Gp

[1Hazeloak]

Just come back from gp asked for zyban to quit smoking he stated I don’t write prescriptions for that you will have to go to a quit smoking group my nearest one is 44 miles away HELP

[annienell]

Not very helpful of your GP! Did he realise how far you would have to travel to get to a quit smoking group?

I'm afraid I don't know anything about this, but hope some of our members will be along soon with some ideas for you. There is a Quit Support Community on the HU platform which you might find helpful and I'm sure some of the members there would have useful suggestions for you. Have a look here - healthunlocked.com/quitsupport

You could also telephone the BLF Helpline (03000 030 555) for advice on what to do next.

Good luck!

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to annienell]

When I wanted to quit smoking I told my doctor who was almost hostile that I was even talking to him about this, he totally considered that I was wasting his time with something that he had no interest in. In the end I got support and advice from my pharmacist, and I bought patches at vast expense.

[powderpuff in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Lack of funding seems to be what’s going on with the CCG’s not reimbursing the GP gponline.com/funding-cuts-l...

[1Hazeloak]

I’m in the uk I’m finding it hard as was told after my flare up and not up to travelling that far

[hypercat54 in reply to 1Hazeloak]

Hi some chemists do it too so it's worth checking though make sure they don't charge you x

[Izb1]

I think Boots the chemist do an nhs free course on stopping smoking x

[Hidden]

This is fairly standard now - stopping smoking is done via whatever local NHS smoking cessation service exists. They’re usually attached to a hospital so that they can work with inpatients who suddenly find they can’t smoke or can’t smoke any longer, and then offer groups in local venues like libraries etc. The fact that yours is seemingly so far away is more than a little unfortunate, but there should be a phone number available for the cessation service: it would be worth giving them a ring and explaining/discussing what the issue is with you attending and see what they say.

[Whitechinchilla]

You have my sympathy truly Hazeloak.

Where is the DUTY OF CARE there???????

I hope you can find the help you need as quitting smoking has to be one of the toughest things to deal with, even with help.

When you are wanting to better your health I cannot see how your treatment or rather non treatment can be justified.

If I were you I would write to your local Primary Care Trust for an explanation.

My surgery no longer prescribe painkillers, antihistamines, meds for sinusitis, indigestion remedies and anything that can be bought over the counter.

What about folk on a very limited income who go to food banks because they can’t afford food? Where do they find the money for meds?

I have permanent non allergic rhinitis as I have a hole on my septum and use up to 120 nasal tissues in a day and was told I now have to buy my own nasal spray as my condition is untreatable😡😡😡😡😡and my gp says

“ I will just have to put up with it.” How can that be right?

I fear this all is the beginning of an entirely different NHS system.

Wishing you well until you find a solution and don’t let this upset you unduly. Easier said than done I know.

Good wishes

[Inamoment]

I'd have thought that continuing to smoke will wreck your health was enough encouragement but if not just get a vape with a lot of nicotine

[1Hazeloak in reply to Inamoment]

It’s hard to give up after 34 years yes my doing I was in the army for 24 of them if you had seen and done what I have you would need a fag I can’t use vape as I’ve been diagnosed with copd and have been advised against them I would also like to point out my son tried killing him self on barracks just over 2 years ago so with the stress of him having ptsd depression and anxiety I do need help giving up

[Woofly]

Hi There, Many years ago when I HAD to stop smoking, my GP gave me ZYBAN It did work, but I had many strange side effects....... was walking round like a zombie! I met my nurse in the street, she said "are you alright? you look a little strange" I replied I did feel weird, she told me to go to them surgery straight away, I saw the DR and he immediately told me to stop taking them. I was given patches etc. not half as good, but managed to stop in the end. My advice is do NOT take Zyban!

[1Hazeloak]

Thank you Woofly gp has rung me and I’m to go and see him at 16.00 today

[majji]

{lease check out your local hospitals as they are supposed to offer you help in stopping smoking

nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body...

I would also follow up on this GP as that response is completely unacceptable! Be extremely polite but quite adamant that you are entitled to more help than has been offered. Obviously the whereabouts of the local hospitals running the courses should have been given to you and I really hope that you find something closer to home and the stamina to give up - it can be done without any other aids if YOU want to stop badly enough - I know I managed it many, many years ago! Let us know how you get on.

[1Hazeloak]

Doctor has agreed to champix start taking Friday as still on antibiotics and steroids

[powderpuff in reply to 1Hazeloak]

That’s good! My husband gave up using Champix.

Good luck!