Still smoking support and chat thread

[Thayamax]

No, I supported women's libbers and started smoking Virginia Slims Menthol then went to the regulars. I smoked those for many, many years until cigarettes became so expensive I would smoke anything that was on sale and ended up on Basics. By the last 7 years or so I smoked so much, and Basics had gotten pretty expensive, too, that I started rolling my own to save money. I found that it was so much cheaper to do that, I started smoking even more, just because I could afford it.

 

[josh w]

Hi, Josh: I started smoking menthol cigarettes first, then switched to non-menthol and kept that up until I found vaping. I tried several flavors, but found success when I started vaping menthol juice. It gave me that TH that I had not been able to get from other flavors. Creme de mint sounds like a flavor I'll have to try!

Glad I could help.

 

[josh w]

I started rolling my own to save money. I found that it was so much cheaper to do that, I started smoking even more, just because I could afford it.

Rolf I been there! Kinda defeated the purpose of rolling.

 

[rangerrobin]

Treatment starts today. I can only hope and pray for the best now. On a plus note, being an ex menthol smoker I decided to try a mint flavor. So I played mad scientist last night and mixed up a creme de mint concoction. Think it's just what I needed. I can already feel my nerves calming.

Healing vibes being sent...

Almost forgot, today is my 11 month quitversary!

 

[Vape Suzette]

Hi, Thayamax! Were they the ones with the motto: you've come a long way baby? I switched to Benson and Hedges for a long time, then generics, then Carltons till I quit. I saved the labels off of Carlton packs and smoked enough of them to get a cordless phone, an answering machine, a sound machine, an aroma therapy machine, a toaster, a lighter, and a savings bond that will not be mature until 2016 for fifty dollars!!!!! I smoked thousands of cigs for all those wonderful free gifts! It was so exciting!!! I just puffed away looking at that catalog and couldn't wait to have enough for my free gifts!!!!!!! I just used the toaster a few minutes ago!!! By god, my smoking really paid off!!!! It was the smartest thing i have ever done!!!!!!!!

 

[Vape Suzette]

Happy 11 month anniversary rangerrobin! Hope you celebrated!!! You made it! YAY!!!

 

[rangerrobin]

Happy 11 month anniversary rangerrobin! Hope you celebrated!!! You made it! YAY!!!

I actually forgot, until I was on my way home from work, but I've been celebrating the past few months. A little too much, if ya know what I mean.

Just one month to go...to what feels like a finish line, but it's really more like the rest of my life.

Next addiction to curb is my vape spending!

 

[AndriaD]

Hi, Thayamax! Were they the ones with the motto: you've come a long way baby? I switched to Benson and Hedges for a long time, then generics, then Carltons till I quit. I saved the labels off of Carlton packs and smoked enough of them to get a cordless phone, an answering machine, a sound machine, an aroma therapy machine, a toaster, a lighter, and a savings bond that will not be mature until 2016 for fifty dollars!!!!! I smoked thousands of cigs for all those wonderful free gifts! It was so exciting!!! I just puffed away looking at that catalog and couldn't wait to have enough for my free gifts!!!!!!! I just used the toaster a few minutes ago!!! By god, my smoking really paid off!!!! It was the smartest thing i have ever done!!!!!!!!

Yep, that was VS motto... I still have one of those free gifts...

I keep it on my keychain because NOW it REALLY IS true! I've come so far, I don't even need those stupid coffin nails anymore! And dang does it feel good to toss those coupons in the trash when they come in the mail.

Andria

 

[Vape Suzette]

Andria! That's a blast from the past! I wish Carltons would have given me a key chain logo!!! Now I feel cheated. I did however keep the very last box pack of Carltons that I smoked. It's like a museum piece and in mint condition. It will outlive me and act as a reminder of the exact time I quit.

How do you post pics on the board? When we bring home our next two badly behaved children (baby Siamese apple heads) I want to send pics of them. What's the easiest way? We are not terribly technical around here.

 

[AndriaD]

Andria! That's a blast from the past! I wish Carltons would have given me a key chain logo!!! Now I feel cheated. I did however keep the very last box pack of Carltons that I smoked. It's like a museum piece and in mint condition. It will outlive me and act as a reminder of the exact time I quit.

