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Big_Issue
27 Nov 14 17:53
Joined:
Date Joined: 16 Jun 04
| Topic/replies: 4,083 | Blogger: Big_Issue's blog
Ok, the ciggies have been killing me, both financially and physically. My usual's are now £9.35 a packet of £20 and my lungs feel exactly how you would expect after so much abuse for the last 30+ years, with ever increasing intake as I get more and more sluggish as they slowly strangle the life out of me. At 48 its a depressing scenario but I find it hard to quit for more than a couple of hours at a time. I know it's simply nicotine addiction and that I don't enjoy the ciggies at all, even I'm not that self-delusional.

So I visited the local e-cigs shop that has opened up nearby and decided to give it a go. I got the 'smoking machine' plus a couple of additional coils and 3 x Jars of juice for £41, so about 2.5 days worth of cigarettes. Started with Menthol even I didn't smoke Menthol ciggies, plus Cherry and Watermelon.  Only tried the Menthol so far and whilst it is 'different' to real cigarettes, it doesn't feel that much different. The shopkeeper said it was a good started choice as it gives a 'throat hit' similar to real cigs. Hoping I can make a go of it even though I know it means I am still addicted to nicotine, it's cheaper and not as dangerous. Perhaps if I reduce the nicotine strength over time, maybe I will quit nicotine for good.

For other switchers to e-cigarettes, did you notice feeling better for it and if so, how long would you say it was before you started to feel your lungs getting 'better' for it?

Cheers
Pause • Switch to Standard View I started vaping today
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Report Clouseau • November 27, 2014 7:02 PM GMT
Good on you. I started back in April and used to smoke 40 B&H a day.

When you get the hang of it you will probably settle on a few flavours that work for you. The quality of stuff available is getting better and I have started going for OPlus Capuccino and T-juice Fred Astaire... some stuff out there is a bit rank but don't let that put you off.

The best feeling was going to a new doctor's and answering the question, "Are you a smoker?" with a big fat "No!"

Good luck and stick with it.
Report Just Checking • November 27, 2014 7:02 PM GMT
I don't smoke but apparently these things have been linked to a lot of fires recently? Don't get a cheap knockoff charger or use the wrong charger or leave it charging unattended.
Report Clouseau • November 27, 2014 7:05 PM GMT
p.s. can't give an exact length of time but you will start feeling better very soon and although you will still get out of breath due to condition, it will be a better and very different type of out of breath. Only ex-smokers will understand that, really.Silly
Report Clouseau • November 27, 2014 7:07 PM GMT
JC is correct. Find a reputable dealer/shop. They do exist and try to stick to them. The better appliances obviously cost a bit more but you need to go through the stage of realising it is what you really want to do and invest in yourself.
Report Big_Issue • November 27, 2014 7:08 PM GMT
Cheers Clouseau - any tips for a novice such as stocking up on spares, how long batteries last etc?

Just Checking - I've heard about those fires too so will not leave unattended whilst re-charging.
Report Big_Issue • November 27, 2014 7:11 PM GMT
Also, how do you smoke them? An occassional drag or 8-10 quick drags like you would a real cigarette and is it better not to sit with it as you might use it too much. The couple of times I tried the e-lites disposal types I couldn't work out what was equal to a cig and not knowing how much 'puff' was left made you feel insecure.
Report akabula • November 27, 2014 7:14 PM GMT
Good luck mate.
As a previously heavy smoker, 60 a day and had been on the habit for over 20 years, I know the damaging effect it has on your wealth and health.
That was 24 tears ago and no e-cigs about then so it was cold turkey.
Was hard for the first week or two but the benefits were noticeable almost instantly.
To encourage myself I put the equivalent of my cig spend in a jar every day and it soon mounted up.
As I said good luck and look forward to a wealthier and healthier life.
Report Big_Issue • November 27, 2014 7:17 PM GMT
Cheers dude, nice to hear a success story. Like I say it might hopefully be a first step to getting off nicotine full stop, but small steps as they say. I hate the slavery of cigs particularly when I had to walk 1/2 a mile to the all-night garage at 3 in the morning last week to get a packet as couldn't sleep.
Report Just Checking • November 27, 2014 7:20 PM GMT
The price of **** these days is quite something isn't it?
I've never been a smoker but it's not cheap. I suppose £10 for 20 is just around the corner.
Report Big_Issue • November 27, 2014 7:23 PM GMT
Well over £10 already in some places like Motorway Services etc. Two packs a day = £18.70 a day = £6800+ a year, which is a phenomenal amount of money.
Report Just Checking • November 27, 2014 7:30 PM GMT
Well yes, lets say you have to pay 1/3 tax on income to have that as disposable from your income, that's ballpark £10k of gross earnings. Mind boggling!
Report akabula • November 27, 2014 7:37 PM GMT
Big_Issue
Cheers dude, nice to hear a success story. Like I say it might hopefully be a first step to getting off nicotine full stop, but small steps as they say. I hate the slavery of cigs particularly when I had to walk 1/2 a mile to the all-night garage at 3 in the morning last week to get a packet as couldn't sleep.


