Very New
Hi all,
I've been a very heavy smoker for most of my life, 30+ a day. I stared on the 14mg patch two weeks ago and have reduced to approximately 9 a day. I'm going to see my GP tomorrow to see if I can go on the strongest patch because I'm struggling and I know it. I can't sleep with the patch on due to terrible nightmares. I have set my quit date for 14th March which I know is longer than the recommended two weeks but I want to give myself a real chance and I'm under enormous stress right now but I don't want that to put me off from trying. I admit, I'm scared of life after the dreaded smokes but I'm really hoping I can do it. Has anyone else had success by reducing on patches?
I thought the idea was with patches that you didn't smoke at all whilst using them.
Hi Kim, first of all good on you for getting to the point that you want to quit . Secondly - Don't ever feel you have to justify your quit date, that's your date that suits you and what's happening in your life.
Fear stopped me from quitting earlier, fear of how much my life would change and also fear of what the heck I would do with myself. I couldn't picture me having a drink and no smoke, sitting outside with friends and not smoke- really I couldn't see myself simply getting through a day of not smoking.
It's a legitimate worry too as my life has changed but I'm okay with that. It's better than it was.
Plan things to do with your spare time, the busier I was the easier the quit was.
Be prepared to be cranky and hate the world
Be prepared to cry
Be prepared to basically want to gnaw your own hand off.
It's a hard, crazy ride but it's SO worth it. There will be bad days, horrible days and some ok but it does get better.. I'm at 6 1/2 months smoke free and Im loving it. I now cannot imagine me ever smoking again.. go figure!
Hi Kim and welcome......What you need to ask yourself is "have i good reasons to want to quit"? If after serious consideration you answer YES...then take immediate stopping action. Will not be easy but i promise you it does get better with time and perserverance. Stick to nrt if it helps but cravings will come and go eventually subside for lenghty periods. If you decide then the sooner you start the journey the better. I smoked for 53yrs and have been quit 7mths and things are a lot easier to handle now but the early stages will be difficult but you have to keep at it. Sorry i sound hard but no point beating around the bush. All rests with you. Good Luck and keep posting.
Hi Miruwin,
I'm sorry, I really don't want to answer
only because I am working in conjunction
with my own GP and I really think it
would be unwise of me to comment
because in a way it's giving medical
advice which I don't want to give.
Good luck on you journey.
Hi Cranky76,
I sincerely appreciate your post and very
non judgemental opinion. Stress was
putting it mildly, it's actually a very
traumatic time for myself and other family
members. I am really hoping that I can
do it sooner but that date I set is my
absolute cut off. I could have listened to
my GP who actually wanted to see me
get through the trauma first, then think
about quitting but I spoke to her again
today and told her that I'm at least
wanting to give it a go. Is my motivation
high right at this very point? To be
honest it's 60/40 but I am hoping that
will improve. I am actually very proud
that I've gone from 30+ to 9 and today
8. You're right, this is my journey and I
feel I'm getting closer and learning new
strategies each day.
Congratulations on your success!!!
You're a winner 😃
Hi Johnnie,
Firstly congratulations on your amazing
achievement.
I actually thought by joining earlier that it
may help me to get to my goal. I thought
anyone on a trying to quit or quitting
journey could join.
I do understand what you are saying and
have respectfully taken your comment
on board. Quitting smoking is an
individual journey and each have their
own way of doing it.
I am a very grey person, I try in all
aspects of life never to walk in anyone's
shoes but rather walk along side them.
Thankyou Kim, I do hope you find the way that may achieve your goals. We are all here to help each other although sometimes advice we receive is not what we wish for. All the best.