Quitting smoking take 326.. Life Changes

[SoCalDave]

You are saying this is normal? Today is the first day I feel somewhat good and it's literally because I slept close to 15 hours? I have been on these pills for like three weeks now and every day has sucked balls since I started taking them.

RD

Dave, I have only meet you once or twice but like everyone else on this forum I want to see you succeed and be around many more years for your family and us inmates.

"These pills" being the Chantix?
If so there is a plan in being on it or at least there was when I took it 7 years ago. You'r supposed to stop the cancer sticks on the 7th day of taking the prescription, did you not follow the plan? Why even start the program if your not ready to quit. There is no magic pill, hypnosis or magic wand that is going to make you stop, they are just tool's to help you quit...you can do this RD, we're behind you all the way.

 

[gqchris]

What I want for Dinner!

View attachment 711603

If you close your eyes and take deep breathes you can almost taste it.

View attachment 711604

I love those Parm Cheese Croutons! No Carbs and have a good crunch. I much those on the airplane when I fly out of LBC. They sell em in the Gift Shop!

 

[JD D05]

Dave you got a lot of shit that is changing and you need to understand it is going to mess you up for a bit.

First and foremost get those levels under control. It may take some time trying the right meds etc. I had to try 2 different BP meds before I found the right one.

Also start drinking lots of water and paying attention to what you eat.

 

[Ziggy]

You are saying this is normal? Today is the first day I feel somewhat good and it's literally because I slept close to 15 hours? I have been on these pills for like three weeks now and every day has sucked balls since I started taking them.

RD

What Rx's did he prescribe for you? Read the info that comes with them thoroughly because some of your fatigue symptoms may very well be explained in the side effects portion.
Also, ask your Pharmacist if there is any interaction that can occur with those 3 doc gave you. Pharms are way more reliable source for that kinda info.

 

[ridebig]

A good exercise routine and lots of water are critical. Start slowly and get to a point you sweat your ass off. Take your weight divide by two and drink that many ounces of water every day. You will be amazed at how you will feel! Good luck Dave you can do this!!!

 

[RiverDave]

Dave you got a lot of shit that is changing and you need to understand it is going to mess you up for a bit.

First and foremost get those levels under control. It may take some time trying the right meds etc. I had to try 2 different BP meds before I found the right one.

Also start drinking lots of water and paying attention to what you eat.

I am paying attention. I had a couple hard boiled eggs for lunch and super beets drink to wash it down. With a cesar and iced tea for dinner!

 

[RiverDave]

A good exercise routine and lots of water are critical. Start slowly and get to a point you sweat your ass off. Take your weight divide by two and drink that many ounces of water every day. You will be amazed at how you will feel! Good luck Dave you can do this!!!

Took the kids out riding their bikes tonight and am teaching summer how to ride etc. There’s a lot of running involved

 

[RiverDave]

Going to see the doc again tomorrow and I will update this in a couple weeks as things progress

 

[JD D05]

I am paying attention. I had a couple hard boiled eggs for lunch and super beets drink to wash it down. With a cesar and iced tea for dinner!

Sounds like shit ha. Keep it up man, small consistant changes.

 

[regor]

He's a bastard Johnson.................but controllable.

The more you resist, the more he torments!

It's all attainable. Good luck and be strong for your family.

 

[Danger Dave]

So some updates on this..

The drinking is down 95% to say the least. I don't drink beers in the garage anymore and on the four occasions I have had beers in the last month I've kept it in check.

That explains my beer mutual funds dropping. How about a couple days notice next time?

 

[Gramps]

Going to see the doc again tomorrow and I will update this in a couple weeks as things progress

progress is good...........

 

[steak&lobster]

I hope you quit smoking. I hope you can start walking everyday for exercise and eat much better. I hope you can continue to limit your drinking. I hope you take all this serious and succeed before it's too late.

 

[Bobby V]

Before you do any of that maybe ask them to do a stress test. It's a fairly simple process. But you will have to jog on a treadmill.

This and a heart / carotid eco gram. I had mine done today as part of my yearly physical. Takes about 30 minutes.

 

[Sunset]

Going to see the doc again tomorrow and I will update this in a couple weeks as things progress

Relax all this can be overwhelming and breath take small steps.


Dave test blood sugar in morning before eating and an hour after a meal.

