I totally agree, Pat! That's an awesome idea! It'll help us to see if quitting improves our MG symptoms...If it does, which i'm pretty sure it will, other MGers who smoke will really want to hear about that!

Not only will we improve our MG symptoms, but we'll look better (I noticed major improvements in my skin tone, texture, firmness, hair was softer, not as dry- even my body seemed more toned, maybe from having more energy- after a few months when I had quit the last time), smell better, smell other things better (lol), taste food better...I also read that quitting will help if you have GERD, and will help us absorb nutrients better...I sometimes imagine quitting like watering an almost wilting flower, and it sprouting back to life...I remember once almost missing the bus, and being able to sprint so easilly to catch up with it...I was amazed that I wasn't gasping for air once I caught it...

Why I ever started again, I don't know...But we can do it for good!

Kendra, Pat, Nicky;

For what it's worth, I made a deal with myself. I could smoke whenever I wanted - - but if I smoked more than xx a day I had to quit - cold turkey. So, I kept track weekly by knowing how many packs I had gone through and dividing it out. Each week I lowered the number until I got to 6. I couldn't keep it at 6/day or less. So I had to STOP cold!!

In an odd sort of way, I did what Pat did - - gradually lessening the nicotine. And mentally, I told myself I wasn't quitting - - I didn't have to quit - - - as long as I could cut down and not exceed the number I allowed. Sounds silly, but mentally I avoided the stress of thinking I was quitting.

Then, when I wasn't able to keep my deal with myself, I had to quit. But even then I didn't think of it as 'quitting'. I was just keeping the deal I had made with myself.

Whatever works - each of us smoked (s) for different reasons and quits for different reasons. I found the mental part of quitting harder than the physical part. I could tell I physically felt better and better with every passing day, but my 'mind' still wanted one!!

Thankfully, that too passes with time.

Keep up the GREAT WORK Kendra and Pat!! And Nicky, you will know when it is the right time and how to best tackle it. I think you're just getting yourself mentally prepared which is very smart.

Sue

Kendra: I just wanted to add, the patches I bought were clear Nicoderm CQ. You wear it for 24 hours. I found this very useful for nights I couldn't sleep well or was up late reading or watching TV. It definatly helped with the urges and if they did get too strong I used a piece of gum. Also when I woke up in the morning I didn't have a strong urge to use a piece of gum for a while. Some patches you remove before going to bed. I tried that only once and when I woke up I was sweating, was dizzy. I couldn't put a half a patch on and a piece of gum in my mouth fast enough. Just something you might want to consider.

Nickey: I think you pretty much have your mind made up to quit, but when you are sure and ready to make the committment, we will be here for you...you can count on that.

Sue: Thank you for sharing your story with us. As you said we all do things a little differently, but we will all get the same great results! Congrats to you!

Big Hugs,
Pat

I would LOVE to have our own little support group of MGer's and former or trying to be former smokers!!! I am very excited!
Kendra


QUOTE=Pat 110;583348]Yay Kendra & Nicky! Maybe we can have our own little support group right here since we do all have MG! We can all use all the support we can get. From who better than our fellow MG'ers and friends. Anyone have any questions for me, just send me a PM if you don't want to post here. But, we do have to make sure other's know that may want to join us. I'm excited and I hope you two are also.

Hugs,
Pat[/QUOTE]

Sue,
I know exactly what you mean about feeling like you weren't quitting as long as you stayed below your allowed number daily. It truly is such a mental thing. I was telling Pat and Nicky earlier how I can get through the day as long as I know I can have 2 or 3 during the day. It amazes me how everyone comes up with their own little tricks to quitting. I love hearing everyone's success stories and the little tips.