I quit smoking 05/04/08, I smoked 1 pack a day for 20+ years. It is such a relief knowing that someone else has had my same symptoms. 3 months after I quit my chest starting hurting and it felt so unbearably heavy. I had palpitations, back pain a feeling of flu like symptoms... Just some very strange aches and pains and on top of that a chronic sinus infection.. I seen numeous doctors for the chest pressure and had labs, EKG, Echo, Stress tests the whole rundown. The only things that could be found was I have nasty sinus issues that need to be addressed. HOWEVER, this still does not help the pressure on my chest and the anxiety I feel because I have spent the last few months sick!! I know that everyone say's each body is different but I would just LOVE to hear how long this is going to last so I can prepare myself... Seems I have so many more bad days then good lately and I am 8 months in ;o(
I wake up each day with a positive attitude and go to bed exhausted trying to ignore these horrible side effects!! I have now scheduled my Sinus surgery to get that taken care of, ( hopefully this helps my breathing! )
Good luck to everyone fighting this battle, stay strong - I know that only good can come from quitting!!
I wake up each day with a positive attitude and go to bed exhausted trying to ignore these horrible side effects!! I have now scheduled my Sinus surgery to get that taken care of, ( hopefully this helps my breathing! )
Good luck to everyone fighting this battle, stay strong - I know that only good can come from quitting!!
I pretty much feel the same way. Since September of 2008 Everty other week I feel like I am getting a cold or the flu, tightness in the chest, stuffy nose, achey lungs, stuffy ears, dry throat, chills (Skin crawling). I was just wondering how some of the old posters are doing now.
Would love to hear that it's all just temporary and you all feel great now!
I am still so glad I quit. I am $1,029.75 richer today!
Would love to hear that it's all just temporary and you all feel great now!
I am still so glad I quit. I am $1,029.75 richer today!
It has been 15 months since I quit my 2 pack a day - 40 year habit. I do feel better not 100% better. But what is 100% I started smoking at age 12!
I never had a smokers cough until about 4 months into my quit. I started with haveing to clear my throad a lot. Then the phlegm started - every morning coughing up phlegm - it gaged me and was scary I thought I was going to choke. Gradually it got less sticky and now I cough every morning and I can hear the rattle in my chest. The phlegm is still there - sorry to be gross.
Sometimes my chest hurst really bad and I hold a heating pad to it and it goes away after a few days.
One morning I would love to wake up to no cought and feeling great.
I never had a smokers cough until about 4 months into my quit. I started with haveing to clear my throad a lot. Then the phlegm started - every morning coughing up phlegm - it gaged me and was scary I thought I was going to choke. Gradually it got less sticky and now I cough every morning and I can hear the rattle in my chest. The phlegm is still there - sorry to be gross.
Sometimes my chest hurst really bad and I hold a heating pad to it and it goes away after a few days.
One morning I would love to wake up to no cought and feeling great.
Oh thank God I am not going mad.... I too gave up a 30/40 a day habbit march of 08. I have been ill ever since with most of the mentioned problems (apart from very high blood pressure) I have basically spent the time on my back to ill to get up or go out. I am left with major issues with going out. I was a very strong woman and I have turned into a mess (still not gonna start again though... Ive come to far and gone through to much to give in). I am starting to feel a little better, but still suffering ;( It has helped me so much to find this post, I could'nt find anything apart from the benefits of giving up. Its so nice (as silly as it sounds) to know my sufferings are shared, and obviously due to giving up.
Does anyone else have problems with balance and feeling wobbly and weak?
Stick at it folks and good luck
Dyan
_[removed]_
Does anyone else have problems with balance and feeling wobbly and weak?
Stick at it folks and good luck
Dyan
_[removed]_
I am so glad to have found this thread.
As many of you have already mentioned - I have felt like I'm going crazy.
I smoked on and off for approximately 10-11yrs. - anywhere from 1/2 a pack to a whole pack per day.
I quite once with the help of Wellbutrin, but recently just quit 7 wks. ago. - cold Turkey.
The first few weeks were ago, but just recently - I have felt the same horrible symptons.
1. Anxiety in my chest
2. Fear of not breaking well
3. Lonely depression
4. Dull chest pain
5. Tremendous fear
I thought I was going crazy as well, but its great to hear everyone's comments. I am determined to quite, because it obvious how horrible all the chemicals and nicotine have been for my body.
