Hi, I was just diagnoised with COPD. I have been along time smoker. I am now trying to quit, with the aid of patches and a new drug called, Chantrix that is taken for 12 weeks. I was in hospital for a week, just a couple of weeks ago. I am still wanting to smoke, but I will say that the meds I take have decreased that feeling greatly. I have noticed that if I'm upset or impatient about anything the urge to smoke is more severe. Is there anything else that I can do to relieve the craving or feeling of "I need a cigarette" I do want to quit and am going to get thur this next several weeks no matter what. But if there is any other information or something someone else has tried I would appreciate any info on what may have worked foe them. I have been told that Cinnamon works for stop smoking, but I don't seem to be able to find any info on it. Do you have or know where I can get any info related to this? Thank you for your time.... Chris

When I quit smoking, I bought those old fashioned stick candies, broke them in half, and always had one handy to stick in my mouth. You just have to watch out for the sugar causing tooth decay, but it definitely reduced the craving. It also helps with the weight gain a lot of people struggle against when they quit. I imagine they ight even make sugar free kinds these days. Some say cinnamon is good, others swear by root beer. It reproduces the tarry taste, I suppose. Other people suggest carrot sticks, or celery cut into narrow sticks. Best of luck with your campaign to quit!

Dear Chris....I know it's really hard to quit smoking. I did it about 25 yrs. ago and I am glad I did. I was recently diagnosed with COPD too. One doc says it's from smoking but 2 others say it's due to my scoliosis which sort of I guess you'd say smushes or doesn't give the lungs much room.

As far as quitting smoking goes, I remember it being terrible. I really don't remember exactly how I did it. It took tons of willpower and just not giving in for nothing. I know you have to try and stay away from the things and situations that make you want to smoke. I think I took walks after eating. I think drinking lots of water helps to; it rids your body of all the toxins. Maybe you could go to a program that helps smokers to quit and gives them buddies to help them.

All I know is it's one of the best things that you can do for yourself. It may take a while for the cravings to go away but it's all worth it in the end. I think they have pills and patches now too.

I've had friends die from lung cancer that spread through their bodies and it wasn't good. I was with one friend and her son had to fix all of her pills for her and leave notes on which ones to take when so that she wouldn't get mixed up; there were so many. Her cancer was the most aggressive type and in about 3-4 mos. she was gone. I was with her this one day and she said that she just wanted to see another really pretty snowstorm but she didn't get her wish. It was very sad. I just couldn't go to her funeral because I was too upset. I recently had another friend pass away also. It went from her lungs to her brain.

I feel this way, Chris, life's just too darn short and we shouldn't do anything to make it any shorter.

I hope I helped some and I wish you all the willpower and strength that you'll need. God bless you. Ellie