How do you post pics on the board? When we bring home our next two badly behaved children (baby Siamese apple heads) I want to send pics of them. What's the easiest way? We are not terribly technical around here.

See how I have the browser at fullscreen, and Windows Explorer in a small window on top of it? do that, in whatever folder your pic is in, and just drag and drop it onto the text entry area... it'll give you a box to select either thumbnail or full image....

Andria

 

[Vape Suzette]

THANKS!

 

[josh w]

Healing vibes being sent...

Almost forgot, today is my 11 month quitversary!

Thank you. And congrats! I been off the stinkys for almost 10 months. I've had a few here and there but don't count them since I was either 1. Out of juice 2. Bat dead 3. Coil shot and too dam drunk to replace it, and I was lucky to finish half.

 

[ShariR]

I had a conversation today that I just *had* to come share here!

Stranger sees my ecig, asks if it's helpful, I respond it helped me quit a 20+ year habit, she said her husband uses one too, only he smoked *3* packs a day for over *30* years, AND he's been stepping down his strength until it's "almost nothing " now. Oh, and when are you going to quit using "that thing?"

What I said in my inside voice was: Um, I don't know you nor owe you an explanation, I was perfectly happy talking vaping with you until you started comparing me to someone who "did it better than me" and ...... me off!

What I said in my outside voice was: They'll have to pry it out of my cold dead fingers, have a great day! And walked away.

Why does it bother me so much?! Idk just wondering if anyone else hates this as much as me?

I realized quite a while ago that I am as addicted to my Provari and r91 as I was to cigarettes. I am fine without a cigarette, but I am taking my pv to the hospital with me. I know I can go without it if I have to, but I do not want to.

My cardiologist told me today that he is thrilled that I am vaping for the past 2 years and NOT smoking. So, he is full onboard with long term vaping. And he ok'd me for surgery and said I am in better shape than I was 2 years ago, heart wise and breathing wise.

If we listen to everything that everyone says is bad for us we would be dead. Science and doctors keep changing their minds so I do what I feel is right for me. I truly believe the food sources are what is killing us early. The modified crops and antibiotics, etc. in the fish and chicken (farmed, not wild). And I think many of the drugs cause problems too. Ever watch a commercial for a new drug? The side effects are far greater than the good stuff the drug is for. There is only so much a person can do.

 

[AndriaD]

I realized quite a while ago that I am as addicted to my Provari and r91 as I was to cigarettes. I am fine without a cigarette, but I am taking my pv to the hospital with me. I know I can go without it if I have to, but I do not want to.

My cardiologist told me today that he is thrilled that I am vaping for the past 2 years and NOT smoking. So, he is full onboard with long term vaping. And he ok'd me for surgery and said I am in better shape than I was 2 years ago, heart wise and breathing wise.

If we listen to everything that everyone says is bad for us we would be dead. Science and doctors keep changing their minds so I do what I feel is right for me. I truly believe the food sources are what is killing us early. The modified crops and antibiotics, etc. in the fish and chicken (farmed, not wild). And I think many of the drugs cause problems too. Ever watch a commercial for a new drug? The side effects are far greater than the good stuff the drug is for. There is only so much a person can do.

I knew when I was about 12 that most cold medicines make you feel worse than the cold itself. Remember Dristan? OMG, it was like a bad trip or something. Ever since, I've avoided those "compound" medications like the very plague, and take medication for each symptom separately, for whatever is bothering me most -- that way I'm not duplicating stuff that really shouldn't be duplicated, not taking a lot of crap I really don't need. I actually hate taking pills, so medicating separately forces me to consider what medication I *really* need, and nevermind the rest -- hot tea is great for a sore throat and stuffy nose!

Until my asthma got so bad, I also refused to take "maintenance" meds for my asthma, because of the risk of osteoporosis -- which gallops thru my family -- from steroids. Currently I don't really have that option, so I'm working hard to try and get my asthma back under control -- gradually eliminating WTA, and taking gradually-more-challenging walks, to really push my aerobic ability -- and maybe even budge some of this stubborn 15 lbs. Hopefully soon I can reduce the steroid dosage, and maybe eventually do completely without them again.

Andria

 

[Thayamax]

@ShariR - Do you remember a couple of years ago what a hard time we had getting off the smokes? I can't believe it's been over 2 years for both of us.