I always want to reach for cigarette when I get anxiety or depressed, but the thought of going through this again, keeps me in check.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for sharing,
Jeff
As many of you have already mentioned - I have felt like I'm going crazy.
I smoked on and off for approximately 10-11yrs. - anywhere from 1/2 a pack to a whole pack per day.
I quite once with the help of Wellbutrin, but recently just quit 7 wks. ago. - cold Turkey.
The first few weeks were ago, but just recently - I have felt the same horrible symptons.
1. Anxiety in my chest
2. Fear of not breaking well
3. Lonely depression
4. Dull chest pain
5. Tremendous fear
I thought I was going crazy as well, but its great to hear everyone's comments. I am determined to quite, because it obvious how horrible all the chemicals and nicotine have been for my body.
I always want to reach for cigarette when I get anxiety or depressed, but the thought of going through this again, keeps me in check.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for sharing,
Jeff
Hi Everyone,
I am reading everybody's posts and I can totally relate.
I was a pack-a-day smoker for the past 16 years of my life. On my 33rd Birthday (December 1, 2008), I gave myself the gift of non-smoking. I had attempted quitting several times prior, but never really committed to the battle and thus, had never succeeded... until now.
I am happy to anounce that I have been a non-smoker now for 50 days. I have beaten the cravings and do not experience the frequent urges any longer. Albeit, there are still urges - but I am confident in saying that I will NEVER smoke another cigarette again.
This is amazing and I am grateful but this has come at great cost...
I believe that I am suffering from depression.
Apparently this battle has changed me. I have had friends who were unable to understand the challenge I was facing and as a result, these friendships no longer exist. I attribute this outcome to a combination of unsupportive friends and a fierce, and unrelenting temper of mine - this of course, has not improved since my quit date, but rather has worsened with my irritability.
I do not know when this is going to end. I am angry. I am sad. I am lost.
What can I do?
I am reading everybody's posts and I can totally relate.
I was a pack-a-day smoker for the past 16 years of my life. On my 33rd Birthday (December 1, 2008), I gave myself the gift of non-smoking. I had attempted quitting several times prior, but never really committed to the battle and thus, had never succeeded... until now.
I am happy to anounce that I have been a non-smoker now for 50 days. I have beaten the cravings and do not experience the frequent urges any longer. Albeit, there are still urges - but I am confident in saying that I will NEVER smoke another cigarette again.
This is amazing and I am grateful but this has come at great cost...
I believe that I am suffering from depression.
Apparently this battle has changed me. I have had friends who were unable to understand the challenge I was facing and as a result, these friendships no longer exist. I attribute this outcome to a combination of unsupportive friends and a fierce, and unrelenting temper of mine - this of course, has not improved since my quit date, but rather has worsened with my irritability.
I do not know when this is going to end. I am angry. I am sad. I am lost.
What can I do?
Please know that nicotine intake has been shown to HIDE an existing depression or anxiety condition in people. Quitting smoking allows the disorder to become "activated" more pronounced than before.
Please do not take it lightly. Anxiety can develop into depression and is very dangerous. I speak from experience.
Please seek medical help to counterbalance any mental/psychological issues as they may not pass on their own.
Cheers.
Smoke free for 2 years.
Please do not take it lightly. Anxiety can develop into depression and is very dangerous. I speak from experience.
Please seek medical help to counterbalance any mental/psychological issues as they may not pass on their own.
Cheers.
Smoke free for 2 years.
I am 28 days into my "quit". My overwhelming feeling right now is disappointment. Quitting smoking was supposed to change my life for the better! Now I have mild depression, tiredness, irritability, achiness and various other minor ailments. I felt so-o-o-o much better as a smoker. Again, I am disappointed and bitter about this. The intense cravings are gone but I am struggling with the feeling I was better off as a smoker.
On day 5 I developed flu like symptoms. I was using nicotine gum but gave it up because my throat hurt so bad. My body is aching all over. I didn't move off my couch for 2 days (Friday and Saturday). I coughed up dark colored phelm for about 20 minutes in the shower this morning.
The weirdest part is the anxiety. I have felt like I am going crazy from paranoia at times. Waves of depression have hit me and I felt like everything sucked (especially me).
Anyway, I'm NOT GIVING UP!!! I fighting even if that means laying on the couch all day.
I really appreciate all the posts. It has helped me a lot. Good luck to everyone.
