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How long does it take for your body to heal/recover after smoking cigarettes?

By February 13, 2009 - 2:19pm
 
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I quit smoking nearly 10 years ago after nearly 20 years of smoking almost a pack a day.

I read somewhere that it takes the body a very long time to "heal" itself after all that poison in the system which is a bit disappointing after all the work it takes to quit.

does anyone know if the body ever really recovers from a 20 year smoking habit? I was under 35 when I quit.

thank you

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Great site, thank you for the information. I am quitting smoking very soon. I have a 21 year history of smoking already and it is certainly time for me to quit. Actually, I go to my physician in two days in order to obtain Chantix. I was supposed to quit earlier in the year but there was a problem with my insurance that caused the delay.

I cannot wait to join you in the non-smoking world. I applaud your desire and years without smoking. I have tried several times, unsuccessfully, to stop and this is certainly an aspiration of mine. Do you have any suggestions on how you were able to remain smoke free for so long? Did you have any bad days? How did you overcome the addiction?

February 14, 2009 - 1:47pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

the problem with chantix is the side effects that come aong with it......massive depression, suicidal thoughts, heart palpitations. HAve you considered just quitting? and looking into a fruit diet and vegetables, etc. yes you might gain some weight but you won't have suicidal thoughts my friend.

April 9, 2012 - 12:36pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I hope that you have good luck with Chantix.. I have been taking it for a full three weeks and today I finally went a full 24 hours without a cigarette.. I went from 3 packs a day to 1 day without.. Its something I thought I could never do.. This drug isn't a miracle drug.. Your are still going to have strong urges to smoke.. Its just easier to say no with this medication.. I recommend this to anyone.. One thing I can tell you.. Make sure you eat before you take this pill.. It will make you sick... I promise you...

March 6, 2011 - 7:38pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

i used patches,as i was a heavy smoker for 25-years....the patches worked for me perfectly....i gradualy tapered off the patches too over time! its been "2-YEARS"-now + i have never went near a cigarette! i feel so much better in every possible way! for me-the PATCHES-WORKED PERFECTLY. i would recomend them. apparantly you are "3-times as likely to succeed in quiting"-using patches,compared with not using patches. some people find they did'nt work for them,but there are many success stories too. above all-you need to be DETERMINED...will-power + patches are in my oppinion-the best method of all. all the best.

May 17, 2010 - 5:08pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

i have also had champix to stop me smoking, its very good, 2 weeks for me smoke free, i can breath again, go for it girl

February 18, 2010 - 2:49pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I was searching to find out how long it takes the body to heal after smoking. I saw this post dated 2/14/09. Coincidentaly, I quit on 2/15/09. I have not had one puff since then. I used chantix to get started, but after 4-5 weeks, I was getting terrible headaches. I quit the chantix and the headaches quit. With the extra money from not smoking ($4 a day) I was able to find further motivation to not light up. I never thought I would be able to quit, especially after 29 years. My wife, who probably found it harder to quit than I did, smoked for over 20 years as well. She quit 4 days after I did and is still smoke free thanks to the head start given by chantix. For both of us, this was the 2nd attempt with chantix. The first time we could only afford the prescription for the first 2 weeks. Then the insurance came through and we could afford the whole regimen (except I had to stop, but was ready to not smoke by then). Please keep trying. You will feel so much better about yourself.
Sincerely, gtws

February 18, 2010 - 10:12am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

i have a been quit smoking for 2 weeks now. I tried chantix several years ago, unfortunately, i had chest pains and had to quit taking it. So now being a born again christian, i have been praying for god to help me quit smoking. God answers prayers. I came down with the flu and was unable to get up and smoke. After 8 days sick in the bed, and smoke free, I decided to stay that way. Be careful what you ask god for. Because he will answer your prayer

March 1, 2010 - 2:56pm
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger (reply to Anonymous)

Hi gtws - Congratulations on your one-year anniversary as a non-smoker! Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. It's so helpful to others to hear the success stories of those who've been in their same shoes, and have gone on the same journey. We wish you and your wife success in remaining smoke free for the rest of your lives.
Take care, Pat

February 18, 2010 - 12:52pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Pat Elliott)

Hey whats up? Just wanted to say I HAVE BEEN 20 YEAR SMOKER AND QUIT!!!! You can to , you just want to!!! Once you make that choice IT IS STILL HARD AT FIRST BUT EVERY DAY YOU ARE SMOKE FREE helps with confidence letting you know you can do this I didn't think i could but i have. It has been 1 year and 7 months with out smoking been through my second DUI found a wart where you should not have one thank god it went away,now i am a felon from the DUI and had a seizure and dislocated my shoulder and smashed my face all in one year and still haven't smoked so you can too I hope this helps you just have to want too you will be supprised what you can do

November 22, 2010 - 1:27am
(reply to Anonymous)

Just wondering, miscortes, how's the quitting smoking going? I'm currently ready to quit, i.e. have a date set. Online looking for support.

December 5, 2009 - 10:19am
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