Wishing you peace and quiet. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/25/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 32 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 646 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $131.84 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 35 [B]Seconds:[/B] 30

Congratulations Kiwikeith! I'm so glad you feel better. It's funny how we all react differently to things. I waited so long to seek help that when I was actually told I needed it, I was devistated! I was living in denial I suppose. A good counselor would probably be a lot of help as well. The medication doesn't "fix" you but it does give you a tool to use to work on the things you need to work on. Just like with your quit, take one step at a time and the deep breaths still help too. I'm glad you found excitement and encouragement in the results. You are on your way to a better tomorrow. The bottom of that black pit is not a place to hang out. Keep walking towards the freedom and you will find it. Lady [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 7/1/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 604 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 12,099 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2114 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 54 [B]Hrs:[/B] 14 [B]Mins:[/B] 47 [B]Seconds:[/B] 4

KiwiKeith. I am so glad that my post helped you. I'm amazed. Others tried to tell me and I didn't listen. The fact that my post helped you makes it all worth while. I'm very happy for you. I don't know what you are going through but I want you to know that whatever comes your way, keep taking one step at a time and you will make it through. Just as you did through the quit. Reach out for help when you need it. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 7/1/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 606 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 12,137 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2121 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 54 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 51 [B]Seconds:[/B] 32

Thank you Lady, it was your post that finally made me do something about a problem I did not want to admit that I had. Typical guy did not want to show weakness and ask for help. Now I am just so pleased that I did. Cobenfan and Tutti, thank you both for your kind thoughts and advice. This time I listen. Kiwikeith [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/29/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 150 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,752 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1740 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 22 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 8

I finally went to see my doctor today, after being pushed and prodded by my wife, and after reading so many posts here about depression, anxiety, self medicating by smoking etc. First, big congratulations from the doc for my 5 month quit. Second the breathlessness I had been experiencing is seemingly caused by mild panic attacks and anxiety. My lungs are good and strong..no probelms there !! Thirdly. I am suffering from depression and anxiety. surprise surprise !! I should have listened to you all sooner. At least now I know there is a reason I have been feeling and acting the way I have been, and there is relief to at last know that there is light at the end of the tunnel (with a little chemical help) I hope that at last I can start to enjoy being a non-smoker. Here's to brighter months ahead Cheers KiwiKeith [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/29/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 149 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,748 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1728.4 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 22 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 42 [B]Seconds:[/B] 51

Thank you all for the support. Thanks Tutti, your post was a huge help and a great comfort. Although I know it does not make sense I do feel some shame about this condition, it's like "hey I'm in control, I'm not crazy". This will pass I know but I feel a little weird. I would never have told anybody about my depression so I am thankful that I can remain anonymous here. This diagnosis just explains so much and I think my wife is more relieved than I am. The shortness of breath was really starting to worry me. I never thought that it could be caused by anxiety. I was convinced I had damaged my lungs. Just getting this under control will be a godsend. So now I have to be patient and wait for the medication to kick in. Now its easy for me to say If you are worried go to your doctor. easy to be wise in hindsight ! Thanks again KiwiKeith [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/29/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 151 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,796 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1751.6 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 22 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 10