Life as a Christian Woman

Sorry I haven’t updated in a few days. I have taken some much needed time to rest my shoulder and had to prioritize my time on the computer. I have done pretty well with my attempt to only smoke outside. To be honest, sometimes I forget. But I am forgetting less frequently, and will usually realize it as soon as I have lit the cigarette. It has helped to cut down on the amount I am smoking.

I am getting better at the relaxation techniques, also. The deep breathing helps, and to talk myself out of stopping in the middle of something to go outside. I can go for longer in between without as much anxiety.

Since seeing the doctor for the initial examination on my shoulder, I have started taking Mobic, a prescription anti-inflammatory medication. Because of that, I am going to consult with him before ordering the Smoke Away. I am always cautious about mixing medications. Even though Smoke Away is herbal, there are some homeopathic substances that interact with prescriptions. I want to make sure that there is nothing in the two that, when combined, will mess with my blood pressure or stomach or thin my blood too much. Unfortunately, my next appointment with him is not until October 2 because he was out of town this week. At that appointment, he will have the results of my MRI and will know what treatment course I need to take, so it is possible that I won’t even be continuing the Mobic after next Tuesday anyway.

I have gotten several comments and e-mails from people who are following my progress here. That’s great, because as I mentioned before, I am counting on you to hold me accountable. I have some other plans to start helping me on my journey, now, too. The weather is FINALLY beginning to cool off in the evenings a bit, so I am going to start walking with my dog. I used to do a light exercise regimine before my arm problem, but I am hoping that one of my treatments will be some physical therapy. That way, I can ease back into it without inadvertently injuring myself more.

I was doing stretching exercises every day, and resistance band exercises three times a week. I really want to pick that back up again. The exercise always helps when a person is trying to stop smoking. It raises endorphin levels, heart rate, and all that other good stuff, giving a similar bodily response as that to nicotine. Therefore, the body’s craving for nicotine is temporarily suppressed. Anything that suppresses that urge is a good thing, but especially when it is exercise.

I am once again asking for your help. I need to begin finding replacement habits, substituting good for bad. Things to occupy my hands, distractions, etc. I want to start making a list so if you have anything you think could help, or know of something that worked for either yourself or another person, let me know. I can’t chew gum because of temporomandibular disorder, so that one is out. But I’m open to pretty much anything else. Leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail. When I get a few things written down I will share the list with you.

That is about it for now. Please continue to pray for me. Also pray for all people who are struggling with addictions in any form.

UPDATE: To continue following my progress, please visit Smoker’s Redemption.