Quitting smoking sucks! A little of my story, suggestions would be great!

[Dr.Jerryrigger]

I smoked about 2/3 of a pack a day for nearly 9 year. I'm a pretty big cheapskate, so I mostly smoked hand rolled (unfiltered). On Thursday night I got my Bloog. I made it more than three days with out smoking, but broke down today and had one at work today. It's amazing how much I enjoyed it, but only in a chemical way. It was a nasty one rolled from the dust at the bottom of a bag of tobacco. It really filled something that vaping doesn't quite cover, and I've felt better since.

Frankly, I'd be find with smoking 2 cigs a week, if that's all I smoked, but none would be better. It seems tobacco smoke has something major that vaping isn't filling in for. I'm thinking that cutting back on that little by little may be best, a drag or two every few days, just to ween myself. But I also have a hard time limiting myself... why I haven't been able to quit in the last 9 years despite countless attempts. After smoking for about 3 years I quit quitting, until now. I think that's an important thing with this time. Back then failing was just another failure, but this time it feels far more real.

I am vaping a lot still, but not as much as the first few days. I'm not really enjoying it though. I think I need to find some better juice, maybe something VG based... I can't even taste the stuff I'm vaping anymore (Bloog's 555). Just slightly sweet in a bad way.

I think the cigarette feel of the Bloog was important for the first few days, but even now it is less important. Well to be fare, the Bloog feels like a Bic pen, but it's close enough and the bat lasts a good amount of time.

I have a bit of a soar throat from vaping so much. Maybe I should clean my cartimizers, or should cut back the nic level. I'm using 24mg/ml. I figured higher was better if I was really going to stop smoking. I've been taking in far more nic than I ever did smoking, but I'm far from being settled into my new addiction.

So I was hoping for suggestions or comments on anything there, but was particular interested if any one had some e-juice suggestions. I got a sample pack of tobacco flavors from bloog. I didn't really like any of them. I think the propylene glycol may be the flavor problem for me. Even the menthol I disliked (I don't like menthol cigs, but vaping is quite different). I really hate most artificial fruit flavors. I hear of a wintergreen that sounded good... I was also thinking of making my own tobacco flavor extracts from pipe tobacco, though that's quite the project, and I've having a heck of a time finding VG.

thanks

 

[TheMuppet]

Well even cutting back on smoking is great, everyone not smoked is a battle won.. you dont seem to be what i would call a heavy smoker with less then a pack a day i would use a juice thats maby 12mg or 18 mg tops for the right nic level, dont kick yourself for having a smoke here and there, my girl vapes and still has one or two a day no biggie, thats down from over a pack a day. next time you want to grab one , vape for a few extra minutes and give yourself about 15 minutes to absorb the vaped nic, then see if you really need that analog...



ON A SIDE NOTE. 100 posts woot...

 

[sailorman]

Don't despair. You're situation is not unique. There indeed are other things in cig. tobacco that aren't in e-juice and they contribute to the addiction. There are Whole Tobacco Alkoloids missing in most e-juice. The good news is that you can get e-juice with this additional ingredient. It's not something you'll want to do long term, but it might help you get over the hump. Look for ejuices that contain WTA. The juice review section will probably have some info, or someone here will know which vendors offer them. Many people find that Snus is a good source of these alkaloids. For a lot of people having trouble ditching those last few smokes, the combination of vaping and Snus did the trick.

PG is a bette flavor carrier than VG is. If you're lacking flavor, you want higher PG, not less. VG mutes flavors and, most of all, mutes the throat hit. There are some excellent tobacco flavor juice makers. No juice ever tastes exactly like a cigarette. Tobacco tasting juice is kind of a specialty and one of the best juice makers who specializes in it is Backwoods Brew. Also, it's not unusual for the juice to start tasting strange or losing taste in the beginning. Your taste buds are healing and it'll pass in a few weeks when they wake up.

You can try making your own juice. You can get WTA and tobacco absolute and other tobacco flavors from The Perfumer's Apprentice, as well as other flavoring vendors. VG is easy to find at any pharmacy or even WalMart. Don't ask for VG because they won't know what you're talking about. Ask for vegetable glycerine and be sure to use USP grade. You can also find it on any site that sells DIY stuff. Wizardlabs.us is the least expensive for all the nicotine base and equipment you'll ever need, including VG and PG. But do your research first so you know how to safely handle raw nicotine base. It can be dangerous in high concentrations. The DIY forum will have a lot of info if you're ready to try your hand at that.

