gruntlabor
Well-known Member
- Location
- Last Frontier, Age 83
Could just be a weird bug/virus going around
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- Thread starter GoodEnuff
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Could just be a weird bug/virus going aroundLol, no kidding. Nothing within six to eight feet of the heater. Kind of made for a strange furniture arrangement but who cares?
Yay! You are absolutely amazing. I would have used those headaches as an excuse to give up but you just plowed on through. Then the positive improvement through your exercise plan? Great news!
2nd Quit Day 5:
Stopped at the local fitness place yesterday. OMG, what a dump! Filthy, very old and worn equipment, and it looked like a warehouse for abandoned gear. No, thanks. Stopped into WalMart for a few items and the walk from car to store was pain-free! Walked from one end of the store to the other at a brisk pace and no pain! Came home and took each dog for a separate walk, the long way, with very little pain. Wow! What an incentive.
Both dogs have their annual vet appointment this morning; I need to get the second crate secured in the car since I will be transporting both of them. They ride in their crates for safety.
Weather is beautiful, high 50's with most of the snow melting, sunny, blue skies. Supposed to be this way for the next week. Winter this year has been really mild, with only two snow storms worth mentioning. Now I am beginning to think/plan for summer reno projects. Must get with my worker in the next few weeks to plan a start date.
As for The Quit, that's okay so far. Cravings have been manageable. I do think I will switch from chewing gum (normal, not nicotine) to tic-tacs. My jaw is getting sore.
Great day to all!
Stopped at the local fitness place yesterday. OMG, what a dump! Filthy, very old and worn equipment, and it looked like a warehouse for abandoned gear. No, thanks. Stopped into WalMart for a few items and the walk from car to store was pain-free! Walked from one end of the store to the other at a brisk pace and no pain! Came home and took each dog for a separate walk, the long way, with very little pain. Wow! What an incentive.
Both dogs have their annual vet appointment this morning; I need to get the second crate secured in the car since I will be transporting both of them. They ride in their crates for safety.
Weather is beautiful, high 50's with most of the snow melting, sunny, blue skies. Supposed to be this way for the next week. Winter this year has been really mild, with only two snow storms worth mentioning. Now I am beginning to think/plan for summer reno projects. Must get with my worker in the next few weeks to plan a start date.
As for The Quit, that's okay so far. Cravings have been manageable. I do think I will switch from chewing gum (normal, not nicotine) to tic-tacs. My jaw is getting sore.
Great day to all!
2nd Quit, Day 6:
Dogs to vet yesterday for their annual whatever. Surprisingly, the younger one was calm and quiet during the exam, etc.; she is the one that is mostly non-stop at home, the one the groomer muzzles because the dog tries to bite her. (Maybe I should look for a different groomer?) The older one needed more restraint. This is opposite of their normal behavior. Who woulda thought? Anyway, we're good for another year, assuming neither gets sick or injured. I like this new vet; he is an older man who doesn't push a lot of extras. Anyway, yesterday they got the distemper shot, blood test for heart worms and a year's worth of meds for that. (They received the 3-year rabies last year.)
Cigarette cravings are stronger this morning. I am beginning to think that the things we do as an alternative may make this worse. Using mints, gum, etc., whenever the urge to smoke strikes. It seems to just remind me of what I am missing? I switched from gum to tic-tacs, altoids, etc. I may try using nothing, just toughing out the cravings. Something to ponder on. Any opinions out there from those who have done this? I decided on this quit that I will not go through that awful deep depression again; I have an emergency cigarette and will use it if that happens. It just isn't worth it at this point in my life.
Also, I am trying to not think about "I'm quitting" so much. Just go about life as I normally would and face the cravings as they come. Seems the more I think about it, the more I want it. It's a mindset. Funny, when one sets a goal, it means concentrating on that goal. Maybe that isn't the best thing for quitting cigarettes (or any other addiction).
