The breathing problems from last night only escalated today. I can barely breathe.
Perhaps this is the start of a nasty cold, but whatever it is, I want it to go away as fast as possible.
My lungs are KILLING me!
I’m literally gasping for every breath, and I’ve toyed with buying an inhaler, or going to the doctor.
My body (lungs, most specifically) seems to be expelling the toxins left and right, making me cough every 30 seconds or so.
It’s really painful.
I can’t sleep.
Last night I had to sit up to make myself feel comfortable, because as soon as I would lie down flat on my bed, the pressure was just too much for my lungs and I would cough endlessly.
I got like 2 or 3 hours of sleep, at best.
Am I craving a cigarette?
Absolutely not! It’s the furthest thing from my mind, as I can barely breathe to begin with.
If I did want to smoke (and I don’t) where would the smoke go? Not into my lungs, because I feel there is no room right now, as they are so swollen.
One thing I do want to say is that I don’t remember ever having illnesses impact my lungs so much.
As a smoker for 18 years, as I grew older, whenever I would get sick, it always started in my lungs.
That never happened to me as a child.
I never had breathing problems associated with a cold or flu. But now it seems to be the case 100% of the time.
Is it because of smoking? I think so.
Seriously, I can’t even imagine smoking right now.
I was miserable, and hated myself and my life, every single day.
Despite my newly acquired cold, my life is awesome now. It’s not centered around the bar scene, or smoking as much as I possibly could, or wasting all my money.
Now I try to make each day the best it can possibly be.
Withdrawal is a crazy roller coaster, I must admit. Looking back on previous days, it seems to be up and down and up and down.
Who knows what tomorrow will be like?
Although the entire process of quitting can be (and is) extremely painful, it’s definitely worth it in the end.
Would I be sick right now if I were still a smoker? Would I be even more sick? Yes, I think so.
I’m having an awful time right now, but if I was still smoking, it would be twice as bad. I might even be at the hospital, who knows.
I do know, from experience, that sicknesses last much shorter as a non-smoker than when you’re a smoker.
Can you relate?
Their body is trying to expel all the junk that is trapped inside their lungs, and oftentimes are susceptible to illness.
Cigarettes harm your immune system, so when that’s down, you’re vulnerable to becoming ill.
That’s why smokers get sick more often.
Hopefully tomorrow this moves from my lungs to somewhere else, as it is really painful to be coughing non-stop the entire night.
I don’t even know if I’ll be able to sleep, that’s how bad it is.
Luckily, I have tomorrow off.
I can’t wait until the day when I no longer physically depend on stupid cancer sticks, or mentally give them one ounce of thought.
They have taken 18 years of my life, and I want it back. I want it all back.
I want to be the real ME, and I’m going to get there, no matter what it takes.
I’m tired of it.
I can pretty well relate to everyone here on day 12. It’s rough! My story kind of differs from a lot of cigarette quitters though. Nothing has changed in my life except not smoking. I still drink coffee, still have my night time “toddies”, my husband still smokes in the house and vehicle and I am totally good with that. I have a real life cigarette that I hold either in my hand or hang from my mouth. It’s comforting, like a pacifier and I’m never tempted to light it. I roll my husbands cigarettes if he’s busy. The neighbor man comes to watch sporting events and smokes. I know I’m not the only person on the face of the earth who can do all this and not be bothered. But this is the choice I made and I don’t expect anyone to change because of my decision. I’ve never written about this before because I figure no one would believe me. So here’s to another day everyone! We can do it!
Seems like I’ve had a headache for the past two days. I don’t like taking painkillers unless I’m menstruation so I’m just dealing with it. I also cough up a little mucus in the mornings but way lighter than it used to be.
I only get cravings at work now and they last a few seconds it seems and my brain just moves on. Kinda funny actually. I now have a book at my desk that I read on my ex “smoke breaks”.
Even though I feel my experience is different because I smoked tobacco cigarettes, free of nicotine, I appreciate this blog and every comment. I used to smoke nicotine cigs but switched to tobacco only a few years ago.
