Still smoking support and chat thread

[Hopeful64]

I think that being a smoker for so long you are going to get a few oral issues. Just face each one as they come and dont let them get you down. I am enjoying reading your progress.

I have currently got as nasty virus the last 2 days have been horrible. Not smoked much though. Too achey to get outside

@Gratch, I'm so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. Take care and get some rest. And thanks for the nice comment. I guess it's one step forward and two steps back at times, eh? I must learn to be kind to myself as I go through this transition. I've been smoking since I was 9 years old (mom and dads' butts lol) so all I know for all these years is the person with a cigarette in her hand. I have only ever tried twice in my life to give up smoking. Once, years ago (when there weren't any vapes) and once 3 years ago for 6 weeks. They say, ''Don't ever stop trying to quit''... so here I go for the 3rd time. Lol

The guy at the vape store didn't sell me any equipment. He thought what I had was fine for now. But he upped the new, supposedly high-grade 'salts' nicotine juice to 20 mg!! He explained to me why the salts were better for some people and he also thinks that the mouth problem might be caused by the tobacco juice I am using so I bought the new juice and re-filled all my equipment tonight. He said that he had complaints about sore mouth with the V and P juice. So I'll try this new juice and see what happens.

He also recommended moisturizing mouth rinse and some healthy lozenges and lots of water. So off I went to the drugstore. He also told me that if the sore mouth does not go away then I will have to invest in a bigger piece of equipment to try out the V juice because my vapes are too small for the V juice. He did say that some people preferred it and it did help their dry mouth. So we'll see.

I got 5 cigarettes left in my package so I'm still doing really good not breaking into that second pack. Going down to one pack a day is REAL big for me!! I've been a 2-2 1/2 pack girl for many, many years.

I started on page one of this thread today. I am hoping to read all 300 pages. So that's what I'll do right now!

Hope you are feeling better tonight!

 

[KC0YNU]

@Hopeful64 Something to go along with your Ejuice shopping. I found that for me and a couple of folks here locally, that using non tobacco flavored juice assisted in the transfer from cigs to vaping.

once the cig start tasting nasty and the vape is yummy, 'nuff said. LOL

Keep up the good work!

 

[Hopeful64]

@Hopeful64 Something to go along with your Ejuice shopping. I found that for me and a couple of folks here locally, that using non tobacco flavored juice assisted in the transfer from cigs to vaping.

once the cig start tasting nasty and the vape is yummy, 'nuff said. LOL

Keep up the good work!

Thanks, KC! Funny you bring this up tonight because I actually bought a
vanilla/ caramel/tobacco mixture and all I can taste is the yucky tobacco. I do smell a hint of the caramel but definitely not enough. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed cause I am ready to change everything and I hear you guys talking about your 'yummy' flavors!. I'm going to finish this bottle and my next one is going to be a yummy dessert! Maybe it will even help me stay on my diet if I am smoking lemon meringue pie!! Lol

 

[Hopeful64]

Thanks, KC! Funny you bring this up tonight because I actually bought a
vanilla/ caramel/tobacco mixture and all I can taste is the yucky tobacco. I do smell a hint of the caramel but definitely not enough. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed cause I am ready to change everything and I hear you guys talking about your 'yummy' flavors!. I'm going to finish this bottle and my next one is going to be a yummy dessert! Maybe it will even help me stay on my diet if I am smoking lemon meringue pie!! Lol

I was just wondering...If I went to the vape store tomorrow and bought a caramel flavor juice with 0 nicotine, could I add it to the new juice I got today? I would love to try that! I found the tobacco in this new juice today is kinda gross. At least the other juice I was using I kinda liked the tobacco in it. But this one is totally different. It's a bit harsh.

And if you think that is possible, does it have to be the exact same brand? Can you mix them? Can I mix the 'salted' juice with an 'unsalted' juice? Lol

 

[KC0YNU]

Nic salt and non salt I do not know about mixing those.

If you mix say 10ml of 0mg nic with 10ml of say 12mg of nic you will end up with roughly 20ml of 6mg nic juice.

