result of this. Not many of us have the opportunity to make that much of a difference. Salute!

[Steve McMahon]

I give a lot of credit to the late Allen Carr. My Daughter gave me his book "The Easy way to Quit Smoking" .
http://allencarr.com/category/stop-smoking/

Everyone I know who has used this book was successful long term, Including my daughter who quite 4 years ago.

[George Jung]

As a father, that makes that book worth its weight in gold. (maybe year 2000 gold....)

[AussieBarney]

George, When I started this thread, I thought I would put it up as a slightly comical and self deprecating story about my stumbling efforts to overcome the only real health issue I have faced in my life. The thread took on a life of it's own. All my life I have lived by the creed, Ï am my brothers keeper. So If it helps other forumites to reassess their own health in relation to smoking I am happy. Thanks for the compliments.

My own efforts are bearing fuit as my health is improving and when I attend the clinic I dont get roasted for "poor lifestyle choices" I am a socialworker who works in substance abuse clinics, so I ought to know better.

Anyhow have good weekend and saty safe.

[pipefitter]

Great! Vaping nicotine represents a 99% reduction of health risk compared to smoking tobacco. Pharmaceutical grade nicotine and the vapor base is not risk-free, but it certainly beats smoking. Nicotine is non-carcinogenic but it will affect the cardiovascular system by constricting blood vessels. It's best to quit it all, eventually.

Still using mine as well. I use the Go-go, which looks very similar to what you show in your photo.
I didn't want to quit smoking, or at least the act of smoking. I have since lowered the nicotine down to 6mg, which is down by 2/3-3/4 of where I started. Still haven't had a cigarette and rarely think of them by now. I also look in on ECF. I use a light (amaretto) flavor as well. Strange, really, something not even close to tobacco type flavor, but then again, I haven't went thru any eating binges that many do when quitting, so maybe the vaping with a food flavor is serving two purposes.

I have the filler cartos like you show, but I have been using the 3.5ml clearomizers at home. Everyone around me has gotten used to me doing it. My son told me the other day that he realized he doesn't hear me coughing anymore, so they are ok with it. Actually, vaping was their idea.

[beernd]

Still smoke free since friday 13 of january

Just saying . . .
Let's all keep the smoke out

Cheers

[paulf]

Hi Barney,
How goes the battle?

[AussieBarney]

Paulf, I'm winning the battle, but, the war ain't won yet. I have cravings at the weirdest times. I wont let them get me down so we solider on into the sunset and hope that that others are able hold down the demon.

Stay safe.

[Steve McMahon]

Good on ya Barney. I get the cravings at weird times too. When I get them I take a deep breath (reminding myself that taking a deep breath no longer hurts), and say to myself "I don't smoke". It's been 35 days for me now. I do wish the detoxification would finish up and the sores in my mouth and on my tongue would go away! I'm getting tired of eating bland food. The salt water rinses give temporary relief, but not for long.

[AussieBarney]

Steve, A quick fix for both the mouth ulcers and the cravings..... score yourself a real cheap bottle of whiskey....now take several large swigs........the agony created will take your mind off the cravings and at the same time numb your mouth.

the fee for this incredible piece of advice is....... please pay my receptionist as you leave NEXT.

[Steve McMahon]

I have found bathing them in decent scotch works well, but your method does sound interesting too.

[paulf]

Soon, we will have a thread to help us off the drink, however, I don't think I'll join in that one tho.

[Steve McMahon]

Soon, we will have a thread to help us off the drink, however, I don't think I'll join in that one tho.

I will avoid that one as well. A man has to live.

[AussieBarney]

No, I will cheerfully give up the smokes, but, I will not give my other vices. My grandmother always said, "Beware the man who has no vices, for he is truly evil". a little taste sometimes is the only pleasure I partake of in a day, and when I say "little", that's what I mean. I'm not much of a drinker. My daddy was a violent drunk and it cured me of ever getting the habit.

I wish I had the same control over my smoking, I would have given the suckers away thirty years ago.

Anyhow, I hope everybody is well and on track, stay safe, be good an dont smoke.

[PeterSibley]

Hi Barney, if I take it up I'll wait 'til I'm 80 . As for the booze, Dad didn't thump me but I have strong memories of him just falling over in front of me, not something I ever wanted to do in front of my kids.

[AussieBarney]

I'm hearing you Peter. Sue and I have to make the trip up to me you and we will bung on a north coast EBS.

[beernd]

I propose a blues song based on the melody of Fred Mc Dowells song "The redcross shop blues" I start with: I ain't going to light another smoke no more Come on everybody and let's make some fun of our adiction. Let's all weep and moan

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