WEEK THREE IMPRESSIONS

Name: Frieda Bush.

Age: 43.

Smoking history: Smoked since 18. Quit multiple times.

Method: The Free & Clear program, which combines nicotine fading and group support. Also using Zyban.

-Wednesday: I had hoped to be over the withdrawal symptoms by now. But the urge to smoke was almost constant on day four without cigarettes. I bit my tongue, took lots of deep breaths and tried to stay focused on work. If I didn't know better, I'd say I was a bit crazy and the Zyban didn't feel strong enough. If I'd been on a drip system I'd have cranked up the dosage.

-Thursday: Sanity has returned. I am more relaxed and less snappy. By the time I attend my second support group meeting of the week, I am almost happy. One woman remarks that all of us look better than we did a few days ago. I think she's right.

-Friday: I am happy to have this week over with. Nicotine withdrawal is hard work, and I've had several long days in a row. I'm looking forward to playing with my new dog, reading a book and going to bed early.

-Sunday: It's been one week without cigarettes. I walked downtown and met some friends for breakfast at The Spar. I notice the woman smoking at the table next to me, but I'm not obsessing over it. I'm enjoying not having to stop and light up and not having to apologize for my nasty habit. I buy myself a treat for making it through the week -- a colorful bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.

Name: Jim Carlile.

Age: 24.

Smoking history: Smoked since 14. Quit twice.

Method: Hypnotherapy.

-Day 18: Amy and I have been taking walks around the neighborhood about once a day since we stopped smoking. It seems to be helping, and it gets us out of the office for a while. We did the same thing the last time we quit (we didn't smoke for about three months).

The little stabs of cigarette lust still occasionally creep up on me. I'd better get used to those.

-Day 20: The times when I want a cigarette the most are in the mornings. I'll usually brew a pot of coffee before coming into work and fill my thermos with it. Sitting down at my desk for the first cup of coffee is when it hits me that I don't smoke anymore.

Luckily, the people who have been calling and writing in their own stories have helped tremendously. The first thing I do after I pour my coffee is read my e-mails and listen to my messages.

-othing gets rid of the urge to smoke a cigarette like hearing from a smoker who can't get the carbon monoxide out of his system and if I want to reach him he's in Room 630 of the hospital, or the countless calls from people wanting to tell me their stories about being diagnosed with cancer or having heart attacks or having a parent or spouse die from a smoking-related illness.

I've had so many calls and e-mails that I haven't been able to return even half of them. If you've tried to get in touch with me and I haven't returned your call or e-mail yet, your stories haven't been told in vain.

Thank you.

-Day 22: Ah, sweet Silly Putty. What would I have done with my hands without you?

Name: Amy Uptmor.

Age: 26.

Smoking history: Smoked since 21. Quit once before.

Method: Nicotine patch.

I am now without the patch (I stopped wearing it early, against my better judgment, but I felt I was OK). Reality is starting to set in. I am crying a lot, over anything and everything.

Yesterday I itched so bad that I would've ripped my skin off if I could've. I don't have the patience to do anything anymore. I am in withdrawal. So I got a Zyban prescription. It's worth mentioning that I'm planning my wedding in the midst of this turmoil.

That alone likely will give me the motivation, at some time or another, to start smoking again. The doctor I saw had a point -- you have to make it easy for yourself to quit smoking, as easy as possible. I agree. Zyban should help.

About this series

Today's story is the third in a six-week series about quitting smoking. Three Olympian staff members have decided to quit smoking and will share their experiences each week of the process. The series also will cover topics related to successful quitting.

- First week: Quitting isn't the problem, it's staying cigarette-free.

- Last week: Withdrawal symptoms.

- This week: Teen smoking.

- Fourth week: Lifetime smokers who persist despite health problems.

- Fifth week: The image of smoking in society.

- Sixth week: Free at last: Smokers who have quit for years share how they did it.

Let us know

If you have suggestions for these topics or want to share your smoking story, call Jim Carlile at 357-0204 or e-mail him at jcarlile@olympia.gannett.com.

The Olympian Copyright 2000

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