Hey folks,

My passion to hunt deer and get in shape after 32 yrs of smoking cigarettes is going to be a mile-stone for me!

Started smoking cigs while a junior in high school and now I'm soon to turn 49 yrs old in a couple months. I hope it ain't too late to to get healthier...

On my last few hunts I've been getting easily winded walking steep grades and I can't put it off any longer!

I'm starting first thing in the morning and go cold-turkey!

I have to fight it as my life DOES depend upon it and I want to hunt hard in my usual fashion of spot and stalk.

As a Late-Bloomer [3 yrs only] to the sport of hunting I gotta make-up time for all the abuse I put my body through!

Wish me luck please and if any one has been there and done that and now having better results with stamina and endurance please share your story as I could use the encouragement

For now I'll get on that treadmill in the morning and will start working out with weights, etc. and work-up SLOWLY from there so I won't burn-out

This time I'll quit for good no matter what it takes!

I got too many hunting days ahead of me not too!

I hope my lungs will be able to somewhat recover.

It's now or never!

Thanks!

Roland

Latebloomer,I am solid in your corner.I started smoking as a high schooler also.Three years ago at age 65 I quit smoking using Chantix.I smoked 50 years.I would not smoke one now for anything.
You will feel so much better after quitting.Your sense of smell will return and you will realize how much cigarettes absolutely STINK!
If you are serious about hunting you WILL quit and stay quit.Hang in there.

Stan in SC

Cold turkey is the way I did it fifteen years ago. I had smoked for thirty + years and really did not have that hard time of it. A positive attitude and as my wife says "a hard head" may have helped. I will be pulling for you. miles

Great job, do it without delay. I never smoked and exercised from 30-50 then quit. Hard to find good safe bike routes in NC. My cholesterol spiked at 320 and it was too late to get it down and prevent arterial blockage, result triple bypass. Get a check up and lose any excess weight. Im now almost 65 a year after my cardiac adventure. Did 1250 miles on my bike since July, feel great and get stronger everyday. Smoking, age, family history, and life style will get you a pickle. Those are the big risk factors. I encourage all to get checkups and keep in shape. You are making a huge step, good on you. I am in Cardiac Rehab for life and have Heart Disease for life. My life hasnt ended it just became more challenging.

estacado,I had quad by pass in June,2008.I feel ten years younger.You are correct in keeping the weight off and exercising.


Stan in SC

Ro,

I'll be praying for you brother. I know you will get past this!


ddj

LB,
Way to go!! Its the only way to do it. Your motivation will be the hunts you can do, the money you will save and mostly, the better you will feel.

Congrats on the decision. It's a good one.

Start easy and keep a realistic goal in mind, and you will be surprised at how you feel this time next year.

If you haven't given it a thought, consider diet also.

Good for you and good luck.
My 2 cents: 1) cross train to get in the best shape possible and also avoid burnout. Lots of ways to exercise for hunting besides jogging.
2) your weight may spike in the near future. The extra exercise will take care of that soon.

Don't quit quitting. And enjoy next season even more.

stumpy

Congrats to you. It won't be an easy road. I have never smoked, but have witnessed many family members quit.

If my Grandma who smoked for 50 years could quit cold trukey, you can to.

Good luck.

After many years of cigarette smoking, I also went cold turkey. The first couple of days was like everyting was in slow motion and I had to concentrate hard on whatever I was doing. But this passed and things got back to normal. I wish I could tell you that I quit for my health but that would not be true. When I was preparing to quit, I figured how much I spent a year on smoking. I then planned to put that money into my hunting/shooting fund, so I could buy some nicer things than what I currently had. It worked. Everytime I was tempted to start smoking again, I visualized the next item on my list to buy and knew that I could only buy it, if I didn't smoke.

Good luck.

PS. The year after I quit smoking, I harvested more bucks that I ever had. While I did not smoke on my stand, I did just before going out hunting. So there was probably some tobacco smell on my clothes.

I'm with you LB,I go on chantix on wednesday,I am so looking forward to being a non smoker,after 30 years.

I'm going to save all my smoke money up, Elkhunter76 says he has an aircraft carrier he will sell me at a good price.

(thats an inside joke)

but seriously,smoking has become a big pain in azz,and I'm looking forward to be done with it.
good luck to you.

Hey gang I appreciate all your support and encouragement!!!

I WILL DO IT...I HAVE TO!!!

Here in Hawaii we have an open season to hunt Axis deer yearlong...We don't hunt fron tree stands nor use blinds, it's all spot and stalk.

So one has to hump it in our mountainous terrain to get off the beaten path

I'm serious about deer hunting and I'm serious about quitting these stinking cigarettes!!!

Tired of smelling like an ashtray and feeling like a truck with no motor and no wheels

Thank you guys and I'll stay focus!!!.....FRESH AIR!!!

Not a doctor and don't play one on TV but did have a chance to discuss this very subject with a Ph.D. who is doing research on lung regeneration after smoking cessation. Research indicates that as long as you quit before the cancer starts typical lung regeneration (cilia (sp?) reformation) begins 2 to 3 days after the last puff. He said even if you have precancerous cells the sloughing of the lungs can even reverse that condition.
His advice to my friend who has smoked all his life was to ignore the fact that lung generation begins in 2 to 3 days and that in 6 months to a year restoration can sometimes be 100% and focus on the fact that once the cells become malignant it's too late and the outlook is NOT GOOD. The time for the cells to become malignant varies from person to person. He said once you quit you won't need anyone to tell you about the lung regeneration because you will feel it with each breath you take.
GOOD LUCK and stay strong!!

A couple of people have mentioned and I agree: With regards to the "getting into shape", start easy, very easy. It is so tempting to try to get it all done at once and then you wake up in the morning too stiff to get out of bed. And so you decide to "skip a day" and then it's all over. Just like your promise to "quit next year". You didn't get out of shape in a day.