Hopefully a more experienced DIY person will chime in here and correct me if wrong.

 

[Thayamax]

If you mix say 10ml of 0mg nic with 10ml of say 12mg of nic you will end up with roughly 20ml of 6mg nic juice.

KCOYNU is correct. Mixing 2 different brands of ejuice isn't a problem but if you mix 0mg juice with nic juice it will dilute the nicotine level. If you mix 2 juices with the same nic % it will remain the same. If you mix 2 juices with different pg/vg levels it will also alter the mix.

As far as mixing salt nic with regular nic I believe the only difference would be slightly more nic harshness in the resulting mix. Using a higher % of vg in the new juice could help counteract that issue.

I found that for me and a couple of folks here locally, that using non tobacco flavored juice assisted in the transfer from cigs to vaping.

once the cig start tasting nasty and the vape is yummy, 'nuff said. LOL

This is another good suggestion. When I started vaping I thought tobacco ejuice was the way to go since I was such a heavy smoker for so many years. I found it to be quite gross as well. The first juice I fell in love with was a sweet bakery cinnamon bun juice that said it had tobacco notes that I never tasted. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I vaped it for a long time...until I found strawberry custard/strawberries and cream. I have vaped it exclusively for well over 2 years now with no end in sight.

Finding a juice you love is a lot of trial and error, but it can make a huge difference in regard to continuing to vape and giving up.

PS. I had the sore throat problem when I started vaping, too. Luckily it went away within a few weeks.

 

[Possum64]

I found strawberry custard/strawberries and cream.

+one for the strawberries and cream! That is half the battle @Hopeful64....finding an eliquid so yummy you don't want to smoke. That will come with time and obviously trying lots of eliquids. I like dessert type eliquids as well - vanilla custard / butterscotch / caramels to name a few.
And unlike you and @thayamax I DO like a tobacco vape. But only a slight hint in the background.

I am so pleased to hear that your Vape Store man did not try to sell you more devices at this point in time. It sounds like you have an honest person there. Here's hoping you are enjoying your new eliquids while reading this thread - and drinking plenty of fluids as well to help your sore mouth

 

[Thayamax]

I didn't like tobacco vapes back in the day when that and menthol were pretty much your only choices, so I only tried one tobacco vape since. It was from a vendor whose juices I really enjoyed so I figured why not. OMG, it tasted like smoking a cigar! Never again.

 

[Skwij]

I was just sitting here thinking how desperate quitting smoking can be for some people. For instance, just last week when my doctor of 20 years started hassling me again, I was in a bad mood and told him, ''Doctor ----, I would rather be dead than to live on this earth without my cigarettes''. Can you even imagine saying that??? God, what a horrible addiction. I normally never speak out like that. He even has the right to let me go as a patient because in Canada, they are getting really, really strict about smoking. We are actually not allowed to even smoke in some of our little towns here!! Sorry, I'm sitting here posting my foolish thoughts this morning.

Wow, another Canuck!
Hi everyone. I've read this whole thread. Yep. The whole thing. I'm now working my way thru the original one that's closed for commenting.

What a great bunch of people and what a wonderful community in this little corner of ECF.

Right then.
Dualer here. Dualing for 3 years (!!!!!!!!) @Hopeful64 , I'm also a hairdresser. 33 years in. Love my work, not the busyness and lack of lunch or breaks though. NOT taking new clients, trying to scale back but well...... not happening.

I think what happens to me is that I can vape on the golf course, vape on the patio, vape before and after curling, vape at home, but NO WAY can I vape when I get a 3 minute kinda sorta break. Just too afraid to still jonez after that 3 minute break and the next one isn't in sight for a few hours. Not to mention escaping the confines of the salon for a few minutes helps keep my head right (like a reset button, if you will).

My DH was one who accidentally quit after we both got VaporFi Ego styles, vaping cheap, high nic juice that was actually pretty satisfying, and then he gets sick. The kind of sick that he can't get off the couch, too sick to go to the garage to smoke, so he vaped for 3 days straight and hasn't looked back.

