It's been a year!

[Mike W]

Mods - I know this isn't essentially business related but, if it helps other UKBF members like me, it's got to be good, hasn't it? ...so please leave it here if you will. Thanks

In January I posted about having stopped smoking through the use of electronic cigarettes.

Well I'm proud to announce that it is now over 12 months since I last had a fag!

Want to give up or try? You really must give them a go. And don't believe all the bs you may read about uncertainty to health etc. That's simply because the government, the pharmaceutical companies and other interested parties are running scared due to loss of income.

Take it from someone who knows. They work! You'll feel better, smell better and you'll have more money in your pocket.

 

[beasty]

quick point

You being a sample size of 1 makes any statement about them working or not working pretty useless.

You stopped and they helped you stop, so well done but the next person may not succeed and later succeed by drinking more cola, do they then suggest people drink more coke if they try and stop as it worked for them?

Many fail on these just as they do when trying to quit cold turkey, i would be surprised if they were significantly more successful than just quitting, the reason being you are still not free and clear if you need to use them and people can switch back.

Well done on a year, i know chicken madras helped me massively when I quit. (Joking, I always ate loads of Madras)
Other solutions may be available.

When you have given up you do feel amazing and enjoy sharing, I recall this too!
I read that QUIT SMOKING BOOK and it worked for me, many including the author it did not work for.

Most of all it boils down to your own resolve quit 10 years ago not had a single draw since, did the same with alcohol 5 years ago, healthier now than 10 years younger

 

[deadgoodundies]

I've turned 15 friends & 3 Staff over to e-cigs as im a vaper myself, none of whom have gone back to analogues.

Would it be better if I quit nicotine altogether? Course it would be but then it also would be better if I quit beer , tea , coca cola, jelly belly beans. Thing is I enjoy all of those including my nicotine intake.

When I was in a mind to quite cigarettes I tried, gum, patches, inhalers was on the Zyban trial and none did any good for me personally. E-cigs has been the only way for me to quit "smoking" that has actually worked.

Plus being a total gadget freak I like the vaping gear (and when out at restaurants i'm always getting people talking to me about my Touchwood (with 6ml tank)

 

[toastking]

Whilst its all a good idea in my eyes, I have to agree with one point from the anti-e-cig brigade.

Nicotine in itself isn't completely harmless and is addictive.

You say 18 odd people have stopped smoking and use e-cigs instead. How many don't use the e-cigs any more? I'd wager you'll probably have 1.

The addiction is still there, still wasting your money.

If they actually helped people wean off nicotine then I'd be all for them I reckon. But they don't, everyone I know who uses them, 100% so far, actually use them more than they would cigarettes and nobody yet has stopped. Most will also revert to cigarettes when drunk or out of e-cig charge.

 

[deadgoodundies]

Nicotine in itself isn't completely harmless and is addictive.

What is completely harmless ? caffeine at a high enough doses could kill you plus caffeine is addictive. In normal doses nicotine is totally safe (unless you had some sort of allergy to it). The problem is that cigarettes have been demonised (and rightly so) but in it's wake so has nicotine itself.

The addiction is still there, still wasting your money.

True but if you enjoy something is it a waste of money? Personally I think anyone who walks into Starbucks or Costa Coffee is wasting their money. Do they really need that cup of coffee there and then rather than make it much cheaper at home or the office.

If they actually helped people wean off nicotine then I'd be all for them I reckon.

IF you want to cut down and use them to wean yourself off nicotine then you can as you can reduce the nicotine content in the liquids , usually 36mg is the highest then usually it goes down to 23, 18, 12 and then you can get liquids with zero nicotine

Most will also revert to cigarettes when drunk or out of e-cig charge.

Can't comment on that as I don't know anyone myself that has reverted back and I certainly haven't (plus I aways keep a spare battery to hand).

 

[Mike W]

Nicotine in itself isn't completely harmless and is addictive.

You say 18 odd people have stopped smoking and use e-cigs instead. How many don't use the e-cigs any more? I'd wager you'll probably have 1.

The addiction is still there, still wasting your money.

If they actually helped people wean off nicotine then I'd be all for them I reckon. But they don't, everyone I know who uses them, 100% so far, actually use them more than they would cigarettes and nobody yet has stopped. Most will also revert to cigarettes when drunk or out of e-cig charge.

