How Diana Joined the #imaquitter Club!

                  I go by Diana, and this is my story of successfully quitting smoking. Back in 2009/2010 I had already been smoking for quite a while, because of this I was beginning to develop various health issues. I smoked anywhere from 2-3 packs a day and could barely walk up a flight of stairs on my own without needing to stop for breath, or needing someone to lean on. My doctor informed me that my asthma was getting increasingly worse and that I needed to look into quitting smoking, or I would be left with health issues worse than the ones I was already experiencing. My body was to the point of being physically weak and incapable, I had no stamina, and I always found myself feeling oddly sick for a reason I couldn’t explain. I previously tried to quit “cold-turkey” but, I’ll be honest, I didn’t have the self-control and failed miserably at every attempt. Cigarettes are a very difficult addiction to break, and I felt helpless to my addiction and need for them.

One day I was walking through the mall and saw a kiosk that was selling electronic cigarettes, I’m sure we all remember the old school ones that still looked like a tobacco cigarette, but, of course they were insanely expensive. Being able to quit smoking was something that I had wanted for a very long time, but always failed at achieving. I was intrigued, but very skeptical, especially with the nearly $150 price tag. I caved though, and bought my first electronic cigarette. (Yay me!) In the beginning I started at 36mg of nicotine, but I’m now currently at 2mg, and planning on making that 0mg very soon. Having the ability to control the level of nicotine gave me a sense of control over my addiction that I had not previously known. This changed the whole game for me. Within just a few weeks I could already feel the difference. Suddenly, I was able to walk up the stairs in my house without feeling winded and needing to sit half way up to catch my breath. I could actually walk up and down the street and not feel like I was pushing myself physically too far. After about a year or so I went back to my doctor, and the difference she noticed was, in her words, “incredible”.

It’s now been about 7 years since I was able to quit smoking. In these years, my smoking related health issues all seemed to disappear, and haven’t come back. My body is physically healthier and more capable. It has taken me a long time to work my way down to 0mg, I got complacent around 24mg, but I am now almost there. My mind and my body feel better than they have in years, and I’m able to exercise now. Smoking cigarettes always prevented me from too much physical activity. I commend every one of you that has quit smoking, and I hope that you keep up the good work! So, what’s your success story?