My switching diary

[Lana79]

So, I've made the decision to switch to vaping by New Year - hopefully even earlier. I've bought a mini set a while ago, but decided recently for all the usual reasons. Although I am (was?) a heavy 2 PAD smoker, my health is still quite OK (no lung issues), but I don't want to wait for it to happen. I have 5 ml of 24 mg liquid and 20 ml of 18 mg - the later one does not do it for me that much, so I ordered some more of strong juice and 2 spare atomizers.

Yesterday i smoked 13 analogs, and today is nearly over for me so it's 8... It is going better than I could even imagine! Why didn't I do this before? Hopefully I'll soon start counting the days without analogs I'll be posting daily, so someone thinking about switching could have an example and guide what (not) to do, although we are all different.

Any advice, personal example or encouragement is welcome

 

[MzBadger]

Awesome Lana! We're at about the same stage. I started vaping again just a few days ago with the intention of quitting smoking permanently too. As of today, I've had 3 analogs so far and the last one I had gave me a headache, head spins and a not so good feeling all over.

It seems that both switching to vaping again AND logging my analog habit daily really, really helps keep me focused.

Good luck to you and now that I can post in other areas than the new members section, I'll check in when I can! Best of luck!!!

 

[Lana79]

@MzBadger, I'd say we can do it together

Well, I'm really learning to vape - reading and watching tutorials did help, but one can't learn to drive from tutorial, right? I kept busy today. As for analogs, I burned 6 pcs. A friend (smoker) came over for coffee and I "smoked" two analogs with her. The comment was "Why do you take cigs anyway? You just put them in ashtray and let them burn!" Good news: she tried my e-cig and went to buy a set for herself, because she doesn't smoke inside for her kids.

I have 5 analogs left in a pack and I'm not planning on buying any more. It's not like I needed any today - it was more like "let me have some so I don't crave". I need to man-up I've washed and put away all of my ashtrays and stashed that pack in dining room drawer. I was always bad at throwing things I didn't want, so I decided to put it "out of sight". We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Good luck to all of the soon-to-be-exclusive-vapers

 

[Lana79]

4 analogs today by the noon. And after that, I didn't even think of going to buy some more, although there is a shop 50 steps away. So, I'm 15+ hours analog-free.

I'm feeling great, no withdrawal symptoms (at lest the ones I could pinpoint) - except that everything stinks

I generally work from home, so there are no challenges in sight, but we'll see what happens if I go out this weekend...

 

[Lana79]

I'm counting today (i.e. yesterday, it's already past midnight) December 7th, 2012, as my first analog-free day.

No withdrawal symptoms, except for "active" sinuses and a bit of runny nose. It might be the consequence of me opening all windows and terrace doors this morning - I found my place awfully stinky

Went to local shop today to pick up some groceries. Everyone knows me there, and the cashier (after scanning everything in my basket) reached for my brand of cigs. I said "I don't need those any more - nor will I. In fact, the next time I ask for them, charge me double, OK?" Being a smoker as well, she wanted to know how am I doing it, so I returned later with my e-cig. After a bit of instruction (and disinfectant for mouthpiece), she took the instructions to the shop where I bought mine.

Going strong

 

[MzBadger]

Excellent Lana and congrats!!! I just finished my last analog as well so tomorrow will be my first totally free day. It's been going well with vaping instead and I just finished off the last pack I had after averaging about 4-5 a day since I last posted. I think those were mostly mental as I didn't really feel the need for one, but smoked it anyway. lol... Hopefully it'll keep going as well as it has been this past week for us both!

Great job so far and converting other people as well! Awesome!!! Thanks much for the updates too! It's nice knowing that someone else is going through the same thing as I have been and that we can support each other. It's a great feeling.

 

[Lana79]

Hey, MzBadger Glad you're doing good! Keep up the good work!

I keep sucking on my e-cig and I feel no real need for analogs. Saturday night I always cook for my boyfriend and enjoy his specialty mocha with a smoke. I kinda feared I would run out to the store to buy analogs, but my e-cig did satisfy my needs.

Sinuses are still on-and-off active, but it's not that much of a bother. My skin is a bit dryer than usual, but nothing drastic.

Why didn't I do this before?!