24mg is not too high of a nic content. Your body will tell you if you're getting too much nicotine.

It might be a good move to get a more substantial e-cig. Something like an eGo Twist will let you increase the voltage and get more, and warmer, vapor production. They only cost about $30, but you'll need different cartomizers than you use in your Bloog.

 

[Tesconi]

Hey DrJerryrigger!
I'm only 6 days in, but I can tell that in time vaping will take the place of analogs. It is going to take some time and effort to find the right juice and nic level, but this technology is going to save our lives. Don't fret that it isn't an immediate remedy to analog addiction. Sailorman is a wise vaper. I have already taken sage advice from this vet, so pay attention and learn as I am. And The Muppet also makes a good point. Every analog not smoked is victory. Hang in there (with me).

 

[VapRon]

sailorman pretty much covered it all
One thing I would like to mention is: Don't look at it with switching one addiction with another because that is not what we are doing. We are still addicted to nicotine. That stays the same. The deliver method is what is much better since we drop the chemicals. There are most certain other addictive things in cigarettes so there will be some withdrawal but nothing compaired to anything I have expierienced and I have tried pretty much all without success. As already said if you smoke a few along the way thats ok. As time passes and you found what you prefer regarding equipment "sweet spot" and liquid you will be just fine

 

[icanbreatheagain]

I smoked about 2/3 of a pack a day for nearly 9 year. I'm a pretty big cheapskate, so I mostly smoked hand rolled (unfiltered). On Thursday night I got my Bloog. I made it more than three days with out smoking, but broke down today and had one at work today. It's amazing how much I enjoyed it, but only in a chemical way. It was a nasty one rolled from the dust at the bottom of a bag of tobacco. It really filled something that vaping doesn't quite cover, and I've felt better since.

Frankly, I'd be find with smoking 2 cigs a week, if that's all I smoked, but none would be better. It seems tobacco smoke has something major that vaping isn't filling in for. I'm thinking that cutting back on that little by little may be best, a drag or two every few days, just to ween myself. But I also have a hard time limiting myself... why I haven't been able to quit in the last 9 years despite countless attempts. After smoking for about 3 years I quit quitting, until now. I think that's an important thing with this time. Back then failing was just another failure, but this time it feels far more real.

I am vaping a lot still, but not as much as the first few days. I'm not really enjoying it though. I think I need to find some better juice, maybe something VG based... I can't even taste the stuff I'm vaping anymore (Bloog's 555). Just slightly sweet in a bad way.

I think the cigarette feel of the Bloog was important for the first few days, but even now it is less important. Well to be fare, the Bloog feels like a Bic pen, but it's close enough and the bat lasts a good amount of time.

I have a bit of a soar throat from vaping so much. Maybe I should clean my cartimizers, or should cut back the nic level. I'm using 24mg/ml. I figured higher was better if I was really going to stop smoking. I've been taking in far more nic than I ever did smoking, but I'm far from being settled into my new addiction.

So I was hoping for suggestions or comments on anything there, but was particular interested if any one had some e-juice suggestions. I got a sample pack of tobacco flavors from bloog. I didn't really like any of them. I think the propylene glycol may be the flavor problem for me. Even the menthol I disliked (I don't like menthol cigs, but vaping is quite different). I really hate most artificial fruit flavors. I hear of a wintergreen that sounded good... I was also thinking of making my own tobacco flavor extracts from pipe tobacco, though that's quite the project, and I've having a heck of a time finding VG.

thanks

i am at this very moment experiencing the no taste thing after a sore throat all day, no taste after seeing vapor is making think about cigs. maybe drink water and try a higher nic level

 

[KickServe]

I smoked for about 13 years before I finally quit 2 months or so back. Earlier, I had quit for a year about 5 years back b'cos of wife and parents nagging and another 6 months about 2 years back to help recover faster from my back surgery. Each of those times it wasn't entirely my decision to quit. Someone else sort of decided for me and every time I saw someone smoking one, I wanted one as well. I wanted one after every good meal etc.
But this time, I quit b'cos I figured it was affecting my tennis game which is very important to me - being a very competitive person that I am. So I decided to quit for myself without anyone asking me to. I planned for it by using those six hole filters that you can get in 30 packs on ebay which cut down on the tar intake and I also started vaping. Did this for six months before calling it quits. I quit cold turkey.
Now I vape - 6mg or lower nic and haven't thought about smoking. It doesn't tempt me anymore. Vaping for me is a way to engage my hands and mouth and not necessarily about nicotine.