Nicotine is about as bad for you as caffeine - check it out. It's all the other garbage that's in traditional cigarettes that's bad for you, not the nicotine itself. And if you're that fussed about nicotine, if you haven't already, I suggest you give up tomatoes, potatoes, peppers (capsicums), cauliflower and many of the other foodstuffs we eat that contain it. Check that out too.

As for 'wasting money', aside from the fact that it isn't (see next para).... what I, or any other smoker/vaper, chooses to spend our money on is surely our business ...isn't it? I don't question what you choose to spend yours on ....whether you 'waste' it on alcohol, on takeaways, on gambling ...or even buying a more expensive bread than others. I don't because it isn't my business. It's yours. You spend it however you like ...and we'll do ours.

With regards to 'wasting' money. I used to smoke 30-40 a day. At a cost of now near £8 a packet, that's £12-16 a day. I now spend less that £10 a week.

Finally, what world are we creating where we feel justified in being able to be so critical and judgemental on everyone else? It's getting beyond a joke. I'm not picking on you (you just happen to be here), but as a (ex) smoker, I'm getting so sick and tired of being chipped away at. And now, when I've actually succumbed and done something about it, far from being a great move (which it is), the first thing that almost all non-smokers say is 'so when are you going to give that up too?'. Jesus!

If you don't know the saying, you ought to read this... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came_... ...cos' you're next.

Try to live and let live.

 

[deadgoodundies]

I now spend less that £10 a week.

I'm starting to mix my own liquids, so it's even cheaper than that for me

 

[Mike W]

I'm starting to mix my own liquids, so it's even cheaper than that for me

I'm including replacement part costs in that £10 ....batteries, atomisers etc. It all counts

 

[deadgoodundies]

Just out of interest, what are you using?

 

[Mike W]

You being a sample size of 1 makes any statement about them working or not working pretty useless.

I tried to get the other 1,299,999 to come but they were too busy vaping

Many fail on these just as they do when trying to quit cold turkey, i would be surprised if they were significantly more successful than just quitting

Firm evidence to suggest to the contrary. Can't be bothered to find the right links but there are lots ...including from ASH. And this from 'Cancer Research UK' is a good read (the comments particularly) if you can be bothered.

Most of all it boils down to your own resolve

I agree but as long as you have the right crutch it helps.

 

[Psl]

What about the carcinogens in the e-cigs?

Does anyone know exactly what is in the e-cigs?

Are there any medical reports about the e-cigs?

 

[Mike W]

Just out of interest, what are you using?

It's an Ego-T. I started with an Ego-C, then switched as it was a pain. Now buy my accessories from China and my juice from Totally Wicked.

We tried a few juices but I preferred theirs, even though it was a little more expensive than others. Was originally paying £9 for 20ml. Now paying (through discount codes) about £6-7.

My partner uses E-Liquid Labs, buying larger quantities (200ml) so it works out around £5 per 20ml for her.

How about you?

 

[Mike W]

What about the carcinogens in the e-cigs?

Does anyone know exactly what is in the e-cigs?

Are there any medical reports about the e-cigs?

Loads of reports floating about. And loads of hidden agendas too.

Here are some links to some interesting reading, inc from ASH and Cancer Research Uk.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...-be-prescribed-on-NHS-within-nine-months.html

http://ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_715.pdf

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23985248

http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/team_messageboard_thread.asp?board=0x758x42560575

http://www.businessinsider.com/e-cigarettes-passes-1-billion-sales-2013-8

http://nicotinepolicy.net/documents/reports/Impacts of medicines regulation - 20-09-2013.pdf

http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk...ettes-the-unanswered-questions/#comment-13951

But I don't need any report to tell me it's healthier for me than normal cigarettes. I know. It's my body.

 

[Searcher]

Mods - I know this isn't essentially business related but, if it helps other UKBF members like me, it's got to be good, hasn't it? ...so please leave it here if you will. Thanks

In January I posted about having stopped smoking through the use of electronic cigarettes.

Well I'm proud to announce that it is now over 12 months since I last had a fag!

