The Signs of Recovery

[margo]

Nicotine is a very powerful drug. When you quit smoking your body will begin to recuperate from the effects of the nicotine and other chemicals found in tobacco. The signs that your body is recovering start about one to two hours after your last cigarette and are most intense for the next two or three days. Here are some of the things you might temporarily experience when you quit smoking:

Coughing
Smoking deadens the movement of the tiny hairs (cilia) in your lungs. Coughing is a sign that the cilia are recovering and working to clear the accumulated tar.

Slightly sore throat
As the "numbness" goes out of your mouth and throat, you may get a sore throat for a couple of days. Try throat lozenges, cough syrup, or a lemon and honey drink.

Headache or dizziness
You may feel dizzy as the oxygen level in your blood increases to normal. There's also a chance you'll suffer from headaches, dizziness, or nervousness from caffeine in beverages like coffee. Less caffeine, extra sleep, fresh air and massage can help.

Tiredness
Because nicotine acts as a stimulant, you might find that you're more tired than usual for the first few weeks.

Lack of concentration
After learning to associate smoking with certain tasks, it may be difficult to maintain your concentration. Try taking frequent breaks or try deep breathing.

Nervousness
You might seem on edge for a while -- drink lots of water, walk, swim or bathe to help flush the nicotine out of your body.

Constipation or diarrhea
After quitting, your digestive system may be a little disturbed. Eat prunes, dried fruit or bran to get rid of constipation. Avoid caffeine to help prevent diarrhea.

Sleep disturbance
It's very common to dream that you've been smoking or to have more vivid dreams in general after you quit. You might also wake up earlier than usual. Try deep breathing or relaxation exercises.

Sugar craving
Many ex-smokers get strong cravings for sweets. Whatever the reason for it, it's a good idea to keep lots of healthy food around, drink lots of fluids and exercise.

From the Health Canada website

[Ann]

Thanks Margo. It's good to know what to expect.

Hugs
Ann

[mountaingirl]

I'm sorry, I was laughing as I read that list of what to expect because it sounds just like the comercials for antidepressants.

"Some experience nausea, sleeplessness, dizziness,and sexual sideaffects". All the while, you are helping yourself?!

Kidding aside, in my experience of quitting 4.5 years ago, all of the above does not all happen to every person. Some of those things happen to some people. You who are looking at quitting today, YAHOO for you! Just think, by Saturday you will be feeling better, and in no time you will fill your lungs without wheezing afterward for half an hour! You're going to love your fresh breath too, and so will your honey!

[2stop]

Thanks for posting this Margo, My goal is midnight tonight......getting myself prepared and psyched up for it,

I have been through horrid horrid detoxes before. alone and with 2 kids to take care of, but this smoking thing baffles me with it's high addictive level, Maybe cause it's legal or something, you just don't "feel" like an addict, but I am so stired of the loss of money, the bronchitis, the smell, all of it, I used to sooooo enjoy mt cigarettes...I don't anymore, I keep smoking now so I don't have the withdrawals and bitc** attitude ya know?

Good luck to all!!! May we make 2004 our healthiest year ever!!!!

^*^*^*Hugs*^*^*^

I am going to think of myselk as a foolish clown when I smoke, maybe this kind of visualization will help?? LOL>>>>>>>>

[margo]

To the top for the New Year's Day quitters.

You guys ROCK!!! Hang in there!

[AvieG]

OK GIRLS!!! THIS years NY resolution to stop smoking, and I think I can hazard a guess as to what NEXT years will be!!!! LOL

WEIGHT LOSS!! LOL

Luckily, I am not munching TOO much, as I feel too ill with this goddamn infection to eat much at all. Still, a few excess pounds has gotta be worth stopping smoking for.