Yesterday, there was a very strong musty odor in the bathroom. Traced it down to the clothes washer, which is a year old, top loading machine. I thought, well, I'll run a cycle with bleach, which I don't use because of the septic system risks. A bit later, I noticed upon closer inspection that I had left a pair of jeans in it after the last load, 4-5 days ago?. (Pee Yoo) Sheesh. Hung them outside in the sun, which solved that problem. No more smell in the washer and no need to use bleach. Yay!
Anyway, today I am going to clean the floors. Been saying that for a week now.
Dogs to vet yesterday for their annual whatever. Surprisingly, the younger one was calm and quiet during the exam, etc.; she is the one that is mostly non-stop at home, the one the groomer muzzles because the dog tries to bite her. (Maybe I should look for a different groomer?) The older one needed more restraint. This is opposite of their normal behavior. Who woulda thought? Anyway, we're good for another year, assuming neither gets sick or injured. I like this new vet; he is an older man who doesn't push a lot of extras. Anyway, yesterday they got the distemper shot, blood test for heart worms and a year's worth of meds for that. (They received the 3-year rabies last year.)
Cigarette cravings are stronger this morning. I am beginning to think that the things we do as an alternative may make this worse. Using mints, gum, etc., whenever the urge to smoke strikes. It seems to just remind me of what I am missing? I switched from gum to tic-tacs, altoids, etc. I may try using nothing, just toughing out the cravings. Something to ponder on. Any opinions out there from those who have done this? I decided on this quit that I will not go through that awful deep depression again; I have an emergency cigarette and will use it if that happens. It just isn't worth it at this point in my life.
Also, I am trying to not think about "I'm quitting" so much. Just go about life as I normally would and face the cravings as they come. Seems the more I think about it, the more I want it. It's a mindset. Funny, when one sets a goal, it means concentrating on that goal. Maybe that isn't the best thing for quitting cigarettes (or any other addiction).
Yesterday, there was a very strong musty odor in the bathroom. Traced it down to the clothes washer, which is a year old, top loading machine. I thought, well, I'll run a cycle with bleach, which I don't use because of the septic system risks. A bit later, I noticed upon closer inspection that I had left a pair of jeans in it after the last load, 4-5 days ago?. (Pee Yoo) Sheesh. Hung them outside in the sun, which solved that problem. No more smell in the washer and no need to use bleach. Yay!
Anyway, today I am going to clean the floors. Been saying that for a week now.
You're doing great. I agree with you that it might be time to just try not to think about it very much.
I know gum and candy didn't interest me at all when I was quitting. If I couldn't inhale it I didn't want it.
I use a lot of cleaning vinegar (found close to the bleach in the store.) It's great for musty things you wouldn't want to bleach. I discovered the vinegar when I was cleaning that green slime off my siding a few years ago. Nothing else had budged it but straight vinegar made it slide right off. Now I'm anxious for spring all of a sudden so I can do that. I love hosing down the outside of the house for some reason.
I know gum and candy didn't interest me at all when I was quitting. If I couldn't inhale it I didn't want it.
I use a lot of cleaning vinegar (found close to the bleach in the store.) It's great for musty things you wouldn't want to bleach. I discovered the vinegar when I was cleaning that green slime off my siding a few years ago. Nothing else had budged it but straight vinegar made it slide right off. Now I'm anxious for spring all of a sudden so I can do that. I love hosing down the outside of the house for some reason.
horseless carriage
Well-known Member
My nicotine addiction started in my late teens, when I was a student and before long I was into twenty a day. When I got married at the age of twenty-two I promised my bride that I would quit smoking, and I did, but it took at least eighteen months to completely lose the tobacco craving.
As for gaining weight, I was given a very useful tip by a fellow student, he was a medical student, his tip was to eat fresh fruit, daily, and lots of it. To this day I still eat about six different fruits daily. My weight is just eight pounds heavier than it was on my wedding day. The fruit not only makes me feel sated it also acts as a natural laxative.