 

[kwalka]

So, I've made the decision to switch

Any advice, personal example or encouragement is welcome

I just came across your thread and thought of this thread when I read your last line. Stop thinking so much and do it. We are all here for you. Check out this thread and see that what I say is true.I smoked 2+ PAD for 20 yrs. I literally switched overnight by chain vaping 24 mg. That was 1/20/12. I now vape 6 mg and am still in awe at how easy it was. Feel free to ask away if you need anything.
BTW, I did not read past your first post...

 

[Lana79]

@kwalka, thanks for that link I'm still surprised myself - this time (I did try before quitting cold turkey) it's easy!

Well, I couldn't be happier! My sinuses are still a bit "weird" and I did cough a bit this morning and during my evening run, but other than that - everything seems excellent! My home smells much better and I did 6 loads of laundry - everything was stinky! A cleaning crew for carpets and curtains was also here today and one of the guys wanted to know more about e-cig.

My boyfriend said he is very proud of me for being strong, and I'm surprised how could he be with the old, stinky me since he never smoked!

 

[Lana79]

(Dancing a happy and kinda weird dance) I'm one week analogs free

Do I desire them? No! I had been offered one, but simply didn't want it. I was at my client's office (I work as translator/interpreter) and after the meeting I was interpreting was finished, one group went for a smoke. In the past, I'd always join them, but...
- Lana, aren't you coming?
- Nope, I've got my e-cig now! I haven't bought any regulars in a week!
- I have some if you want, you know.
- Thanks, but I'd rather stay inside for this weather...

My car smells like an ashtray, but I'll have to wait for the weather to improve to get it cleaned. Meanwhile, I'm (over)loading it with air freshers

I know it will sound stupid but... I feel so proud of myself!

 

[RosaJ]

You should be proud of yourself! Congratulations. I've been following your thread and you're doing just fine. I had problems with my sinuses about 3 months after I started vaping exclusively, it lasted for about three to four weeks I forget. It was like my nose was an open faucet and I went through boxes of kleenex. Thankfully it stopped and I'm now fine.

I was a 1 1/2 pad for more than 40 years and thought I would never be able to quit cigarettes. From the first puff on my pv, I knew I could finally quit. I had my last cigarette a week and a half after I started vaping and that was 10 months ago.

Vape on!

 

[Lana79]

I'm amazed at how easy it is! I've had several people over tonight - a mix of smokers and non-smokers. Non-smokers had praised my fresh-scented living room, and smokers had their own private presentation of e-cig. The biggest disadvantage they all saw was related to my current mini model - too small capacity of the cart.

Health-wise... My nose is still weird - I've had an amazing sneezing session on average 4-6 times a day. I also started coughing a bit more and gotten several quit zits. I will be scheduling my regular checkup for the end of next week, so I'll see what my doc has to say. I know that it's too early to have any significant health benefits manifest, but I want to know his opinion...

 

[RosaJ]

Seeing your doctor is an excellent decision. Most likely it's your body getting rid of all the gunk in cigarettes. I've noticed that I sleep better at night, I used to wake up several times with stuffed up sinuses and trouble breathing. The food I eat also tastes a lot better and with all the water I drink during the day I find I don't eat as much because I always feel full. The only downside is that I make a lot more visits to the restroom LOL.

You may want to read the Health and Medical Issues subforum, it has a comprehensive database of information on what to expect from your body when you quit smoking.

Keep us posted after you see your doctor. Happy vaping!

 

[Lana79]

@RosaJ, that's exactly what I'm reading lately.

In general, I have regular checkups twice a year. And my winter one is usually around holidays... I'm healthy, so I don't "have to" do it, I'm not on any prescription drugs, but my family did have that custom - and I continued it. A year back, my GP said (after reviewing results of all regular tests): You know, I should warn you about the hazards of smoking - but your lung capacity would indicate someone who never smokes and lives in the mountain. Please, don't ruin that amazing genetics you've been blessed with!

I also know that my GP and his colleague internist had made a bet about me quitting smoking only if they scared me to death or when I decide to become a mother. I'd say GP would have to give up his bonus in favor of colleague

Food-wise, I'm noticing it tastes better. I need much less spices 2012 is kind of a "healthy" year for me - I've dropped a lot of weight through healthy eating and exercising, and quitting smoking is an icing on that cake. I went from obese to normal. I did it in time, so my health was not jeopardized (all indicators were normal, even at highest weight - except BMI). And I was always "a camel", so my usual water intake is at least 10 cups when I do lite workout.

In fact, everyone I knew found it weird that I go out for a run in the evening, return home, stretch, have an analog and then hit the shower

 

[Lana79]

Damn, I've been so busy I forgot to write about my medical checkup.