One suggestion I have for you comes from a recovering alcoholic friend of mine --20 years ago. AAA teaches you that you NEVER quit drinking; you are NEVER cured. You are just a drunk that hasn't had a drink in a (long) while. And that is what I perceive myself as being. I am a heavy smoker that hasn't had a cigarette in a long time. Have I quit; am I cured? No, to say that means victory. That I've won. That I can relax. But I haven't. I could pick up a cigarette right now and smoke it. And tomorrow, I'd be puffing away trying to make up for lost time.

Am I beset by a constant craving like when I first stopped? No, I rarely think about smoking but when I read a post like yours, I remember what a tough job it is. I can tell you from experience --I quit at about the same age you are--you will get some of your fitness back but not all. But it'll be worth it.

Thanks I needed to hear these too gang!

Like you said I may not be able to get all my health back but what I'm able to recover I will be VERY appreciative for it...considering the stupid abuse

Well said stillbeeman!

Yep good on you! Its worth it...I had a 2.5 pack a day habit for 18 years...quit about that long ago, and am glad I did...quitting was easy for me( long story)
Now, I found other ways to defile my body, so Im fighting the battle of the bulge....but its too hard to get up the hill, so I am motivated...

Keep up the good work...stick with it, you'll not be sorry for any of it...except smoking in the first place...


Ingwe

Hey L-B--

I'm 78 years old. Smoked from the time I was 10 till I was 34. At last I was up to 5 pack a day. Decided to quit cold turkey and made it happen. Was a lot of mind over matter and a tough go, but I did it. You will be suprised how your body will heal and respond to a little bit of care.All the best.

Best of luck and yes please do keep us posted on your success with this. Hunting deer in Hawaii, wow that would be cool!

These few words say a lot! You are much more likely to actually quit because YOU WANT TO, not because somebody else wants you to. The mind is a powerful thing and with the proper mindset anything is possible.

Best of luck, its going to be a difficult road ahead but the reward is so worth what your giving up.

Drummond

Hawaii? You ever try turkey hunting there? How is it?

MrsTzone wants to go to Hawaii and I'd like to try to sneak a turkey hunt in while we're there. She didn't seem real impressed when I mentioned that tho.

Porn and Cheeto's ?

Drummond,

Yep, that's the diff this time...It's because I WANT TO QUIT versus Mrs. Late-Bloomer

It's no doubt going to be tough, however I just keep FOCUSING on them hills I want to tread upon and find them buggers
and learn their terrain and habits!

I have a lot to accomplish in my deer hunting adventures

I quit cold turkey 34 years ago. Cigarettes were 45 cents a pack than. Not easy, but dam glad I did.

I am just finishing up my last week on Chantix. The only issue I had was the VERY WEIRD dreams so doc put me on a low dose anti-axiety med. Luckily by this coming Sunday I will me off it all. I have no desire, no cravings, even after dinner or when I have gone to a bar. My BP has dropped even more after dumping this nasty habit and at this rate may even get off BP med.
I am pulling for you ALL!

LateBloomer,
While cigarette smoking is definitely a physical addiction, quitting is all in having the proper mindset, and until one has the proper mindset, one won't quit(at least not me anyways).

I started smoking at 15, by the time I graduated high school I was a (minimum) 2 pack a day smoker, for many years 3 packs a day. Tried many times to quit in later years, cutting down, etc. and I'd reward myself for being good and be right back where I was. Point being, I didn't really want to quit.

I quit cold turkey early in Sept. 2009 after 43 years of continuous smoking. Cold turkey, no doctor, no medication, no nothing, I just quit, and I was easily one of the worlds hardest core smokers.

What it boils down to it the 'mindset' I talked about above. You have to get to the point where you can say(and MEAN), 'enough is [bleep] enough'. Until I got to that point, I couldn't seem to quit, and once I got to that point, it actually surprised me how easy it was to quit.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have the proper 'mindset'.

Garry,

This makes all the difference in the world!

It's because I finally do have the proper mind-set to go at it!

I'm mentally prepared for the task at hand THIS TIME...

Thanks brother!

My late Father quit cold turkey the day the Surgeon General's report on smoking came out in 1965. He also dropped 100# after being diagnosed with diabetes a few years later. His lungs returned to the condition of those of a non-smoker. Dad enjoyed an active lifestyle exercising regularly and lived to be 89 yrs. old.

Well, LateBloomer, I do not count smoking among my many vices, so I have no first hand advice for you.

I did, however, want to give you one more message of support! This one comes from Sweden, 250 miles from the Arctic Circle where we have about 3 foot of snow on the ground still.

Bit different from Hawaii, I'm sure!

When things get tough, think of all your friends all over the world rooting for you.. and do not have that first cigarette!

John

LateBloomer, been there, done that. One of, if not the most difficult things that I have ever done. You have the right mindset and seem very motivated. You must somehow, someway, keep that mindset. Your plan to excercise as well at the same time is gold. My wife quit but did not excercise to make up for the slower metobolic rate that you will experience and then had to fight loosing weight. You are right in tackling them together. I must have quit five times until I finally kicked the habit. If you fall off the wagon....get back on. As others have said, don't quit quitting! Good luck and if you can get your friends and family on board with you. Their encouragement and love will help you very much. Just seeing that you are from Hawaii makes me miss my old military Vietnam veteran friend who lives on the Big Island in Hilo. Hang Tough!!

Thank you brother!

I started smoking in 1991 in Saudi Arabia. I've made good on this year's resoltion and haven't had one this year. I used to smoke a pack a day in the 90s to a pack a week the last 4 years. I quit one time for 6 monthes so I know I'm not out of the woods yet. One day at a time. I figure if my late grandfather could do it cold turkey so can I. Just think of all the "extra cash" you'll have to spend on guns and gear now.

Oh yeah

Smoked a bit as a kid and quit with my first job as no one had heard of breaks back then. Food tasted better, the cough left, and any chick that smoked was immediately off the list. I suspect you will reap instant returns from quitting.

