Quitter's Log 12/2/11

This morning they took my wisdom teeth, those thieves. I’d been elusive for about four years’ worth of referrals. But today I finally caved. My father wouldn’t let me come into Target with him when he went to get my prescription because he didn’t know “what I would do”. I had apparently fallen asleep mid-sentence while in the recovery room.  I do remember that the nurse and my dad had to help me walk to the car. Waiting in the parking lot, I drowsily passed out while my dad was awesome enough to buy me pudding, apple sauce, soup and ice cream. It was kind of nice really. I was so doped up and so “in recovery” that I didn’t even think of smoking. 

When I got home I finally read the pamphlet the surgeon gave us on our way out. (Well, gave it to my dad, I’m sure.) This provides instructions for diet, medication, rinsing, brushing, dry sockets, physical activity, and bruising. I skimmed through it, that is, until I came across four lines in the dry sockets section that said (in ALL CAPS): DO NOT SMOKE OR USE TOBACCO PRODUCTS AFTER SURGERY FOR SEVEN TO TEN DAYS. SMOKING AND USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS GREATLY INCREASES YOUR RISK OF “DRY SOCKETS”.

I shake a little to think of having to follow this particular instruction without a previous plan to quit the smokes altogether. Even now, four days off, and I’m still nervous when I think as far ahead as 10 days without smoking. Oh, awful.

It’s 4:45pm on Friday. I’ve made it through 96 hours without nicotine. Now, I don’t count today as a personal victory, so much as a convenient inconvenience.  Sitting at home on my computer and staring at the tube does not involve many, if any, triggers. The part of which I can take credit for is the lack chemical cravings. Those are absent because of my actions on Monday. Quitting three days before surgery was brilliant. Maybe this isn’t modest, but it’s damn true. 

So, no smoking or I’ll get dry sockets. No smoking or I’ll get addicted. Again. (Or is it that I’ll get not un-addicted for the first time?) Anyway, to further distract myself, in case I unexpectedly stumble upon a trigger – like boredom – I have beefed up my Netflix queue and my own personal DVD library. I’ve developed an extensive list of both seen and unseen including but not limited to Glee, The Hangover, the Walking Dead, Wolfman, Cry Baby, Shutter Island, Tron: Legacy, Morning Glory, and Golden Eye.  I am always looking for additions. So, can I get any suggestions for further viewing?  

In closing, I’m doing fine. Avoiding triggers and beating the cravings. I imagine that once I’ve moved past the recovery period, the triggers will pile up. I am NOT excited for those days to come.