The only issue is I have to stop myself from reading ahead. Haha.
Thanks for taking this journey.
One day at a time.
Day 12 is really hard. Woke up thinking my ciggies would be outside when I end outside but they were not! Told my hubby I could not hang outside I the backyard as he is still smoking
I have found the 2nd week harder than the first. Day 12 is much the same as the previous few. Hard work!!
When does this get easier?
My head is telling me for god sake have a fag, you cant like this, you can cut back and ut won’t hurt you.
Literally craving it 24/7
Thought it would be easier by now.
Please tell me it gets better soon….
Day 12 for me as well. I still have cravings, of course, but the worst for me is not feeling like myself. Who am I? I have to keep reminding myself that I am the same without the addiction. One of these days I hope that becomes a positive! Good luck, all of you. If nothing else, you have my empathy. I get it!!
Day 12 no nicotine and I haven’t had my usual total emotional meltdowns that have sent me back every other time I’ve tried to quit so that’s encouraging, but today I was very teary. Took myself to the cinema and watched 2 movies back to back for distraction and cried at both of them!
Although I quit smoking cigarettes years ago, I’ve been addicted to Nicorette Quickmist ever since. It’s way more addictive than cigarettes because you can sneak in a quick puff no matter where you are, day and night and it gives you an instant “hit”. But try getting off it! Serious mental health issue. I felt rage, depression, anxiety through the roof. I felt like a complete mental case!
My advice for anyone fooling themselves into thinking they can ease the pain of withdrawal by consuming an alternative source of nicotine? DON’T!!!
Nicotine addiction is like an EVIL space invader that will control your mind forever if you let it. Of course you’ll have less “cravings” if you use NRT! You’re still feeding the nicotine monster in your brain!
Going cold turkey and arguing with that nicotine monster on a daily/hourly basis until you starve it to death is the only way to truly be FREE!
Reading the comments on here every day has helped enormously. One day at a time. We’ve got this!
Day 12 of no nicotine for me cold turkey, after 10 years of a pack a day. My throat hurts, and I’m really stuffy. I’ve got a headache. The first week was nothing for me. No sickness, no aches, nothing bad. Now I’m feeling like trash. Starting to get concerned.
Day 12, cold turkey.. I ate one bite of brownie and it trigerred me to smoke but I didn’t. Same thing happened the last time I ate a dessert 3 days ago too. Maybe I should avoid sugar until my 21 days are over for some ease..
Starting in on day 12 i used 21mg patches for 9 days an have decided no more im not putting anymore nicotine in ive slept hardly at all i dont have cough just feels like theres something in my throat an i cant clear it and nose an ears are blocked.my gums an teeth hurt.and im aching my feet an ankles my wrists my shoulders an my back.oh the headache too im experiencing a burning sensation in bottom of feet an my crutch an hands.never ever have felt this before.is this really nictione withdrawl how has this been allowed to be sold to us.. i dont want a smoke at least well till it pops into my head an i couldnt imangine ever poisoning myself again.this is awful.im in Australia packet of Winfield 25s are $42 hence my need to quit i.just never realised how sick these things made you.
Thankfully day 12 is drawing to a close. It’s been a tough old day, for no other reason than I fancied a cigarette on numerous occasions. I didn’t though and I won’t again.
Some thoughts and musing though
I’ve quit before for a few months, but this time it feels really different. Last time I didn’t get rid of the ashtray and left half a packet of fags in the drawer, but this time I binned the lot. I figured I won’t be needing them ever again. It still feels it was the right thing to do.
It also feels over the past 12 days that time has gone soooooooo slow. I’m not sure what that’s about.
Future plans. I’m looking to buy an exercise bike. Due to covid all gyms are closed and even if they weren’t I’d probably feel to anxious and unfit to go in. So that’s gonna be my treat and it won’t become a wardrobe for me to just throw my clothes on.
Onwards and upwards, tomorrow will be another smoke free day and I’m smashing this!