With all the negative facts available, I find it hard to believe that my 21 yr old son took it up this year. Not allowed to smoke in our house, but the room still smells like sh-t due to the oder on his clothes.

Good luck,

I am trying to screw up the courage to kick the damn things. Been smoking a pack a day for nearly 50 years. Gave em up for 3 months last year and then fell off the wagon when the weather warmed up and I got back in the boat to do some fishing. I HAVE to give this another go. Heard that Chantic can work. Tell me more about the Chantix...please.

1minute....Thanks brother!

meddybemps,

I say go for it!!!

It's never too late brother!!!

I'm sick and tired of smoking and it's high time I DO SOMETHING about it instead of my usual bitch and moan!

Some are happy smokers but I haven't been one in the past 10 yrs and I've chosen to now draw the line in the sand...NO MORE!!!

Good luck!

You're lucky you made it to age 48. Very few people can quit cold turkey, so if you can't, don't give up. Just try something else. The nicotine patches worked for me--on about the 3rd try! I was facing heart attack #4 and still smoking. The doctors and logic said I wouldn't make it through it. My last cigarette was July 4, 1997.

Some hints:

(1) You can't quit smoking around smokers. If your wife smokes, divorce her. Strong words, yes, but the alternative is your death.

(2) Don't go to bars for a least two years after you quit smoking. You'll get a tiny shot of nicotine from the smoke in the air, and you will start wanting to bum a drag off your barstool neighbor's cigarette. "Just one drag!" you'll tell yourself. "It won't hurt!"

You've got more to worry about than heart disease and lung cancer. Your entire arterial system is probably in various stages of clogging. Can you get an erection? If you can, you're lucky. Ever talked to anyone who survived an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgery, better known as an AAA surgery? They take your guts out and repair the swelling in your aortic artery located beside your backbone at or near belly button level. And probably caused by pressure build up behind a blockage or partial blockage--and guess what caused the blockage?

They may or may not get your guts back in their original position. Your guts may or may not be grown together with adhesions, which they'll have to cut and which will grow back in a new location. The result is you will spend the rest of your life always knowing the location of the nearest men's room. When you hit the door--in a hurry--you will be praying that the room has a vacant commode. If it doesn't, you face the prospects of fecal-filled underwear and a long and stinky stroll through the supermarket to your car. You won't see that in a cigarette ad, huh?

Chantix basically fools the brain into thinking you don't want/need one. Your doctor will start you out on the *start week* box which is a higher dose to get the brain kicked into gear. You take them morning and evening. Only side effect I experienced is one I posted previous and that is dreams at night. I can honestly say, as can my brother, we have no desire to even think about lighting up. You don't miss the first smoke of morning,after dinner, or have the craving. Start by asking your doctor if this would be the way to go for you.

Junior1942,

Yep, the cig ads definitely don't tell you that stuff! And I'm the only one in my entire family and friends for that matter that still smokes! Many have given up the habit years ago!

I've been the only foolish one to date, but the time has truly come!

I appreciate your post! Thanks for that grim painted picture that has been a reality for many!

Way to go, Roland....keep the faith!

Prez my brother...thank you for the encouragement!

Ro,

Still praying.


ddj

Thanks you Daron, I'm staying strong and determined!

I will keep everyone posted!

Aloha!

Ro

Also I appreciate the PM's of support and prayers!

Thank you everyone!

aloha!

Ro

Ro, if you try to quit and start thinking you can't . . . think about that long, slow, and stinky stroll through Wal-Mart.

Man, I wish I could get my brother to quit, he needs some of your guts, and determination, good on you Roland! I'm proud of you man! RustyL

My wife used Chantix to quit 3 years ago. I think you're supposed to use them for 2 weeks before quitting, she went 3 then stopped. She had no physical desire for a smoke but the habit was hard for her to break. Eat supper and have a smoke became eat supper and ??? She had to find something to do.

If your insurance won't pay for it, shop around, we found quite a difference in prices.

She had no problems with any side effects.

Best of luck to you and Late Bloomer both

Dale

I smoked 1 pack a day until I was 40yrs old. I quit 3 yrs ago and quit cold turkey. If you can get by 1 week with no ciggs, it gets easier after that.

Controlling your thoughts is the key. Your mind will play games with you! For instance... One more cigg, cigars are ok, only on the weekends, only when I drink, ect.

Basically you gotta quit period. Do not let the nicotine thoughts control you Latebloomer.

It will help quite a bit. You take it for a week while you still smoke as you let it get into your system. The difference with Chantix than other anti smoking aida is that it blocks your desire for nicotine. After a week you quite.



Now for the reality. Quitting smoking is the most God awful thing imaginable. I love smoking, absolutely love it. Is Chantix going to make you all of a sudden forget about smokes,...not even close.

It's going to suck, you'll sweat, you'll get mean and you'll get fat. I can't think of anything less pleasant.



But,...


You'll be able to take in a deep breath without hacking up green schitt. You'll walk up a hill and feel like you are 25. You'll smell things in a way you haven't smelled them since you were younger. You're little buddy will be a little more active.




Trust me, you'll want to smoke and you'll struggle. But if you can concentrate on remembering how God awful you felt when you smoked and how good you feel once you quit, you'll stand a better chance of giving it up for good.



If all else fails, get mean. Real mean. And treat cigarettes as your enemy. Look at a pack of cigarettes and curse 'em. Spit at 'em. piss on 'em. anything to get your mind focused on cigarettes being the enemy.



Good luck to all you unlucky SOB's who are gonna try and quit. Wish you all the best.

Way to go Roland.......It would not hurt to go get a stress test. Its better to know your heart condition ahead time than to have a suprise....

Good for you Roland-

I gave up Marlboro Reds after 24 years and Copenhagen after 17 years ( yes ,at one point I did both at the same time) now I dont do either one.It took having to have an Ablation done to convince me it was time to quit,soon there after my wife gave up the cigs too.