So what I'm trying to say is decide for yourself and plan it out a bit.

 

[Dr.Jerryrigger]

Thanks everyone for the info and little support group! I got into vaping thinking I could make the transition overnight with out much work. This attitude has helped me a bit, though the truth is more what I need at this point.
Muppet, congrads on post 100. I went with the higher nic level because I smoked unfiltered cigs though not that many of them. I figured too high was better than too low for quitting. I think it was the right choice for me, at least wile starting out. I think 18ish is better for long term.

Saloirman, Thanks for all the info. I'll have to look in that again when I'm more awake. I'd defiantly like to start making DIY juice soon (and i have been reading a lot over to that forum already). The snus idea is a good one. I have to say, I'd much rather use dip, but I'm sure the same concept works there.... just a little less safe and sanitary, but for a temporary measure I'm not worried, better than the butts.
The taste thing is strange. It seems to only be with the e-cigarette, not food, not even with that cig I smoked.
I'm a few pay checks away from getting a new e-cig, and I'm pretty happy with the Bloog hardware for now. I did manage to kill one of my two bats (by poking at it with a DMM), but took it apart and rigged up a USB cable. That extra .6 volts is nice.

Tesconi, I was hoping it would be less hard than this, but it's sure better than cold turkey.

 

[Iusedtoanalog]

Hi Dr.Jerryrigger. Sorry to hear that you are having so many issues. I will agree with Sailorman and TheMuppett, in their advices. Keep in mind that as a general rule the equipment vendors offer a very narrow selection of liquids available and for a reason. They may do the equipment just fine but there is a certain art to making a great liquid that most if not all equipment makers don't have the need, desire or know how to perfect. The basics that come with most starter kits are just that.... a start. The search for my personal all day vape was rather clunky but in the end I stuck with it and found what I did and didn't like as we all eventually do.

As far as the occasional analog goes there is no right way to do this switch over , and conversely there is no wrong way either. All you have to do is make the attempts that you are currently making. There is a reason for every single one of those 4000+ chemichals in tobacco, its to keep you coming back as a repeat customer. So I say congrats for all the ones you didn't have versus the flogging you are giving yourself for the one you did. It does get easier as time passes.
Good Luck. Happy Vaping.

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

I find VG at the craft stores (used to preserve the color in cake icing) and also at the Bulk Barn (with their food colorings and flavorings).

If you can make a pack of smokes last a week instead of a day or so that is a Great Victory! Be happy about that, count the ones you don`t smoke. It doesn't have to happen in a flash. Find the gear that you do want to vape.

Relax and Enjoy!

 

[bnrkwest]

Hang in there, you will make it! The longer you vape the more regular cigs taste like crap- ha ha Also your brain is lying to you, just like mine did. I would get the strongest urges to smoke like I would die if I didn't get a real smoke right now, but I would vape instead until my brain got the message, you vape you don't smoke anymore. Also when my taste buds went wonky I would vape unflavored nic ejuice, still get your nic hit but no worry about not tasting flavor since it is unflavored, just blow smoke rings instead. Also keep some lower nic around so you can really chain vape without OD-ing on nic.
Also I suggest trying new juices, some of teh most popular vendors are MsT's Bakery, Nite Life Vapor- Bounty Hunter, Alien Visions- Boba's Bounty, Halo- Captain Jack, Tribeca, Prime 15 are really good tobacco types. You will make it!! We know what you are going thru bnrk

 

[Warren D. Lockaby]

Welcome to ECF & Congratulations on your success so far! One thing I don't think anyone else mentioned: drink *lots* of water. Both the PG & VG will absorb moisture & tend to dehydrate you; that could be the reason for the throat problem. Also I think you're generally on the right track using a fairly high nic level. One responder suggested keeping a lower nic juice around for chain-vaping sessions & that's a good idea too - also handy for late in the evening if nicotine interferes with your sleep. Another suggestion you might try is having 2 or 3 cartos handy filled with contrasting flavors you enjoy; when one begins to lose its appeal just switch to something very different.

