You're doing just fine. I was able to cut to 5 cigs a day with the 78mms, then 1-3 a day... then 1-5 a week. Then with the X2s, once a week, then a cigarette started to be far less satisfying than the vape and tasted terrible.
Journey Journal of Coastie
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Congrats on your journey and progress thus far....it's a great sign that you are finding satisfaction from the vaping, and I'm sure you'll continue to cut out those analogs as the days progress.
Thanks for all the great info and encouragement Daniele. I am still in the stage where I am trying to find the juice that does it for me. I just ordered some Desert Joe, we'll see how that works out.
8/26
ANALOG - 9:10 a.m. - first of the day. I stood outside having this analog and asked myself why. I told the wife that I will allow myself to do this for the first two weeks of this process, but down on the total count, never up. After the first two weeks I should have this PV routine (I.e. batt charging, refilling, flavor identified) then the hard work will take place to rid myself of the analogs. I have two packs of analogs left and will not replace them when all gone. That will be a traumatic day, but ...........
ANALOG
ANALOG - 2:30 p.m.
ANALOG
ANALOG - 4:11 p.m.
ANALOG
ANALOG
TOTAL 7 - same as Saturday, but way down from my normal for weekend days. I am happy with that for now, but will continue to work for less and less, then zero.
No real profound thoughts today, and no real questions. I did find myself occasionally questioning whether I really want to do this, but realized that it is not the cessation of smoking that I am questioning, it is the change in my routine. I am the type of personality that finds great comfort in routine, and this process has disturbed that, which is uncomfortable for me. But again, back to Hawkeye - “21 days”. If I continue with this (which I will) then in 21 days it will be my new routine, so no problem.
I do find myself using the PV more often and for a longer enjoyment period. I am losing the fear of wearing out (how ridiculous) and realize that the cartos and batteries will last much longer than I initially thought.
I will probably not post real lengthy installments to this thread, unless I have some profound thoughts, or questions, but I will post daily to let followers know, especially those who are thinking of taking this step, how things are going.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…….THANKS to everyone on here for your understanding, knowledge, and support. It helps, it truly does.
ONWARD & UPWARD.
ANALOG - 9:10 a.m. - first of the day. I stood outside having this analog and asked myself why. I told the wife that I will allow myself to do this for the first two weeks of this process, but down on the total count, never up. After the first two weeks I should have this PV routine (I.e. batt charging, refilling, flavor identified) then the hard work will take place to rid myself of the analogs. I have two packs of analogs left and will not replace them when all gone. That will be a traumatic day, but ...........
ANALOG
ANALOG - 2:30 p.m.
ANALOG
ANALOG - 4:11 p.m.
ANALOG
ANALOG
TOTAL 7 - same as Saturday, but way down from my normal for weekend days. I am happy with that for now, but will continue to work for less and less, then zero.
No real profound thoughts today, and no real questions. I did find myself occasionally questioning whether I really want to do this, but realized that it is not the cessation of smoking that I am questioning, it is the change in my routine. I am the type of personality that finds great comfort in routine, and this process has disturbed that, which is uncomfortable for me. But again, back to Hawkeye - “21 days”. If I continue with this (which I will) then in 21 days it will be my new routine, so no problem.
I do find myself using the PV more often and for a longer enjoyment period. I am losing the fear of wearing out (how ridiculous) and realize that the cartos and batteries will last much longer than I initially thought.
I will probably not post real lengthy installments to this thread, unless I have some profound thoughts, or questions, but I will post daily to let followers know, especially those who are thinking of taking this step, how things are going.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…….THANKS to everyone on here for your understanding, knowledge, and support. It helps, it truly does.
ONWARD & UPWARD.
One suggestion. We don't know exactly what the absorption rate of vapor is, but we do know that the lungs are made to take in air not vapor, so you do get greater absorption from a cigarette and it's faster. I can't recall where I found it, but vapor absorption was estimated at something like 30% so if my 5-6 minute cigarette was my routine, then vaping for 5-6 minutes wasn't necessarily enough to hit that spot. I started making my vape session 10-15 minutes and found that if I vaped for that period the crave was completely gone rather than tickled. YMMV but when I stopped putting a time limit on the vape and realized that I might need to do it more than I smoked to kill the crave, it became a lot easier to just vape.