I am all for ANYONE quitting smoking!

I have never smoked in my life, not even interested in trying it..

Yet I've always been 'Mr Nice Guy' when around smokers, instead of being like all the other people who hassle them about it...

So my rewards of being "Mr. Nice Guy"...at 57, I am one of those people you hear about who has respiratory problems, from years of exposure to second hand smoke....

Personally I think taking up smoking is one of the dumbest things a person can do... and quitting it is the smartest thing one can do after starting it..

Not trying to piss anyone off, but having respiratory problems courtesy of other people's vises, and not speaking up or wanting to offend anyone in the past, wasn't evidently the smartest thing for me to do either..

I've always hated being around the damn things.. and now really hate being around them...

So good luck... you may end up help saving the health of those around you also....

December 8,2010,08:30 hrs.,I put out the last cigarette.I smoked for over 50yrs,and was smoking around 4 packs of Winston 100's a day when I said this is insane and this has to stop.I haven't touched one since then.I know it's only been a short time since I stopped,but I believe its over.Hang in there you can make it.BTW,I've gone for chest X-Ray and pulmonary function test,the Doctor asked if I have ever been a smoker,said my tests looked great with no evidence of having been a smoker.Thank GOD!

How are you doing???

Keep this in mind my dad smoked for years and years...
He's feet had no blood circulation... He's feet and up his calf's to his knees's were Purple...
Yeap Purple The Dr's. would look at him and say nothing we can do... Your piping/veins are shot... He would have lived to be 100 and still driving if he didn't smoke...

This is the hardest thing you will do...

It's a second to second fight each day for about 2 years... I smoked cigs for years 17 give or take..Good luck and don't stop fighting...

FWIW I tried to quit a few times, and apparently didnt really want to...
Then came the day when I just plain didnt want to smoke anymore.

Mot wanting to smoke is a whole different ballgame than wanting to quit...
It was easy.... I hope thats where you are..


Ingwe

Man my biggest support to ya!! You will be amazed after you have quit, to learn what you actually smelled like to others including the deer, let alone the fact that your puffers will jump right back in on the long hills.

Mark my words that after a month or so of being quit someone will approach you and will know immediately that they are a smoker just from their smell , so do the deer!!

LateBloomer: Hope it's still going well. 1Minute

As a smoker with 74 days of quit under my belt I am still amazed by comments ant-smoking zealots make. Just last night I met a friend to have a birthday drink with and shoot the breeze. A lady came over to our table and asked us to sign a petition to help outlaw smoking in all city drinking establishments. Some bars are doing it voluntarily already. The owner of the dive and employees are smokers and it is one of two in town where you can even smoke cigars. Bottom line is, people make their own choices. If they don't want to go into a place like that don't go. People are surprised when they ask me if I am a smoker and I tell them yes, then have to explain that it's like being a alcholic. Once you are you always are.
I applaud any of you who are quiting or trying to quit. It came down to me getting mad and disgusted at myself enough and thinking I may not be around my grandsons long enough to see them grow up.

LateBloomer,
Thought I would share my experience, it's a mind set thing!
The unsuccesful way: I had tried several times to quit and I would string it along bumming one occasionally from a friend after dinner etc. and it would go on for months and I would eventually give up and continue.

The success: Eventually I decided that I was going to just live with the feeling of needing a smoke, no matter how bad or how long that urgency was just going to be a part of life.
I was surprised after only about 3 weeks of complete cold turkey, the urges started easing up a bit. In what seemed like a very short time after that, maybe a couple of months, I knew I had pulled through and only rarely had the urge after that.
So, my advice naturally is it's a mental position first, and the physical will eventually fall in line with your decision.
CONGRATUALATIONS on your step to health.

Wonder if he made it through today?

congratulations and good luck!

I sure wish my wife would quit. I quit in my 20's. I went cold turkey, and kept a pack in the top of my toolbox at work, staring at me all day, just to make sure I was serious. After about two weeks, I stopped missing it. When I started going out to bars again with my friends a few months later, I started again, and then I had to learn how to quit and still go out to bars. I found a no-smoking pub (way back in 1989, no less!) and was able to quit for real that time.

Again, best of luck, and hang in there. The payoff in easier breathing is worth it!

Thank you for all your support gang!

It hasn't been easy to say the least...

My 75 yr old mom passed away yesterday after suffering from cancer [multiple myloma]. We are happy she is no longer suffering as her condition deteriorated quite rapidly!

I succumbed to the tremendous loss and had a pack of smokes yesterday and today!

However, I will jump back on the horse beginning tomorrow and holdfast to the mindset I had!

I WILL DO IT...and I promised my mom too!

I know I'm ready to tackle the task at hand again and keep focused...It only helps me more to keep focused as mom is now gone...since I'm hurting anyways I'll get it done once and for all...NOTHING WILL STOP ME as I am extremely determined...

God Bless!

Ro

Hang in there. It WILL get easier as the days go by. If you can get to the two-three week mark, it will get a LOT easier. And don't let the occasional set back get you down, just keep trying.

LB sorry for your loss and good luck.My quit date is April 1.Let me know if the Chantrix helps.

Hang in there you will be an "X" soon.....

Sorry for your loss... That just hurts....

As you can see, there's a bunch of guys here rooting for you. In a couple of months I hope you can tell people, as I do, that you're a member of OFS--also known as Obnoxious Former Smokers.

shameless, what year did you stop smoking? Your post says 2010. Just wondering.

Today gang I start Day #1 again

I am resolute and determined and excited, but I feel like an animal! Hostile in the sense that why has it taken me all these years to realize smoking is BAD NEWS!

I'm in ATTACK MODE...and ready to take on the withdrawls!

My MINDSET is this: I am not quitting cigarettes, BUT rather I am FIGHTING for my life, a healthier me!

Every moment all I can think of is... FRESH AIR!!!

