Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group

The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...

1,155 Members

18,740 Posts

0 Online

anxiousgal 05/17/2015

Hello Everyone,

I am new here. I quit on March 9th due to a health scare . I got shortness of breath and it scared me straight. After 25 yrs of smoking and battling this addiction I am so happy and proud of myself . However , I have been feeling worse now . I can not climb stairs , bend over to clean without catching my breath. Has anyone else gone thru this ? Also , I have been experiencing anxiety as well ? What are some of the withdrawal symptoms you have gone thru ? Please share....

jazzkeys 05/17/2015

Is it possible your health scare caused your breathing problems to get worse. We all get worse before we get better, but when you get better you will be so much better AnxiousGal. Remember to drink lots of water and keep cut off straws handy and breathe. keep lots of healthy snacks close by.
Welcome to our family of quitters.
There is a site called " Good Posts" this site will give you the list of all the side effects of quitting and what you will go through, I will try and post it for you.

jazzkeys 05/17/2015

http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/good-posts

anxiousgal 05/17/2015

Thank You JazzKeys

grannie 05/18/2015

You may be in the same situation I was in....I had emphysema and did not know it. Tell the Doctor and get checked out, maybe take the Lung Function Test. He can give you and inhaler to help and there are breathing exercises for shortness of breath. Sorry you are having this problem.

Congrats on your quit!

gracenme 05/18/2015

sound like you need to get the short of breath checked out. copd (emphysema) may be the reason. quitting is the best thing to do so keep it up

anxiousgal 05/18/2015

Thank you . I will . I am so scared now . Please pray for me .

jazzkeys 05/18/2015

We will, the more knowledge you get about it the better you will feel.
I was petrified at first until some people here and on the COPD board explained what I had. It is scary but once you know how to deal with it, it gets better.
Don't forget to Pledge and Roll Call every day, it helps a lot.

jasmine0523 05/22/2015

Anxious gal I think checking in everyday made me feel accountable and not smoke. I am almost 4 months smoke free and feel great. At the beginning I felt worse too. Don't give up it does get better.
Huggggss Jasmine

viv0147 05/22/2015

Hi and congratulations on your quit if you look at my photo you will see my foot that was to remind me that if I didn't stop smoking and the fact I had diabetes the Doctor said there was a strong possibility I would have it amputated! The good news is I still have my foot and I am a non-smoker! In the beginning it was tough but definitely easier than being in a wheel chair so I advise you to use your health scare as your motivation to a healthier life and the best thing of all FREEDOM.

MayberryDeb 05/22/2015

Hi AG, It took me a while before I began to feel better. You have to remember how long you smoked and things just down't change that fast. You have chosen the best path to feeling better, but you have to give it time. Jin us for daily Roll and Pledge. It helps us get to know you and to lend more support. Just know we have ALL been where you right now. It does get better. Hugs for strength

Join the Conversation