THE QUIT DIARIES : DAY 28

Quitting smoking......day 28.

So last week was all about the new smells and new experiences because of being a non smoker. This week is all about the misery.

You know all these new non smokers who tell you that quitting is the best thing you'll ever do? It's also the hardest thing you'll ever do. Well...maybe not. But it will feel like it while you quit.

For those who don't know, I'm heading into my last two weeks on Champix. I decided to put my experiences up on the blog because there is a lot of negative press about the tablets and also, a lot of make up artists and fashion people are smokers. A lot.

I've struggled a bit more this week. I am now noticing that my body is getting used to the higher dose of the tablets and I'm starting to see my cravings come through. In order to counteract this, I am stopping any ideas of romancing a smoke. I have been lucky until now that the weather has been so bad that my mates want to sit indoors while we drink or play pub quizzes - leaving me alone to rush outside when they need to. However, the summer is coming and the pub smoking areas are heaving already. I found this new challenge quite stressful but something I need to address before the summer gets going.

I plan on having gum, lollipops and mantras in my handbag come June. I will not smoke cards sound corny but work. A reminder that even just one smoke will land me back having to do this again. I refuse to have to go through this again.

I did go through a head cold and flu thing this weekend which was rotten. I was miserable. I'd been coming down with a weird stomach bug for a week before the rest hit on Friday. I was so disgusting and horrible. I cancelled as many make ups as I could because there was no way I could pretend to be well enough to do them and even went to work on Sunday when I knew I should be in bed. I spent the whole day crying and blowing my red nose! Next time I am going to admit defeat.

I started to feel brighter on Monday which was great and now am almost back to normal but I am convinced that the cold was made worse by the stopping smoking. I'm at that disgusting stage with it. If you've quit then you'll know what I'm referring to. That extra coughing stage and I'm sure that it contributed to the feeling of pressure in my head and ears and also, the constant feeling of heaviness. I did have a chest Xray as a result of the bronchitis which came back clear so good news is that I am in the clear for any serious issues. Thank god.

I am guessing there are two more posts to come. One more when I start reducing my dosage in a weeks time and then another when I'm off. In the meantime, I would encourage anyone to do this. I would also encourage you to get your doctor to monitor you and that you stay ahead of the game. If there are any changes - keep a record and come off them if your worried. Change the cravings but also the habit.

I refuse to get preachy but I'm so proud of myself!