I am on the road to recovery and fighting to gain back all that I have lost! Today I am doing alot of deep breathing cognizant of filling my lungs with clean fresh air, it feels good as I slowly bring back the elasticity back to my lungs!

Keeping this mindset helps me to focus on me instead of the cigarettes, for it's not about the cigarettes anymore but it's all about a healthier me;one who is not kept in bondage any longer to suffer from it's death grip!

I will use this thread from now on as my journal in the hopes it will inspire other hunters who want to quit too!

I appreciate all your support!!!

Aloha!

Roland

Best of luck and sorry for your loss,

Dale

Allow me:



I hope that motivates.

Roland...a little more incentive and something I havent told you, or the forum...as mentioned I smoked 2+ packs a day...

As NOT mentioned was the fact that I had a heart attack at age 31 ( ! ) and it was attributed solely to smoking....

While I was in the hospital-3rd floor...intensive care...I couldnt help but notice that every single patient was there in IC due to smoking....


I quit and that was 26 years ago!


You have plenty of good times ahead of you!!!



Ingwe

don't give up this is a great thing you are doing.i quit in 1978 after smoking 3 packs a day.i smoked for20 years.for about a year after i quit i still found myself reaching for one after diner and such.but that passes and you find it will be well worth it.not to mention the dollars you will have for more toys. GOOD LUCK!

Day #2...

I'm overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I am receiving from my fellow hunters, brothers who understand what I am facing!

Thank you very much!

I continue to saturate my mind and body with the mindset of breathing FRESH AIR. I slowly meditate upon this fact with each breath when the urges come.

I am determined and I am motivated because I am a fighter and I have a strategy...As many have said here, it's a MINDSET!

Your continued support has helped me immensely and I remain deeply motivated to conquer that, which I allowed to rule my life!

NO MORE!!!

Thank you gang!

Ro

Keep it up.......

cmg,

Brother that picture MOTIVATES me for sure!!!!

Thanks!

And to anyone else I'd love to see more

Being able to hump it up them mountains is definitely my motivation!!!

Latebloomer, You will feel non-motivated & bored next couple days. 2nd & 3rd day are when the voices start speaking in your head that its ok to smoke one more time.

Ignore the voices and I guarantee you it gets easier after the 7th day! I stayed in the house a lot the 1st few days watching rented movies until the urge weakened. At times I even placed pencils in my mouth and puffed on them for awhile. No chit it worked!

I freagin loved smoking..LOVED IT!!

BUT,I LOVE NOT SMOKING EVEN MORE!

Best wishes.

I hear ya buddy!

This is my third time to quit...I know what to expect becuase of my 2 previous attempts and knowledge is power going st this the third time around. The last time I attepted it was 7+ yrs ago...

What you have said is soooo TRUE!!!!!!!

But this time I got the scenario in my cross-hairs and I will snuff it BIG TIME!!!

In the field I have always come up with THE SHOT or passed on it when I didn't have one....

I'm ready to DROP [DRT] smoking there in it's tracks!!!

I'm hunting this time with alot of experience and knowledge and I no the LIES smoking will bring into my thoughts!!!

I will not succumb to it any longer nor give it a chance!!!

I SHALL PREVAIL because it's FAILURE is not an option this time!!!

No PENCILS for me brother

It's been McDonald's STRAWS cut in half that I've been chewing on

Thanks for sharing...you speak the TRUTH!!!!!

Ro

Cigar,I supposedly tried a thousand times over the years to quit smoking cigs.I would never make a complete day with out having a couple of cigs,or at least a few drags off of one.I loved cigarettes!LOVED 'EM!!I just decided that what I was doing was,well,insane and enuff's just enuff.I have not touched a cigarette since the morning I put the last one out.You have no idea what a mile stone and miracle that is for me.I'm doing great and feel a heck of a lot better.Hell,I can even smell a good poot now!I only smell my own ,of course...But seriously,I do feel and see a vast improvement all the way around.It's like Ingwe said,it's about wanting to quit.I finally wanted to.Thankyou JESUS!

cmg,

That's really COOL brother...you don't know how much pics like these of the BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS bring serenity to my mind!!!

It's like fuel brother!!!

Thanks a million!!!

Ro

Latebloomer,I didn't read down far enough to see the post about your Mother.I'm terribly sorry for your pain,You'll miss her very much.Only time will heal that.There's nothing anyone can say to make you feel better ,and I won't even try.I still miss my Dad ,and it's been 11 yrs since he passed.Hang in there Buddy.Tomorrow's another day,and it'll get better.

CMG,if you took those pictures,you are one fantastic photographer .Those are awesome pics.

308,I had my last cigarette this past December 8,2009.I'm doing great with it all.

Thank ya much buddy I appreciate it

Ok, so that would be 2009. Glad you are sticking with it. My last smoke will be on April, 12. I'll be at my deer camp the week before doing some work so I plan on quitting the Monday after I come home. I just don't want the health issues to worry about or the expense. I've been smoking for about 35 years and enough is enough.

Bob

Ro,

happy to see, that you enjoy those pics. I will drop you one here once in a while. Keep at it.

Thanks all, for the nice words about the pics.

Beautiful pictures,I've went back to see them several times already.

Pic for the day:



Best wishes, Ro. Another day.

Shameless,

thanks again. The pics I took last fall in AK while guiding Sheep Hunters.

Latebloomer,

I'm very, very sorry to hear about your mother. Sending prayers from Central WI, and I continue to wish you the best on your difficult task you have ahead of you.

Tz

Amazing how smoking controls your life!

I can remember things like going through the security gates at an airport lay over and then re-check back in just to smoke!

Volunteering my truck on long trips with my friends just so I could smoke!

Standing outside of a nice restaurant smoking while the wife is inside waiting on our food!

I look back now and realize how addicting ciggs are and how ignorant I was. NEVER AGAIN!

