Today I saw my nurse and was awarded a certificate for being 4 weeks smoke free. I now don't have to see the nurse for another 2 months - so after the initial 4 weeks the pressure is off. This could be dangerous!
It has been a week since I decided to stop taking the Champix - and it has been increasingly difficult. I have had the occasional puff on a cigarette - which disappointed me but seemed so absolutely necessary at the time. I am going to keep at it as I don't want to go back to where I was 4 weeks ago - and have set myself a new goal to aim towards to help me have a focus ... I am due to go away for a few days for a hen do in May and I intend to be completely smoke free by then.
Going it alone is certainly challenging - and it does feel like a very lonely place to be now that my support network has gone - but I'll keep going as best as I can!
Please feel free to share your experiences!!
Keep up the good work everyone!
Monday, 23 March 2009
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Champix - is it really worth it?
Well talk about 'hell' and you'll be talking about exactly what I am going through right now! I decided to stop taking my Champix yesterday as I finally managed to hit rock bottom. I have been depressed, moody, irrational, gained weight - and when I found myself thinking that I should drive head first into a brick wall and do us all a favour I realised that enough was enough.
I was already on the lower dosage of the Champix as I suffered horrendous side effects so thought that coming off them altogether would be pretty simple - how wrong can you be!
I am feeling dreadful. I'm exhausted and emotional. I am craving for a cigarette like you wouldn't believe. My chest is tight and painful and I feel incredibly tearful.
Just a word of warning to anyone about to try this tablet - the side effects can be horrendous. I am in no way saying that this will happen to everyone - in fact many have found this to be a fantastic way to ditch the fags. I would just urge that if you do use the Champix - do it through your doctor so that they can keep an eye on you and help you along the way. I didn't notice the change in me until it was possibly too late. Don't do it alone.
I was already on the lower dosage of the Champix as I suffered horrendous side effects so thought that coming off them altogether would be pretty simple - how wrong can you be!
I am feeling dreadful. I'm exhausted and emotional. I am craving for a cigarette like you wouldn't believe. My chest is tight and painful and I feel incredibly tearful.
Just a word of warning to anyone about to try this tablet - the side effects can be horrendous. I am in no way saying that this will happen to everyone - in fact many have found this to be a fantastic way to ditch the fags. I would just urge that if you do use the Champix - do it through your doctor so that they can keep an eye on you and help you along the way. I didn't notice the change in me until it was possibly too late. Don't do it alone.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Day 34
Well it's been a little while since I filled in the blog ... the reasons for that - are this .....
It seems that alongside all of the other side effects that I have mentioned previously - I have also suffered the side effects that can cause the symptoms of depression. I have found that although I have been very strong with regards to the smoking - I have been increasingly miserable as time has gone on. I find normal problems extremely difficult to cope with and not only has it caused problems in my own day to day dealings, it has also caused problems with my relationship. I got to a point over the past few days where life itself was becoming too much, getting out of bed was the hardest thing ever and I couldn't hold a conversation with my fiance without arguing. This is not me! I am one of life's real super troupers with a very positive outlook and a happy go lucky attitude - or at least - I was!
So I have made the decision to try and stop the champix. I know that my reactions to this pill are extreme and anyone reading this should not assume that this is the norm for everyone that takes it. The champix has helped to stop me smoking - that is the truth. However, it has really changed my life and my personality.
In my experience so far, I have become increasingly depressed and irrational since I started on the champix, and I've also gained quite a lot of weight, so I am going to try and go it alone! How long I'll cope - I don't know! But I'll certainly keep you posted!
For all those giving up smoking, keep it up. I think I've proved that it's not easy - but I'll keep going! And I hope you will too!
It seems that alongside all of the other side effects that I have mentioned previously - I have also suffered the side effects that can cause the symptoms of depression. I have found that although I have been very strong with regards to the smoking - I have been increasingly miserable as time has gone on. I find normal problems extremely difficult to cope with and not only has it caused problems in my own day to day dealings, it has also caused problems with my relationship. I got to a point over the past few days where life itself was becoming too much, getting out of bed was the hardest thing ever and I couldn't hold a conversation with my fiance without arguing. This is not me! I am one of life's real super troupers with a very positive outlook and a happy go lucky attitude - or at least - I was!
So I have made the decision to try and stop the champix. I know that my reactions to this pill are extreme and anyone reading this should not assume that this is the norm for everyone that takes it. The champix has helped to stop me smoking - that is the truth. However, it has really changed my life and my personality.
In my experience so far, I have become increasingly depressed and irrational since I started on the champix, and I've also gained quite a lot of weight, so I am going to try and go it alone! How long I'll cope - I don't know! But I'll certainly keep you posted!
