Healing Begins within 20 Minutes of Quitting...

I thought I would remind myself of reasons why I do not want to restart smoking. I have gone almost 48 hours now without even picking up a cigarette let alone smoking it. I am using the gum as a substitute to help me get through the massive cravings that I have. So, throughout the next week or two I will be posting reminders for not just myself, but others that are trying or want to quit smoking.

The healing begins with the first cigarette you deny yourself:

20 minutes after quitting:

blood pressure decreases
pulse rate drop
body temperature of hands and feet increases.

8 hours:

carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
oxygen level in blood increases to normal

12 hours

Pulse rate will slow and skin temperature increases
Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal

24 hours:

chance of a heart attack decreases
fine motor coordination will improve

48 hours:

nerve endings start regrowing
ability to smell and taste improve

72 hours

Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier
Lung capacity increases
Circulation improves, walking becomes easier, stamina and vigor increase
Nicotine is no longer in your system.

Ways to help you continue your cessation to quitting smoking:

Write a goodbye letter to your cigarettes.
Drink a glass of water.

Comments: 12

Sue * Nov 7, 2006, 2:34pm EST

I've never been a smoker, so I can't relate to your struggle. I do want to tell you that as a faceless, Gather network friend...I'm proud of what you are doing. This is just a little thumbs up to carry you through the next few hours!

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Tricia C. Nov 7, 2006, 2:37pm EST

Thank you Sue.... I need all the encouragment I can get... It has been a difficult almost 48 hours.. and i know the next 48 will only get a little easier...

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Lydia O. Nov 7, 2006, 2:45pm EST

Trish, I put you guys on the prayer chain like I said I would--every 20 minutes or so puts your goal closer!

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Tricia C. Nov 7, 2006, 2:50pm EST

Thank you Ron and Lydia.... and yes.. thank you for the prayer chain.. Part of me being able to get through this is by posting articles like this. It helps me remeber why I don't want to smoke.

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Michael Herzog Nov 7, 2006, 2:56pm EST

This is good to know, I can't believe that cigarettes are such an addictive vice. I have three cigs in three weeks, which is good, but its not quite cold turkey. I find myself unable to handle a craving if I am inebriated, thus both my vices walk hand in hand beckoning me towards an ever darkening tomorrow. There is some hope for me though, for will power is something that is not so easily surpassed.

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Tricia C. Nov 7, 2006, 3:01pm EST

I was up to smoking a pack and a half a day.... smoking cigarettes really took a hold of my life and I dont want them to do that to me anymore. I want to be free.

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Sue * Nov 7, 2006, 6:52pm EST

Ok...just passing through and wanted to give you another thumbs up...hang in there!

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Hazel O. Nov 7, 2006, 8:11pm EST

Wow, that is really awesome. I think there was a story in Readers Digest one time about a man who was a smoker who suffered the amputation of his thumb or some of his fingers. After reattaching the missing digits his doctor told him it was imperative that he quit smoking. He was not to smoke even one cigarette. The man said he would and after a few days the pink color began to return to his hand and he was released from the hospital to finish his recovery at home. One day shortly after that the color in his hand started to look gray. He went back to his doctor but it was too late, the reattachment was failing because he had smoked again. What a price to pay for a cigarette!

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Brad (the Boy Wonder) W. Nov 7, 2006, 9:29pm EST

Trish, I've tried quitting I don't know how many times and failed. I admire you for trying and I hope you succeed. I think (if you don't mind) that I'll print this out as an incentive to quit, hopefully this time for good.

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Tricia C. Nov 8, 2006, 8:35pm EST

Not a problem brad.... that is why i am looking stuff up like this as reminders of why i need to keep at quitting smoking... I have put them up on the quit smoking group too.

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Robin"Buffy's Stunt Double" D. Nov 13, 2006, 11:29am EST

Good post-it's amazing how quickly the body responds to reapair

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Healing Begins within 20 Minutes of Quitting Smoking (repost)

Comments: 12

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