One thing I forgot to mention--smell and taste. If you're in a non-smoking room and a smoker walks in, you can smell them. They stink. The stench follows them around the room like an invisible putrid cloud. And sad to say, if you kiss a pretty girl and she smokes, her lips stink and they taste like a dirty ashtray smells. She's gonna have to be a beauty to make you want another kiss. How a woman can kiss a man who chews tobacco or dips snuff is beyond me.

chantix worked for my friend

Why wait? If you quit today you could also use this thread as a support mechanism and you know what they say, misery needs company. I'm sure LateBloomer wouldn't mind if you went through this with him. Quit now and enjoy deer camp with no cigarettes. Spring smells great, I promise

Drummond

You're a few weeks ahead of me. Dec 31st,2009

Hi Gang!

Just wanted to let you all know I am still FOCUSED and DETERMINED with each passin day!!!

I like what I'm feeling....FREEDOM!!!!

FRESH AIR is wonderful!!!

I appreciate the pics 'cmg'...It does wonders!!!

And to all who continue to support me ....My many thank you's!!!

Roland

My Congratulations to all you who who found a way to quit!

I never started, I watched my Dad quit when I was 5-6 and knew I wanted no part of that.
He saved all us kids from one hell of a legacy by quitting, and letting us see what addiction really is.

Hang on! Hold on! Climbing hills is easier when you aren't carrying a big ape on your back.
Your time is NOW!

Awesome decision to quit. I quit 5 years ago this past November, and I had smoked for 25 years. I used a patch and it worked. If you really want to quit you can do it. The first couple of times I tried to quit I was doing it for someone else. This last time was for me, and it worked.

Gang...I feel so STRONG today and ever more DETERMINED!!!

I love the feeling of taking back control of my life and not having to be defeated by the cessation of smoking and its DEATH GRIP!!!!

I am much much STRONGER today especially at dealing with the issues of LIFE in general!!!

You can do it, gets easier everyday. Sent a prayer to help!!

OK, I am right beside you on this. Been 4 days -- or is it 5 -- and no cigaretts. Today was a tough one.

Best wishes, keep it up.

cmg brother.....awwwwwww yeaaaaah!!!

I love them pics you got...Seriously beautiful and it keeps me inhaling FRESH AIR, clean air, air that's revitalizing my lungs and everything else

I'm in ATTACK mode and I plan to stay that way til I head home for that big omelette in the sky

That one is for me and meddybemps...he contacted me via PM and he's ready to ATTACK it!!!!!

Calling all wannabe's....let's jump on the wagon...if I can do it anybody can!!!

FIGHT is all is takes...Fight for your life!!!

No one else will!!!

Only each of us can make it happen!!!

No cissises allowed

Just jump into the BRAWL!!!!

Up and at it again today...Simply going for it!!!

With each passing day I am getting much stronger in having dominion over it,... instead of it over me!!!

I wish I had done this earlier in life!!!

There can beauty be found in adversity.

Best wishes.

That is darn pretty my brother.....Dang pretty!!!!!!

Incoming PM!!!

It's sure good to see you keep up this attitude. You have to really. Great job sticking with it.

T

Hey T,

You're correct brother...I HAVE TO...

Many thanks as well!!!

Ro

Keep up the good work! I work in a Cardiovascular Cath Lab and I see first-hand every day the effects of smoking. You're doing more good for yourself than you realize.

Latebloomer, thanks for the encouragement and the PM. Haven't touched one now for what? 6 days? Today was way easier than yesterday. You still hanging in?

What people who don't smoke can't appreciate is how much a smoker really loves and hates cigarettes at the very same time. Yesterday I missed them, today I loathe the damn things.

Ahhhh, Latebloomer, this kicking the cigs doesn't mean I have to kick the gin too does it??

Thank you! I'm FOCUSED!!! And every day more free!!!

nobody likes a quitter

Rock on LateBloomer!!!!!

When it comes to stoping smoking, everyone LOVES a quitter!!!

I'm in the season to *start* cardio training. I gotta. Being able to cruise up mountains fast is part of my j-o-b and i'm wayyyy weak. While it's too late today, i'm on track for an early run tomorrow AM (emphasis on *early*).

Pain is the sensation of weakness leaving the body (or possibly poor training methods). ;-)

LB,

I had to reply to your thread. I smoked for 35+ years and just quit cold turkey in January after some bad news from my doctor. I never had a bit of problem not smoking ever again. Quit now and don't look back. Take the money you save and spend it on something good for your family or yourself every year as a celebration. The news I got made it easy for me to kick them to the curb and I hope that isn't what it takes to get you to quit for good. Do it; you owe it to your family and yourself. No matter what you have to do; do not smoke even one cigarette ever again or the cycle will start all over again. You can do it.

Just saw this post Roland......make SURE to stick with it and don't ever fall for the "just one" BS when that idea crosses your mind (and it probably will)!!

I quit 16 years ago and I'm so glad I did. The health issues, the cost, and the STINK.....it's great to be smoke-free.

Keep it up!!

Thank you for your support! What ya'll saying is the truth!

I walking in freedom and will not bite the ole lie that one is OKAY...as the last time I did that it was 7 yrs ago

I'm just alot more resolute this time around!

As I mentioned I want to hump it up them mountains and that has been my #1 motivator for me and of course health!!!

Just do it. I smoked for 30+ years. Quit smoking on a Friday, because I knew it was killing me. Had a heart attack on Saturday, triple bypass on Monday. That was in 1995 @ 45 years young. Thankfully the attack did only minimal damage, I can still do everything I always did. Since then I have been blessed with 5 grandchildren and good times with them as well.

One day at a time, smoke free for 15 years come Friday afternoon 4/2/2010.






November 2009

Hi 308ld;congratulations to you !I never smoked
cigarrets,only some cigars in special moments,but
i know how difficult is to stop smoke.So,you and
the others who stopped are winner's in this battle !

Nice pictures,nice rifle and beautiful family.
best rgds
bob / Brazil

Late Bloomer ... keep up the good fight!!