Is this where I can join the Coastie fan club?
for Coastie!
Myself--I never thought this vaping stuff would lead to quitting...at most, it would be something I could do between analogs, along the lines of sipping on a cordial, so I didn't have any timetable or plan of where to go from there. Then came the morning when I needed to double check after lighting my 1st morning analog, if I lit the filter end. It just happened, without me setting any hard goal:I didn't want to taste another analog--after nearly 40 years of smoking (1 1/2 PAD).
At that point, I was a little worried about the PV failing me, so I got another battery and clearomizer ordered as a backup. Didn't need a full kit, as I already had the charger and extra ejuice. The next thing I needed to concern myself with was over-doing it (too much nic at once), so I now have some lower strength nic to use ( so I could vape twice as much by using 1/2 my usual strength.) With analogs, you had an idea of when to stop--the tobacco would be all gone--not so with the PVs.
I only have a few weeks head-start on you (will be 5 weeks tomorrow since my last analog). I'd like to see you have as much success as I've had, so I'm subscribing to this thread so I can follow along.
for Coastie!Myself--I never thought this vaping stuff would lead to quitting...at most, it would be something I could do between analogs, along the lines of sipping on a cordial, so I didn't have any timetable or plan of where to go from there. Then came the morning when I needed to double check after lighting my 1st morning analog, if I lit the filter end. It just happened, without me setting any hard goal:I didn't want to taste another analog--after nearly 40 years of smoking (1 1/2 PAD).
At that point, I was a little worried about the PV failing me, so I got another battery and clearomizer ordered as a backup. Didn't need a full kit, as I already had the charger and extra ejuice. The next thing I needed to concern myself with was over-doing it (too much nic at once), so I now have some lower strength nic to use ( so I could vape twice as much by using 1/2 my usual strength.) With analogs, you had an idea of when to stop--the tobacco would be all gone--not so with the PVs.
I only have a few weeks head-start on you (will be 5 weeks tomorrow since my last analog). I'd like to see you have as much success as I've had, so I'm subscribing to this thread so I can follow along.
Okay, here we go. Some rambling thoughts with no rhyme or reason.
I'm digging this, I really am. I am excited, and am proud of myself. I would have never thought that I would leave my house minus my cigarettes. Not even to run to the store. I mean what would happen if the truck broke down? I would be stranded without my friends (analogs). Since I started this I have not taken the analogs away from the house. I even go to work without them and am just fine all day. No stress no strain. My wife is shocked.
One battery and one carto lasts me all day. Of course I have a spare battery with me, but have yet to need it. And I have figured out how to refill the carto without making a mess. Yay!
I'm even getting the hang of cleaning the battery so that the little air holes are wide open and providing me with the amount of vap that I want.
I told the wife tonight that I am not going to rush off the analogs. I'm only smoking 7 or less a day now, down from almost 1 PAD, and I am happy with that .... for now. I realize that if I rush this process I am just going to doom myself to failure. So I'm good for now because I realize that I will drop down in numbers without even trying as vaping will be much more enjoyable. Hell, it already is, and I haven't even found the perfect juice yet.
555 juice is a bit strong and harsh. Got some Desert Joe coming, and there is a kiosk in the local mall that sells ecigs and juice, so I will go by and see what flavors he has and pick up a 10 ml or two.
When is the most enjoyable time for me to vap? In the evening, sitting in my favorite chair, in the livingroom watching the tube with the wife. You know how long it has been since I have been able to do that? Pure enjoyment.
I've figured out the most comfortable way to smoke the auto batt......pinched between the teeth like a good cigar and just relax and breath in that fine tobacco flavor and vap. Gotta pick up some different tips for easy pinching.
I also finally figured out how to property vap, at least for me. I used to suck so hard you would think I was trying to collapse the tube. Sorry, thought you had to, but no, not all, just a slow gentle inhale till it leaks out your nose. Smooth, so smooth.
Damn I'm loving this. I am down from a full pack to less than 10 and I think I'm already feeling better. More energy, no nasty taste, no hyper awareness of my breath, no stinky hands, and on and on.
Oh wait, I just thought of something. I can smoke in my truck again, or the wife's car. No more stopping on the side of the road and standing outside the car smoking like some kinda junky.
Excited? Oh you bet.
ONWARD AND UPWARD.