My mates son did something similar. A wee bit earlier, oneish, but nearly two mile.
He was skint and had been down the back of his settee etc etc until he had enough for 10.
Got there only to find that they only sold them in twenties. LaughLaughLaughLaughLaughLaugh
Report seaview • November 27, 2014 7:37 PM GMT
Its easy to change your thought process. ex

Do you play fobts,why not ? what image do you have of someone who plays them.

When you want a ****.recall an image that is disgusting to you.this will then be associated with the smoking. Repeat process.
Report seaview • November 27, 2014 7:38 PM GMT
* cigarette
Report s.kenbo • November 27, 2014 7:39 PM GMT
My missus has been on them for 6 months now, she'd still like to have a real f@g but this has done the trick for her. She uses the B&H liquid.
Report Big_Issue • November 27, 2014 7:48 PM GMT
Has she reduced the nicotine strength at all SK or stayed at the same strength since she started? Has she tried an analogue cigarette since she started?
Report Clouseau • November 27, 2014 8:04 PM GMT
BI, Best take it one step at a time. Quit the slavery to ciggies first and then worry about reducing the nicotine.

Was in Australia recently and you can only get the 0mg nicotine juices there. It's a bit of a backward and perverse way of looking at it in that you can buy cigarettes which are known to be deadly but can't buy the stuff that weans you off them.

yep, i am a nicotine addict but it's a lot easier moving down from 18mg to 12mg and beyond than it is stopping smoking cigs altogether.
Report Big_Issue • November 27, 2014 8:10 PM GMT
Thanks Clouseau, the high grade stuff I am starting on is 24mg but probably need that. Determinded to give this a good crack, like you say get off the cig slavery first then worry about reducing the nicotine. Thanks for the helpful advice and encouragement.
Report s.kenbo • November 27, 2014 8:16 PM GMT
She's not reduced the nicotine strength at all, I don't think she will either. She started off on the e-lites but prefers the vaping(?)
Report s.kenbo • November 27, 2014 8:24 PM GMT
We took one on holiday with us last year so that if we were sat inside at night time we didn't have to keep popping outside for a smoke, well some nights we didn't even bother having a real f@g, so I know they work.

I tried using one at work but it kept snapping in my pocket so I gave up with it. I don't want to quit, I enjoy it too much.
Report NBK • November 27, 2014 8:37 PM GMT
Great thread
Report Hamsterdam • November 27, 2014 8:48 PM GMT
They made it very easy for me to quit. Can't stand the taste or smell or real cigs now. Best to find a good tobacco flavour and mix it with a little menthol , the menthol aids the throat hit. Forget about those shiit things e-cigs they sell in the shops. Get a proper vapouriser. Kangertech is a good brand.

Wouldn't worry about fires from charges, very rare occurrence just use common sense. Don't charge unattended or overnight. Compared to the risk of fire from real cigs the risk is really insignificant.
Report Ibrahima Sonko • November 27, 2014 8:55 PM GMT
wouldnt worry about the fires !!

their have been over 100 linked to ecigs.
Report Clouseau • November 27, 2014 9:00 PM GMT
Ibrahima Sonko 27 Nov 14 20:55
wouldnt worry about the fires !!

their have been over 100 linked to ecigs.


A valid point, but how many fires have been linked to cigs? Sadly, King's Cross springs to mind. Sad
Report Shanelee1966 • November 27, 2014 9:08 PM GMT
I tried a Red Bull flavour, was pretty good.
Report Ibrahima Sonko • November 27, 2014 9:20 PM GMT
im pretty sure KC was caused by a lit cigarette not a charger, i get your point thou. Just saying cheap products can have weak points.
Report Big_Issue • November 28, 2014 8:01 AM GMT
Day 2

The first few hits of the day were a bit strange, probably the menthol flavour helping with that too. The 'gurgling' noise of the coil vaping the liquid takes a bit of getting used to as well though not as easily heard outdoors. Great not having to schlep to the shop at 7:00 a.m. though armed with a tenner for a pack of 20, only 19 of which would survive the journey home.

