I think I'll quit, too...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Its wild that everyone's assumption is the reason I'm in the hospital with a collasped lung is because of smoking...It's not in fact the doctor was amazed at how my lungs looked after all the years I've poured smoke across them . I'm 7 days clean and its my plan to never fire another one up . While smoking may or may not have played a role in me being here in the hospital I'm smart enough to see all the other folks on this " LUNG WARD " that are dying a very painful death everyday 

Joe, some of us are pretty sure that a pneumothorax isn't the result of smoking, but we do believe that an injured lung, even healed, may be more susceptible to the damage done by tar and nicotine.

You have made the right observations and being seven days clean is a huge beginning.

My observations on smoking cessation are that quitting "cold turkey" is the most likely to succeed; beginning to see yourself and define yourself as a nonsmoker is key; and that it's much easier if everyone in the household quits at the same time.

I don't like the term, collapsed lung.  It sounds too passive.  The lung is actually pressed down and restricted by the presence of external air in the chest cavity and it HURTS.  I whined like I never thought I would and once or twice I even begged them to give me more painkillers.  It's definitely an event that can change who you think you are.

Your reference to a painful death reminds me of the famous quote, "I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandpa, not screaming in terror like his passengers."

May you live long, Joe, and may you hold Presley's children on your knees.

Hang tough, Joe.  One day you'll look back and see many good things that came out of this painful experience.

Your reference to a painful death reminds me of the famous quote, "I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandpa, not screaming in terror like his passengers." ....Now that is funny  thanks for the laugh thats my first good grin in over a week.You have a gift with words my friend ...Thanks 

[Willow]

 

[vanagon40]

OK, I thought about starting a new post, but this seemed as good as any to continue.

I'm a non-smoker for the third day today.  I really liked the advice that in order to quit, you must convince yourself that you are a non-smoker.  As a non-smoker, I can focus on the positive.

Last night, I was on my back deck with a cigarette in my mouth and a lighter in my hand and I asked myself:  "Self, if you are a non-smoker, why are you standing here with a cigarette in your mouth and a lighter in your hand?"  I had no good answer, so I put the cigarette back in the pack.

I am 50 years old and when I was previously a smoker (damn, just last Thursday), I smoked a a pack and half a day for the last 30+ years.  But now I am a non-smoker.

I intend to continue to post to this thread every day or so to post my progress.  If there is anyone who wants to join me (whether in the first week of quitting, first month, first year, etc.), feel free to continue this thread.  It is my plan that in another year, this thread has over 300 posts (maybe we could set a record).

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

OK, I thought about starting a new post, but this seemed as good as any to continue.

I'm a non-smoker for the third day today.  I really liked the advice that in order to quit, you must convince yourself that you are a non-smoker.  As a non-smoker, I can focus on the positive.

Last night, I was on my back deck with a cigarette in my mouth and a lighter in my hand and I asked myself:  "Self, if you are a non-smoker, why are you standing here with a cigarette in your mouth and a lighter in your hand?"  I had no good answer, so I put the cigarette back in the pack.

I am 50 years old and when I was previously a smoker (damn, just last Thursday), I smoked a a pack and half a day for the last 30+ years.  But now I am a non-smoker.

I intend to continue to post to this thread every day or so to post my progress.  If there is anyone who wants to join me (whether in the first week of quitting, first month, first year, etc.), feel free to continue this thread.  It is my plan that in another year, this thread has over 300 posts (maybe we could set a record).

16 days smoke free after 30 plus years ...The monkey on my back is drivin' me nuts but he can kiss my ass cause I'm done killin' myself slowly with cigarettes.

[R J]

OK, I thought about starting a new post, but this seemed as good as any to continue.

I'm a non-smoker for the third day today.  I really liked the advice that in order to quit, you must convince yourself that you are a non-smoker.  As a non-smoker, I can focus on the positive.

Last night, I was on my back deck with a cigarette in my mouth and a lighter in my hand and I asked myself:  "Self, if you are a non-smoker, why are you standing here with a cigarette in your mouth and a lighter in your hand?"  I had no good answer, so I put the cigarette back in the pack.

I am 50 years old and when I was previously a smoker (damn, just last Thursday), I smoked a a pack and half a day for the last 30+ years.  But now I am a non-smoker.

I intend to continue to post to this thread every day or so to post my progress.  If there is anyone who wants to join me (whether in the first week of quitting, first month, first year, etc.), feel free to continue this thread.  It is my plan that in another year, this thread has over 300 posts (maybe we could set a record).

16 days smoke free after 30 plus years ...The monkey on my back is drivin' me nuts but he can kiss my ass cause I'm done killin' myself slowly with cigarettes.

Keep up the good work Joe, it gets easier as the days go by........

[Misfit]

OK, I thought about starting a new post, but this seemed as good as any to continue.

I'm a non-smoker for the third day today.  I really liked the advice that in order to quit, you must convince yourself that you are a non-smoker.  As a non-smoker, I can focus on the positive.