First of all, my GP will not confirm my quitting until I get 6 months analogs-free. That's fair. Apart from that, my health is still great - plus I've got quite a praise for getting my weight a bit more down.

Now, regarding general smoking cessation, the following things are normal:
- morning cough with phlegm
- skin changes (dry skin, zits...)
- mouth ulcers
- strange aches and pains (not attributable to anything), including headache
- heartburn/acid reflux, other digestion issues
- respiratory infection-like symptoms

They did say that their knowledge about e-cig is limited and I had agreed to do some e-mail follow ups regarding my personal experience. They (GP, internist and cardiologist) did have several patients (who really needed to quit smoking analogs) with serious health issues asking about e-cig for quitting, but they knew little about it since it is not listed as smoking cessation aid. They did some research, but they couldn't officially recommend it.

GP's general opinion is that it is better than analogs, but I should be considering lowering my nic level and switching to 0 mg ultimately. However, he said I should consider that to be "a VERY long term goal".

Cheers

 

[RickMc]

Nicely done! I was very lucky...I picked up a PV and quit smoking literally the same evening. I had very few cravings, no really bad ones. To me, it's like I'm still smoking. DIfference is that I forgot vaping stuff one day a couple of weeks ago and went all day without vaping. Made me a little bit edgy, but NOTHING like a day without cigarettes when i was smoking (1.5 PAD, 30 years).

 

[Rachy_B]

This is a really interesting thread! It feels very similar to my experiences- you're literally using the same method as me! It's amazing that you've already become analogue free before the new year! I think it took just over 2 weeks for me to cut down to analogue free from 20 rollies per day although a large part of that was waiting for my order of a higher nic juice for first thing on a morning!

I'm thinking that I need to wash literally all my clothes too...I've just done a load of laundry at my mum's but she smokes so all my clothes may be clean but they smell worse than before I washed them! Lol!

In terms of my cutting down, I'm hovering around the 11mg mark. I keep my 18mg on hand for a boost first thing on a morning if I think I need to and I'm sure I'll be using 18mg on NYE- 11mg and heavy drinking nearly drove me back to stinkies just before Christmas. At the moment, I'm thinking of sticking with 11mg for a month or so and then beginning DIYing. I'm going to make 10mg, then 9mg etc it should be a negligable difference and less of a leap than to 6mg. Dropping from 18mg to 11mg has been harder than I thought to be honest! I'm thinking that my PG/VG ratio isn't right as I feel I'm missing out on my TH... But apart from anything else, I've a load of 18mg juices and I want to use them! Lol!

Keep up the good work and good luck for the new year! 2013, a year for analogue free- I think so!x

 

[Tail11]

I smoked my last analog on 12/2/12. I had been vaping since Oct. Looks like we have something in common!

My sinus gave me some troubles, but for the first time in many years I can actually inhale air through both nostrils! My allergist was pleased I quit analogs but wasn't real ecstatic about me vaping. I don't care, I'm breathing again and not running to take antihistamines every day!

I was vaping 18mg and now down to 12mg. I do have some 18 and 24 for those stressful times, but haven't needed it yet. I'm hoping to decrease my nicotine in the next month.

Now, I've got to think about detailing the car. It really smells bad!

Keep up the good work ladies!

 

[Lana79]

First of all: NO, I DID NOT return to analogs - that's not the reason for my absence. I was in fact amazingly busy - first with holidays, then with workload.

Well, I did take one analog on New Year's Eve from a friend, took few puffs and asked her if she wanted to finish it. It tasted terrible and I needed to wash that taste from my mouth. Lucky me, there was some alcohol around

I treated myself with 510 kit with cartomizer that looks like CE4 (for eGo). First I was contemplating eGo-CE4, but when I held it in my hand it was too big. Although I don't like analogs any more (to say the least), I still like to use my e-cig as I used analogs. Which in my case means holding it in my left hand while typing. And since I work as freelance translator/interpreter, I do lots and lots of typing a day. Thus, I picked 510. Boy, does this thing give a better TH - even with the mildest tasting e-juice!

The only mistake I made was that I didn't buy the second (spare) battery - I want to kill my mini set before I do. I know, I'm cheap

@RickMc, great job! I'm noticing something similar. When I did analogs, I would carry a pack and lighter everywhere - even to the places where I couldn't smoke. On the other hand, I'm OK with leaving my kit at home and walking to the nearby supermatket/mall place for some shopping.