Can already see that I may need to invest in a spare battery so one can be on charge whilst the other is in use. Had one small mishap when fiddling with the mouthpiece/liquid holder and got liquid sucking out the end. Spat it out, rinsed them out and re-filled, so lost a bit of juice but lesson learned. Might try mixing Cherry with Menthol, should taste like Tunes!
Report Facts • November 28, 2014 12:07 PM GMT
Clouseau     27 Nov 14 20:04 
BI, Best take it one step at a time. Quit the slavery to ciggies first and then worry about reducing the nicotine.

Was in Australia recently and you can only get the 0mg nicotine juices there. It's a bit of a backward and perverse way of looking at it in that you can buy cigarettes which are known to be deadly but can't buy the stuff that weans you off them.

yep, i am a nicotine addict but it's a lot easier moving down from 18mg to 12mg and beyond than it is stopping smoking cigs altogether.




To your earlier post re: answering Drs question. Surely if still inhaling nicotine into your system ,you are still a smoker ?
Report TheChaser • November 28, 2014 12:13 PM GMT
just bonged some orange bud nice gear
Report Big_Issue • November 28, 2014 12:18 PM GMT
To your earlier post re: answering Drs question. Surely if still inhaling nicotine into your system ,you are still a smoker ?

Yes, you are still addicted to nicotine like a smoker with cigarettes but you have removed the harmful extras that come with cigarettes such as tar and all the extra chemicals.
Report TheChaser • November 28, 2014 12:25 PM GMT
Banana skins get you high apparently , have you tried to see if they take the nicotine craving away
Report Clouseau • November 28, 2014 12:36 PM GMT
Facts: As Big Issue says above.

Science may well prove it to be a false dawn healthwise, who knows, although early indications are good, however I will be dying about £15 quid a day richer and my natural BO will get its day in the sun as it won't be masked by the stench of stale cigarette smoke.
Report johnizere • November 28, 2014 12:37 PM GMT
Switched to vapes 5 months ago, after many years of smoking roll-ups, probably somewhere in the region of 20 a day?
The difference in my quality of health is quite noticeable, walking uphill is so much easier, can't hear my chest wheezing,
especially when I lay in bed. Can't say I'm away from the nicotine habit though, but definitely away from the need to have a real cigarette.
Tried a number of different e-juices, and have no preference to different flavours, but don't like the 'tobacco' flavoured ones.
Read up a lot about making your own juice... have made my own over the last few weeks, it's so simple, only 3 or 4 ingredients, with the liquid
nicotine being the only costly purchase. I was paying around £2.50- £3.00 for 10ml bottles, I make it for less than 90p for the same amount.
If you want to go down that route, there's loads of info on youtube, follow any advice carefully and you won't go wrong.
eg....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x57PaibrOag

18 min. video, explains everything. gl.
Report Aunty Post • November 28, 2014 5:41 PM GMT
I gave up spontaneously at Xmas 1980.

It wasn't planned but that year I had three weeks holiday so no chain smokers coming into my office and handing out the B&Hs
I got through twenty a day but many were "give backs" where I didn't have one.

As a teenager I used to smoke untipped "Capstain" and "Players" full strength for the real hit bat only in the pub with a drink.

What didn't help was that my "Chairman" smoked "Villiger Export" cigars, and they were always handed around in the boardroom,
followed by whisky after the meeting, with said chairman doing his "Dem Bones" party piece and endless jokes.

So because I never smoked in the house or car, I pretty much went three weeks without a ciggy.

Back to work and my lunchtime game of squash, and to the bar for a pint of fresh orange juice, and my partner handed out the B&Hs.

Well it tasted vile as it just doesn't go with orange juice and was stubbed out.

Next few in the office were also stubbed out and that was me finished!
Report Big_Issue • November 29, 2014 7:52 PM GMT
Day 3

Still vaping away and have mixed a nice Cherry and Menthol blend, which is like the old Cherry Tunes cough sweets!

Had a mini-disaster when the battery ran out on the 15th whilst golfing, which convinces me to get another battery. Probably about 90 mins before I could get home and re-charged so not too major. Also unscrewed the tank 'upside down' this morning and tipped liquid onto my jeans. All part of the learning curve.