I'm digging this, I really am. I am excited, and am proud of myself. I would have never thought that I would leave my house minus my cigarettes. Not even to run to the store. I mean what would happen if the truck broke down? I would be stranded without my friends (analogs). Since I started this I have not taken the analogs away from the house. I even go to work without them and am just fine all day. No stress no strain. My wife is shocked.
One battery and one carto lasts me all day. Of course I have a spare battery with me, but have yet to need it. And I have figured out how to refill the carto without making a mess. Yay!
I'm even getting the hang of cleaning the battery so that the little air holes are wide open and providing me with the amount of vap that I want.
I told the wife tonight that I am not going to rush off the analogs. I'm only smoking 7 or less a day now, down from almost 1 PAD, and I am happy with that .... for now. I realize that if I rush this process I am just going to doom myself to failure. So I'm good for now because I realize that I will drop down in numbers without even trying as vaping will be much more enjoyable. Hell, it already is, and I haven't even found the perfect juice yet.
555 juice is a bit strong and harsh. Got some Desert Joe coming, and there is a kiosk in the local mall that sells ecigs and juice, so I will go by and see what flavors he has and pick up a 10 ml or two.
When is the most enjoyable time for me to vap? In the evening, sitting in my favorite chair, in the livingroom watching the tube with the wife. You know how long it has been since I have been able to do that? Pure enjoyment.
I've figured out the most comfortable way to smoke the auto batt......pinched between the teeth like a good cigar and just relax and breath in that fine tobacco flavor and vap. Gotta pick up some different tips for easy pinching.
I also finally figured out how to property vap, at least for me. I used to suck so hard you would think I was trying to collapse the tube. Sorry, thought you had to, but no, not all, just a slow gentle inhale till it leaks out your nose. Smooth, so smooth.
Damn I'm loving this. I am down from a full pack to less than 10 and I think I'm already feeling better. More energy, no nasty taste, no hyper awareness of my breath, no stinky hands, and on and on.
Oh wait, I just thought of something. I can smoke in my truck again, or the wife's car. No more stopping on the side of the road and standing outside the car smoking like some kinda junky.
Excited? Oh you bet.
ONWARD AND UPWARD.
Following along, Coastie. Yes, it has been a wonderful feeling for me to break away from taking cigs with me in the truck. I used to take an extra pack because if I broke down on the side of the road, I wanted to have plenty of smokes. Now, I leave the house without my precious ciggies and it feels great.
I am following along also and enjoying your thoughts. I am almost at 9 mos now and can't believe how easy it has been. Keep up the good work.
Arrrrrrggggg. Today is the first bad day at work since I started this journey. The first day that challenges what I am trying to do. I will not be weak....I will not be weak. Arrrrrrrggggggggggg.
Hello and welcome Coastie!! Congrats on taking the steps away from the stinkies!!! This is an amazing journey and you can do it!! Just try to focus on your accomplishments!
I received my first kit on June 11th and as of today I have avoided at least 75 packs of stinkies!!! At least 1500 nasty smelly cigs I did not smoke!!! My husband (btw, also a Coastie) has manged to cut way back at about half those numbers. So you see every stinky avoided is a success!! This hasn't been the easiest thing I've ever done, but is sure as heck is the easiest time quitting I've ever had.
I enjoy reading your experiences, thanks so much for sharing.
I received my first kit on June 11th and as of today I have avoided at least 75 packs of stinkies!!! At least 1500 nasty smelly cigs I did not smoke!!! My husband (btw, also a Coastie) has manged to cut way back at about half those numbers. So you see every stinky avoided is a success!! This hasn't been the easiest thing I've ever done, but is sure as heck is the easiest time quitting I've ever had.
I enjoy reading your experiences, thanks so much for sharing.
What an absolutely terrible day. I didn't just fall off the horse today, I fell off and got run over by it.
This is a stressful week as I prepare for some very large and important meetings next week. The stress got the best of me and I turned somewhat psycho this morning. PV got a rest today. But I realize that I am down but not out.
I think I am trying too hard. Trying to cut back too quick. 18mg nic may not be doing it for me. So I will order some 24mg juice, cut myself some slack and continue on. My mind kept trying to tell me today that it is just not worth it, but I say DAMN YOU mind, shut up and get back in line.
