I envy some of you

[oplholik]

Some of you at least, if not most of you, seem to have hit your stride with e-cigs. I am into this about 3 weeks now and kinda struggling with it. Trying to get my nic level figured out, I started with 24mg, found out that was too much, so bought some 18mg, that's not enough, So slowly, I'm adjusting upwards. I am tryind a small mix at about 19.5 mg now and don't think that's gonna do it. I constantly hit on this thing, so I am constantly adding juice to the cartomizer. Think I'm gonna try a clearomizer on my Riva 901. I have to get something so I don't always have the e-cig in one hand and the bottle of juice in the other. On a good note, I am a 1 1/2 PAD, now smoking 8-10 a day, so that is an improvement. I am determined to make this work, and can't wait till I get everything just right.

 

[1949katie]

Just keep experimenting and give yourself some time to adjust. I've been at this just about one year. Originally, I thought I'd use it for those times I couldn't have a cig. But, I'm now down to anywhere from 0-4 cigs a day, depends on if I'm enjoying a cocktail hour or not. That's just fine with me after over 45 years of smoking @ 1 PAD. I won't be buying anymore analogs, though. Just too expensive. I think your doing great. Good job.

 

[tybin]

good morning. I think any reduction in smokes is progress you can pat yourself on the back over!

 

[ExcelciusMaximus]

It's all good. It's about commitment too. I started vaping December 2009 and have been smoking as well. Only recently have I tried to wean myself off of smokes completely. Day 2 for me as of right now. I have been through a ton of different methods and products, but none of it ever suited me. I think the eGo may change that. Getting some LR carts soon in hopes to make it more portable (I like to drip) as well as a tank. I have always loved vaping, but never completely broke the habit until now. 24mg is my sweet spot. I like it harsh. It takes time, hopefully you will find what you like and we can both stay the course. Happy vaping!

 

[hairball]

Don't be disappointed in yourself....every cig not smoked is an improvement on your part. You can always buy 2 bottles of the same juice....one 24 and the other 18...mix half and half to get 21mg (I think I figured that correctly). We all had to experiment with stuff...that's part of the fun and frustration but once you find what you need...oh baby it's heaven.

Get a box of Boge cartomizers...they're awesome IMO. These eliminate atomizers and cartridges. I don't know if they make these in 901 but get yourself a 901 to 510 adapter so you can explore more options that are available...heck get yourself several different types to further open doors.

Also, you are going to go through withdrawal to some extent no matter what...it's all the other gunk that needs to get out of your body. It is short lived so don't worry...we're here and will help you through it.

 

[JupiterV]

Don't give up. 3 weeks is nothing.

I was also a pack and a half a dayer. I'm at 24mg nic. It's very trial and error. I've found the PV's I like that do the trick and finally the quality liquid I really like. It's all very subjective.

You don't give up a many year habit over night. This forum is a great source of support.

 

[scylla]

Actually, people like myself that have been using ecigs for quite a while envy YOU.
When I started a year and a half ago we didn't have half the choices you youngsters have these days. I had to wade through the various incarnations of PV's and atomizers til someone came out with a PV atty mix that works well. Now there are some good time tested choices out there as suppliers are getting their act together.

Your problems sound like the ones I had before I moved to a bottom feed model. No hassle with refilling cartos or whatever. Just squeeze and go. The ecig has, for me, finally become even more convenient than cigs for my nicotine fix. You newbs have got it easy these days.

 

[les017]

Some of you at least, if not most of you, seem to have hit your stride with e-cigs. I am into this about 3 weeks now and kinda struggling with it. Trying to get my nic level figured out, I started with 24mg, found out that was too much, so bought some 18mg, that's not enough, So slowly, I'm adjusting upwards. I am tryind a small mix at about 19.5 mg now and don't think that's gonna do it. I constantly hit on this thing, so I am constantly adding juice to the cartomizer.

Congrats on sticking with it. One thought on nic level...24 is too much and 18 is not enough...if you have the opportunity to run 2 PV's or at least 2 cartos, try having a 24 on hand along with an 18. This way you can get a few hits of the 24 to get you through, and then switch to the 18 for maintenance. Then back to 24 when/if needed.

I personally found that trying to tailor a very specific nic level was frustrating and stressful in and of itself, and I ultimately ended up doing 24 full time anyway. Now finally moving down to 18 after several months. Everyone is different so take any and all advice, but always do what works for you best.

Good for you and best of luck.

 

[bassthumper]

Don't give up. 3 weeks is nothing.

I was also a pack and a half a dayer. I'm at 24mg nic. It's very trial and error. I've found the PV's I like that do the trick and finally the quality liquid I really like. It's all very subjective.

You don't give up a many year habit over night. This forum is a great source of support.

Why not? I did!
The longer you draw out quitting, the longer you're gonna be uncomfortable.
Leave your house and leave your cigs at home. Bring your ecig. USE IT when you wanna smoke. If it doesn't work, KEEP USING IT. It will kill your cravings.
There comes a point where you need to just DO IT. Even if you're uncomfortable. It's NOT that bad when you have an ecig to use!
Too many ppl make excuses! They find reasons to hold onto their beloved cigs. STOP! Throw them away, and USE YOUR ECIG!
I've turned a few ppl into vapers. Alot of them, just kept smoking and wonder why the ecig won't work. Gee. Maybe if you put down the cig and USED the ecig it would start working!