Day 12! My husband got mad I wouldn’t let him smoke in the truck today he has been supportive and I get it he’s not quitting so why should he have to change his life because of my choice but I worked so hard to get here and then to get all that second hand and smell like it again I think would have put me back and I would have said why don’t I just have one! He eventually stopped and got out and had one quick! I’m so close to week 2 and super excited I’ve never hit 2 weeks before! This blog and comments are super helpful I feel like I’m going thru this with a community instead of feeling alone! Thank you and good luck everyone!
Is quite nice to have support through this. I am on day 12 being nicotine free after 43 years of heavy smoking.Its odd I woke up 12 mornings ago,Said I’m done with this, then a prayer & I’ve not lit up since.Its no different than A.A one step at a time,& remember you’re not alone.
Day 12. Going well! Smoked pretty steady the last 43 years. Never really got too much over a pack a day. Quit for a year at one point many years ago. Drinking has a lot to do with it. Don’t hardly drink anymore. I haven’t had the symptoms a lot of people nentioned. Was always a healthy smoker. Have always ran, cycled etc. pretty rigorously. But loved my cigarettes too. I heard it’s better to smoke and exercise than to not smoke and not exercise. But the addiction is such a mind game. Smoking is so stupid but I can convince myself i need to do it. Makes no sense. I will be very disappointed if i fail this time. I’m mist at risk in a social drinking situation, especially if with female company who smokes. But with the lockdown none if that is happening. We’ll see.
Oh. Insomnia, big time!
I’m on day 12 I take an antihistamine cetrine I can’t spell it properly before any spots the mistake?on the nights I can’t sleep it knocks me clean out not everyone’s cup of tea I know but it works for me
Day 12 for me. Started age 15, almost 30 years of smoking a pack a day. I quit for a year once in my 20’s, then had “just one” and we know how that goes. Finding this site was a real godsend for me. Like Mateo, I was going to quit “tomorrow” for many many years and only always bought one pack at a time hoping each one would be my last. I hated smoking but my addiction was over the top. I was the worst of the worst nicotine junkie and felt hopeless. My mom was diagnosed a couple of years ago with COPD after a lifetime of smoking. Hearing her cough and struggle to do daily tasks really brought home that this is my future if I don’t stop. I just didn’t know how I could because I always failed. This is the first time I got angry at nicotine. It is not “my friend” or something I am “giving up.” It’s an evil that I need out of my life. I am still going through physical withdrawal but it is worth it and reading this blog keeps me going. Withdrawal is NOT 3 days like they tell you. It is beyond inspiring to read Mateo’s honest posts about his first 30 days. This is the first person I ever heard about who seemed to have that monkey on his back as bad as I did, and he quit, and stayed quit. I can too. It is not fun nor easy but I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel this time and I’m never going back. Thank you so much Mateo.
I read these posts daily to help me maintain focus and know I am not the only one.
Had a horrible taste all day in mouth today from coughing up tar. It tasted like the smell of cigarettes if you know what I mean – so the day was tough.
Had a sore throat and aching body last 2 days and thats gone.
I ended up just drinking hell lots of water today.
At first the cravings came on like a detective interviewing me. Come on sir you know you want to smoke. det smoke said. Now I got this cough. It’s not bad but a pain. I’m sleeping a little better. And I got a lot more energy. Not too many cravings but they do come from time to time. Just can’t wait untill it’s over and I will not think about what I have been through.
Well done everyone. I’m on day 12. Last night I started coughing and feeling poorly with flu like symptoms. Is this normal when quiting?
I’ve smoked for 35 years and determined to do it this time. Eating well and drinking lots of water. Long walks with the dog and deep breathing.
Feeling pretty low today but this blog helps so much.
Is anyone waking up feeling like they’re not able to breathe? Like my dreams are waking me up with this “holding my breath” feeling..
