Brenda's Posts

Hi Brenda, You certainly don't need anyone shaming you. You haven't failed, you've had slight detour on the road to quitting. I know people whose only relief from anxiety comes from smoking - it's obviously a relief habit built up over years so difficult to break. But there are many ways to quit. This may sound lame, but a friend quit through meditation/hypnosis. This may also help you get some tiny relief if you're feeling post-surgery pain. Just a thought. I'm hoping you, with the help of your kids, find yourself back on the road to recovery.

You didn't fail. On the contrary, you succeeded in finding out what DOESN'T work. Now put the cigarettes down and try ANOTHER method. If you succeed AGAIN in finding out what doesn't work, keep trying until you find out what DOES work. You listed four reasons why you needed to smoke again. You didn't list ONE reason why you shouldn't smoke. Think about it.

Brenda, a step back isn't a failure. It is gaining momentum for going forward. You now say "hopefully Dr can help me out" and they can. With proper antidepressant treatment, and coaching you will put the cigarettes down. My husband is currently on his umpteenth attempt to quit, with the help of Chantix(again) and the right mindset. He has smoked for 50 years and tried quitting for at least 10- we think this one will be the time. Just as heart surgery process isn't easy or a quick fix, neither is quitting smoking. You have the strength needed to do this in the right time, in the right way! For an arrow to shoot forward, it must first be drawn back! Prayers for you! ++++

Brenda, I agree with the others that you have not failed. You've already won half the battle in making the decision to quit. I want to share two scriptures with you that can help. The first one is 1 Corinthians 10:13. "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.". And Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.". Don't give up, because you can do this. I'm praying for you.

I too was a smoker. When I quit 6mos before surgery I felt I had lost my best friend. What I did was start to "vapor" using a liquid with 0 nicotine. It gave me something to occupy my mind and hands. The liquid comes in many strength if you want to start with a little nicotine 6 mg Some shops even sell 3 mg. or you could start with 6 mg and keep cutting it 0 mg e liquid. It also comes in hundreds of flavors. After vamping 0 nicotine for about 2 mos I vaped less and less and quit vaping. I hope you find something that will work for you. I still miss smoking but I have learned to live without it.

Everyone is different. I was VERY uncomfortable flat on my back for many months, and still don't like it a year later. Make sure you are supporting your head and neck when you are sleeping/resting. I found a great deal of relief also supporting my shoulders/upper arms with a bed pillow wedged underneath. I always slept much better napping in the recliner than I did in the bed at night. Also, impeccable posture while standing will help alleviate a multitude of back pains (stand up straight! very VERY straight!). I know it seems like the pain will last forever and you'll jut have to deal with it, but it'll get better, I promise!

My incision was on my right side along my breast, and I sleep normally on my right side. I slept for a few weeks in the recliner as I couldn't lay on my right side at all and turning over was tough. I kept pillows for under my knees, and for the hour I could lay on my left side I used pillows between my legs and behind me to lean against. Then I fell and hit my right ribs on the bedside table and was back in the recliner again! It does get better, hang in there....take Tylenol before bed, and keep trying. It is frustrating and you don't sleep very well, but then one night you will sleep through and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Naps during the day help ease the lack of sleep feeling which adds to your sense of being out of control. I used a large gel cold pack that I kept in the fridge for my neck, shoulders small of my back where ever it hurt I would use it and some heat to relax the back muscles as well during the day.

Most people I know have slept in a recliner either powered or manual for the 1st 2 to 4 weeks. I had a nice manual recliner and it was great. I also couldn't tolerate tylenol based meds plus they didn't work very good so we switched to Indomethacin which did the trick for me and got me out of pain. You really need to be pain free in order to heal better and I don't understand why this is happening. Take care.