Last night, I was on my back deck with a cigarette in my mouth and a lighter in my hand and I asked myself:  "Self, if you are a non-smoker, why are you standing here with a cigarette in your mouth and a lighter in your hand?"  I had no good answer, so I put the cigarette back in the pack.

I am 50 years old and when I was previously a smoker (damn, just last Thursday), I smoked a a pack and half a day for the last 30+ years.  But now I am a non-smoker.

I intend to continue to post to this thread every day or so to post my progress.  If there is anyone who wants to join me (whether in the first week of quitting, first month, first year, etc.), feel free to continue this thread.  It is my plan that in another year, this thread has over 300 posts (maybe we could set a record).

Congrats on your quiting. We would rather see a post everyday than to see you light up again. Good luck.

[sugarbee]

I didn't do too well last week when my daughter was in the hospital 

But, it's a brand new week and I am quitting again....today...

[Probie (Scooter57)]

so you'll be around to give them "yet to be born Grandchildren" a ride on your trike 




I bet I'm driving Willow nuts...

[SteveL]

OK, I thought about starting a new post, but this seemed as good as any to continue.

I'm a non-smoker for the third day today.  I really liked the advice that in order to quit, you must convince yourself that you are a non-smoker.  As a non-smoker, I can focus on the positive.

Last night, I was on my back deck with a cigarette in my mouth and a lighter in my hand and I asked myself:  "Self, if you are a non-smoker, why are you standing here with a cigarette in your mouth and a lighter in your hand?"  I had no good answer, so I put the cigarette back in the pack.

I am 50 years old and when I was previously a smoker (damn, just last Thursday), I smoked a a pack and half a day for the last 30+ years.  But now I am a non-smoker.

I intend to continue to post to this thread every day or so to post my progress.  If there is anyone who wants to join me (whether in the first week of quitting, first month, first year, etc.), feel free to continue this thread.  It is my plan that in another year, this thread has over 300 posts (maybe we could set a record).

Yay Vanagon!!!!!  Keep it up buddy!

[SteveL]

I'm STILL Quitting and it has been 15 years. Once an addict, always an addict. It's one day at a time.. but it does get much easier.

I can't say enough about the Patch.. and doing it for the full 90 days. (and did I mention the side-effect of the wild dreams!? it alsmost makes me wanna put it on again)

Fill your pocket with carrot sticks or licorice or anything but a pack of smokes.. and every time you reach for one, justy have a carrot stick instead. ...or a hard candy or whatever works for you.

[Rattler]

 Well this is ironic as Wife and I decided yesterday that we are also quitting. Went to the store bought 4 packs of cigarettes and it was 26 dollars. Not only is it bad for our health, but seriously lightning the load on my wallet. That's it we're done. Wish us luck. It's gonna get gnarly around here. lol

[Dag]

THIS IS MY LAST DAY WITH CIGARETTES!   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

THIS IS MY LAST DAY WITH CIGARETTES!   

Just don't never light another one is the only way you'll win....I'm 18 days ( cold turkey )  smoke free and the monkey on my back is screamin' for one .30 plus years of smokin' is very hard to just quit. You've got to really have it in your heart that its over...I'm done killing myself with cigarettes. Good luck Dag she'll be glad you did.

[Spirited-6]

THIS IS MY LAST DAY WITH CIGARETTES!   

DAG, LET THE POWER BE WITH YOU !!

[Dag]

THIS IS MY LAST DAY WITH CIGARETTES!   

Just don't never light another one is the only way you'll win....I'm 18 days ( cold turkey )  smoke free and the monkey on my back is screamin' for one .30 plus years of smokin' is very hard to just quit. You've got to really have it in your heart that its over...I'm done killing myself with cigarettes. Good luck Dag she'll be glad you did.

35 Years is enough!
There are hundreds of reasons to quit, but the main reason is Silje!

[Dag]

And of course my son, Alf Joar.
He is 17 now. (13 on this pic)

[R J]

Good luck brother, we are routing for ya.

If this old hard head can do it cold turkey, anyone can.  I quit 27 years ago.

[vanagon40]

Day four is in the books and now I'm working on day five.

[vanagon40]

Hey fellow quitters.

Jump in here and join me in keeping this post alive.  It is my goal to set a record and make this the longest post in Valkyrie history.

If you had a relapse, not to worry, start again and no one will count the relapse days against you.  Start being a non-smoker today and post here.

For me, day six will be a fait accompli as soon as I post this and go to bed.  Tomorrow, I will have served one week of life sentence as a non-smoker.

Jim aka vanagon40

[SteveL]

THIS IS MY LAST DAY WITH CIGARETTES!   

Dag!!! Good for you! You got far too much to live for than to die smelling like an ashtray!

How is it going?

[SteveL]

Hey fellow quitters.

