As someone who had been entangled in the grasp of smoking for countless years, I was completely hooked. I believed I was too far gone, that quitting was beyond my reach. Each attempt to quit was a battle I couldn't win. The addiction was relentless, it always beat me. I was constantly gasping for air, even a simple walk of 500 meters demanded pit stops for rest. The incessant coughing and spluttering, the perpetual expulsion of phlegm, it was all too much.
But at 47, I asked myself, "Gez, what are you doing to yourself?" I decided to take charge and sought help from Yorkshire Smoke Free. Their phenomenal support was integral to my journey to quit; I couldn't have done it without them. I began using patches and lozenges, and slowly but surely, I quit. No more nicotine-stained fingers, no more clothes reeking of smoke, no more foul breath, and no more house smelling like an ashtray. My son had always wanted me to quit, and now I had triumphed over it. Although it was challenging at first, my resolve made the journey easier with time.
However, a heart attack in September 2022 served as a chilling reminder of my smoking past. The specialist confirmed smoking was the main contributor. It was then I understood the true gravity of staying quit. I was again provided patches and lozenges in the hospital due to cravings. With the unwavering support of the stop smoking team in Doncaster, I managed to stay quit. A year later, I stand here as living proof that it can be done.
Now, I am 4.5 stones lighter and have transformed from barely being able to walk, to strolling an average of 70 plus miles per week. I cherish the walks with my friends, and even alone sometimes.
Quitting smoking has radically transformed my life. I smell better, taste food better, and my breath is fresher. Never in my life have I felt this fit and happy. My mental health has improved tremendously, and my anxiety has been quelled. I no longer have to plan my life around cigarettes or wonder when I can stop for a smoke.
Smoking is an absolute demon. It's futile, worthless, and a total waste of life and money. Our lungs are designed to breathe in oxygen, not to inhale these destructive chemicals. I have been foolish, but I have beaten it, and so can you. Never give up, never give in.