For all those giving up smoking, keep it up. I think I've proved that it's not easy - but I'll keep going! And I hope you will too!
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
No Smoking Day
Today is national No Smoking Day - why not join in and take the first step to becoming smoke free!
This is the perfect opportunity to make a change towards having more money, a healthier life, a happier life .... a longer life!
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Stop Smoking With Champix - more helpful comments ...
marie wharton said...
well done x it cant have been easy to get this far with you both trying to stop.Ive had horrendous mood swings, feeling so low and down, easily angered and so depressed in addition to that the amount of cravings I had last week just wasnt funny. Constantly thinking about smoking, dreaming about having a cig and taking one drag on it and being absolutely gutted in my dreams.. bizzare.. but as of today, Im feeling good, not so down, Im coming back out of it, looking for a new job, catching up with things Ive let slide, being so much more positive and Im so happy about it, mood swings still like a rabid dog on drugs but so less frequent but Im easily irritated but you cant win them all.
Not so much eaten more, but my choocolate intake has gone up slightly. But the extra eating and the transference of addiction to food isnt happening as Im very aware of it (Paul McKenna - THANK YOU)
Keep it up Lou and to anyone out there trying to stop, yes its incredibly hard BUT its worth it and its a war you CAN win x
09 March 2009 14:27
well done x it cant have been easy to get this far with you both trying to stop.Ive had horrendous mood swings, feeling so low and down, easily angered and so depressed in addition to that the amount of cravings I had last week just wasnt funny. Constantly thinking about smoking, dreaming about having a cig and taking one drag on it and being absolutely gutted in my dreams.. bizzare.. but as of today, Im feeling good, not so down, Im coming back out of it, looking for a new job, catching up with things Ive let slide, being so much more positive and Im so happy about it, mood swings still like a rabid dog on drugs but so less frequent but Im easily irritated but you cant win them all.
Not so much eaten more, but my choocolate intake has gone up slightly. But the extra eating and the transference of addiction to food isnt happening as Im very aware of it (Paul McKenna - THANK YOU)
Keep it up Lou and to anyone out there trying to stop, yes its incredibly hard BUT its worth it and its a war you CAN win x
09 March 2009 14:27
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Day 26
Well I had a gig last night - this is the time that I am finding it a bit harder to cope as being an entertainer is quite stressful at the best of times! Not too bad a night though - although I have found that my moods are slipping a bit and I feel down more often than I feel up at the moment. This is a bit concerning as nobody wants to watch a miserable singer on a Saturday night - so it has been more of an effort to put a brave face on it - but so far so good!
I have crossed the 2 week line now since I had a cigarette and that does feel like an achievement - although the cravings are often stronger now - this does surprise me as I was hoping it would get easier rather than harder!
I am still on the half dose of Champix and only occasionally get a slight sick feeling about half an hour after taking it - but that does pass if taken with food.
Keep it up all you quitters out there! Let me know how you're getting on.
I have crossed the 2 week line now since I had a cigarette and that does feel like an achievement - although the cravings are often stronger now - this does surprise me as I was hoping it would get easier rather than harder!
I am still on the half dose of Champix and only occasionally get a slight sick feeling about half an hour after taking it - but that does pass if taken with food.
Keep it up all you quitters out there! Let me know how you're getting on.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
day 25
It's been a few days again since my last blog - not had a lot to report so didn't want to bore everyone!
I am still on the half dose of Champix morning and night and have now been cigarette clear for 2 weeks. I can't say it's been easy - but I am more than certain that it has been made easier than it would've been thanks to the champix.
My side effects have lessened although not completely disappeared. The past few days seem to have been the most difficult as my cravings have been stronger for some reason - I don't know if this is because I am ridding myself of all the other nasty chemicals that would've been in my system?
I have, unfortunately, been eating more and know that I am slowly gaining weight - but at the moment I don't think I can hack dieting and stopping smoking at the same time so will just have to keep an eye on it!
So far so good - it is certainly a challenge! Keep up the good work people! It WILL be worth it - or so they keep telling me anyway!
I am still on the half dose of Champix morning and night and have now been cigarette clear for 2 weeks. I can't say it's been easy - but I am more than certain that it has been made easier than it would've been thanks to the champix.
My side effects have lessened although not completely disappeared. The past few days seem to have been the most difficult as my cravings have been stronger for some reason - I don't know if this is because I am ridding myself of all the other nasty chemicals that would've been in my system?
I have, unfortunately, been eating more and know that I am slowly gaining weight - but at the moment I don't think I can hack dieting and stopping smoking at the same time so will just have to keep an eye on it!
So far so good - it is certainly a challenge! Keep up the good work people! It WILL be worth it - or so they keep telling me anyway!