As to finding those "flavors you enjoy", taste is so subjective the only way to do that is try them & see. What I learned pretty quick (and much to my surprise) was I didn't care for any tobacco flavors I tried - at least at that time. Now, thanks to ECF I know more about what 'other people' consider great tobacco juice & plan on trying a few. Maybe I'll like 'em, maybe not, but I'll never know unless I try 'em.

One other thing: if you can, try to think of the money you spend on carefully considered vaping gear as an investment toward a better life. Once you get a setup that works for you, you *will* come out a lot cheaper than smoking RYO cigs, even while you're buying & trying flavors in small bottles. And read/learn all you can on these forums because the free knowledge gained here is money saved in the marketplace.

Best of luck, Blessings & Happy Vaping!

 

[pappertapper]

I went through just about the same experience. I made it a few days before I broke down and had a cig, but the important thing is to not torture yourself too much. Remember that quitting is a process and probably wont be done overnight. I just told myself that I would only have a cig in the morning, after work, and before bed. After about a week I ran out of cigs and did not need them anymore. Get a bunch of sample liquids to try. You may find that in a month or so you will like flavors you previously didn't. I like smokeless image's cowboy/country as a tobacco flavor. It tastes kind of nutty and is really thin and clear so your carto's last longer.

 

[Trilly]

First of all, like many have said, every analogue you don't smoke is a success in it's own right so smile about that. Still having the occasional analogue is not a failure by any means so please do not view it as such.

With regards to taste and satifaction, this is a little more personal, as other posters have said you may need juice with WTA in them, I know little about them but others will point you in the right direction. Vaping is not as easy as smoking, there is a learning curve to find that sweet spot and while a lot of it has to do with juice some of it also comes down to equipment, don't be afraid to upgrade to a possible higher voltage pv, as someone has said, the eGo Twist is a variable voltage with lots of cartos and attys etc that are compatable so also look into that too.

The other thing to remember with vaping is that you will become dehydrated to up your water intake, this may also solve the issue of your sore throat. I aim for 10 glasses of water a day (I know that seems high but as the normal recommended intake is 8 it kind of puts it into perspective).

Lastly you will probably go through a phase where everything tastes off, this is normal as you body begins to repair itself, the key here is to stick with it and keep drinking that water, it does pass but after you may find that what you were vaping may be a little too strong say on flavour and you go through finding juices again (top tip here is to keep hold of those samples that you didn't like originally, you may find them scrummy now, even those that didn't appeal at first may even become your favs).

Good Luck and keep us updated on your progress. You made the biggest step and I promise it will get easier.

 

[Nick S.]

sailorman - Thank you for the informative post. I just spent several hours researching and reading about WTA on here, and think I may have found my missing link.

 

[bnrkwest]

I went through just about the same experience. I made it a few days before I broke down and had a cig, but the important thing is to not torture yourself too much. Remember that quitting is a process and probably wont be done overnight. I just told myself that I would only have a cig in the morning, after work, and before bed. After about a week I ran out of cigs and did not need them anymore. Get a bunch of sample liquids to try. You may find that in a month or so you will like flavors you previously didn't. I like smokeless image's cowboy/country as a tobacco flavor. It tastes kind of nutty and is really thin and clear so your carto's last longer.

It took me 6 weeks originally to totally put down regular cigs, so I agree, forgive yourself if you have a real one. Takes the pressure off, soon you will find vaping much more pleasurable than analogs. bnrk

 

[Jennafey]

I started vaping about 8 months ago on an eGo-T system. I didn't really get what I needed out of it to make the switch. I'm going to equate that to 1) laziness on my part for not sticking with it until I found the juice/nic level/device that worked for me and 2) feeling self-concious puffing on it outside of my home. Shortly thereafter I picked up a Bloog MaxxFusion kit which gave the look of an analogue cig which I felt much more comfortable with. I still struggled because I hadn't found the right juice/nic level though. About 3 weeks ago I made up my mind to quit the cancer-sticks so I picked it up again, bought a slew of test flavours from Mrs. T's Bakery and have found a couple I REALLY like that I'm sure are going to stick.

Fundamentally, you have to be truly ready to give up the smokes. Finding the combination of device/flavour/liquid composition/nic level that works for you is key. Persistence pays off. The consensus seems to be that you'll go through a few duds before settling on the combo that will work for you. Keep at it!

 

[sibsie]

I'm so new to this and so non techie that there's not a lot I can add but I can tell you how vaping has worked for me and I was a two pack a day girl.