It literally took me 2 days to quit. haven't smoked since. And I used a pack and a half a day. Just like you. Try it-
Detoxing off of tobacco isn't gonna be painless, but the ecig is definitely the easiest way.
You'll thank me later.

 

[Hoosier]

It took me about 5 weeks to figure out what juice worked for me.

Then it was a matter of vaping when I could and smoking when I had to. One day I discovered I hadn't smoked the day before. No discomfort, no stress, no cravings, so it was easy to forget to smoke.

I haven't had more than a slight passing thought about a cig since.

Pick your path and keep putting one foot in front of the other. It only takes one step to move forward and anyone can take a step.

 

[grandmato5]

As already said by someone else you don't have to vape the same mg level all day long. You can switch between more than one level. When I started I did that a lot. Higher level for those times of days I needed it and had cravings and lower level other times of the day, which for me was when I was chain vaping in the evening.

 

[HarmonyPB]

I agree with the OP! Many people stop smoking the "minute" they get their PV in the mail. I didn't. But I did have to make myself quit. The first week was very hard, but I had to stay away from cigarettes or I would keep going back to them. I had 18mg and it was really hard until I got my 24mg!!! I use it for the cravings and then when they subside I go back to my 18mg. That works for me. I'm still doing this, but I've also only been at this for a little over a month now (21 days with 0 cigarettes).
Good luck!! It'll happen, stick with it!

 

[IOU]

Oplholik,
Keep at it, you will find your sweet spot. It sounds like you have the tools and the desire. That's really what it takes to make this transition successful.
The best of luck to you!!

 

[WomanOfHeart]

I was one of the lucky "accidental quitters", but it took me about three months to finally find the right juice and hardware that worked for me. I started out vaping two different nicotine levels; 24mg and 18mg. I used the 24mg when I was at work or out running errands and the 18mg was for chain vaping at home. I eventually worked my way down to 18mg all the time, but there isn't a damned thing in the "vaping rule book" that says you can just use two different levels all the time or whenever the need hits you.

I think probably the most wonderful thing about vaping is that it isn't a "one size fits all" gig. It's all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Your sweet spot is as individual as you are, even if other people have the same or a similar set up. Just keep trying and you'll find it. The most important thing is to not be too hard on yourself about quitting cigarettes. Cutting back is just as much of an accomplishment as quitting and knocking yourself won't make it better.

You're doing just fine! Some people take longer than others and that's perfectly okay. Once you start getting closer to that sweet spot, you'll start smoking less and less. Next thing you know, you'll have quit without even knowing it.

 

[Winkos]

Don't underestimate the e-juice you are using to mimic the smoking experience. I am a former smoker who tried vaping 4 years after I quit. I wanted the stress relief that analogs had brought me. Got an Ego-m and loved it. Very similiar satisfaction that I got when I smoked and loved it. Changed juices and it was like vaping air. I was hitting that thing constantly and not enjoying it. Not for me. Switched again and the satisfaction was back. I have found that for me VG is the key and PG leaves cold. Juices with VG give me a thicker vapor which to my preference is like more like the smoking experience. Keep trying till you get it right.

 

[XDoctor]

Just stick with it man. When I started, I was using 48mg juice, then I went to 36 and it was only slightly uncomfortable for a few days. Now I'm at 12. The toughest part for me was that first cigarette in the morning. For almost a year, I smoked one real cig a day and used my ecig the rest of the time.

 

[want to quit]

I am in the same boat with you. I am reaching almost 2 weeks and going strong. It took not long to find the right nic level, however, it took and still takes a while for me to find the right juice. I am reaching sample bottle 50 soon and so far I only enjoy 2 flavors. Waiting on my backo juice from BWB heard many good things about this company so I hope this will be my juice. Good luck with everything you are doing great so far. E-cig> analogs

 

[want to quit]

Just stick with it man. When I started, I was using 48mg juice, then I went to 36 and it was only slightly uncomfortable for a few days. Now I'm at 12. The toughest part for me was that first cigarette in the morning. For almost a year, I smoked one real cig a day and used my ecig the rest of the time.

lol same. I have hardly an issue to go without analogs during the day but this morning cig is a must for me. Trying to get rid of that as well.

 

[unsure]

Remember a option some suppliers offer are sample pks. You can try different flavors at different nic levels at a low cost to compare and at one shipping cost.

 

[Plooker]

For me it was more about finding the right hardware than the right juice/nic level. The psychological factor is more important, at least for me. Having a PV setup that provides a solid hit reliably did it for me.

For a while I was dripping exclusively @ 3.7V with low resistance attys. Now that I'm using a 5V device I've found that cartomizers are pretty awesome. Keeps you from having to have a PV in one hand and a bottle of juice in the other all the time.

Just don't give up and keep trying new things. It's a PITA but you'll get there soon enough.