New to the forum

[nsd_user663_2737]

Hi I am new, I have been stopped 2 weeks today, whooo hoooo!!!

I am on patches at the moment but they are making my arms sore, so I am going to move onto something else.

Anyone got any suggestions?

[nsd_user663_2512]

Welcome Yoyoyo ...

I'd recommend Zyban/Champix (go see your GP). I failed miserably when I took NRT as eventually you need to ween yourself off and I could never get that far.

I quit with a course of Zyban, 3 weeks at 150mg and smoking too followed by 3 weeks at 300mg and not smoking. Came off the Zyban after six weeks, been nicotine free ever since

[nsd_user663_1704]

Welcome on board yoyoyo!!

Congratulations on quitting!! 2 weeks too! Well done x x

The patches can be a tad sore, try waving them around for a few seconds without the backing on before you apply them. This has worked for some before and I found it helped this time too.

If you really want to move off of them then I would suggest the inhalator, Lozengers (not to my taste!) or gum, the only thing is these you need to remember to use!! I do like the patch because it's there ticking along doing it's job without me having to remember to do something physicaly!

Good luck yoyoyo x x

~Buffy x x

[nsd_user663_2708]

patches

I used patches to try to quit before and would get very itchy and red around the patch. I found that taking anto allergy hayfever tablet stopped the reaction. Something like a one a day piriton or something. But i am not a medical advisor so just saying that worked for me.

[nsd_user663_2737]

Thanks for the advice

I decided to give up in the patches, my arm started bleeding, I must say i do have very sensitive skin.

I bought some losenges and some gum to try out and like them both so I am splitting them and having half of each over the day. I do find it a bit harder, I'm having more cravings but none that bad I feel like smoking again.

Like you say, the patch ticks away in the background. I find it harder to use the gum/losenges as I work in a supermarket and I am always chatting to the customers so it doesnt really look good with me chewing gum. But today i did, no one said anything but if they did i would have explained.

The other thing Ive noticed is I am always hungry!!! I could eat for England!!

I am being really careful what i eat as I am over-weight as it is and dont want to swop one health related problem for another.

Has anyone any advice on how to curb the munchies?

[nsd_user663_1733]

Yoyoyo

your doing great hope the eating settles down dont have much problem there dont eat very good only curry HEHE Good luck Linda x

[nsd_user663_2737]

Ive been to see an adviser today ....

Ive not had a cig for 2 weeks and 5 days. I stopped using patches after 2 weeks and the last few days have not been at all good. I was almost in tears this morning as i just felt I couldnt cope. I didnt want a cig, it was a patch I wanted or something to replace the patch.

I phoned up an helpline and they explained that it was common for the patches to irritate sensitive skin and I could try another brand of patches. So I popped into town to see an advisor and she suggested I try the 16 hour patch in another brand and use microtabs when i have no patch or as a top up throughout the day.

I feel loads better for asking for help

[nsd_user663_2041]

hi yoyoyo

firstly well done on nearly three weeks!!! i know what u mean about wanting 'something' it can get u down sometimes. and talking about it to someone or on here really helped me i found.

i quit on champix and i have to say itwas good. Made the quit a little less of a nightmare.

anyway carry on and stay strong xxx:cool:

[nsd_user663_1704]

Glad you got it sorted out x x x x

I had the 24hr ones once, they were bad!! my problem was dreams and soreness! I did the swap to the other brand of 16hr ones.

It was much better for me though still a tad sore but bareable!! as I said before give 'em a waft in the air before applying, it dries of excess alcohol that causes irritation. So I have been told!

hope you find the 16hr ones better x x though they tend to leave a stickier residue

~Buffy x x

[nsd_user663_2762]

i know this might sound weird but i use the patches and my arm feels like i don't know, like i have arthritis or something. i get a pain in my elbow and then it kind of clicks but if i put the patch on my back it goes away. i don't know if this just shows how weird i am?!!!!!!

have you tried the lozenges? if you have a drink whilst you sucking one it kind of takes the horrible taste away and i find they do take the craving away. although i was using both over the weeked!!!!!!!!

well done for getting to week two!!!!! i am also at week two. we are offically the week two'ers!!!!!!!! hip hip hurray for us!!!!!!!!! hurrah!!!!!!! yay!!!!!! woo hoo!!!!!!! x x x x