I need some advice from others

[MeaganFaria]

Hi all, I am brand new to this forum and have just purchased an EGO C Kit to start vaping as I tried to quit smoking 3 weeks ago, lasted 2 weeks but was having an insane amount of panic attacks and high anxiety...patch didn't help at all, just made me feel like I was on the verge of getting my nic but not truly there...EVER! I broke down on Thanksgiving and started smoking again and then thought, hey why not try out the ecig? I got excited and recieved my package in the mail two days ago. I used the device for most of the day yesterday and it took the edge off of my cravings while I was busy but at the end of the day I was really craving so I would vape and tell myself it was ok. I tried to go to bed but started to have the same feelings of anxiety, restlessness and problems trying to fall asleep so I caved and went downstairs, smoked a cigarette...or analog I guess, sorry, and went straight to bed.

My question here is if this could be because I was having withdrawals? I smoke nearly a pack a day of regular strength cigarettes I guess (MacDonald Special) and started vaping with 12mg juice. I have seen some say that it isn't necessarily the nic content that gives you craving but WTA. I would really like some advice as to where to go from here. I have ordered 18 mg juice to see if it will work a little better. I pretty much vaped the way I would smoke yesterday...5-10 minutes every hour. It seemed to work on the cravings until later in the day.

I stopped using it until I get the other juice because I don't want to discourage myself into thinking that it's not going to work. I tend to overthink things so I want to stay as open minded and positive about this as possible. I would love any advice out there.

 

[DaveyC]

I would say, try a higher nicotine strength, like you said. Because, my friend had the same problem, except he used 11MG juice, and he found he had to us 18MG to feel the same way he did when he smoked a pack a day. So I would imagine that could be it! Hang in their dude, resist the urge! I give you credit for trying your hardest, and I am sure you will find a way to avoid those nasty analog urges!

 

[Black Strat]

Don't be discouraged. Vaping WILL work, you just need to find what works for you. I would say that 12 mg may be too light for you so that was a good call to order 18 mg. Everybody responds differently to nic content. Some get a nicotine buzz with 12 mg, others regularly vape 24 mg.

Many find that the vaping behavior required is different from smoking. The typical behavior smoking is to have a cigarette every hour or 1/2 hour. That was my behavior too. I found that always having the e-cig handy and vaping whenever I felt like the need fit the bill.

Also, DON'T feel like a failure if you cave and have a cigarette. I found each time the cigarette became less satisfying and I found I preferred to vape after a short period of time.

You can do it!

 

[DaveyC]

I agree with Black Strat, I would just always have your vape ready, so if you do have the urge, you can just vape. That is also what I do, but I would try all the nicotine strengths and find which one works for you, like Black Strat said, it all depends on how your body takes it.

 

[Gypzy.Mama]

Don't beat yourself up over that occasional cigarette. I'm going to second the PP who said to maybe try a higher nic level. I started a little over 2 weeks ago and was on 12mg. Every few days, that urge would kick in and I'd smoke one or 2. I've bumped it up to 18mg and I haven't touched one in 6 days. I ordered 24mg juice that I'm playing to dilute to 16mg. The 18's a bit too strong and 12 is a little too weak at this point. Just hang in there and keep at it. Those days I'd smoke 2 cigs, I wouldn't think "Dammit, I've caved twice!" Being a former PAD smoker, I'd think to myself "Hell yeah, I walked away from the stinkies 18 times today!" It's all a matter of perspective.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi and welcome to ECF.

I used the device for most of the day yesterday and it took the edge off of my cravings while I was busy but at the end of the day I was really craving so I would vape and tell myself it was ok. I tried to go to bed but started to have the same feelings of anxiety, restlessness and problems trying to fall asleep so I caved and went downstairs, smoked a cigarette...or analog I guess, sorry, and went straight to bed.