Stress will affect your numbers a lot . Are you on Metformin? And has Dr put you on insulin ?

And most Dr will give you samples to see what works. I get my insulin in Algodones Mexico by yuma about 80% cheaper.

For my blood sugar walk and eat a paleo diet .Type 2 diabetes at 52 .

Be honest with your Dr.
You have a lot of support and it take time to change.

 

[4Waters]

And Coors stock since Dave's announcement this afternoon of cutting back.

 

[Ziggy]

I hope you quit smoking. I hope you can start walking everyday for exercise and eat much better. I hope you can continue to limit your drinking. I hope you take all this serious and succeed before it's too late.

I still believe he wants to. He has to stop thinking about how he used to do stuff and feel verses what "his" new normal will feel like. Once he wraps that around his head he will look back and(to use an old phrase he coined) shake his head at how he treated himself and those around him in the past.
He ain't 20 or 30 something anymore, our bodies change, especially our efficiency.
.
Positive thoughts.

 

[Singleton]

I still believe he wants to. He has to stop thinking about how he used to do stuff and feel verses what "his" new normal will feel like. Once he wraps that around his head he will look back and(to use an old phrase he coined) shake his head at how he treated himself and those around him in the past.
He ain't 20 or 30 something anymore, our bodies change, especially our efficiency.
.
Positive thoughts.

I have always said RD is not stopping his smoking, drinking, eating habits until the Dr says you are F’d if you don’t change!
Sounds like the Dr is commenting on how bad things could get and RD has finally decided to create a new normal.
I give RD credit for posting about it - hardest thing is admitting you need to change, next hardest is changing and sounds like RD it moving towards that.

 

[Carlson-jet]

Many Friends in here pulling for you Dave as well as others that are on the same road or who have luckily or skillfully passed that point.
This is a crisis somewhat and I just want to add what I have not read yet.
There most likely will be anxiety involved with this Huge transformation for us all that have, or are going down this road.
Last November I got my midlife awakening. The meds and stress of my health issues left me with Anxieties that were never in my life prior and I had to deal with this as well.
Anxiety can play a larger roll than one might expect and I advise all who are experiencing such to take note and seek help for that as well.
Dave, You are not alone in this fight.

 

[RiverDave]

Many Friends in here pulling for you Dave as well as others that are on the same road or who have luckily or skillfully passed that point.
This is a crisis somewhat and I just want to add what I have not read yet.
There most likely will be anxiety involved with this Huge transformation for us all that have, or are going down this road.
Last November I got my midlife awakening. The meds and stress of my health issues left me with Anxieties that were never in my life prior and I had to deal with this as well.
Anxiety can play a larger roll than one might expect and I advise all who are experiencing such to take note and seek help for that as well.
Dave, You are not alone in this fight.

It's not a "fight" it's just a big lifestyle change.. I'm not really thrilled about it, but it's not as bad as it may seem to make the change. Doc said pull back the sticks on the drinking. I used to drink 5-6 of the seven days of the week.. So I stopped drinking, had a few on the weekends, but again nothing like what I used too.

I just need to find some foods that I actually "LIKE" and I'll change them for the usual shit I eat everyday. Normally if I'm out and about I'll drop into a drive thru for a small cheeseburger, or a hotdog at the W for a "snack". Or if I'm hungry in the middle of the night I'll just jump in the truck and go get a Carne Burrito from Fili's etc..

Now I just kind of have to figure out what fits in the "good" criteria and narrow down what I like and I'll eat that instead. I just went to the store tonight and bought carrots, and some other things that I can snack on. I saw some bicyclist type buying this gluten free granola mix called "extreme nut & fruit" so I bought some of that.. It's actually really good.

Main thing now like I said is just finding things that taste good to me. If I like something I can eat it all the time and not get sick of it.

Like I said in the beginning of the thread.. I love food, I love booze, but I'm not crazy addicted to that shit. The smokes are my only real "demon" that have hooks into me. I had 5 smokes today though and wasn't really that worried about it.. Considering that's down from a pack and a half, I'd say that's amazeballs for me. I am working to continue that trend down to 2 here quick, then 1, then none.