Me, I struggle. Each and every day. Down from about a PAD (here in Ontario a pack is 25 cigs) to maybe 2 packs per week.

Yes, I count the ones I don't smoke, but want to lower that number. The anticipation is probably worse than the reality, and not sure if I want to deal with that when working with the public all day.

Oh, and I suffer badly from the shinyitis syndrome, too. Loads and loads of really good gear, and fabulous juice, and just recently some wta thanks to this very thread.

Anyhoo, sorry for being so long winded! No more lurking for me, but I'm still wading through the original thread, and about a quarter of the way through.

 

[Skwij]

I was just wondering...If I went to the vape store tomorrow and bought a caramel flavor juice with 0 nicotine, could I add it to the new juice I got today? I would love to try that! I found the tobacco in this new juice today is kinda gross. At least the other juice I was using I kinda liked the tobacco in it. But this one is totally different. It's a bit harsh.

And if you think that is possible, does it have to be the exact same brand? Can you mix them? Can I mix the 'salted' juice with an 'unsalted' juice? Lol

Yes, you can totally mix reg nic juice with salt nic. Some vendors are doing that actually (Premium Labs in BC for one)

The salt nic is meant to be smoother, less harsh, with less throat hit, so that you can go with higher nicotine to smash the cravings without all the negatives of higher nic "taste" and "feel".

It's also what is in the BO, Juul, and the other closed system pen style mini vapes. Higher nic, vape less, more satisfaction. Or so they say.
Personally, I can't do 12mg regular any more, but I can tolerate 12mg salt nic juice. Occasionally.

Mostly I'm doing 6-9 in a Mouth to Lung setup, and 3-5 in DL gear.

 

[Hopeful64]

I just had to write before I went to bed. I'm so excited! (I will reply to everyone tomorrw..it's been a long day) Remember 2 days ago I bought the 'nic salts' juice? Well, I have fallin' in love with it. I added one drop of cinnamon to it and one drop of vanilla ice cream and I absolutely LOVE it! And my mouth has stopped hurting. The salesman did tell me there was a possibility that the juice I was using may not be right for me and that's when he recommended the 'nic salts' juice because it's not as hard and harsh on the mouth and the delivery of nicotine is better!

And wait till I tell you about this!! (It's probably here on the site one million times and I'll think I was the first to tell!! Lol) Are you ready? Dill pickle juice for 'Vapors mouth' and sore mouth. Now let me explain. I have dill pickle juice in my fridge right now because it is highly recommended for muscle cramps which I suffer from. Dill juice hydrates you again quickly. When I feel a cramp coming on, I run to the fridge and gulp a small mouthful of the dill juice and within 10 minutes, the cramping stops. I learned that a long time ago and always have dill juice in my house.

But I found an article in the last 48 hours that said the same thing about vapors' mouth' and hydration. Pickle juice is used to get those electrolytes back in order and the article also said that if you've lost the taste of your vaping juice, 'dill juice' will rinse your mouth out from all the gunk and get it all ready to 'taste' your juice again!! And it helps for sore mouth. Today I vaped most of the day (still have 5 left in my pack) and my mouth feels so much better and I'll probably not get any cramps in bed tonight..Lol (getting old really is such a drag) And of course, you need to drink your water.

Thanks for all the replies tonight. so glad to hear from another ole' hairdresser. No wonder we smoke honey.....

So here's the juice I bought that I just love but mine is a 50/50 blend.It was more costly but I don't care. Now, my hope is, is that I will want this more than the yucky real cigarettes!

Love and hugs to all tonight. I'll write tomorrow!

P.S. I'm on page 36 reading this thread. It is fantastic. What a wonderful gang of people!

 

[Skwij]

I just had to write before I went to bed. I'm so excited! (I will reply to everyone tomorrw..it's been a long day) Remember 2 days ago I bought the 'nic salts' juice? Well, I have fallin' in love with it. I added one drop of cinnamon to it and one drop of vanilla ice cream and I absolutely LOVE it! And my mouth has stopped hurting. The salesman did tell me there was a possibility that the juice I was using may not be right for me and that's when he recommended the 'nic salts' juice because it's not as hard and harsh on the mouth and the delivery of nicotine is better!