I was also experiencing restlessness when I'd go to sleep. ECF Vets suggested I vape a lower nicotine before bedtime and that resolved the issue.
As for having an analog here and there it's no big deal. I believe and will always believe vaping should be a stress free and relaxing alternative to smoking. Some quit analogs immediately while others cut down on their intake. Just realize you're going in a new direction and just enjoy the journey.
Yes some have found relief in using WTA juice. Many just add small amounts to their regular juice.
Wishing the Very Best of Luck to You

 

[Los Marauder]

If you pick up a cig and smoke it occasionaly at first it is no big deal. Remember, you are not quiting nic. but cigs, and all that goes along with them, i.e. WTA. As you adjust to this, smoking will go to the way side. E cigs don't have to be cold turky. The key is to transition into no analogs in a way that e cigs work without remorse. For some it is simple, for some it is difficult. Raise the nic level, relax, and keep it enjoyable. You can do it. You will do it. Keep those fingers on the key pad, and talk to us. You will know its working when you cant find a lighter, but don't care.

 

[252chevyboyz]

I was a Newport 100 smoker for 9 years and I was up to about 3/4 pack a day before I slowly started decreasing the amount of analogs. I am about to break my 1 week mark of being analog free tomorrow. I am using an Ego 650mah batt, 2ohm smoktech cartomizer, drip tip, and my favorite juice so far has been a %100 VG blueberry from "neverlightagain". The nicotine content is 24mg. With this the anxiety and restlessness feeling have gone away. Gives off a nice relaxed feeling.

I hope you find the strength that's meant for you and with persistence I guarantee you will. Just hang in there man. After almost a week of being analog free I feel better. I got a better appetite and I work in landscaping so I have noticed that I'm not short of breath as much so my breathing is very slowly getting better

-James

 

[Vince Clortho]

No worries, vaping works. You just have to be patient, do some reading/experimenting, and find the setup that leads you to vape nirvana. Don't worry about mistakes and money spent - remember how much money you are saving! Keep things in perspective. And hey, pat yourself on the back for even trying.

 

[MeaganFaria]

Thank you everyone. I know that it will work if I can find the right strength because I last all day at work just on the EGO C and felt satisfied. After trying to quit previously, the insomnia thing was a little stressful and I think it freaked me out last night. I was like, Oh no, not again! But realized after just one analogue I was able to sleep so it probably is the nic level. I will try it again when my order comes in. I really hope it works.

 

[Vince Clortho]

After a day/morning of no analogs and vaping only, try to pay attention to how smokers smell when they come back from a smoke break. You'll be amazed at how quickly that smell makes you want to quit and focus on vaping.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

What cartomizers, atomizers and their resistance are you using? Also remember to drink lots of water as vaping is extremely dehydrating.

Thank you everyone. I know that it will work if I can find the right strength because I last all day at work just on the EGO C and felt satisfied. After trying to quit previously, the insomnia thing was a little stressful and I think it freaked me out last night. I was like, Oh no, not again! But realized after just one analogue I was able to sleep so it probably is the nic level. I will try it again when my order comes in. I really hope it works.

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

Greetings fellow Canuck! Welcome to ECF!

From quitting before, you know that sometimes cravings are strong and sometimes they are very weak. In other words, they are not a straight line, constantly decreasing with time. These things can come back to bite you on the a** at anytime. One of the tools you should have is at least one bottle of 24mg e-liquid. Keep something loaded with it so that when something strong comes along you have something strong to fight it with. It is a wonderful advantage that you can mix 2 strength liquids together (preferably the same flavour, but not necessarily) to lower or raise the nic level.

And Congratulations! You are doing Great so far. Keep a record of how you are doing. The ones you don't smoke add up quickly and they are the ones that matter. Don't worry about WTA. That is a last resort and most people don't require it to quit cigarettes (it's OK to use their real name, Lol).

Relax, Enjoy!

 

[BuGlen]

Congrats on the first steps into vaping and welcome to ECF!