As for gaining weight, I was given a very useful tip by a fellow student, he was a medical student, his tip was to eat fresh fruit, daily, and lots of it. To this day I still eat about six different fruits daily. My weight is just eight pounds heavier than it was on my wedding day. The fruit not only makes me feel sated it also acts as a natural laxative.
I see that vinegar at Home Depot certain times of the year. 30%?? Don't get the green slime here; before it has a chance to grow, the wood siding, and often what is behind it, just rots from snow buildup. I am in the process of doing a wainscot of corrugated steel. Hope to finish that this summer and resolve that problem once and for all.
I wish I had never started. Have smoked for 57 years. Sometimes I wonder why bother quitting at this point in my life.
As for fruit, I have one piece a day, sometimes two. Too much fructose and I will add pounds. I do love it.
2nd Quit, Day 7:
Hooray! The floors are clean, which should last maybe a week. I hate vacuuming and mopping so I procrastinate and by the time I get to it, it is much harder to do. Yesterday, I actually had to scrub a few spots by hand, the old hands-and-knees system. Also damp dusted everything (except the blinds, maybe today). At least it's done.
Today, I am going to do a more thorough grooming on the dogs. Have a call into two different groomers, who haven't called me back yet. I have let them grow longer than usual because of the cold.
Craving not too bad this morning. Almost non-existent. Thought about reducing the patch dose; the instructions say four weeks each dose. The last time I rushed it, fail! So will follow the directions this time and hope for the best.
Best wishes!
Hooray! The floors are clean, which should last maybe a week. I hate vacuuming and mopping so I procrastinate and by the time I get to it, it is much harder to do. Yesterday, I actually had to scrub a few spots by hand, the old hands-and-knees system. Also damp dusted everything (except the blinds, maybe today). At least it's done.
Today, I am going to do a more thorough grooming on the dogs. Have a call into two different groomers, who haven't called me back yet. I have let them grow longer than usual because of the cold.
Craving not too bad this morning. Almost non-existent. Thought about reducing the patch dose; the instructions say four weeks each dose. The last time I rushed it, fail! So will follow the directions this time and hope for the best.
Best wishes!
2nd Quit, Day 8:
Spent several hours yesterday, off and on, grooming the young female dog. She is a 2 yr old Havanese/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix; her Havanese double coat is v-e-r-y thick, now about 2" long and easily mats. She is a non-shedding breed. Even though I brush her almost every evening, I still found more mats that I didn't know about. She actually likes a gentle brushing and handling but hit a snag and that changes quickly, lol. It is a slow process for which I really have to be in the mood.
I do not groom her to make her pretty, just to keep her mat-free and clean. Therefore, she looks "chopped" up right now since I do not try to comb out the mats (ouch!), I just trim them off; she has a groomer appointment next Wed, when she will get mostly shaved down to a length of about 1/2". The cold doesn't bother her. She is a tough little thing, nothing sissy about her.
The old shih tzu (also a non-shedding breed), aka Grumpy, is another story. This breed just doesn't tolerate extreme temps very well so in winter, I let his coat grow out. His coat is about 3" long right now but he doesn't tend to mat much. I trimmed up a couple areas until he decided he was done, which was after about 5 minutes. I was tired from doing the little girl and my patience was wearing thin, so I will work on him more in a couple of days.
I dare not have him shaved down this time of year; he would spend the next 6 weeks shivering, even in the house at 67F. That will happen May/June, depending. Right now, "scruffy" would be a good name for him, lol.
Most, not all, of the cravings now are more for gum/mints than cigarettes. So far, so good.
Hope you all have successful days!
Spent several hours yesterday, off and on, grooming the young female dog. She is a 2 yr old Havanese/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix; her Havanese double coat is v-e-r-y thick, now about 2" long and easily mats. She is a non-shedding breed. Even though I brush her almost every evening, I still found more mats that I didn't know about. She actually likes a gentle brushing and handling but hit a snag and that changes quickly, lol. It is a slow process for which I really have to be in the mood.