I got a disposable in London when I was on a trip and decided to get a proper e-cig when I got back to the US. The first one wasn't a great success and I then I switched to an eGO-t. After some teething problems with filling the cartos and getting a juice I liked I turned the corner.

Getting samples is a great idea. Initially I liked fruity ones but found they were giving me a sore throat and making me cough. Now I'm alternating between a great French Vanilla which is weird as before I hated anything with vanilla in it, and a banana flavor. It seems to have stopped the sore throat and coughing and I'm drinking lots of water too.

Some other things that helped were totally cleaning out my car to get rid of the smoke smell as I smoked furiously on my way to and from work and cleaning anything around the house that smelt of smoke. I carried on smoking for the first few days but now don't even like the smell of analogs. Actually I seem to be hyper sensitive to smell now.

I think though that Jennafey is right. You have to commit to stop smoking analogs. Vaping isn't a miracle cure and there's still willpower involved but it really really helps. Every time I find myself craving a smoke which really doesn't happen any more, I go and try out a new juice from my samples. It keeps me busy and by the time I've filled a carto the craving has gone.

Hang in there and good luck.

 

[superstardj]

When I bought my first ecig (from the gas station and I assume not VG based) I still wanted regular cigarettes - I bought 2 setups from convenience stores and it really didn't make me cut back on smoking. After I got my setup from the mall (better than the previous setups and all their juice is VG based) i slowly started liking vaping over the cigs but still smoked some...after I ditched the prefilled carts (only reason i ditched those was they were completely out of prefilled ones and I didn't know about filling carts at the time) and got a clearomizer and started filling them myself with my favorite favors. I don't know if the ones they prefilled were short on juice or what but I swear since I got my "level" right i don't think I have smoked any analogs....and that is coming up on 6 or 7 days.

Just saying to stick with vaping and find the setup and juice that satisfies you and I think you can get away from analogs all together....I'm no expert by any means since I have only been vaping for about 2 months but I have almost no desire for cigs anymore. Hope this helps

 

[Dr.Jerryrigger]

Wow, lots of input here. There were two post last night wile I was writing my last post in here.

Today was another smoke free day! I didn't have the craving much either. I did a little at work on break, wile surrounded by people smoking. Not so bad that I needed one, but still there. It was quite helpful that another person at the picnic table was vaping.

I'm glad to hear that the taste problem is common. I was a little worried that there was something else wrong. When it first started I though I needed to refill my cartomizers.... but that didn't work.

I defiantly want to get more flavors and play around with some DIY stuff. One think I liked about smoking was rolling them, refilling my zippo, other fiddly stuff... still carry my zippo, I don't quite feel right with out it on me still. Since I started vaping it's lit the grill more than tobacco.

Though it's fool hardy in some ways I'm putting off buying more vaping stuff for a little wile. I don't like the flavor I have now, but I'm using it, and not smoking regularly. I think the nic level is good for me right now (24mg/ml). I was paying about 20 bucks a month when I smoked, and I've spend about 50 on vaping already. I'd like it to last me at least a week before dumping more money into it (I will, just want to do it slowly).

I think I'll skip the WTA in vape juice, but knowing that that is a thing is helpful. If I'm really hurting I can smoke a drag off some old nasty .... in my car's ashtray.... which will make me never want to smoke again.

It's funny, I always hated the smell of cigarettes. The smell makes me want one, but it's always been gross to me. Cleaning out my car may be a good thing... well for many reasons, my car is discussing (not just from smoking).

I always enjoyed smoking wile driving for some reason. Vaping wile driving is even better; I never need to light a new one.
Sibsie, I have always smoke furiously when driving anywhere near Boston. Talk about a stress trigger! I need to get more practice changing cartomizers wile driving. I'm good at rolling a cigarette wile driving with my knees. I guess I have a good set up for practice now that I live near mostly farms. Not something to first try in rush hour wile going 80 in the breakdown lane.

Warren, thanks for the tip on the water. I'm being more mindful of that. It's funny, when smoking I often wanted some water after, but less so with vaping, even though I guess it's more needed.

Well to end this, I'm doing quite well today without smoking. I'm not even missing it. I want to get some juice that doesn't taste like nothing.... well a little worse than nothing. But rarely really enjoyed the taste of a cigarette, so I just do it for the drugs which is enough for me. When I want to smoke I vape until I don't. I'm still very new to this, but all is going well.