Jump in here and join me in keeping this post alive.  It is my goal to set a record and make this the longest post in Valkyrie history.

If you had a relapse, not to worry, start again and no one will count the relapse days against you.  Start being a non-smoker today and post here.

For me, day six will be a fait accompli as soon as I post this and go to bed.  Tomorrow, I will have served one week of life sentence as a non-smoker.

Jim aka vanagon40

Jim, how you doing?! I'm rooting for all of you. It was one of the most difficult things I ever had to do, but also one of the most rewarding.

I'm actually just coming back from doing another difficult thing, that will pay off in the long run. This past Tuesday, the 24th I had total knee replacement surgery of my right knee. I got backfrom the hospital yesterday and am looking at a solid month of not working and doing 9 hours of rehab daily, and trying to get well enough to get on the bikes and RIDE RIDE RIDE!!!

In a way, a lot like quitting smoking, you need to look for every softer easier way and try all the alternatives before you finally realize.. Okay, quitting is the softer easier way. With me it was okay, I've hit bottom with this friggen knee, let's get it over with.

You know what they say.. "no pain.. no gain" it's the truth.

So you guys keep quitting, I'll keep doing my rehab exercises and we'll beat all of these obstacles together.

Peace out guys!

[Dag]

So far so good...  
4 days, no problem.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

So far so good...  
4 days, no problem.

Thats great Dag we are very close to the same age and same number of years smoking. Its very hard at times but I've not and will not have another one.Plus dying with
heart attacks, circulatory conditions resulting in amputations, cancers, emphysema and a host of other disabling and deadly diseases caused by smoking just does'nt sound like a cool way to leave this earth.
  - NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF!

[SteveL]

So far so good...  
4 days, no problem.

Keep up the good work Dag. You are bigger than the cigs and it will get easier as days go by.

It's one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time, ...just think of all the Valkyrie rubber and gas you can buy with the extra money!!

[JDW365]

Hey Joe, if you would have asked maybe some of us could have warned you about what that Kinky Sex will do!!! Look at poor Steamer he has marks all over his body!! LOL!! 

[Probie (Scooter57)]

[Ghost]

Day 16,  Taking long walks everyday, I still think about smoking, but i will not smoke again, My daughter who is 23 started walking with me yesterday. She wanted to know if i needed to tell her anything. She said that i must be sick to stop smoking. Well not sick, just with life passing by so fast now that i am 50, i want to be around long enough to see and do all the things that i have always wanted. We both laughed as we walked and talked about life. Its nice to bond with her this way. So i look forward to many more walks and talks with my baby daughter.

[Rattler]

Woohoo day 4 in the books, so far so good. Thanks for the support. Think the wife and I are actually gonna do this. Yeah!! 

[Skinhead]

I couldn't stand it any more, I just had to dance with reckless abandon and Joy.  (Joy is the one on the right)

[SteveL]

Day 16,  Taking long walks everyday, I still think about smoking, but i will not smoke again, My daughter who is 23 started walking with me yesterday. She wanted to know if i needed to tell her anything. She said that i must be sick to stop smoking. Well not sick, just with life passing by so fast now that i am 50, i want to be around long enough to see and do all the things that i have always wanted. We both laughed as we walked and talked about life. Its nice to bond with her this way. So i look forward to many more walks and talks with my baby daughter.

Now THAT"S what I'm talkin' about!

[Normandog]

It has been great following this thread. As stated earlier, I quit 17 months ago. I still take it one day at a time. If any of us fall off the wagon, let's just dust ourself off and climb back on. 

[vanagon40]

Congratulations to all the quitters.  I'm still one of the group.  Today is day 11 for me.

[SteveL]

Congratulations to all the quitters.  I'm still one of the group.  Today is day 11 for me.

Really proud of you buddy!

Give yourself a reward and have a nice dinner tonight. Dessert even!

My wife never though I could do it, ...it still amazes her that I did, I was such a junkie to the things. I'm very grateful to have that in my past. When I had my recent knee operation the nurses were all so proud of me for the "quit", and I actually have two, as I quit the booze 18 years ago. (That's a trip for two to the Carribean all expenses paid every year!)

[Dag]

Day 6 for me... 

[SteveL]

Day 6 for me... 

That's awesome Dag!! one day at a time, they add up quick!

[Kamikaze VRCCDS#0119]

Day 9 here!

[R J]

This is going to take some caluclating.

27 years, 1 month and 17 days.

So 27 X 365 = 9,855 + 30 + 17 + 6 leap year days = 9,908 days.

Ya'll can make it if I did......     I never ever had a filter cigarette in my mouth.   If someone gave me a cig with a filter, I cut it off and went with a straight pipe, you know, like Lucky Strikes, Pall Mall and Camels.

[SteveL]

Day 9 here!

That's fabulous! Just think a couple weeks ago you were sucking on them things constantly. They really do suck.

[vanagon40]

Two weeks yesterday.

[Dag]

Day 10