I do not groom her to make her pretty, just to keep her mat-free and clean. Therefore, she looks "chopped" up right now since I do not try to comb out the mats (ouch!), I just trim them off; she has a groomer appointment next Wed, when she will get mostly shaved down to a length of about 1/2". The cold doesn't bother her. She is a tough little thing, nothing sissy about her.
The old shih tzu (also a non-shedding breed), aka Grumpy, is another story. This breed just doesn't tolerate extreme temps very well so in winter, I let his coat grow out. His coat is about 3" long right now but he doesn't tend to mat much. I trimmed up a couple areas until he decided he was done, which was after about 5 minutes. I was tired from doing the little girl and my patience was wearing thin, so I will work on him more in a couple of days.
I dare not have him shaved down this time of year; he would spend the next 6 weeks shivering, even in the house at 67F. That will happen May/June, depending. Right now, "scruffy" would be a good name for him, lol.
Most, not all, of the cravings now are more for gum/mints than cigarettes. So far, so good.
Hope you all have successful days!
2nd Quit, Day 10:
Not really much to say. I tried the lower dose nico patch for two days and the cravings became much worse so have switched back to the 21mg patch. I know I wasn't going to do that but thought I'd give it a try. Won't do that again.
I have the CT and drs notes on this vascular disease which I will study today and make notes for the appointment tomorrow. It will just be a consultation for possible treatments, etc. The following day, will see the NP for the annual visit with labs. I hate all these dr appointments. I suppose most people do.
Did some snow shoveling yesterday, old snow, just relocating it to an area where it will melt. We will get more snow and I don't want it to be too piled up in that spot.
Otherwise, all is well. So far, so good.
Not really much to say. I tried the lower dose nico patch for two days and the cravings became much worse so have switched back to the 21mg patch. I know I wasn't going to do that but thought I'd give it a try. Won't do that again.
I have the CT and drs notes on this vascular disease which I will study today and make notes for the appointment tomorrow. It will just be a consultation for possible treatments, etc. The following day, will see the NP for the annual visit with labs. I hate all these dr appointments. I suppose most people do.
Did some snow shoveling yesterday, old snow, just relocating it to an area where it will melt. We will get more snow and I don't want it to be too piled up in that spot.
Otherwise, all is well. So far, so good.
Twostep
Well-known Member
- Location
- Tiny town Oklahoma, OK
Fingers are crossed!
Thanks!
I did read that book. IMO, it is the typical self-help type book. I also think some of his statements are absolutely wrong; however, he does make a few good points. Mixed review on my part.
2nd Quit, Day 11:
I have an appointment at 11:30 am today with the vascular surgeon to discuss CT results in depth and possible treatments, etc. It's a 70 mile drive one-way. Of course, this morning I wake up to 6" of new snow and it's still coming down at this moment (6:35 am). I live at 7200 ft elevation on the side of a big mountain. I will have to change that appointment.
After studying the radiologist's report of that scan, I am not sure what to do. This PAD is much more extensive than I thought and I am beginning to think perhaps it is too late to do much of anything. This is what needs to be discussed with the vascular doc. It could be done by phone; I will suggest it when I call. I have, again, lowered the NRT patch to the lower dose and yes, cravings are much worse this morning. I just have to live with that for a while. The wellbutrin/bupropion takes weeks to kick in so no help with that, yet. The dose is due to be increased this week; the appointment for that is tomorrow. Hopefully, the roads will be okay by then.
There are some serious decisions to be made in the near future.
I have an appointment at 11:30 am today with the vascular surgeon to discuss CT results in depth and possible treatments, etc. It's a 70 mile drive one-way. Of course, this morning I wake up to 6" of new snow and it's still coming down at this moment (6:35 am). I live at 7200 ft elevation on the side of a big mountain. I will have to change that appointment.