RD

 

[Dan Lorenze]

As far as good tasting health food goes, I've really been into Apples lately. I'll go to Gelsons, Trader Joes or Whole foods and get really good Apples ie Jazz, Envy,Honeycrisp etc... Nothing like the crappy Apples we ate as kids. I swear they taste like candy. I have an Apple slicer press, I keep them chilled and I'll usually put a small about of Almond Butter on them. I'll even give my dogs a slice. Having an Apple at dinner time really helps with the digestive system too, the fiber works great. I also love having grapes and celery around the house. The thing is, if you have some healthy options in the fridge and you're really hungry you'll eat them. Much better than going out and eating crap from the drive thru.

 

[RiverDave]

As far as good tasting health food goes, I've really been into Apples lately. I'll go to Gelsons, Trader Joes or Whole foods and get really good Apples ie Jazz, Envy,Honeycrisp etc... Nothing like the crappy Apples we ate as kids. I swear they taste like candy. I have an Apple slicer press, I keep them chilled and I'll usually put a small about of Almond Butter on them. I'll even give my dogs a slice. Having an Apple at dinner time really helps with the digestive system too, the fiber works great. I also love having grapes and celery around the house. The thing is, if you have some healthy options in the fridge and you're really hungry you'll eat them. Much better than going out and eating crap from the drive thru.

That's why I went to the store tonight. I'm going to start finding things that taste good, and filling my fridges with them so when I'm hungry I'll just go grab that.

RD

 

[Carlson-jet]

I was down to 3-4 smokes a day. (3 years of struggle) ( I roll my own and they are wimpy) Then I cut the end of my finger off at the beginning of November. STRESSVILLE.. Surpassed 10 and went straight to 15 plus. These fuckers are hard to quit. I watched my dad take his last breath after battling cancer from smoking 20 years ago. I can to this day, clearly see myself having that first smoke after watching him take that last breath. Quitting is no joke. I'm back down to 5-7 now.
I was a super heavy drinker as well. Probably noted by some of my posts in the past. I had no issue cutting back. It was simple, don't grab a can or buy a bottle. That step somehow is not the same with cigs for me.
As far as food, I was on my own. The first step was to cut out All fast food. The next step was figure out when I go to the store what to buy and buy non processed foods and learn to prepare them. I know what is healthy and not. I was very used to buying what I Liked and was somewhat easy to "heat" LOL . Those days are over.
Figuring out what you like that is healthy is going to take some homework but it is crucial and will be worth it's weight in gold. There is so much misinformation that the food industry has promoted along with the AMA etc. that the grocery store has become a fucking Gauntlet of bad choices. The good news is, most of those bad choices are in the center of the store on shelves. The real food is specially cared for. People have to maintain those sections hourly. Don't be afraid to buy something, try it then dislike it and pitch it.

 

[Carlson-jet]

That's why I went to the store tonight. I'm going to start finding things that taste good, and filling my fridges with them so when I'm hungry I'll just go grab that.

RD

BAM!! Good job. It took me too long to write my last post.

 

[RiverDave]

BAM!! Good job. It took me too long to write my last post.

This shit is surprisingly good

 

[sml]

As far as good tasting health food goes, I've really been into Apples lately. I'll go to Gelsons, Trader Joes or Whole foods and get really good Apples ie Jazz, Envy,Honeycrisp etc... Nothing like the crappy Apples we ate as kids. I swear they taste like candy. I have an Apple slicer press, I keep them chilled and I'll usually put a small about of Almond Butter on them. I'll even give my dogs a slice. Having an Apple at dinner time really helps with the digestive system too, the fiber works great. I also love having grapes and celery around the house. The thing is, if you have some healthy options in the fridge and you're really hungry you'll eat them. Much better than going out and eating crap from the drive thru.

Definitely agree!

My kid loves apples so I bought one of these and use it every day. I buy the big bags of apples from sam’s club and keep em chilled also. It takes seconds to peel and slice so i find myself having more apples as snacks also. I’m not a big grocery shopper so i never realized how many different “flavors” of apples there are until i was the one getting them.




https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/st...VyiSGCh3-uQ0bEAQYAiABEgKcevD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ridebig]

It’s definitely not easy to change eating habits. My wife of 29 years is healthy food fanatic which is a good thing for me. I eat way less red meat and more fish and chicken these last several years but I still have my splurge days and eat burgers, steak, pizza or whatever I want. Anything is moderation is okay. Reading nutrition labels at the store is very important. And again exercise is key. Although i probably still drink to much.