And wait till I tell you about this!! (It's probably here on the site one million times and I'll think I was the first to tell!! Lol) Are you ready? Dill pickle juice for 'Vapors mouth' and sore mouth. Now let me explain. I have dill pickle juice in my fridge right now because it is highly recommended for muscle cramps which I suffer from. Dill juice hydrates you again quickly. When I feel a cramp coming on, I run to the fridge and gulp a small mouthful of the dill juice and within 10 minutes, the cramping stops. I learned that a long time ago and always have dill juice in my house.

But I found an article in the last 48 hours that said the same thing about vapors' mouth' and hydration. Pickle juice is used to get those electrolytes back in order and the article also said that if you've lost the taste of your vaping juice, 'dill juice' will rinse your mouth out from all the gunk and get it all ready to 'taste' your juice again!! And it helps for sore mouth. Today I vaped most of the day (still have 5 left in my pack) and my mouth feels so much better and I'll probably not get any cramps in bed tonight..Lol (getting old really is such a drag) And of course, you need to drink your water.

Thanks for all the replies tonight. so glad to hear from another ole' hairdresser. No wonder we smoke honey.....

So here's the juice I bought that I just love but mine is a 50/50 blend.It was more costly but I don't care. Now, my hope is, is that I will want this more than the yucky real cigarettes!

Love and hugs to all tonight. I'll write tomorrow!

LOL I have that same one in 12 mg. Tasty stuff!

 

[Thayamax]

Hi, @Skwij. Boy, oh, boy, if you've read this whole thread you've been lurking for a looooong time. It's awfully nice that you finally decided to come out in the open so we could meet you. Welcome to our little piece of ECF...so happy to finally have you here.

So you've been dual using for 3 years? Actually that's not unheard of around here. Going from 7 packs a week to 2 packs a week is still quite an accomplishment. If you're trying to cut down even more, we're here to help you in any way we can.

Happy to have you back, @Hopeful64. I was starting to think you'd left us. It's wonderful that you've found a juice that you love, and helps with your sore mouth issues. That's half the battle right there.

 

[Hopeful64]

Hi everyone! just a quick update before I being my day. The first week of trying to quit cigarettes, I cut my smoking in half all week and was successful. I love the juice..mouth is feeling a bit better. Yesterday, I went over to my cigarette store and they were amazed that I only bought 1 carton of cig. I normally buy at least 3 cartons. I HATE running out every day for my Cigs. (This eventually will be something I will stop altogether and I will hopefully get to the point of making myself run out once a day if I want the ciggies)

So this week, I want to lessen the pack by 1 or 2 ciggies, so I'm going to count out 17-19 for the day. (still allowing the one pack) so I don't freak out on this journey. If I feel that I am not allowed to smoke, I will freak out... so this is what I have to do to eventually get used to vaping full time. Buy giving myself permission to smoke, I don't feel the dread of giving up. I marked my calendar and hope to make this carton last for at least 12-13 days. (I always went through a carton within a week) I will also force myself to put in the pack each day, 5 of those cigarettes that I DO NOT LIKE.. (the ones that I have left over from the duty-free store that I mentioned a few posts ago.. I have 5 packs of those horrible cigs.) So 5 will of those cigs be the ones I hate and the others will be my favorites.

Right now I am trying very hard not to chain smoke first thing in the morning because these are the hardest ones for me to give up (and also late at night). So here I go for the 2nd week. Thanks to all of you for the encouragement! It means so much to me. My friends and clients can't even believe I am even trying to cut down right now they are so shocked because they all know me as such a heavy smoker. One of my non-smoking (best) friend almost started crying when she heard what I was trying to do!!

I'm going to report in every night this week so I can be accountable to myself. Thanks and you all have a great day! I am now on page 51 of this thread and the encouragement is beyond! (hugs) to all of you!