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Passive Smoking - Day 21
I had another visit with my Smoking Doctor today and everything is going to plan. I am suffering from a sore throat and gums at the mo, but still haven't smoked so she and I are both very happy. Day 11 of being Smokefree!
However, after spending the weekend with smokers my carbon monoxide reading has actually increased to 3 from the previous reading of 1. This is due to passive smoking - which has really made me think about the effects that my smoking may have had on these around me. Sorry to everyone that has had to breathe in my smoke for the past 10+ years!
The champix is working well and most of my major side effects have subsided. I am feeling a little low at the moment and struggling to find much to be happy about - but this is a common effect of the drug alongside the withdrawal.
All in all, I am very proud of my efforts so far and really do think that I will kick the habit this time! Let me know of your successes long the way - we can do this together!
However, after spending the weekend with smokers my carbon monoxide reading has actually increased to 3 from the previous reading of 1. This is due to passive smoking - which has really made me think about the effects that my smoking may have had on these around me. Sorry to everyone that has had to breathe in my smoke for the past 10+ years!
The champix is working well and most of my major side effects have subsided. I am feeling a little low at the moment and struggling to find much to be happy about - but this is a common effect of the drug alongside the withdrawal.
All in all, I am very proud of my efforts so far and really do think that I will kick the habit this time! Let me know of your successes long the way - we can do this together!
Monday, 2 March 2009
Day 20
Well it's been a few days since I have logged anything - and a trying few days it has been! I have been away with the band all weekend so have spent a lot of time surrounded by smokers. I have, however, managed to resist the temptation and have remained completely smoke free all weekend. It has been difficult, and I have been suffering sore throats, a cough, and a dry mouth - which made singing increasingly difficult.
I am back at the doctors tomorrow and am proud to say that it has been 10 days since my last cigarette. I have felt certain benefits from being a non smoker and it has helped me to stay on the right track.
I went to an all day casting yesterday too - auditions and castings are also a stressful time - but smoking didn't really enter my head and it was nice to sit and relax rather than thinking about whether or not I had time to go out into the cold for a fag!
All in all, it has been difficult and I do seem to be feeling cravings quite regularly - but I am proud of how far I've come and don't intend on going back!
I am back at the doctors tomorrow and am proud to say that it has been 10 days since my last cigarette. I have felt certain benefits from being a non smoker and it has helped me to stay on the right track.
I went to an all day casting yesterday too - auditions and castings are also a stressful time - but smoking didn't really enter my head and it was nice to sit and relax rather than thinking about whether or not I had time to go out into the cold for a fag!
All in all, it has been difficult and I do seem to be feeling cravings quite regularly - but I am proud of how far I've come and don't intend on going back!
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Day 16
Today is proving to be a bit tougher than yesterday! After being on such a high yesterday I seem to be on one hell of a low today! Life is getting the better of me today for some reason! Had another check up with my doc - the blood pressure is still a bit low even though I have halved my dose so we are keeping an eye on that.
My carbon monoxide reading has gone down even further and now reads at 1!
Other than that not a lot to report really. Still suffering headaches so the doc has asked me to keep an eye on that. Have some really bad cravings today unfortunately - but I refuse to give in!
My fiance is going cold turkey with his quitting smoking - he's on about day 5 and is finding it really really hard. He's bouncing off the walls at the moment - and driving me up them! But we're staying strong and hopefully we'll beat this together!
Keep up the good work all you quitters out there - it has to get easier sometime!
My carbon monoxide reading has gone down even further and now reads at 1!
Other than that not a lot to report really. Still suffering headaches so the doc has asked me to keep an eye on that. Have some really bad cravings today unfortunately - but I refuse to give in!
My fiance is going cold turkey with his quitting smoking - he's on about day 5 and is finding it really really hard. He's bouncing off the walls at the moment - and driving me up them! But we're staying strong and hopefully we'll beat this together!
Keep up the good work all you quitters out there - it has to get easier sometime!
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Day 15
Well I have to say, today has been an absolute breeze! For the first time since I stopped smoking I have had the whole day to myself. I got some extra sleep this morning and have busied myself with all the things I keep intending to do and never get around to. I had a couple of twinges earlier when I would have normally stopped for a quick cigarette, but instead just got myself a cup of tea and carried on.
I haven't fell any real side effects at all today - probably because I've been so busy so haven't had time to notice! I still have a sort of dull headache but I think this is due to my blood reassure being lower than normal.
I am back at the doctors tomorrow - she wanted to give me a half week check after going through so many bad side effects.
It's getting easier folks - keep at it - it really all will be worth it in the end. If things are getting too much - just take some time out on your own - it really did work for me!
I haven't fell any real side effects at all today - probably because I've been so busy so haven't had time to notice! I still have a sort of dull headache but I think this is due to my blood reassure being lower than normal.