I just passed 4 weeks of being smoke free and it is nice ... sure do miss it sometimes and other days don't even remember smoking!

I smoked for nearly 30 years ... 1-2 packs a day!!

But you got it right, you can only quit when you really want to. I probably quit 10-15 times a year over the last 3 years, patch, gum, Channtix. But the honest to God truth is each time I quit, I knew I was going to go back to it ... wasn't strong enough mentally and KNEW it.

It has nothing to do with smart or dumb, I earned a PhD while smoking everyday knowing I was killing myself. But I liked it. Then on Feb 28th, of this year I said [bleep] it and couldn't imagine smoking ever again ... very odd ... but it worked. So I know a person cannot be chajoled into quitting ... maybe for a little, but it gotta be about YOU!!!

Good Luck to both of us and God Bless!!

Ed,

That's what it's all about! Living....ain't it!!!

Big CONGRATS!!!!!

Yep, George....you pretty much nailed it!!!!!

And doesn't feel GOOD....I mean real good!!!

I'm tired of smelling like an ashtray....I was tired of having my blood=pressure go up....I was tired of spending this type of money....I was tired of having something control me and kill me ar thye same time!!!!

Darn...quitting smoking hurts soooo GOOOD

I'll never bite the lie again,,,,it just ain't an option for me!!!

I haven't come this far only to be defeated by that little lie again....NO ways!!!!

Yeah George go for it brother!!!

Don't count the days LB, it aint a jail term.

just keep moving forward!!

Like ND...I'll post a pic of one of the rewards you are working towards..

Keep it Up!



Ingwe

ND- You're right I don't count days as it's a forever thing...

I just love them pics....I appreciate it!!!

Same-Same Ingwe....many thanks!!!!!!

ingwe, keep an eye over your right shoulder, I just got a feelin.....

LB...I'm very impressed with your attitude towards this whole this. Keep it up, you're doing a great job.

Actually I'm just going for it like a MANIAC

Smoking ain't an option...

Way to go, LateBloomer! You are kicking one of the most addictive habits known to man.

I cut WAY back on my beer intake about 6 months ago. It was just... time.

It's amazing the "extra" energy a guy has, when your body isn't spending half it's energy processing out toxins, eh?

With cigarettes I'm of the understanding that the real benefits in terms of how you feel take a little longer. But you'll be in the tall cotton here pretty soon, if you are not already.

Jeff,

Thanks I'm feeling really great...I can breathe in FRESH AIR and I don't smell like an ashtray anymore!

My wife and 5 yr old daughter love it!!!!

The biggest change I've noticed right off the bat is that I sleep much better, I can smell and taste things better...I'm not experiencing any restriction or tightness in the chest, more free breathing I guess!

Also I notice I cough up some crud from my lungs...so I know my lungs are getting reinvigorated with each passing day!

I am VERY happy!!!

I am happy I finally took back control of my life!!!

Keep it up LB..it only gets better...

Ingwe

Thank you brother I appreciate it...Sometimes it gets tough but lighting one up just ain't an option

Keep it up!

I had my last one on January 14th! You got me by a few years on the habit, but not much. I am really noticing my lungs and my sinuses improving, and my sense of smell is superhuman now. I'm really enjoying getting back into shape in time for an elk hunt this fall in Oregon.

Cinnamon Nicotine gum has helped me a lot, but I haven't even had a piece of that since Sunday.

If you ever have a bad craving for some nicotine I've got a few coupons for 2 free cans of cope wintergreen. anyone want them. wintergreen is ok, way better than grizzley, but i prefer copenhagen long cut.

Yep, I'm noticing improvements from the very first day!!!

I wished I had the courage to have beaten it sooner. Oh well, I ain't ever gonna give up this time...I can't

I'm feeling too good no matter what!

It ain't for the faint of heart that's for sure, but if ya got some fight in you I would say to one who wants to quit, WHY NOT?

This has been the BEST I've ever felt in YEARS

Thanks brother...BUT I'm choosing to stay away from that as well...

If you ever feel a moment of weakness coming up..log on to the 'fire and someone will be here to give you a cyber-kick in the azz!!!

Keep it up man!...Good on ya!

Think about another African trip...and what you'll taste and smell this time...not to mention hoofing it over the veldt with a lighter step!

Ingwe

Ingwe,

A sincere thank you as that's why I posted this here initially as it gives me a sense of accountability amongst my fellow hunters as I remain truthful!

Aloha!

Ro

LB, Congrats!! your screen name is going to be your destiny!!

I gave up smoking in 1980 when my first child was born...one of the best things I've ever done...

BTW....just got in from a 4 mile run...31 minutes....lets see a smoking 52 year old pull that off!!!

Hang in there bro!!!

Who is going to give that 5 year old away at the wedding if not daddy?

Oh Yeaaah!!!!!!!!!!

You got that right brother

Bloomer, someone mentioned their sense of smell improving. I thought about you and the smell mention yesterday afternoon late while I was sitting at the bar in the local honky tonk. An oilfield worker two stools down smelled of stinky, stinky sweat. I'd get an unavoidable and yucky whiff of him every couple of minutes. But lo and behold, realization soon came that the yucky whiff of stink coincided with the cute bartender's appearance on the other side of the bar from me. . . .

This has been my inspiration to quit.

Bloomer, if you don't listen to anything else in this thread....listen to this...

I wish my father had said/ done the same thing....

He left the party Wayyyyy too early....


Ingwe

Oh yeah I'm listening aw right

I got a 5 yr old daughter who is the prettiest darlin' one's ever seen...and she wants to hunt with dad

That's why I gotta be in shape to hump it up them mountains like I'd been telling ya folk

AMEN and AMEN...

Precious indeed!!!

LB, Here you go....

Prayer worked for me. With God's help, I quit in 1989. Never a craving since.

.

Roland, where'd ya go? Stick to the plan..........

