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Symptom or Craving


15 years ago 0 955 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Jay,
 
You have received a lot of great advice from other members here! It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between symptoms and cravings. Often things can be considered to be both. Are you using any other quit aids to assist you (patch, Champix, etc.)? If you are using any other aids, be sure to ask your doctor about possible side effects. This will also help you tell the difference between symptoms and cravings.
 
You may experience some occasional dizziness during your quit. You are now absorbing more oxygen through your lungs than your body has been accustomed to. This dizziness may come once or twice a day for a few days. It usually lasts only one or two seconds, and is gone before you have time to do anything about it. How long will this last? The first few days after quitting.

Tips to help: Take extra caution in the common physical things you do. Practice standing up or moving at a slower pace.

If you have a symptom that persists or seems worse than you expected, you should immediately consult a doctor. Its possible that your smoking has been masking symptoms of some illness, and when you stop smoking the symptoms abruptly become noticeable. 

The feeling os being "spaced out" is indistinct but an annoying symptom is linked with carbon monoxide withdrawal. It gives a sense of being in "another dimension." It can include changes in distance and space perception, a floating feeling, and a total lack of concentration. Remember that carbon monoxide is a deadly poison - it is a good thing to get out of your system.

How long will this last? The first few weeks after quitting.

Tips to help: Plan your workload to account for your temporary lack of concentration. Avoid additional stress during the first few weeks.

 

You mentioned that it is difficult because you are sitting and waiting. Can you think of anything you could do to distract yourself? Astrofan has already offered you a number of great suggestions! Any of these you would like to try?

Members, any other advice for Jay on symptoms and cravings?

 

Sarah, Health Educator
  • Quit Meter

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    Amount Saved

  • Quit Meter

    Days: 0 Hours: 0

    Minutes: 0 Seconds: 0

    Life Gained

  • Quit Meter

    0

    Smoke Free Days

  • Quit Meter

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    Cigarettes Not Smoked

15 years ago 0 901 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
symptom or craving ?
at times you won't know the difference.  now i'm not gonna lie guys , this quitting is not easy .  do you really want it ?
i mean REALLY want it ?
then get yourself somethings to help you get by the tough  urges . it might be candy or carrotts or a rubber ball to squeeze until you sweat like all get out .
like the nike ad says JUST DO IT !
 
you can , we're here for ya,
mike/astrofan


My Milage:

My Quit Date: 3/12/2008
Smoke-Free Days: 307
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 9,210
Amount Saved: $2,763.00
Life Gained:
Days: 52 Hrs: 2 Mins: 45 Seconds: 18

15 years ago 0 51 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
But how do I know if I'm experiencing a symptom or craving.  I just know I"m spaced out dizzy and been trying to sleep all day after sleeping all night trying to fight off the urge.  It got to me when I went in to eat.  I slipped but will get back on it.  I won't give up.  Would be nice if I wasn't just sitting here wondering when will I get a load.  How much longer can I stay in business.
 
This is tough I have alot of respect for those that have all that time on there quit meters.

My Milage:

My Quit Date: 1/13/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 0
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 0
Amount Saved: $0.00
Life Gained:
Days: 0 Hrs: 3 Mins: 7 Seconds: 29

15 years ago 0 26 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Withdrawal: the physical symptoms of withdrawal from a substance (like cigarettes) that may include sweating, tremors, tension, hunger, delirium, etc.
A craving is just a strong mental desire you feel to smoke. 
 
The symptom is physical, the craving is in your head.
 
At least that's my take on it.

My Milage:

My Quit Date: 1/13/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 0
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 0
Amount Saved: $0.00
Life Gained:
Days: 0 Hrs: 1 Mins: 42 Seconds: 30

15 years ago 0 51 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
What is the difference?
My Milage:

My Quit Date: 1/12/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 1
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 40
Amount Saved: $8.00
Life Gained:
Days: 0 Hrs: 7 Mins: 0 Seconds: 47


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