 

[ductape1000]

This shit is surprisingly good

View attachment 711691

What’s next Dave, a Subaru and a kayak? [emoji6]

Keep up the good work!! [emoji106][emoji106]


Sent from a van down by the river. [emoji3577][emoji41]

 

[RiverDave]

What’s next Dave, a Subaru and a kayak? [emoji6]

Keep up the good work!! [emoji106][emoji106]


Sent from a van down by the river. [emoji3577][emoji41]

Lol.. let’s not get carried away here. Although I have always wanted a WRX for fire roads

 

[Ziggy]

What’s next Dave, a Subaru and a kayak?

Keep up the good work!!

Sent from a van down by the river.

Lol.. let’s not get carried away here. Although I have always wanted a WRX for fire roads

Lol, my Subie looks like this. Ain't nobody calling me a tree hugger

 

[Ziggy]

As far as food goes, the healthier choices are not the bland tasting crap of old. They've come a long way from tasting like earth and cardboard.
Grazing on little snacks throughout the day is 100% better than loading up once, twice or three times a day.

 

[RiverDave]

As far as food goes, the healthier choices are not the bland tasting crap of old. They've come a long way from tasting like earth and cardboard.
Grazing on little snacks throughout the day is 100% better than loading up once, twice or three times a day.

I am gonna have to work on that. Lol. But one thing at a time.

 

[LuckyDaze]

I smoked for years to. It all boils down to excuses as to why you can’t quit.

Stop the excuses to smoke, you’ll stop smoking.

Or you won’t. The decision is up to you. At the end of the day, your decision will ultimately affect your family once the smokes kill you.

 

[RiverDave]

The sleeping thing hasn’t improved. I went to bed at 8:00 last night woke up at 2:00.. was feeling halfway awake. Fell back asleep at 3:00 and had to literally force myself out of bed at 11:00 am to go get the kids. Doctor appt at 2:15 to talk about this and figure it out.

 

[FreeBird236]

The sleeping thing hasn’t improved. I went to bed at 8:00 last night woke up at 2:00.. was feeling halfway awake. Fell back asleep at 3:00 and had to literally force myself out of bed at 11:00 am to go get the kids. Doctor appt at 2:15 to talk about this and figure it out.

It's the Chantix. Its similar to an anti depressant.

 

[Socalx09]

Not a smoker/or much of a drinker. But, wanted to say I hope you will feel better soon. A full panel blood test might also be helpful incase there are any underlying issues. I’m sure someone has probably said this, but I didn’t read each post. Auto immune diseases can pop out of nowhere and sometimes they come out when your body is under extreme stressed or infection. So it might be helpful to rule that out as some of them cause fatigue, but it could also be the chantix.

 

[rrrr]

Dave, it's Christmas and your dad isn't around. Your kids need you.

I don't mean to be an ass.

 

[RiverDave]

Dave, it's Christmas and your dad isn't around.

I don't mean to be an ass.

I didn’t really think of that.. maybe?

I doubt it though.. if we are being honest that was a big part of the reason that I was drinkin when I first moved here. It’s been so long now though I don’t think that plays much of a part of it

 

[rrrr]

I worry about your health. Heart disease is hereditary.

 

[SoCalDave]

It's the Chantix. Its similar to an anti depressant.

Never affected me in that manner but everyone's system is different.

 

[comfortably numb]

Just picked up another scrip for chantix. Tried it years ago and the wife took them away and trash them after about 4 days. She said I was turning into someone from (flew over the coocoos nest) or I was going to kills someone. Got a better attitude now that I'm close to retiring.
Good luck Dave stay healthy.

 

[comfortably numb]

I'm going to ask him for the angiogram and that CT scan now that you guys have brought it up.

I'm getting some conflicting messages here on when to test the sugar. Cole Trickle says an hour after you eat. The other guys says before?

While I don't mind doing it, I don't exactly want to be poking myself with a needle 8 times a day here.. I was thinking 2 / 3 would be enough.

RD

Dave I was extremely tired all the time and ran out of energy just by walking across the street. Doc did all the lung test for months till I finally went in for a angiogram.
Went in to get the test and than leave to Vegas for a week. Nope went from the angiogram right into an operation room for quadruple open heart bypass's. All 4 viens 95% closed, Doc said I probably had about 10 min. to live if I had a problem and wasn't in a hospital.
Hope yours turns out ok. best of luck

 

[Activated]

Take the first 30 days of 2019...ok, start January 2nd, and go full paleo. After 30 days, start putting different foods back in to your diet that don’t make you feel like shit.