Really glad I did this move and have started persuading my mate that he should try as well, especially as he smokes Menthol anyway. He was amazed when I told him his 20 a Day would cost over £3K a year.
Report Shanelee1966 • November 29, 2014 8:22 PM GMT
Keep it up Issue.
Report Hamsterdam • November 29, 2014 8:32 PM GMT
Yup keep it up. 2 batteries are a must 1100mh or higher if you can. Every vapour has experienced the gargle and that unforgettable taste of a mouthful of nicotine Laugh you don't get the gargle with the better kits though.
Report Tommy Toes • November 30, 2014 7:47 PM GMT
I've posted about e-cigs many times before, but to reiterate:

I was a 'professional smoker' and never, ever wanted to give up.
By happen stance  (because my cigs being unavailable for a while 3 years ago last August)I ended up trying an e-cig and have been on them ever since.

To me, they are no different to 'real' smokes - except the 'vape' costs me £7 a week and the cigs would now be costing me £130 a week.
Report Big_Issue • November 30, 2014 8:08 PM GMT
Day 4 - loving my vaping. The battery ran out after 18 holes of golf today (shot 77) but didn't have time to fully charge beforehand so was expected even though switched battery off between vapes. Definately need 2 batteries, one charging whilst other in use. Got 2 golf buddies to try my vape and both were impressed. Hope they take it up too, just need a push and risk the up front £30 or so needed (in my case 2 days worth of cigs)The difference in cost is unbelievable as Tommy states above, my 40 a day habit was financially crushing, doubt I have used £6 of e-liquid yet. Wish I'd started 3 years ago, as reckon would be £10K richer!
Report Big_Issue • November 30, 2014 8:34 PM GMT
Tommy - do you smoke like a cig, 10-12 drags then put it away or do you just take a few puffs whenever you feel like it?
Report akabula • November 30, 2014 10:20 PM GMT
Nice one and your well on the way to stopping not to mention £60 better off from the cigs.
I know you'll gave spent a few Quid on the ecig and etc but look at TTs post £7 v £130 a week.
You might be a bit less but still looking at an annual saving of approx. £5000 and not smell like an ashtray.
Anyways keep it up.
Report Big_Issue • November 30, 2014 10:29 PM GMT
Very true Akabula. Knowing my luck they will probably ban vaping next week!!! Seriously, this is SO much better than smoking. Really glad I took the plunge. Funny thing is I can smell smoke in the house, the rug, the furniture, clothes in ironing basket etc etc so going to have to do a deep clean and launder all my clothes.
Report Hamsterdam • November 30, 2014 10:48 PM GMT
They are due to be banned in 2016 already banned in many a country. Some countries, Portugal the latest IIRC have put massive taxes on them.
Report Hamsterdam • November 30, 2014 10:54 PM GMT
Portugal's 2015 budget includes a new tax on e-liquid. 0.60€/ml

That's almost 7 euros in tax alone on a standard 10ml bottle which are about £3 over here at the moment.
Report Big_Issue • November 30, 2014 10:59 PM GMT
Knew it was too good to be true Sad
Report casemoney • December 1, 2014 1:13 AM GMT
Sad
Report TheBetterBettor • December 1, 2014 1:42 AM GMT
On the apple e-liquid.  But still smoke two rollies a day.  I still miss the taste (experience) of the burn of real tobacco.