So, today is a loss, but tomorrow......ONWARD & UPWARD.
This is a stressful week as I prepare for some very large and important meetings next week. The stress got the best of me and I turned somewhat psycho this morning. PV got a rest today. But I realize that I am down but not out.
I think I am trying too hard. Trying to cut back too quick. 18mg nic may not be doing it for me. So I will order some 24mg juice, cut myself some slack and continue on. My mind kept trying to tell me today that it is just not worth it, but I say DAMN YOU mind, shut up and get back in line.
So, today is a loss, but tomorrow......ONWARD & UPWARD.
It's OK coastie, it's gonna happen.
Yeah, I started at 24mg. I also found (and still find) that I need to vape longer than it takes to smoke a cigarette to get enough nic to satisfy me.
Tomorrow is another day!
Yeah, I started at 24mg. I also found (and still find) that I need to vape longer than it takes to smoke a cigarette to get enough nic to satisfy me.
Tomorrow is another day!
That's right, onward and upward. I am cut down by half but I am not quitting yet. I hope to by the time I go on the annual hunting trip at the end of September. Half is really super and I have had to get some 24 mg, some 18mg and I also have some 12 for more continuous vaping. It takes time to find your sweet spot but it also takes time to feel secure that the e cigs are going to do the job for us. At least that is the way it has been for me.
I really do feel like I can quit and yet I am refusing to get stressed. After all I have smoked about 420 less cigs and I feel a lot perkier for it.
I'm 5 weeks in to this, over 1000 analogs avoided, started at 24mg, and still at 24mg. Sometimes it's the right strength, sometimes it seems like not enough, sometimes seems like it's too much (need to watch for OD symptoms--headache, nausea, etc, here)
I've lost count...how many analogs have you avoided so far?
Don't stress about it. Vape when you can, smoke when you have to, and eventually you WILL find a sweet spot with juice, equipment etc, where the vape is preferable. It's worked for too many people for it to not work for you as well. Get the 24mg. If that's too strong but 18 isn't doing it, you can mix the 2 to get something in between. My advice would be to venture out from tobacco flavors as well. Try some of the drink, fruit, bakery flavors out there..... it makes smoking taste even worse. When I was on tobacco flavors for some reason it kept that real cig craving alive. Once I switched to some delicious juices, that cig tasted awful... not to mention there was far less smoke than I remembered. I swear by Kick Bass Vapor for good juice, but of course taste is subjective.
Thanks again for everyone's words of support and encouragement. I'm back on the horse this morning with a slightly modified game plan and a willingness to change the plan again if necessary. I'm not quitting this endeavor that easy.
Good point Jen about moving away from the tobacco flavored juices. Shame that I have have 30ml bottles, one of 555 and one of Desert Joe. The tight wad in me hates to waste them.
I also downloaded a smoking cessation app to my android phone and will be keeping track there as well. Ah gadgets, ain't they great.
ONWARD & UPWARD.
P.S. - any of ya in the Gulf Coast, stay safe.
Good point Jen about moving away from the tobacco flavored juices. Shame that I have have 30ml bottles, one of 555 and one of Desert Joe. The tight wad in me hates to waste them.
I also downloaded a smoking cessation app to my android phone and will be keeping track there as well. Ah gadgets, ain't they great.
ONWARD & UPWARD.
P.S. - any of ya in the Gulf Coast, stay safe.
I think you're doing well Coastie. If you don't want a juice now just keep it. There may those days ahead that you suddenly really feel like a tobacco flavor - then you get them out again. They should keep for 12 months.
I just got a bunch of 10 and 15 ml juices from Vape Dudes and Mt. Baker Vapor - I think Vape Dudes still have a 40% discount on a first order, the code is on their site. And Mt. Baker Vapor have good prices. Lots of different flavors without breaking the bank account. Been trying them out in Volt cartomizers and clearo.
They should keep for 12 months. I just got a bunch of 10 and 15 ml juices from Vape Dudes and Mt. Baker Vapor - I think Vape Dudes still have a 40% discount on a first order, the code is on their site. And Mt. Baker Vapor have good prices. Lots of different flavors without breaking the bank account. Been trying them out in Volt cartomizers and clearo.
Speaking of juices....should these be kept in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer?
No. Just a cool shaded or dark place. If you keep them for months you can refrigerate.
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