Want to give up or try? You really must give them a go. And don't believe all the bs you may read about uncertainty to health etc. That's simply because the government, the pharmaceutical companies and other interested parties are running scared due to loss of income.

Take it from someone who knows. They work! You'll feel better, smell better and you'll have more money in your pocket.

Well done Mike, its been 8 months exactly myself today according to my app. I've used various aids to help get through and couldn't have done it without them.

Really can't understand why anyone bothers to post anti/negative stuff on this. The point is you've stopped - who cares HOW it's done.

 

[beasty]

Wow

I aint reading all this

Just saying sample of 1 is as good as useless for any recommendation which is a fact

Another fact

thousands have tried and failed on ecigs, patches, inhalers and gum, success and failure

my ONLY point was, as a sample of 1 it is easy to proclaim these things the new superjesus as they were 100% successful for you

I added the bit about not being free and clear of the addiction as it is a substitute

Congrats I quit cold turkey 10 years ago and never smoked since, no Ecigs here and no addiction to Ecigs

 

[a1anm]

I've never really smoked but my fiancé used to smoke daily. She managed to cut down and eventually reached a stage were she only smoked when she was having a drink. She never managed to overcome this hurdle until she tried e-cigs.

Now when she has a drink she only uses her e-cig. It's great! Cheaper, doesn't smell, not as bad for her and she doesn't have to nip outside all the time so more social.

 

[Mike W]

Just saying sample of 1 is as good as useless for any recommendation which is a fact

If that's your view, why aren't you slating every post originator who's expressing a view on something? I was merely opening a topic, talking about my success with something ...and, unless you live on Mars, you'd know I was not the only one.

Another fact - thousands have tried and failed on ecigs, patches, inhalers and gum, success and failure

my ONLY point was, as a sample of 1 it is easy to proclaim these things the new superjesus as they were 100% successful for you

Correct on the 'fact' ....but I'm telling you as a seriously hardened will-never-give-up smoker, who has tried some of those other methods (and more), that e-cigs are, without any doubt whatsoever, the best of all.

They are the new 'superjesus' and that's why you and everyone else is hearing so much about them.

Did we ever hear so much (or any negative propaganda) on patches, gum or inhalers? No. Why? Because they were manufactured by 'clean-handed' pharmaceutical cos and were only marginally successful. That satisfied the need to be seen to be doing something and didn't hurt tax revenues (and any negative would be outweighed with a hike in the next budget).

But now they're running scared...

How much tax is there on a pack of cigs? How many cigs does the average smoker smoke. Tax is £4+. Let's say the average smoker smokes 10 a day (it's higher). At those figures, the government lose £2.00 per day per smoker. 1.3m ecig users means £2.6m per day ....£949,000,000 per year ...and growing.

Add that to the losses the tobacco companies and pharma cos face, now tell me there's no hidden agenda.

I added the bit about not being free and clear of the addiction as it is a substitute

Who gives a hoot? There aren't any medals available and it's hurting no-one.

Congrats I quit cold turkey 10 years ago and never smoked since, no Ecigs here and no addiction to Ecigs

Well done (seriously) but you know that many/most can't do it ....and, again, there aren't many medals available.

All I know is, I no longer smoke cigarettes. Who cares how I, or anyone else, got there?

 

[toastking]

Believe it or not from my comments I do think they are a good thing. If purely from a selfish point of view that when drinking you don't find everyone runs outside every 5 minutes to the cold for a quick fag.

Cold, wet and smelling of fags, thats the usual night out till these things.

But all I was saying is they arent a perfect solution.

 

[dynamic08]

Well done but no pat on the back from me.

Everyone that gives up always expects a pat on the back (I am not digging at op just making a point here) I don't smoke never have. Just like I don't take take drugs like all those JK retards and expect a round of applause because they have been off it for like a week so bleeding what.

 

[beasty]

I've never really smoked but my fiancé used to smoke daily. She managed to cut down and eventually reached a stage were she only smoked when she was having a drink. She never managed to overcome this hurdle until she tried e-cigs.

Now when she has a drink she only uses her e-cig. It's great! Cheaper, doesn't smell, not as bad for her and she doesn't have to nip outside all the time so more social.

Does she drink more to enjoy an Ecig?

I remember when I quit the fags, lager tasted amazing!

