My story: Gary Farmer

I was a smoker for over 51 years.  I started before I was 15 yrs. old.  It was the cool thing to do back then.  Even parents didn't realize what they could do to your' health back then.  I smoked while growing up and through the service.  They almost made it mandatory to smoke in the service.  I married and had two children and still smoked.  In 2008 I found out I had a heart valve which was giving me trouble.  A genetic thing.  I thought I was having lung trouble because of breathing issues, but my lungs looked pretty good.  I've tried to quit at least 10 times over the years, and thought about it much more often.  When the valve thing kept getting worse I would give it a try again.  In the past I've tried cold turkey, which didn't work.  I've tried the patch and ended up looking like a smoking checker board.  That didn't work either.  I tried chantix, the new drug which was suppose to work wonders.  The dreams were a bother and I ended up a little depressed with other things going on in my life, so, I gave up again !!  About 3 months after that I tried chantix again.  On St. Patricks Day I quit again, and started on chantix.  For a week I kept smoking.  By the end of the week, they didn't really taste all that good.  I change my routine a bit in the mornings.  I got up 1/2 hr. later than normal.  I use to get up and have 2-3 cigs with a couple cups of coffees & then get ready for work.  Now I get up and get ready and go.  I have my coffee on the road.  A little neausea last about 5 min. and all is well.  It's been over a year now and I don't miss them at all.  I stayed on chantix for 3 months.  It takes the urge away.  The only thing you have to do is change your' habits a bit.  Eat a little differently.  I had a lot of mints.  I did gain some weight but I took it off later.  I did go in for a valve replacment and feel great.  I'm in the woods a lot and love hunting.  Still working and feel good.  It is a relief to be able to live without looking for the next nicotine fix.  After a lifetime of smoking I feel like a new person!  I tell you, if I can quit, anybody can .  You just have to want to.  Really, really want to.  Now it's a peice of cake!!!  Set your' mind on it, and you can do it.  I never thought I would ever be able to, after so many tries.  Don't give it up.  Good Luck