OK, I know that the "Fourth of July" is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence but I am personally hoping that my "Independence Day" will annually be the "Eighth of July". Let me explain:
I can count eight precise times in my life that I've attempted to stop smoking: I've purchased the patch twice; I've received FREE patches in the mail twice; I tried using the nicotine gum; I tried the whole "quitting cold turkey" thing; and I've been prescribed two prescriptions (something generic and the newer Chantix.) My most recently failed attempt was about a year or so ago...with Chantix. It DID decrease my urges to smoke but the side effects (at least I blamed the side effects) got the better of me and I stopped taking the pills and resumed my bad habit.
As the year progressed, I realized that I really, really, really wanted to stop smoking. It is starting to physically effect me; I felt like a slave to the cigarette (I smoked much more because of addiction and less because of habit); I was ostracized by friends/co-workers/family members; It has finally sunk in that I WILL die because of smoking unless I take immediate action; and (probably most the most important reason for my decision) I want to be here for my loved ones...especially my nephew.
So, alas, I asked my doctor to re-prescribe Chantix for me. He did and I started taking it on July 1, 2008. I enrolled in the online help website (www.getquit.com) and I've reconfirmed my absolute determination in quitting smoking on Tuesday, July 8. 2008 as recommended by the GETQUIT website (I don't want you to think that I'm just prolonging this for my own benefit - they recommend making one's "quit date" eight days following the start of the prescription.)
Although I hope I don't need it, please wish me luck and encourage me. I am, without a doubt, doing this for selfish reasons but any gentle-nudging you're willing to provide will be greatly appreciated.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
GET QUIT
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3 comments:
JOE, STICK WITH IT ..... IT'S TOUGH, LIKE LOSING WEIGHT, JUST ASK ME .... YOUR NEW NEPHEW AS WELL AS THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY, ARE PULLING FOR YOU. LOVE ... AH ... CHEW GUM, HARD CANDIES ... CELERY STICKS, CARROT STICKS ....
Joe,
I'm so proud of you! I commend you for trying and know you will be successfull! Success seems to follow you, just look at all you've accomplished already! I also know that your love for your nephew, and your nephew's love for you will help you when you feel the urge to smoke! I love you- Kate
The main doses of chantix medication are 0.5mg and 1mg tablets. At the start of the treatment, you need to take the lower dose and then increase it after few weeks. The recommended dose of chantix should be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water. The treatment period with chantix medication extends to about 12 weeks. http://www.chantixhome.com/
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