Day 12
I am 35 years old and finally decided to quit. I started smoking when I was 15 years old. I quit when I was 28 for 5 years then started again because of stress yes stupid of me but I did!! Now I’m on day 12 and it’s been one of the easiest days I’ve had!! But still a struggle my stomach hurts I’m constipated and my chest is sore still!! I did have some brain fog and got dizzy a little!! But that is feeling so much better!! I am feeling so much more healthier more energy and not as irritable!! #day12 #day13almosthere
Well done keep it up mate,I’m day 12 today and I feel great.im smoking since I’m about 14 and I’m 38 now,I’ve smoked hash or grass nearly everyday of my life since I’m 16 just to add to the smokes,I’ve been smoking an ounce of grass every 9 days for the last 3 years,major smoking .i know now that I’m finished with it and I’m never goin back coz the only place il be going if I kept that up was the boneyard.best of luck my friend
Day 12 yay me! have smoked for over 20yrs …was beginning to feel sick on Jan 3rd so threw down the cigs cuz cough was horrible and could not breath well so bought an inhaler and it helped alot along with ibuprofen which is anti inflamatory and my regular daily zyrtec and within 4 or 5 days was alot better and now I am even better, I am not craving at all…chew lots of sugar free gum and keep busy I feel like a new woman because I am…robbed myself of several precious yrs STAY STRONG!! if I can quit cold turkey believe me any one can!
OMG I am so excited, no cravings at all today. Now I was flat out busy most of the day getting ready for an adult birthday party. Smoking did cross my mind when I had to go pick up some booze, and I was thinking about the smokers who would be attending (been trying to stay away from my smoker friends for a bit)decided I would have to suck it up.
Well I made it through the party, even had 1 glass of wine, just one as I did not want to go any where near pushing my luck. Earlier in the day and because I did not want to have a coughing fit(they creep up on you) I mixed 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with water and shot that back, about 2 hrs later I was coughing up black crap, clearly from my lungs, did not cough throughout the evening. PS was told one time from an old doctor that this mixture is a cheap and effective homemade chemo therapy. Just saying 🙂
Day 12 for me and I feel pretty good. Have smoked for over 50 years off and on. Mostly on so withdrawal was very bad. Felt like I had the flue but that has eased. Having cravings more often now that I feel better. Hanging on and look forward to day 13.
Day 12 cold turkey for me. The cravings are horrible today. I am very close to giving up. The anxiety, frustration, and anger are killing me right now. On the flip side I feel better. My smoker’s cough is gone, I am not wheezing, I’m sleeping better. Plus I have saved some money. I just keep reminding myself that I hate smoking.
Kathy, I am day 12 too! Hope you haven’t slipped! Hang in there, I’ve smoked for 45 years and first 10 days were a piece of cake, but like you, today I am jonsing real bad, But I feel so much better, I can start ever touch one again! Best of luck and hang in there!
Today, I am 12 days and 16 hours smoke free and really proud of myself. After smoking for 30+ years and multiple failed attempts to quit, I find myself holding strong this go around. The latest withdrawal symptom – tight chest. There no congestion like that of the Cold or Flu, it just feels like I’m wearing a tight undershirt. It’s not painful but it’s a weird feeling. According to the countless sites I’ve read the Cilia in the lungs begin to regenerate right about the 3rd month, so I think this maybe the point that most everyone talks about where I will start coughing up junk. I’m not per se looking forward to this but I prefer it to the stale smell of a cigarette on me and the knowledge that with every puff I’m cutting my lifespan short. Today has also been a day of utter sleepiness. Oh – my – gosh! Will this tiredness ever end? It doesn’t matter if I sleep 8 hrs or 4 hrs I am still drowsy and all I want is to close my eyes and sleep. On the bright side, this too has gotten better as the days gone by but still not back to a normal schedule. Other than that all seems to be going well, I haven’t seen any changes in my appetite, my overall mood is way better than last week and I can smell again. Yay!
I’ve smoked 45 years, last 10 probably one and a half pack most days. I just finished 12 days smoke free, was on Chantix. I feel like I really miss it. Actually enjoyed it but health-wise I wanna quit. I wanna see my grand kids grow up. I feel a little better but not sleeping well. I’m surprised I’ve been 12 days smoke-free never thought I could go this far. I’ll keep at it, hope for the best. Terri
Hey Matt thanks for your raw truth in your journey.
