help needed please

[nsd_user663_1931]

Hi

I`m on day 3 using 21g patches. I find that after about 5 hours i crave constantly.Yesterday the patch fell off after a shower and i put a new one on and didnt have any more cravings. Is it possible that the patch could stop working or its not being released into my body. Just wondering if anybody has any thoughts on this.

Barbara.

[nsd_user663_1905]

Hi Barb

The way that patches work is by releasing a steady stream of nicotine into your body at an even rate. When you were smoking it would take 7 seconds for the nicotine to hit your brain and immediately you finished the cigarette the levels would start to drop again . This means that with the patches you dont get the roller coaster of ups n downs that u do with the cigarettes but you will still get the cravings.

My best suggestion is to distract yourself ... sip water (this is good because it also helps flush the toxins out of your body) ... nibble something.... fruit juice is also a good one to help with cravings.

Remember to treat yourself regularly for each little milestone an hour ... a day... and remember day 3 is particularly yucky so just take it an hour at a time and remember you have made the best decision of your life

[nsd_user663_1930]

Hi Barb,

Just something that popped into my head, are you using the right size / type of patch for what you were smoking?

Have you seen a trained "Give up smoking person" at your local doctors or did you just pop into Tesco's, start reading the packages and thought that will do :rolleyes:

Although it doesn't really matter how you started using your current patches but I would suggest you go to your doctors and run through it with them, I am no expert but maybe the size / type of patches you are using are not quite right.

I opted for the cold turkey approach this time (plus lots of Coffee), although I have used patches in the past and they are very good (I spoke to a nurse at my local doctors about it).

I am however feeling confident about reaching day 4, and I will be waffling on first thing in the morning about how good I feel. And the one thing that would give me a boost is seeing a reply to my morning post from you saying "Still only 30 minutes behind you"...

United we stand strong...

[nsd_user663_1704]

All the above

Maybe it's the hand to mouth you miss?

The habit of smoking.

A cessation person will help you work out your exact quit plan as we all differ. I too used patches last quit, they were very good it was i that was crap after 8mnths >_<

I used to rub my patch when i craved or chew on a straw or gum it passes.

I couldn't cope with 24hr patch 'cos of nightmares! but my cessation guy changed me to the 16hr and i was fine after so it's different for everyone. Pop along to your GP and discuss your concerns (if you do not already have a smoking cessation person) s/he will be able to put you forward for the well deserved help that you need x x keep strong and use every tool you can! this aint no time to be a soldier! x x x x

[nsd_user663_1931]

Thanks everyone.

I see a person at tesco`s who trained. I will go up 2morrow.I gave up 2 years ago but with step 2 24hr patch.Worked wonders then. This time i have 21g 24 hour patch as lower dose didnt seem to help.I remove it at bedtime.

Gavikmeg i will be here in the morning. Good luck to us both on our day 4.

[nsd_user663_1733]

Well done to you both it will be great for you to have each other. You can do this I am sure keep each other going and walk to freedom hehe Lots of love and luck Linda xxx

[nsd_user663_1935]

Hope you feel ok on day 5 what make of patches you on ????

[nsd_user663_1830]

Hi Barb - Sorry I've not welcomed you yet...so welcome to the loony bin!! No really- i started on 21 mg 24 hour (had some strange dreams involving ninja squirrels) but I'm now down to 7mg - although I have found the brand names do differ - the first chemist gave me nicotinell for my first prescription and then I've been using niquitin CQ for the last two weeks but as the strengths are different I can't really compare...

I do think that too many think they don't want to use the strongest patch (I have worked out the psychology behind this - eventually - which is why I'm confident this time but won't bore you with my theories!) The important thing is if it works for you (it has for me) go for it... Good to see you - hang in there because blink your eyes and you're nine weeks down the line and it's sooo much better..

Keep posting cos the support here is also absolutely wonderful

LoopyXX