After studying the radiologist's report of that scan, I am not sure what to do. This PAD is much more extensive than I thought and I am beginning to think perhaps it is too late to do much of anything. This is what needs to be discussed with the vascular doc. It could be done by phone; I will suggest it when I call. I have, again, lowered the NRT patch to the lower dose and yes, cravings are much worse this morning. I just have to live with that for a while. The wellbutrin/bupropion takes weeks to kick in so no help with that, yet. The dose is due to be increased this week; the appointment for that is tomorrow. Hopefully, the roads will be okay by then.
There are some serious decisions to be made in the near future.
Twostep
Well-known Member
- Location
- Tiny town Oklahoma, OK
Friday you said you would follow the instructions for the patch. ???
Jules
SF VIP
Thanks for letting me know. If the time ever comes that she decides to quit, I won’t push her. Remembered this was on Dax Sheperd with Nicki Glaser.
I quit counting.
I know, you're right. I was hoping to get off of it faster because I was very concerned that the nico patch is just as bad as the nico in cigarettes as far as vascular damage is concerned. After speaking with the vascular doc, I will stick with the follow-the-instructions plan. I also found a paper that quoted several studies that showed the NRT does not have the same effect as cigarettes. I feel much more comfortable with the patch now.
The past week has been easier. Maybe the bupropion is working, although label says it takes 4-6 weeks but perhaps that is for depression, not smoking cessation. Either way, I am feeling much better; cravings are still strong but fewer. I think the best one thing I changed this time around was to stop being so obsessive about weight gain. I am just eating normally for me. No gain as of yesterday.
Have been doing the walking almost every day, skipped a day because something was hurting that shouldn't have been and I am certain it was from overdoing it the day before. Once I get started, it is kind of fun. Music is the key! I remember the days when I was a gym rat and hope to get back to at least half that condition. I purchased some 2.5# ankle weights, a set of 3/5/8# dumbbells and an exercise ball. I have to be more careful with those as my joints aren't what they used to be. Maybe they will improve? This is something I know how to do and I am excited about it.
The little spaniel went to the groomer on Wed. OMG! She looks like a different dog! Very short now. I was concerned about the cold. She isn't staying out as long but she seems okay with it. I have a coat for her but she doesn't like it so her choice not to wear it. My older shih tzu will get a home groom today just to tidy him up a bit. He may go to groomer in a week or two but will keep his long hair; he suffers from the cold when it is short.
Woke up this morning to about 5" new snow. Most of the snow on the ground had melted, now it is winter white everywhere again. I'm okay with that. It really is pretty. So today, I will do some shoveling.
Snow all melted. Yay! Let's hear a big cheer for...mud. Eight little paws running in and out.
Did the walking on the walking pad, walked the dogs. Then what? Nothing else to do. So I cleaned the fridge and have the oven set on self-clean. Laundry is done, bathroom cleaned, floors clean (for now). It's only 2:00! Maybe the dogs would like another walk. It is warm (44F) and sunny. Why not?
Onward through the fog.
Did the walking on the walking pad, walked the dogs. Then what? Nothing else to do. So I cleaned the fridge and have the oven set on self-clean. Laundry is done, bathroom cleaned, floors clean (for now). It's only 2:00! Maybe the dogs would like another walk. It is warm (44F) and sunny. Why not?
Onward through the fog.
Every time we do the time change thing, the first few days I play this little game with myself. "It isn't 8:00. It's really 7:00, old time." When I worked the night shift on those time change days, the night shift was either one hour shorter or longer. We did have to punch a time clock. I don't remember if it changed, too, in time for the shift change? IDK. I bet the payroll employees hated it.
The night shift was paid a 12% differential (more than day shift). Weekends was another diff; holidays, too. I used to volunteer to work the night shift if a holiday fell on a weekend. Bonus! Uncle Sam loved it, all that extra income tax.