I know if they did a decent tobacco flavour I'll would be completely sold.
Report Big_Issue • December 1, 2014 3:02 PM GMT
Day 5 - still vaping away and absolutely no desire for cigarettes (I know I'm getting the nicotine a different way so not cured as an 'addict'). My lungs seem to be starting to clear some of the tar and crap out as some horrible black flecked mucus is being brought up. Will be going to get a second battery later this week as it's currently living on the charger between vapes. Just loved going to the supermarket and not queuing for 20 of the usual after my shop, just straight out the door.
Report Big_Issue • December 5, 2014 7:50 AM GMT
It's been over a week now since I started vaping and what a difference it has made, I haven't been to the cashpoint all week for a start. Acquired a second (larger) battery and some more e-liquid, even though still have more than a bottle left from my original purchase. Tried a couple of new flavours, watermelon which was a bit weak and raspberry which was better but still favour menthol as that gives you the best 'hit' in my experience but can be mixed with the fruits for a mellower taste. Really please with how it's going and absolutely no desire for an analogue cigarette whatsoever.
Report johnizere • December 5, 2014 8:57 AM GMT
Nearly 5 months without a faag since I started vaping. there's no way I would go back to the 'real thing', the benefits
of vaping are remarkable. I've been making my own juice for a few weeks now, think I've got the formula balance just right,
and the cost is considerably lower than buying the ready mixed stuff.
Report Big_Issue • December 5, 2014 10:11 AM GMT
Good to hear John, if the Govt introduce tax on the liquids I can see quite a few more folks starting to make their own.
Report Big_Issue • December 24, 2014 9:42 PM GMT
Day 28 (I think) but certainly 4 weeks tomorrow since started the vaping and not one cigarette in that time. I've now settled on Medium Menthol as the vape of choice, seems to give the right hit but not too harsh. The fruity flavours don't really do it I find as you seem to 'lose' the flavour over time for some reason. I reckon what I have saved (in excess of £300 easy) which has more than paid for Xmas plus feeling healthier, well breathe wise anyway. Some problems with increased indigestion/flatulance (terrible) and bleeding gums but maybe some part due to quitting cigs rather than taking up vaping.
Report dunlaying • December 24, 2014 9:56 PM GMT
Indigestion ,flatulence and bleeding gums. Nothing to do with giving up smoking, suggest that you see a GP as soon as possible.
Merry Xmas.
Report Big_Issue • February 2, 2015 6:05 PM GMT
Well I'm still here, over 9 weeks on the vapes and no analogues. Bought a better e-cig, a Joytech One (Totally Wicked) which is much nicer in both practical and asthetic terms. Finding the right strength and flavours of vaping juice is a case of simply trying them. Mixing Medium/Low strengths currently, having been a 40+ a day smoker at the end and seems to be going okay.  If I can make the switch, then trust me any smoker can.
Report Shanelee1966 • February 2, 2015 6:34 PM GMT
Keep it up, well done.
Report Mc Moonbeam • February 2, 2015 9:36 PM GMT
Glad you're still enjoying the vape Big Issue
I started back in 2012 but started smoking again with the stress of moving in but quit again at Christmas
Totally wicked are a good company (tipped their sale on another thread) where I bought the Electron C3 Mega , it's a real powerful bit of kit you can turn the voltage up from between 3.3v & 5.5v
It uses slightly more liquid but the power of a good vape is great & well worth it , it's more for use at home really as is rather long & heavy but suits me fine , the new batteries you can also just plug into your USB on the computer while you use it & charge at the same time
They also do great deals on Quality liquids every few months to stock up
when I first started I always craved a good tobacco flavour but the more you vape the more you realize you don't need the flavour as are getting the nicotine buzz anyway

I ordered 3 bottles of the Tropical Tobacco which is quite good
Watermelon I find a great mixer but the Grape is really niceHappy
Report Big_Issue • February 3, 2015 11:02 AM GMT
Cheers MC. The Totally Wicked e-One is just cool, looks like a large zippo lighter and far move convenient for jeans pockets than the pen styles.

I never did tobacco flavours as I didn't want to be reminded of cigarettes, so been doing menthol plus fruit flavours. I find changing flavour several times a day is best as you avoid vapours tongue that way or reduce it's effects seemingly. Blackcurrant and licorice is a good mix but find that cherry, watermelon, raspberry lose flavour with use quickly. TW's Lime and Lemon is pretty good. Hangsen menthol is like soap and a lot of their fruit flavours are 'weak' so although they are cheap (can get 2 * 30 ml bottles for £7.20) they don't satisfy so much flavour wise. Overall pretty happy though with the swap to vaping though heard a few stories of people going back to the cigs after 3/4 months.
Report johnizere • February 3, 2015 12:19 PM GMT
Over 6 months now without a roll-up Excited
Have been making my own juices for a couple of months, loads of sites to get ingredients, ie VG, PG,
liquid nicotine (Go4smoke really good prices), flavourings (Tjuice I find the best), and you can make
whatever nicotine strength and/or flavour you want.
My favourites at the moment are custard, forest fruits, cappuccino... all made to 16mg strength nic.
Made 12 x 20 ml bottles up last night in an hour, ingredients cost somewhere in the region of £1.50 each.
Friends and family are well happy with my juices, might have to start charging for them lol.
The benefits financially and healthwise are well documented on here, good luck to anyone changing to vaping,
you won't regret ditching the stinkies.
Report johnizere • February 3, 2015 12:28 PM GMT
ingredients cost somewhere in the region of £1.50 each.

total cost per 20ml bottle, to avoid confusion.
it's possible to get cheap juices online, but you gets what you pay for!)
They sell 10ml bottles at my local Spar shop for £4.99...!!!
Report spellingandgrammarchecker • February 3, 2015 1:43 PM GMT
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