I am back at the doctors tomorrow - she wanted to give me a half week check after going through so many bad side effects.
It's getting easier folks - keep at it - it really all will be worth it in the end. If things are getting too much - just take some time out on your own - it really did work for me!
Thank you
Just a quick thank you for everyone's comments so far. I was aware of the reports of suicidal thoughts and depression that has been reported alongside taking the Champix Vareniciline - I did question this on my initial consultation with my doctor and she assured me that studies show that these side effects were found on patients that already had some kind of mental health issue.
She said that she deemed them to be perfectly safe after checking my medical history and are the most effective way that has been found to stop smoking so far.
I have watched the Allen Carr DVD and have to say that is was definitely inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone wishing to stop! I agree with the comments made below about how it makes you feel empowered by stopping rather than at a loss. My fiance is going it alone after watching that DVD and is doing well - although his cravings are very intense.
Thank you for all your comments folks. Keep them coming. Let's hope we can help more quitters to keep at it!
She said that she deemed them to be perfectly safe after checking my medical history and are the most effective way that has been found to stop smoking so far.
I have watched the Allen Carr DVD and have to say that is was definitely inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone wishing to stop! I agree with the comments made below about how it makes you feel empowered by stopping rather than at a loss. My fiance is going it alone after watching that DVD and is doing well - although his cravings are very intense.
Thank you for all your comments folks. Keep them coming. Let's hope we can help more quitters to keep at it!
More Comments.....
Anonymous said...
Hi Louise, I'm not sure if you've done much research on Champix but there are many many reports of very serious effects from Champix, amoung them suicidal and psychotic behaviour so the people suffering side-effects are not as rare as you'd think. The FDA has made them put strong warnings on the accompanying literature but most people and their doctors don't bother to read it or think it's unlikely that they will be affected. Just do a search on the net and you'll be amazed at what comes up so be careful and be very aware of how you are feeling when on it and report anything suspect to your doctor.
I stopped smoking with Allen Carr's Easyway to stop smoking book and I didn't need to take any medications at all, it was really easy, I'd definitely reccommend it, I think it was the most empowering experience I've ever had. What I loved with his approach is that I felt liberated and positive instead of feeling like I'd made some terrible sacrifice by stopping.
Good luck and I hope you get free, it's so wonderful not to have to smoke anymore.
Hi Louise, I'm not sure if you've done much research on Champix but there are many many reports of very serious effects from Champix, amoung them suicidal and psychotic behaviour so the people suffering side-effects are not as rare as you'd think. The FDA has made them put strong warnings on the accompanying literature but most people and their doctors don't bother to read it or think it's unlikely that they will be affected. Just do a search on the net and you'll be amazed at what comes up so be careful and be very aware of how you are feeling when on it and report anything suspect to your doctor.
I stopped smoking with Allen Carr's Easyway to stop smoking book and I didn't need to take any medications at all, it was really easy, I'd definitely reccommend it, I think it was the most empowering experience I've ever had. What I loved with his approach is that I felt liberated and positive instead of feeling like I'd made some terrible sacrifice by stopping.
Good luck and I hope you get free, it's so wonderful not to have to smoke anymore.
Anonymous said...
I forgot to mention that the best part for me with Allen Carr's method is that it deals a lot with the psychological “loss” that we associate with quitting, which I found to be my main problem and it also explains how the physical part is actually quite easy once your head is right frame of mind. You could always try to get the book, even while you're taking the Champix. I think they also do seminars, but you’d have to look on their website for that I suppose.
I forgot to mention that the best part for me with Allen Carr's method is that it deals a lot with the psychological “loss” that we associate with quitting, which I found to be my main problem and it also explains how the physical part is actually quite easy once your head is right frame of mind. You could always try to get the book, even while you're taking the Champix. I think they also do seminars, but you’d have to look on their website for that I suppose.
More Comments.....
katie448 said...
Any smoker looking to quit in favour of their own health, are able to try Champix varenicline, provided it is suitable. In relation, it is advised that you undergo a full medical consultation in order to determine the best course of treatment.Champix varenicline has been readily available for purchase for a substantial period of time, although mainly in the UK, US, and many European countries. It is available only on prescription from a medical expert. Nowadays, in favour of convenience, may people opt to purchase Champix varenicline online.
Any smoker looking to quit in favour of their own health, are able to try Champix varenicline, provided it is suitable. In relation, it is advised that you undergo a full medical consultation in order to determine the best course of treatment.Champix varenicline has been readily available for purchase for a substantial period of time, although mainly in the UK, US, and many European countries. It is available only on prescription from a medical expert. Nowadays, in favour of convenience, may people opt to purchase Champix varenicline online.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)