I see in another thread that lots of people here are having trouble sleeping. Been that way forever. A few months ago, I added a heavy wool blanket and slept through the night. It was so strange but wonderful. The past couple of weeks, I was waking up again, too hot. Removed the extra blanket, no help. How can I be too hot with just one little blanket in a room that I know is high 50's temp. This is happening off and on all night long.
Woke up this morning at 1:30 am; turned on the coffee, had a few sips, then went back to bed. Watched some dumb YT videos hoping to go back to sleep. After a while, I looked at the time and it was 3:30-ish. I thought, "Wow, I've been watching this crap for almost two hours." Finally dozed off. Got up at 5:30 and then realized it was time change night. Duh. At least my poor brain wasn't subjected to that stuff for as long as I thought. Yay.
The night shift was paid a 12% differential (more than day shift). Weekends was another diff; holidays, too. I used to volunteer to work the night shift if a holiday fell on a weekend. Bonus! Uncle Sam loved it, all that extra income tax.
I see in another thread that lots of people here are having trouble sleeping. Been that way forever. A few months ago, I added a heavy wool blanket and slept through the night. It was so strange but wonderful. The past couple of weeks, I was waking up again, too hot. Removed the extra blanket, no help. How can I be too hot with just one little blanket in a room that I know is high 50's temp. This is happening off and on all night long.
Woke up this morning at 1:30 am; turned on the coffee, had a few sips, then went back to bed. Watched some dumb YT videos hoping to go back to sleep. After a while, I looked at the time and it was 3:30-ish. I thought, "Wow, I've been watching this crap for almost two hours." Finally dozed off. Got up at 5:30 and then realized it was time change night. Duh. At least my poor brain wasn't subjected to that stuff for as long as I thought. Yay.
Yesterday was a Very Strange Day. I gathered up my courage and called my youngest daughter, with whom I have not spoken in almost eight years. The conversation was very ordinary and calm. I am taking a wait-and-see attitude and trying not to over-think this or place much hope in it. I'm afraid to be too happy about it. It's a start, of what I am not sure.
Meanwhile, I am happy to say that as much as I wanted to, I did not cave in and have a cigarette like I would have a month ago. Now THAT is saying something! Yay!
Today, I must get dressed in my going-to-town clothes and go to town for a few grocery items. It's a beautiful day, sunshine and blue skies, low 40's.
So far, so good.
Meanwhile, I am happy to say that as much as I wanted to, I did not cave in and have a cigarette like I would have a month ago. Now THAT is saying something! Yay!
Today, I must get dressed in my going-to-town clothes and go to town for a few grocery items. It's a beautiful day, sunshine and blue skies, low 40's.
So far, so good.
Twostep
Well-known Member
- Location
- Tiny town Oklahoma, OK
Sounds like progress! Keep it up.
Back from town. The list of five items turned out to be a cart full of stuff. They were having a great sale on items I like. When that happens, I stock up so now I have a case of canned mandarin oranges in juice and another case of canned apricot halves in heavy syrup (yum!), a pot roast for $4.98/lb (dogs and I will share it) and I forget what else but $160 worth. Oh! And they had those cheese wraps or whatever they are called, looks like a tortilla made 100% from cheese. So I got a package of that (4 ea.) and will see how that goes.
I grabbed a jacket out of the coat closet that I haven't worn in several years. Was already in the store when I realized it reeked of cigarette smoke. I have two of those jackets. They are now headed for the washer. Silver linings and all that.
One of these days I may be like some other ex-smokers and adopt the holier-than-thou attitude to those who smoke. Or more likely, ask them to bum one.
I grabbed a jacket out of the coat closet that I haven't worn in several years. Was already in the store when I realized it reeked of cigarette smoke. I have two of those jackets. They are now headed for the washer. Silver linings and all that.
One of these days I may be like some other ex-smokers and adopt the holier-than-thou attitude to those who smoke. Or more likely, ask them to bum one.