Serious, every beer I would have been a good salesmen for a brewery at the time as I thought every beer I tasted was produced by God

 

[MASSEY]

I quit smoking in February, roughly. Have been on Ecigs ever since.

I started with E-lites and smoked them for months. At first i was impressed with them but after a few months they started to taste horrid. And they were costing me 4 quid a day.

Then i went onto nicocig, as my dads partner was on them and they are a million times cheaper than elites. Works out to 50 quid a month and i really like them.

Recently i bought an Iclear from the the electronic cigarette company. I think the taste from the vape is nicer than nicocig and it will possibly work out cheaper but it has the drawbacks are that i have to refill it and it can all get a bit messy.

I tried one called Ok cig not that long ago. In my experience is was pretty close to smoking a real fag. The butts of the disposable ones are soft and spongey, the puff was good too. Not sure what the it will be like cost wise.

How much do you think it costs you a month mike?

 

[Mike W]

Probably about £40-45 a month I reckon, all in. Used to spend that every 3/4 days on cigs.

I use an ego-t. I buy juice from totally wicked. Was paying £9 for 20ml at shop, now £6-7 (online with promo codes). I buy my replacement batteries and atomisers from China (via dhgate). In bulk (mini-bulk), batteries work out £5 compared to £12-15 here, and atomisers 70p compared to £5.

You can prob find what you want online on dhgate or similar. Cheaper by a mile.

 

[Mike W]

Well done but no pat on the back from me.

Everyone that gives up always expects a pat on the back (I am not digging at op just making a point here) I don't smoke never have. Just like I don't take take drugs like all those JK retards and expect a round of applause because they have been off it for like a week so bleeding what.

I'm sure you're right, in that some do look for a pat on the back (works for AA etc) but, rest assured, that wasn't what I was looking for. I'm amazed enough at myself, without needing anyone else to tell me

I just wanted to simply share the experience with others. Because if I can give up, believe me, anyone can!

Those that know me are as shocked as I am. But not as shocked as I am with Susannah, my partner, who was more of a hardened smoker than me.

We don't need pats on the back. We just keep patting our pockets

 

[simon field]

Hats off Mike, well done

I'm trying soon

 

[dynamic08]

Haha well done anyway. Pat your pockets but it wont stay in your pocket for long. I don't smoke but that loose change tends to go on things like redbulls, costa coffees and keeping the car clean.

 

[SuffolkDesigns]

March 14 will be 2 years since I stopped regular cigs (40/day) and started e-cigs.
Feel healthier, better sense of smell & taste, nuff said.
(No pat on back wanted)

 

[Excel Expert]

Nicotine and e-cigs are not as harmless as people say either are.

There are serious question marks over Nicotine and if it is carcinogenic or not. It is only recently that the scientists have started investigating Nicotine on its own. So claiming it is as harmless as caffeine may well be proven wrong soon.

I have no doubt that their are e-cigs that are safe to smoke but unlike tobacco every e-cig company is selling its own unregulated mix of chemicals. e-cig A could be totally different from e-cig B - one could be safe, one could be deadly.

Then there are the devices themselves of which there are many, many variations. Who knows what materials are in them and what they are releasing when heated. Certain metals and plastics release some very toxic chemicals when heated.

I'm not against the concept of e-cigs at all, what I'am against is them being released to the public without regulation or testing. It is this lack of regulation that makes them a risk. Chances are a reputable e-cig from a reputable company is going to less damage than continued smoking. There is also more than a fair chance that some manufacturer is going to cut corners and costs one day and things are going to get in to the supply chain that is going to end up doing some real damage.

I also think the claim that governments and pharmaceutical companies are trying to reduce the amount of market space these have. The only companies that will loose out are the tobacco companies (if they dont switch to making e-cigs). The government will simply tax e-cigs if they need to make up the revenue and the pharmaceutical companies are probably the best suited to make a fortune out of manufacturing them.

My point is not that e-cigs are totally unsafe, my point is the lack of regulation and testing makes them (a) unsafe for release to the public and (b) not necessarily better for you than real cigarettes. No one can make claims either way with 100% certainty because there is no proof - this alone should make people question using them.

Congratulations on the year of non-smoking though.