Paleo is pretty easy, meat, fruits, nuts, and veggies, nothing processed, use ghee instead of butter. Give it a shot, you will be amazed at how you feel.

We eat this way daily, but cheat once a week or so.

 

[Floatin']

Fuck the Meds !!
You can turn this around in 2 months. But you need to be Disciplined. You Currently have no self control or discipline.
Here's How
Clean up your diet. Eat in a caloric deficit. https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/macronutcal.htm
Track your Macros. https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/macronutrients_calculator.htm
Lean Red Meat. Fish. Chicken. Fresh Vegetables.
Water 2 gallons per day!!
2 months and you will be on your way.
Thank me later

 

[92 cole]

I explained this at the start. You will never quit till you are ready to. for what its worth all the diet changes in the world and so on will not make a bit of difference till you stop thinking about it and TRULY want to do it! The rest is just a hand job. If you want to truly quit then just do it, stop thinking about it and move on!!! You can eat and drink what you want but it won't make a change until you (in your'e mind want to stop) the rest is just bullshit and as most know you can't shit a shitter. stop finding excuses or just realize you don't want to. Then when it's to late you will wish you had!!! Reality sucks. Just take one habit at a time and don't over do it. Good luck and keep focus on one thing at a time!!! good luck. Mark

 

[RiverDave]

I explained this at the start. You will never quit till you are ready to. for what its worth all the diet changes in the world and so on will not make a bit of difference till you stop thinking about it and TRULY want to do it! The rest is just a hand job. If you want to truly quit then just do it, stop thinking about it and move on!!! You can eat and drink what you want but it won't make a change until you (in your'e mind want to stop) the rest is just bullshit and as most know you can't shit a shitter. stop finding excuses or just realize you don't want to. Then when it's to late you will wish you had!!! Reality sucks. Just take one habit at a time and don't over do it. Good luck and keep focus on one thing at a time!!! good luck. Mark

I’m thinking you are confusing why I made dietary changes with quitting smoking.

 

[92 cole]

Very well. I don't read all the come-backs. If it is all about health related for your'e health then do what they tell you to do. Look at this way----- if your;e gone they don;t make dick, they cant beat a dead horse. Sorry to be so blunt but reality sucks. keep up the fight-I personally now that bad habits we get to used to are a Mo-fo to kick to the curb. Then you realize your;e no spring chicken and can;t party like you used to, as bad as you want to reality sucks and we ain't getting any younger.

 

[RiverDave]

Very well. I don't read all the come-backs. If it is all about health related for your'e health then do what they tell you to do. Look at this way----- if your;e gone they don;t make dick, they cant beat a dead horse. Sorry to be so blunt but reality sucks. keep up the fight-I personally now that bad habits we get to used to are a Mo-fo to kick to the curb. Then you realize your;e no spring chicken and can;t party like you used to, as bad as you want to reality sucks and we ain't getting any younger.

And I get all that. When you are looking at conversation as “come backs” though I think you might have the wrong idea about what’s going on here.

I started the thread to share the trials and tribulations that I am dealing with in trying to quit smoking. In the hopes that maybe others that are dealing with similar things might see it and share their experiences and what works and what isn’t for them.

While there are a lot of supportive posts in the thread it’s more because people care than anything else. I have a doctor, and am doing the best that I personally know how to do, while balancing the act of life (which includes being a husband, father, business owner).

In short there’s a lot of things I’d like to write and even act on when I read them on here. But sometimes it’s easier just to walk outside and call it six smokes for the day instead of five as opposed to the alternative.

 

[fmo24]

I don’t know how you cut down smoking. I’m a pack or nothing. I quit 6 weeks ago. Used the patch for several weeks but I started getting a gnarly rash wherever the patch was. Now I am just using lozenges and gum. I know if I even touched one I would be back at it full force.

 

[RiverDave]

I don’t know how you cut down smoking. I’m a pack or nothing. I quit 6 weeks ago. Used the patch for several weeks but I started getting a gnarly rash wherever the patch was. Now I am just using lozenges and gum. I know if I even touched one I would be back at it full force.

If I did that I’d become an expert at drywall repair and the legal system in short order.