What R Clinics?

[nsd_user663_6496]

UK members, what is it u do when u go to the non smoking clinic or advisors. We have nothing like that down here is Australia. We just buy what we think will do from the chemist. Apart from u guys I don't have access to any support.

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Smokybear

I didn't go to a clinic so can't help with that I just went to the nurse/Dr for my champix prescription that was it except for this forum I didn't have support either

Love

Marg xx

[nsd_user663_4149]

Hiya Deb. The clinics are run by the "National Health Service" and take place in different venues around town, Church Halls, Community Centres etc. They are run by a smoking cessation adviser/nurse and he/she will run it their own way. The one I went to was a rolling programme, where as people joined they mixed in with the others, some just have one group of people till they're finished. When you join you get a voucher for the first four weeks for whatever you use, patches, gum etc and blow into the machine. After that you go to your docs for a prescription and use that for the rest of the programme I think about twelve weeks. The one I attended, after the first four weeks I didn't have to go any more if I didn't want to, just have regular check ups for the first year. I still go every few weeks, just to add a bit of support, and remember where I started. Even the advisers differ, some are good and I've heard, some are dragons. Mine was great, gave everyone her number and was, and still is always availlable. Worked for me Deb but others on here have different ideas. David

[nsd_user663_3755]

I have not been to one, though my local doctors surgery offers them. I think they're great for people who need a bit of a boost and some support, but I've found this forum, due to the fact it's always there, has been a huge support for me in my quit. Also, the NHS clinic near me tends to want you to use nrt and push it a bit and I wanted to do this without nicotine so I decided to give it a miss.

[nsd_user663_6496]

Thanks for that, I was really just curious. This site is the best support by far.

[nsd_user663_6327]

Hi Smokey Bear, the Clinic I go to is different from the ones already mentioned. Mine is one to one with a Nurse at the NHS surgery where I'm registered as a patient. She gives help and general advice, blood pressure checks etc., and writes out the script for Nicotine patches or anything else she thinks you may need. The appointments with her are roughly every two weeks and I find her excellent partly because she used to be a heavy smoker herself.

My philosophy is the more help I can get the better, so am reading loads and trying really hard to crack this thing and up to now, I'm winning!! xx

[nsd_user663_6385]

I'm off to see an advisor tonight... I'm on day 26 but I need to go to get cheap patches and stuff... also I get my carbon monoxide levels checked or something like that

xxx

[nsd_user663_5971]

Mine is just like Viv's. I told my Doctor I wanted to quit and I was straight into the nurse and Champix. I see her every 2 weeks where she checks how much Carbon Monoxide is in my lungs which helps you stay on track, (there's no way I want to tell my nurse that I've failed :eek:), and general chat and advice.

That said - I haven't smoked for 36 days and I believe it's this site that kept me free. The Champix killed the needed for the nicotene, but these guys are what I need to break the habit of smoking.

[nsd_user663_6496]

I've noticed that some of u drop down in patch size according to Dr or nurse. I am following the instructions on the box of patches. It says 6 weeks on the large patch, then 4 on the middle , and 2 on the small. I read on someones thread that they cut large patches into smaller ones? :confused:

[nsd_user663_5920]

Hi non Smokey Bear

I went CT for 2 or 3 days, got mad as hell and bought patches, the high strength ones, good but surreal dreams, booked appointment with quit nurse at my doc's surgery, changed to mid strength patches, my decision, got prescription (half the price) to get mid strength patches. 6 or so days later decided I didn't like those, quit nurse advised I stay on them, I said no.... and quit the quit nurse and here I am

Go with how you feel and follow your instincts.... don't risk your quit but don't stay on the patches longer than you really need to. The sooner your able to confidently stand on your own two feet the better. They (patches) are a tool to as sit you, nothing more.... it's you that gets you through it, not them.

Any thoughts of recognition to how far you have got should go to you, and not the patches

All the best

Pol

[nsd_user663_6496]

Thanks, was thinking of dropping down a patch size next week. Will see how week 3 progresses. Cost of Patches for a whole week are less than 2 packs of cigs

[nsd_user663_6669]

Hi non smokeybear.

two giant packs of cigs?

The reason I ask is I remember on a visit to your wonderful country, a good 20 years ago now (wow,:eek: 20 years?!), I was amazed to find I could buy cigs in packs of 30, or 40, big giant packs. Do they still sell them in that size there? I thought at the time it was the best thing ever, these huge packs of cigs...how sad is that?:rolleyes:

On the subject of clinics, I went to see my stop smoking lady yesterday, I have to blow in the tube every two weeks, I've had a '0' carbon monoxide reading for the last two visits.

By the way....ahem....Day 17 for us I do believe!:cool:

[nsd_user663_6496]

yes lousca they still sell them in 30's even 50 per pack. I was a 30 pack buyer. Glad your carbon monoxide reading was 0, but I guess that proves to them that u havent been cheating???