 

[Hopeful64]

I just tried to light up the horrible one and have to put it out. I think I will continue vaping and go back to it later. I will force myself to re-light it later!! I really do hate the taste of these cigarettes from the duty-free shop. You guys were right. I am almost preferring the 'taste' of my caramel tobacco!!

 

[Hopeful64]

Just put $120.00 (the cost of the carton I do not have to buy this month) in the ''Trip Jar!!''

 

[Possum64]

Hello @Hopeful64! You are doing so well! I think it a terrific idea you writing here every day for a while. It probably does give you that sense of 'accountability' and I for one, really enjoy tagging along with you on your journey.
Who would have thought that you would have been able to cut down a whole packet of cigarettes a day already!?! You must be thrilled.
And you will be surprised how quickly that 'trip jar' will fill up. I saved over $4000 in six months - dual using. Mind you, cigs here are about $35 a packet - one packet a day.....it adds up!

 

[Hopeful64]

I just wanted to quickly post that I am outside cleaning the car and I just walked back into my house and the whole house smells like a cigarette!!! Is it possible, that by just cutting down my cigarettes in half, my 'smeller' is coming back already? I take such pride in trying to keep that smell down by constant cleaning and it's soooo powerful right now?? Wow.

 

[Uncle]

@Hopeful64 . . .

FYI . . .

Febreze (2X/One are best) / Vaporizers /Mister / Burning a Scented Candel . . .

OrdoBan: Used by many professional cleaning companies, especially fire/flood recovery. AND - Removes smoking film on washable items very well . . . Many different types, however, prefer citrus (scent is not as overpowering as some of the others) . . . Just Sayin' . . .

Consentrate:
OdoBan 1 Gal. Citrus Disinfectant Laundry and Air Freshener Concentrate-911661-G - The Home Depot

Spray Bottle (which Ya' can refil if you also get the conentrate):
OdoBan 32 oz. Ready-To-Use Citrus Scent Disinfectant Air and Fabric Refresher-910601-Q - The Home Depot​

Ordorcide: Use by professional Car Detailers, especially used cars from many odors - including smoke.

Very expensive ! ! ! But - Usually comes as a concentrate that can be mixed as a cleaner/Spray/"Bomb" Did find on Amazon at somewhat a reasonable price for 16oz.

Odorcide 210 Fresh Scent
​

Just know that any of these products "Odor's" can be very strong to a lot of people (not as bad as many perm solutions/acrylic nails {formaldehyde]), so needs to be "Aired" out for a while after use, especially if Ya' are allergic to certain scents or have breathing problems/COPD (like myself). . .

BTW: Febreze makes an additive for your laundry, and OdoBan can also be used if needed for to clean fabrics too . . .

Hope this information is helpful . . .

 

[Hopeful64]

You'll quit when you quit. Fretting about not quitting only feeds the lies the cigarettes are telling your brain. In the mean time seek within you why you want to smoke when the urge happens. No it's not the nicotine. No it's not the hand to mouth, etc. If you still desire to smoke there's another reason, each of us has our own, and those are what makes the difference for each person. For me it was defiance that it's harmful, the "I'll show you by rebelling against the truth" and I've that one was revealed it became a game of kicking the habits one at a time. After dinner habit, driving habit, coffee and a smoke habit, grab one when emotional habit, etc. For me it never was nicotine addiction that I couldn't( out wouldn't) kick. It's been telling an old friend (my doctor calls cigarettes my mistress but I call them my best buddy) thanks for the decades of being my 1 stability that I could count on being there when needed or wanted. It's time for me to grow up and go out solo, no more best buddy crutch to lean on. Like Linus has his blanket I've had my cigarettes since I was 13 (I turn 50 next week). The blanket had to go.

Hope this information is helpful . . .

Thank you so much Uncle! I will definitely look into these products because I really can smell the cigarettes today. So this is what my friends smell when they come to my
house???

I am sitting here reading some of these older posts. I don't even know if you all are here anymore but they are filled with the most amazing encouragement! I almost cried when I read this above ^ Wow.

3/4 way through the day and I've only smoked 10 cigarettes so far...