I'm still here

I appreciate you folks sharing these BREATH-TAKING photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I ain't kidding

Pat, I trust this one is in a frame somewhere? Great photo.


LB, keep it up brother!

It should be if it isn't.

Latebloomer, I quit 18 months ago. The new found breath is wonderful. I was breathing hard just walking DOWN the stairs to the basement before I quit. Last deer hunt was noticeably more enjoyable because of it.

The cravings DO go away. I was a puzzy and couldnt do cold turkey, tried various drugs and quit on and off but always on again until chantix. It helped me stay off for 6 months and then there was no looking back.

Latebloomer, I quit cold turkey almost 3 1/2 years ago. The cravings go away, and you will feel much better. It's never too late to quit! Stick with it!

Five stents for me ... four in October then a blood clot broke loose and I ended up with another one on the other side of my heart this past January.

Had been active all my life ... but smoked occasionally and dipped all the time. Didn't start smoking until well into my 20s while in the Army.

Just turned 51. You'll gain weight when you give up the tobacco - but it is part of the process.

God bless LB, good luck! I been smoking since I was 13(39 now). Ive tried so many times, but just cant do it. Chantix, cold turkey, patches...nothing got me over that anger I get when I tell myself "no!". That frustration, anger, rage...whatever it is, I just cant shake it. Im actually ashamed smoking has this control over me. But enough about me. Kick the schit outta this bad habit, and make it stick!

My 7 yr old son and I ride bikes to the park almost every day 1 1/2 miles each way, he likes to race. I have been smoking for 30 years since I was 15. I I could not breath after racing home on a bike. Last monday 4/5/10 my 45th b-day, I just quit. Havent had one since! Dont even have the urge to light one up.

You can quit, you just have to put your mind to it. No patches for me or chantax or anything, just up and quit. you just need something to really motivate you. I have a 7 yr old boy as my motivation. Find yours!!!!

RoadRunner65-- You are the most important thing in that 7 year old's life. And He to you. I'm not an expert but, Drink and I mean drink plenty of water at first. Flush the system out. At the same time get your self into a good everyday exercise program. Work your way up to at least 1 hour a day and continue on for the rest of your life. Too many people I know say that they do not have time for exercise. BS-- It's your health. Go to any fitness gym and talk any 60 year old that has exercised for any length of time. Exercise serves the mind and the body which quitting smoking is all in your head, how much will power. Good luck to you and Latebloomer-- This is a good post you started. Hang in there. Web

Hey Latebloomer,
Give us an update. How are you doing? We want to know!!

Bob

Improved sense of smell after quitting smoking isn't always good, as I mentioned about obese summertime women in Walmart. At 0700 yesterday morning I was in the lab waiting room at the VA Hospital. A guy sits beside me. He's 60ish, skinny, with a marine haircut in mostly grey hair. He's wearing sandals, a tight t-shirt and tight shorts. And he smelled like he'd been doused in cheap perfume. Not cologne--perfume. And doused, I said. I considered moving, but I didn't want to be obvious. Then I noticed his legs. They were shaved. I prepared to move and didn't care if I was obvious or not. Luckily, he suddenly realized he didn't take a number from the little machine on yonder wall, so he got up. When he got his number he took a different seat, thank God!

Bob,

I'm doing good!!!

I had a set-back on the weekend when I decided to have a few brewskies...can't believe I did it...

But guess what?

I'm on it again and now its Thursday and I've had zero cravings@

Looks like I better get rid of the cold ones for awhile longer as my body equates that the two go hand in hand!

Nonetheless, it was for a day but one day is still STUPID to me!

I'm smarter because of it though I remain resolute...I have too as my life and welfare depends upon it!!!

Thanks for asking I appreciate it brother!!!

LB,
Sorry to hear about the set back but glad to hear you didn't give up. I'll be going through it soon myself. I picked May 3 as my first day of not smoking anymore. I'd probably start sooner but we are having a party at our house on May 2. I know I'll have a few adult beverages and don't want to set myself up for failure. So, I have a couple of weeks to get my head in the game. I'm 53 and have an 8 year old grandson that I need to teach to hunt and fish (he's well on the way)and to basically just keep up with. I'm looking forward to feeling better and having a bunch of money left in my pocket at the end of the week. Keep up the good work!

Bob

My dad started smoking in 1942 after he was drafted and was a pack a day guy until age 62 when he went in for a required physical when he retired. Doc gave him a stern warning. He quit that day cold turkey and started walking 3 miles a day. Within a year he was in better shape than I had ever seen him.

At age 80 he came over to my house while I was at work and split 4 pick-up loads of wood by hand. He is 87 now and cannot do near what he used to. It hit him suddenly at age 82.

My point is that it is not too late. My dad had the best 20 years of his life from 62-82 after giving up the cigarettes. Hang in there.

Thank you I needed to hear that!!!!!!

Hi LateBloomer

My first post here, stick with it. After 35 yrs of smoking I gave up 1/07/07 with the help of Chantix. I had the same feeling in 06 deer season as the mountains around here sagged and got steeper. You will be glad you did quit and say to yourself that was the best thing I did for myself and for family and friends. Boon

Thanks boon and welcome to the forum bro'

LateBloomer,

I didn't read past your OP. But I repeat someoen else, redundecy may be a good thing.

Maybe you remember the old Rexall company. They have a product called Smok-ezz or something close to that. I know of thrity-seven out of forty out of forty-three folks who tried it and quit with no more desire to smoke. I think a box is less than $20. I am not afiliated with Rexall except as a customer. The phone number is 888-22-rexall.

Hope this helps a .com friend and fellow hunter.

Latebloomer, stop drinking beer for 3 months. If you continue to smoke when you drink, then your going to always be looking forward to your next beer night.

After I quit smoking, I decided to only smoke when I drink. Well, I was then drinking every weekend. Damn addiction plays mind games.

Trust me, stop drinking.