April 15, 2005
Robert Nick, ex puffer.
By Robert Nick
Cigarettes were a curiosity for us youngsters way, way back then. And I use to think back then that a man with a cigarette dangling from his mouth with smoke coming out of his nostrils was macho.
Funny thing, we did not even know what the word "macho" meant then. And there was no other vice, no drugs and no alcohol, except elders chewing black bull (tobacco).
A few of my friends smoked so I got introduced to it late in my teens, as both of my parents did not smoke or chew. I asked my father if I could start smoking when I was 19 years old, and he reluctantly approved. And I know now that he did not want me to start, because I had to ask a number of times before he approved.
So, for 40 years I smoked cigarettes, and attempted to quit about a half a dozen times. I did stop for a while each time, only to start over and over again.
In the wintertime, in my younger days, I use to run from Nunapitchuk to Kasigluk and back. This was about 8 miles long. I love to hunt and fish, so I was always going somewhere, sometimes walking long distances. When I start to fatigue more easily and start chronic coughing, I would quit smoking for a while.
In April of 2001, I had a guest from Napakiak who told me that he had been smoking for about 50 years and was able to quit smoking with the help of YKHC Nicotine Control. So I called and spoke with Carrie Enoch, a Senior Counselor with YKHC Nicotine Control and Research Program.
After making an appointment, I went to see her at the Hospital to find out more about the program at which time she gave me patches. I remember the visit quite well, because when she gave me the patches, the day being October 3rd, she asked me this question. "When do you want to quit?" And I laughed, not believing that a tainted band-aid would make me quit when nothing else had in over 20 years of trying. So after I laughed I told her, "how about November 1st, 2001," as I still thought it was humorous.
So, for 27 days I smoked almost non-stop. By the last week of October, I was smoking a pack a day. On the 30th of October, I practically chain smoked all day, thinking that I may never smoke again. At about 11 p.m., I told my wife, " I am going to quit smoking." She told me if I really want to quit, I must have the will to do so. At 11:30 p.m. that evening I placed a patch on my left arm and said, "from this moment forth, I will not smoke another cigarette."
Thank goodness it worked, for within a few days, I had no desire to have nicotine in my body. I do solemnly knock on wood that I will continue to be nicotine free for these reasons:
1. I no longer cough, even when I run... although I don't claim to be athletic at my age.
2. I no longer have the bad distasteful nicotine smell in my nostrils and breath.
3. I can do things without tiring so easily.
4. Our house is finally smoke free.
6. I have more time to do my work, without taking smoke breaks.
7. I no longer have nicotine fits during long "no smoking" flights.
8. I am still macho, even without a cigarette dangling from my mouth with blue smelly smoke coming out of my nostrils.
9. Hopefully, God Willing, I can live a little longer.
Tua-i! Quyana Kuigninermek Taqevkarlua.
For help in quitting or more information about Nicotine Cessation please call 1-800-478-3321