The weirdest part is the anxiety. I have felt like I am going crazy from paranoia at times. Waves of depression have hit me and I felt like everything sucked (especially me).
Anyway, I'm NOT GIVING UP!!! I fighting even if that means laying on the couch all day.
I really appreciate all the posts. It has helped me a lot. Good luck to everyone.
I like to share my symptoms after I quit smoking since last April, it is a tough going that I did not anticipate!!
1. Heart Palpitations
2. Insomnia and Night Sweating
3. Anxiety and Depression
4. Shortness of Breath
5. Tight Chest
6. Diarrhea
7. Acid Reflux
8. Dry Mouth and Cold Symptoms
9. Nausea and Dizziness
Etc..
I am not sure all of the symptoms came from quit smoking but I did not have them before I quit. The symptoms are getting easier, some may be slower than I want but you will feel better as time passes.
S.
1. Heart Palpitations
2. Insomnia and Night Sweating
3. Anxiety and Depression
4. Shortness of Breath
5. Tight Chest
6. Diarrhea
7. Acid Reflux
8. Dry Mouth and Cold Symptoms
9. Nausea and Dizziness
Etc..
I am not sure all of the symptoms came from quit smoking but I did not have them before I quit. The symptoms are getting easier, some may be slower than I want but you will feel better as time passes.
S.
Oh, I have had most of of the same symptoms you are getting after quit smoking!! I will say some of the symptoms are still hanging around with me after last April when I quit but I feel better as time passes. It's slow healing process but worth it. You will get better. Don't give up the quit!!
While I am relieved to find that I am not alone in experiencing these symptoms, it would be nice to hear someone come back and say that they are finally better. I quit on 1/4/09 and the anxiety is getting pretty bad. I have problems staying asleep at night and I'm getting over an ear infection.
Hi...
I quit smoking cold turkey on Jan. 5th, 2009. That was 46 days ago and I am waiting to feel better, I constantly feel sick to my stomach and dizzy. I have had a few people (that were big smokers) tell me it took about 2 - 3 months to feel better. I am in commission sales and need to focus on work or go broke.....but that isn't working......I power walk every day 2 miles at least...eat well and sometimes too much and have put on about 8 pounds.....but feel sick....and tired.....
I have typically been a healthy person.....other than the smoking....I am feeling that I will give it to 3 and a half months and start again if I don't feel better.....
Is there anyone else feeling the same way or does any one else have something that I can try.....
Thanks for any input......
Lesley
I quit smoking cold turkey on Jan. 5th, 2009. That was 46 days ago and I am waiting to feel better, I constantly feel sick to my stomach and dizzy. I have had a few people (that were big smokers) tell me it took about 2 - 3 months to feel better. I am in commission sales and need to focus on work or go broke.....but that isn't working......I power walk every day 2 miles at least...eat well and sometimes too much and have put on about 8 pounds.....but feel sick....and tired.....
I have typically been a healthy person.....other than the smoking....I am feeling that I will give it to 3 and a half months and start again if I don't feel better.....
Is there anyone else feeling the same way or does any one else have something that I can try.....
Thanks for any input......
Lesley
Ok, first of all, I'm glad to have found this thread...makes me feel better about my recent discouragement. I'm a 37 year old male. I have smoked since I was about 15 - about a pack a day. My eight year old daughter wrote me a letter urging me to quit that tore my heart out. I'll gladly post the full text if anyone wants to share it with another smoker...it's pretty good. In any event, it motivated this die hard smoker to try and on Jan 1 09' I did. I must have been ready because I really didn't have much trouble. The withdrawal however completely caught me by surprise. starting at about the end of the first week, my digestive system went into an all out assault. The pain, bloating, gas, acid reflux, constipation, pencil thin stools and constant stomach gnawing continue as I write this. I just wasn't prepared for this. I did start taking Threelac hoping to stabilize but have found no relief to date. Other detox symptoms include: sudden acne, insomnia, mood swings, constant hunger, and coated tongue. This is no picnic but I intend to win and I hope all of you do to. In my case, I attribute all these unpleasantries to the fact that I have been oxygen deprived since before I even stopped growing. We'll get through it.
Hang in there, I have had some of your symptoms after quitting smoking in last April. Gas, bloating stomach, acid reflux and coated tongue etc. It will get easier, but I suggest you go to see a doctor. Doctor should help you, I went to see doctor 4-5 times after I quit. Good luck!