I am also totally addicted to my vapes. I'm a shameless chain vaper. One of my bosses at work calls it my pacifier. I haven't had a cigarette craving in so long I almost forget what it feels like, but I carry my vape with me everywhere except the bathroom.

 

[beebopnjazz]

I knew when I was about 12 that most cold medicines make you feel worse than the cold itself. Remember Dristan? OMG, it was like a bad trip or something. Ever since, I've avoided those "compound" medications like the very plague, and take medication for each symptom separately, for whatever is bothering me most -- that way I'm not duplicating stuff that really shouldn't be duplicated, not taking a lot of crap I really don't need. I actually hate taking pills, so medicating separately forces me to consider what medication I *really* need, and nevermind the rest -- hot tea is great for a sore throat and stuffy nose!

Until my asthma got so bad, I also refused to take "maintenance" meds for my asthma, because of the risk of osteoporosis -- which gallops thru my family -- from steroids. Currently I don't really have that option, so I'm working hard to try and get my asthma back under control -- gradually eliminating WTA, and taking gradually-more-challenging walks, to really push my aerobic ability -- and maybe even budge some of this stubborn 15 lbs. Hopefully soon I can reduce the steroid dosage, and maybe eventually do completely without them again.

Andria

Swimming is a much better exercise for asthmatics. And singing is a good way to expand lung capacity. I asked my doctor when my daughter was a toddler and it was determined that she had asthma about it. The controlled breathing with singing really helps the lungs, a lot. When she and another toddler I babysat for were in the camaro (nearly daily) - I'd crank up that radio and they would sing their hearts out! Both girls did really well with it in controlling asthma. I also took the lot of them swimming every summer (nearly daily) - doctors were quite happy with how well controlled their symptoms were. Rare for steroids for either of them. My daughter did take the pediatric equivalent of theophylline (sp) though.

 

[AndriaD]

Swimming is a much better exercise for asthmatics. And singing is a good way to expand lung capacity. I asked my doctor when my daughter was a toddler and it was determined that she had asthma about it. The controlled breathing with singing really helps the lungs, a lot. When she and another toddler I babysat for were in the camaro (nearly daily) - I'd crank up that radio and they would sing their hearts out! Both girls did really well with it in controlling asthma. I also took the lot of them swimming every summer (nearly daily) - doctors were quite happy with how well controlled their symptoms were. Rare for steroids for either of them. My daughter did take the pediatric equivalent of theophylline (sp) though.

Don't have access to a swimming pool, or trust me, I'd be there! It's my favorite exercise because there's none of that nasty sweating. And I do sing, a LOT... but I really gotta push my aerobic ability, thanks tp 30 yrs of couch potato. Or maybe "desk chair potato." And I've GOT to get rid of this 15 lbs, before it turns into 20.

Andria

 

[Thayamax]

Isn't it amazing how quickly those extra pounds are able to multiply?

 

[AndriaD]

Isn't it amazing how quickly those extra pounds are able to multiply?

I got up to 163 lbs at one point, about 12 yrs ago -- which is 30 lbs overweight, for me -- I was trying to self-medicate my depression with blueberry muffins and oatmeal raisin cookies (Effexor worked better! ). I could not STAND it, so dadgum much of ME, I could barely even MOVE. I really don't understand at all how people can stand being that overweight, it's so horribly uncomfortable. I've been skinny most of my life, and obesity is NOT how I want to live. Heck, I only weighed about 150 the day I gave birth to my full-term son!

Sadly, it's been raining and chilly for the last 2 days, so I haven't been able to go outside and walk. Hopefully tomorrow I can get outside.

Andria

 

[Claudia P]

Boy I remember only too well. I don't know whether I'm as addicted or is I just like the flavor so much that I vape like a fiend. lol I still don't vape in the house, but it's as much my choice now and his request. I vape subohm tanks and I don't want the fog bank in the house anymore than he does.

@ShariR - Do you remember a couple of years ago what a hard time we had getting off the smokes? I can't believe it's been over 2 years for both of us.

I am also totally addicted to my vapes. I'm a shameless chain vaper. One of my bosses at work calls it my pacifier. I haven't had a cigarette craving in so long I almost forget what it feels like, but I carry my vape with me everywhere except the bathroom.