@Rachy_B, I'm still at 24 mg liquid, but I'm going through maybe 2 ml per day. Before starting this reply, I searched the forum for info on how much others use and found out that the average was around 5 ml. Not that bad. Lately I've been starting to notice people around me smelling of analogs! Previously, I could only tell if someone was drenched in the smell. Now it is almost too heavy for me!

Tail11 I'm not decreasing yet, but as I said - I don't go through that much. My goal is to end this year with 6 or 0 ml.

I saw a rant-thread here about non-smokers asking vapers-ex-analog-smokers "so when will you quit those?" - and it had been happening to me lately. I usually use an example of one of my ex bosses who quit analogs some 10 years before we worked together and still chewed on nicotine gym.

In fact, I'm very satisfied that I did a full switch. It is almost a month and a half and I feel much better and healthier. I did catch a cold some 10 days ago, but it was much easier on me. Maybe it was a mild cold, but my respiratory system was struggling much less to handle it.

So, I'm very satisfied. Hope everyone else has at least as much success as I did, if not more, with switching

 

[Rachy_B]

What is this cartomiser that looks like a CE4? Do you have a picture? I'm just using the standard resistance boges and they do the job nicely!

I wonder what 2mls would work out as per cigarette...I've always had trouble trying to figure it out! I wish I could work in mls but I have to use batteries because I have no real way of measuring it. I'm maybe using 2mls a day too but I think about how many batteries I use in a day. It's usually 2.5 or 3 of the longer 510 penstyles. Perhaps next month I'll buy some smaller bottles for my DIYing and measure increments of mls on the side to try and work it out.

I've 'cheated' (sort of!) too...I posted a thread about it elsewhere about how I caved and had 4 cigarettes thanks to a friend wiping my 1TB, that's a whole 1000GB, harddrive. Baby photos, movies, all my uni work etc... you get the picture, it was a stressful time and I found out my harddrive was dead the day before an important monthly event. I like to think that the 20 minutes I wiped off my own life, saved the life of the culprit... I'm sticking with that! I'm finding I'm having more cravings since those 4 cigarettes but I'm cool with my 12mg and found it really easy to get back on the wagon- certainly more so than if I was using 'conventional' NRTs. I could have thrown out my leftover baccy before it happened but now I'm reluctant...Maybe in a month or so when I've regained the strength.

Last week though, I had to go to a very important meeting and it wouldn't have been appropriate to even stealth so I took along my nicorette inhalator which I had left over from a quit attempt 3 years ago and I was suprised that it did the job! I know anything BP is something of a dirty word in these parts but it gives me hope in a weird way... at least I'll know if the EU does get their way that I have something other than cigarettes to fall back on...oooh I hate myself a little bit for that!

I don't know if this will help you but since I started DIYing I've found it to be really helpful. My bedroom looks like a .... lab but if I up the strength of flavour on my juices, they're ready to go straight away and they're pretty dang nice! I'm sticking around the 12mg mark for a while as dropping to 8mg so quickly made me go crazy. I've been advised that dropping from 24mg to 18mg and then from 18mg to 12mg isn't as bad as dropping from 12mg to 8mg because of the percentages of nicotine you lose. 24 to 18 isn't as higher drop as 12 to 8, for example. I don't know the exact math behind it off the top of my head but it did make a whole lot of sense. Certainly lower down the nicotine content, DIYing is gonna be my saviour!

As for the thread about 'when will you quit those'- too right! It's irritating! Do people not realise that quitting should be an individual thing and a 'one size fits all' does not apply here? The GSK guy at the FDA said that...it was one of the few things that came out of a BP's mouth that I could get behind! Three months on NRTs has a 95% FAILURE rate! That your boss is still using the gum is an incredible 'success' story - I use the inverted commas because it's great that he's not smoking but I can imagine the folks in the BPs rubbing their hands together with glee at the extra money they're making off him! Still, credit to the guy for not smoking! I start quoting sciency stuff, statistics and medical journals at people who give me grief...they get flustered and shut up. The GSK guy is pretty fun to quote...

Out of curiosity about your cold, what symptoms did you have? I've had the mildest runny nose for a couple of weeks and the occasional sneeze but I'm missing out on my day in bed with disney movies! I would like to add at this point 'Universe, if you're planning on giving me a real cold, can you wait until I have the data on my harddrive back and no deadline on Friday, please? Thank you!'. No cough, no nuttin!x