I am currently still using the Vapor4Life.com Zeus Cigar (I buy online) and I get my favorite juices from Nettmix Custom Vapes (locally, you can get online as well). In prior posts, I was down to about 11mg nicotine, I am now down to 3mg. The next drop will be 0 mg. Actually, the way I do my mixing now, I can order some with 0mg and some at 3mg and mix them together to step it down one more level.
I now have a system of purchasing the juices in larger quantities and mixing ALL of my flavors into one. I used to smoke Salem Slim Light 100's, so I prefer the mint flavors. I buy 6 different flavors from Nettmix (www.nettmixcustomvapes.com) here is the combo I buy:
Stick gum 2x mint (double mint gum) + Spearmint + Peppermint + Candy Cane + Extreme Ice + Wintergreen. I kept one of my empty plastic juice containers and pop the top off and combine all of the flavors into that one bottle. I used to just squeeze a couple different flavors into the cart, but this way is so much easier. I mix everything into one bottle, shake it up and then I only have one bottle to deal with to get the unique flavor that I like.
It was a struggle in the beginning - I mean, just the concept that I would NEVER pick up another cigarette again... I just couldn't wrap my head around it, but I really did not have a choice.
I KNEW that my health was in jeopardy and it might actually cost me my life if I didn't quit.
In late 2011, I was rushed to the ER because I couldn't breathe. I had been having a little trouble catching my breath from time to time for about a week and one night everything went very wrong. I had been having more trouble one evening and didn't think much of it. I have to admit - I hadn't been to a doctor in more than 2 years. I just don't like to go, I'm the kind of person who just waits for things to work themselves out on its own. But things just got worse for me. After hours of just trying to take small breaths and waiting for everything to work itself out, I realized I was in deep trouble. I don't remember what time I finally said it was okay to call 911, but I know it was really late. I had waited too long to try to get to the hospital, because at that point, I couldn't move.
The paramedics actually came into my bedroom and tried to give me oxygen, but that wasn't working. They put me in a wheel chair and wheeled me out of my house, down my front steps and into the ambulance. I was so embarrassed and humiliated, I felt so vulnerable, I literally couldn't move - doubled over on my bed and unable to breathe. But the worse part was that I scared my family, they had to follow in my car to the hospital not knowing what was happening to me. After getting to the hospital, the doctor's tried to give me oxygen and worked on me for hours. I was in so much distress that they almost had to do a tracheotomy on me. I think they said I had about 3% oxygen, which is beyond dangerous. They were finally able to get my breathing under control, but I was scared to death.
Even after all of that, quitting was not easy. I did try to cut down, but that devil is a hard one to beat!
So, it was with much hope and anxiety that I began my search for an electronic cigarette that would help me stop smoking. It didn't happen all at once or even right away, but I kept trying. In my earlier blogs (http://dsdshome.blogspot.com) I explained each of the different brands and what my opinions were plus the cost of buying the initial start up kits and maintenance of each.
I truly hope that you find my writings helpful and please heed my warning - Don't be so stubborn (like me) that it may cost you your life. Believe me, as scared as I was - seeing the fear in my children's faces was devastating. We all know that smoking is bad for you, but when you see the signs that something is wrong now, don't put it off. Take care of yourself so you can be around to take care of the ones you love.
As Always, BE PROUD OF YOURSELF for taking the first steps. Celebrate each small milestone and TELL EVERYONE you love about your progress. I don't know if I would have had as much success if I wasn't encouraged constantly from my family and friends. They were proud of me for even looking into the e-cig. world and then getting them and trying them. Every time I got a little closer to my goal, I told my Mom or Sister, even just telling a complete stranger and having them say "good job" or I'm proud of you makes a HUGE difference in your confidence to keep going!!
So I will say, If you are reading this - I Am Proud of You! This may just be your first step, but keep going, it can happen. I am so glad to be alive and breathing. Just keep on keeping on!!
AND.....
AS ALWAYS....
I WISH YOU HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
JUST KNOWING YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOURSELF SHOULD BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE. I WISH YOU WELL.
