Stories & experiences

Ask yourself. What did you like about smoking?? Was it the nicotine? Flavour? Cloud? The motion? The rebellious thing to do? How can you replace those things?

I did it for my health n with my knee injury I want it to be fixed n surgeon want operate unless I give up smoking plus I think I used it as stress relief

Hello Katrina+struggling, There is a difference in wanting to give up by your own volition than to have been told to give up or we wont give you something (like your operation) This is the struggling aspect, and as mentioned by PeteF you need to try to bring it around to yourself to give you the reasons to stop smoking, rather than your surgeon demanding this from you. You will do this eventually but in the early days yes we all experience lots of different things in our bodies mine was tiredness and jumpiness this led me to my food and gave up coffee big time I still only have one in the morning the next thing was to eat well that means helping your body overcome the withdrawals and giving it a delight to improve your mood. You can start on writing out what you like in the way of food and this along with asking yourself the questions posed to you, should keep your mind actively involved and working this way will help you have some control over the operation that you need to have. Your method of putting extra patches on is up to you but you might experience lack of sleep and/or dreams when you are ready go back to the advised dosage and deep breath many times. Keep in touch.

Hi Katrina. I was a very heavy smoker too and my doctor suggested I use two patches so it should be ok. I ended up having only one patch and 4mg gum when needed. After 4 weeks I cut the patch in half and now use 2mg gum. You have an excellent extra reason to stop smoking so hang in there and stay strong!

Hi Katrina. You can quit smoking, but the first step is to WANT to quit, and having no choice does not make this easy. Please read and learn about the addiction and how rather than helping you to reducer stress in your life, is actually a cause of it. For instance, the dilemma you now find yourself in is because of smoking.
Your overall health must also be an issue i gather if doctors will not operate. It is amazing how we recuperate our health after quitting. Thousands of chemicals are in a cigarette, and they inhibit our bodies from eliminating toxins, while they add to them. How much has it cost in dollars over the years to be at this monsters beck and call?
Start seeing the addiction, yes addiction.... who, me? and what it has done to you. Realize that you do have the power to change all of this. You are here and forums like this can give you the advice and support you need to face the challenge.

These physical conditions that you mention are prior to taking a double dose of the patch? If not see your doctor for the best medical advisement. Cravings are mere thoughts.... eating well, drinking lots of water, exercise and deep breathing are beneficial in reducing cravings and anxiety. Lavender , good music, doing enjoyable things and spending time with loved ones are all good sources of dopamine which is the boost that nicotine gives us. Our bodies do produce it naturally. Research and learn. Most of all enter this journey with a positive mindset.

You really can do this!

Hi Struggling. Your story is a really sad one. You really are fighting many battles. I know that smoking is going to make all of the other struggles much worse and has a strong hold so if you can at least try to break that then you will find it easier to battle the other beasts you are fighting. What stands out to me in your post is your suffering with anxiety and depression. I think you might find some assistance with listening to some relaxation/meditation music from you tube. You can down load and listen to it while sleeping or find dedicate some time for yourself in the day to breath in the beautiful relaxing music. I really feel for you as you have an awful lot going on. Make a list, rather than let the struggles and associated stresses swarm in your head, write them down and maybe try and find a solution to one problem at a time. You can also find some good stop smoking meditation on you tube. I used them and today i am one year quit. I wish you all the very best.

Hi Katrina. I as so sorry I just posted you but mistakenly used your title as your avatar so am re-posting. Your story is a really sad one. You really are fighting many battles. I know that smoking is going to make all of the other struggles much worse and has a strong hold so if you can at least try to break that then you will find it easier to battle the other beasts you are fighting. What stands out to me in your post is your suffering with anxiety and depression. I think you might find some assistance with listening to some relaxation/meditation music from you tube. You can down load and listen to it while sleeping or find dedicate some time for yourself in the day to breath in the beautiful relaxing music. I really feel for you as you have an awful lot going on. Make a list, rather than let the struggles and associated stresses swarm in your head, write them down and maybe try and find a solution to one problem at a time. You can also find some good stop smoking meditation on you tube. I used them and today i am one year quit. I wish you all the very best.

Thanx everyone for comments n support I'm getting there slowly day 4 or 5 now n still smoke free not even looking for them I do have alot going on but I ain't gonna let that take over n start smoking again I got this ,🥰

day 4 or 5 now and before you know it, it will be week 4 or 5 then month 4 or 5 etc, etc. You have got the 'bull by the horns' so just keep staring into those red eyes and telling it, you are not giving in. Pat yourself on the back, you are doing well.

Yea thanx Dab feeling pretty awesome n this is awesome forum to get that extra bit of support