I don’t know which is worse the craves or the detoxing, which can take the form of flu symptoms.
I smoked for 47 yrs, only had a 7 month quit once back 30 yrs ago
I’m just finishing D12, it has been a rollercoaster ride for sure.
Even with the detoxing, it still feels great to be free, my relentless cough is gone, I can sleep laying down rather than propped up on pillows
I’m in this for the long haul.
The good by far outweighs the bad
On to D13
Day 12! Nicotine free after 16 years (had a 4 year break then resumed smoking 3.5 years ago like a fool) I I feel so accomplished having made it this many days. I had very strong feelings yesterday very horrible mood swings and no patience today was better but when I lose my patience I lose it hard today I really wanted one after getting angry with my child about something. I wanted nicotine bad then but I didn’t give in. I know I can make it they were a crutch making me escape from unpleasant emotions or filling the spaces in between of life
Day 12 off Nicotine. Nicotine addict for 22 years bar a stent when I quit 4 years ago for 5 full months.
I’m having way less cravings per day. The first 4 days were the worst. Tiredness still there a little but not too bad. Brain fog has lifted. No irritability which I didn’t actually experience. All in all not going bad at all.
I am on Day 12..I smoked for 61 years…but decided to quit when told my Eye Pressure was high so could get Glaucoma. ..when I research found smoking causes eye pressure…I also had a lot of Mucus…it is gone now, my tongue felt burned which Research said could turn into Tongue Cancer…I could not sleep on one side for my bronchials making a noise..it’s gone…I had a terrible bronchial noise when I blew hard..it’s gone…I’ve walked a mile or more for 35 yrs but started giving out of breath..I’m fine now..
Heart Rate down ..couldn’t go to sleep so took PM meds every night..Research reveal culprit was Nicotine….last night went to sleep without PM Med, I’m amazed at changes in my body.
I have glaucoma and macular degeneration the glaucoma took all of my peripheral vision and all I have left is central vision which macular degeneration is attacking. Eye doctor told me to stop smoking immediately. Because of the circulation to the eyes. I’m now on day 12 determined to stay quit and trying to slow down the eye diseases. Wish everyone luck.
Today is my day 12 of not smoking. I had a nightmare last night of me relapsing. It was a sad dream. I even feel like I was smoking last night. I am not well today, I feel like I have flu. I don’t understand my body. But I am not going back to smoking.
Wow! I had that same exact dream!! Wtf?!?!?
DAY 12 AND I didn’t sleep as good, I noticed my stomach hurting, stuffy sinuses and spitting up a little bit of stuff I think from my lungs, and headaches . I still notice cravings and I am thankful for these posts as I thought the physical withdrawal only lasts about three days. I smoked for over 40 years and quit a few times only to go back a couple years later. This time I used an e-cig for 5 months, tried the patch, then just decided to quit cold turkey.
To me learning how to do everything without any type of cigarette, the psychological part, is tough. I used to love to smoke socially and realized i was now doing it more when i was alone or trying to hide it. I am feeling better but it has been a roller-coaster ride, too. My moods change quickly, thoughts of my past try to get me to go back to smoking and trying to make me feel bad.
I’m on day 12 and I have to say I feel great!! I still have strong cravings as well, but I’m going to keep moving forward!!!
Day 12 I’m choking with fleem and short of breath hopefully it will pass soon I have smoked 45 years
I’m on day 12. I don’t have cravings but my bones and muscles ache, i have a killer headache most days and i cannot sleep at night. Has anyone Had issues like this? I’ve smoked many years and quit several times only to relapse. This time I laid them down, didn’t use the Vape as a crutch and just went cold Turkey. I don’t have the Psychological cravings but these physical symptoms are kicking my butt
Thank you for posting. I get the killer headaches too…. Not sure what that is all about. They say it’s all mental at this point… I don’t know. Anyway, stay strong. I’m at 11 days 12 hours cold turkey.
Horrible headache as well…also on day 12
They will pass. Stay strong!
When ?
I have the bone and muscle asches too. Day 12 for me and I smoked for 20 years.
