Congradulations Mama!!!
I am not sure that I can answer your questions, but I can tell you what I've been through since my new start/quit.
I didn't use any nic. replacements (my wife, who still smokes, thinks that I should have) Drink plenty of water, this will help to clean out the toxins, don't forget to breath, deep, relax, and be proud of your decision. Congradulate yourself WHEN you get over an urge to smoke. I have bought myself an endless supply of suckers, something to put in my mouth and fiddle with. As for the blood pressure, keep tabs on that, you may need some type of nic.replacement to help with that.
You can do this!! stay here, and write often.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 4/2/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 58
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,348
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $348
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 22 [B]Seconds:[/B] 59