I too had a similar experience where I would "need" an analog after dinner and before bed for the first week, but that weaned rather quickly as I began to enjoy the aspects of vaping over smoking. Also, cigarette smoke contains MAOIs as well as nicotine, which have been identified as the "more addictive" substances in cigarette smoke in some studies, so you will have some withdrawal symptoms early on in the transition.

Just relax, find your pace, and breath easier (which will happen sooner than you think).

 

[MeaganFaria]

I only know that I am using the EGO C starter kit. Not sure about all the fine details of this stuff yet.

 

[Robino1]

Meagan,

Hi! Ok, I know what you are going through. Each time I have quit smoking, one of the reasons that made me go back to smoking is, I COULD NOT SLEEP! Period. For some reason, my quitting triggered something in my system that wouldn't allow me to get more than an hour or two a night of sleep.

With the e-cig, don't treat it like you would a regular cigarette.

If you think about it, if you were using the patch system, that is delivering nic to you constantly. The trick with vaping is to not let the nic level get too low to trigger a crave. I can not tell you what your nic should be in the juice. Have several levels ready. I personally vape 18 and 24mg. If I feel like I am getting too much nic, I switch to the lower level. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, it will let you know. Upset stomache, headache, shakiness even racing heart.

When I first started vaping, I would vape and have a cig now and then. Morning about three cigs, vape through the day, cig after lunch, vape and then two cigs before bed, because I was AFRAID of not being able to sleep and the achy leg crap. Don't ask, I couldn't tell you why the legs ached, all day, every day when I quit smoking.

I let the e-cig do its magic. After a month of vaping and the gradual decrease in cigs, I am proud to say I am now 1 week cig free. AND I SLEEP like normal! Hubby says that this Twist and Nova are attached to me. BUT IT WORKS. The last two nights before giving up the cigs for good, I could only take two hits off the cig and had to put it out.

Some people do have a hard time with too much nic before going to bed, you might find that is you. For me personally, I NEED that nic to get to sleep. Each person is different, thank goodness don't you think?, you have to experiment to find what works for you.

If you need anything or have questions, ask away. There usually is someone around that has experienced the SAME thing as you. We are not alone in this amazing journey.

Good luck and happy vaping.

 

[Doogmar]

Not much to add as I agree with everything said here...the occasional smoke isn't a big deal, don't worry about it.

Since you are Canadian, I suggest getting 5 posts so you can ask for the list of Canadian suppliers who sell ejuice so you don't have to worry about customs. There's a lot of vendors on the list.

 

[philly1234]

I've been off cigs since August 23rd. I was only smoking about 1/2 pack a day, but that was through some strenuous control : ) I'm only vaping at 12mgs myself, but it's in my hand a lot more than cigs were. I'd add (to all the good advice in this thread) don't limit your vaping! I don't really know or care how much nicotine I'm getting, but I know this is way better than smoking cigarettes. And it tastes good.

 

[BuffaloBob]

hi & welcome, Meagan. Ditto to all the advice from others. You'll get the hang of this in no time. I quit smoking & started vaping 17 days ago. Since then I've taken a couple puffs on 3 different occasions...it tasted HORRIBLE EACH TIME but I still may light one up from time to time. No big deal, I was smoking 2 packs a day. Have you got a vape shop near you in TO ? There's a pretty good shop in the Buffalo area. Juicy Vapor on Niagara Falls Blvd in Tonawanda. It's nice to be able to sit down & taste some flavors before you lay out the cash. And this Forum is a GREAT resource. So many helpful people willing to advise on all aspects of vaping. I NEVER thought I'd be able to quit and I'm still stunned I've made it this far. Good Luck !

 

[JENerationX]

Increasing nic is a good start. What are you doing for flavors? When I started I just found a flavor I liked and vaped that all the time. I'd end up craving when I was vaping "tobacco" all day without a real one. Now I'm on coffees and teas (sometimes tobacco or mint) in the morning, drinks or fruits through the day, and then usually end up with bakery and desserts in the evening. I save some of my juices for a bedtime treat.