I have choking can’t get up all the flem on day 12 no craving
I am half-way through my Day 12. I can’t believe the cravings are still as strong as the hell week. Day 10 & 11 were so much better. But I have started feeling the positive effects of quitting. i am able to run a mile every morning now. the cigarette stains in my lips and fingers are fading.
thank you for this website/blog. I am reading all the different experiences in the comments everyday.
Hi All!
First of all thank you for your posts, they are indeed motivating.
I am also on day 12 of quitting cold turkey. I was a smoker for over 15 years. I must say it’s going great. I do not have much cravings if there are I am not noticing or feeling them at all. I am also not having a lot of side effects except for not sleeping and almost feeling like I’m HALLUCINATING, like I’m losing my mind a little. Has anyone else ever had these side effects?
I have choking can’t get up all the flem on day 12 no craving
My day 12 of quitting cold turkey. I tested myself today if I can say no to smoking. I attended a friends birthday. I surpassed the test that I gave to myself. I did not accept any cigarette offered. I’m just a bit sad because I don’t want to be a secondhand smoker so I didn’t stay long.
When I arrived home, I felt my mind asking me why I didn’t smoke at the party. I answered with 3 glasses of fresh sweet melon juice.
HELLO! I am 35 and smoked for almost 20!! I AM READING YOU FROM ITALY, I AM NOW ON THE 2ND WEEK NICOTINE FREE AND I FEEL OK…EVEN TOUGH THE TOUGHEST CRAVING MOMENTS ARE WHEN I AM ALONE IN MY HOUSE, CIGARETTES KEPT ME COMPANY IN MY LONELY MOMENTS AS I DIDN’T USE TO SMOKE IN FRONT OF OTHERS. Even if they were smokers. In fact, most didn’t even know! I find it very helpful reading your blog as I am looking on the net for any experience I can relate to in this process to keep me focused and motivated. Cravings are real but the idea of smoking a cigarette again doesn’t really attract me anymore.
Today is day 12 and I woke up this morning feeling like i smoked a pack last night. I do have an inhaler from when i was sick a few months ago. I took a few puffs of that and it seemed to help. I have been taking sleeping pills and diet pills. I quit about 10 years ago for 1 year and gained 50 lbs so this is not something i can do again. I feel accomplished. I am 43 and smoked for 30 years. i have 3 children and only one of them is a smoker. I think if she see’s me succeed she will try it.
I became a smoker again 2 and half years ago after quitting for 5! That only took one cigarette to get hooked again! I was so cross with myself, but I am now on day 12 being a non-smoker again. I was so ill for 7 weeks with colds, cough, completely shattered so couldn’t smoke so this was my opportunity to quit! I now feel so much better! Cough finally went 2 days ago my lungs seem to have cleared out as not coughing up anything revolting anymore, my skin is looking so much better and my eyes are a lot clearer. But I do now have a swollen tummy as of yesterday!! Which is quite bad I look pregnant!! Is this common??
Yes, a distended stomach is common as it happened to me. It affected my lung capacity quite a bit and I couldn’t sleep at night sometimes because I couldn’t breathe. It’s all apart of the withdrawal process and coming off all those chemicals.
I am having a cold with stuffy nose and slight fever on 11th and 12th day today. Smoking for 35 years and trying twice earlier, this is third time going for cold turkey.
As much as it sucks, the good news for you is that it is perfect timing for you to be sick. You won’t be craving cigarettes. It was always very easy for me to not smoke when I was sick, regardless of whether I wanted to quit or not. My body simply didn’t want it. However, after the sickness is over with, the intense cravings will return. So be aware. But take this time now while you’re sick and don’t even consider smoking.
Same length of smoking , same exact symptoms in day 12
Yes I’m into my 12th day and I feel great. I can’t believe how good I feel. No more symptoms of having a cold or sniffing nose. My craving are less now maybe 3 short cravings a day,I’m so proud myself. I know once a smoke always a smoker I gave up for 25 years and started 3 years ago. I which I good get those 3 years back and I’m never going to make that mistake of have just one cigarette again not worth it