NHS experience

[nsd_user663_56287]

what do you think of the NHS people?

Every time Ive tried to use their stop smoking service, the first day is great. But then I find it hard getting hold of the advisor. And then the next prescription is over due, then I get stressed and that doesnt help.

I find it hard to get their support

Im wondering if anyone has had a good/ bad things to say about them

I like that thing you blow in to see your tar levels

[nsd_user663_56237]

what do you think of the NHS people?

Every time Ive tried to use their stop smoking service, the first day is great. But then I find it hard getting hold of the advisor. And then the next prescription is over due, then I get stressed and that doesnt help.

I find it hard to get their support

Im wondering if anyone has had a good/ bad things to say about them

I like that thing you blow in to see your tar levels

In the first few weeks, when I had a bad day, I used the NHS smokefree website. They have a chat function and an advisor will come on and speak to you. It's nice to know that there is someone you can speak to who is qualified to do so, but I didn't find it anymore helpful than being on here.

I ordered a quit kit a few months before I quit (I'd been thinking about stopping for a little while) and I found it great. You receive a calender for the first 28 days and each page has a motivational "speech" for you, then on the back there are puzzles. The idea being that you can rip the pages off each day and carry the puzzles around in your bag, just in case you're in a situation where you're craving a cigarette. I thought this was really good and I also got a squishy stress thing to squeeze when times were tough!

I haven't been to a group or my gp though, so not sure about the one to one treatment when you want to quit.

[nsd_user663_54332]

I go to the doctor's so rarely they don't even know I used to be a smoker and didn't see any reason to put them straight. Last time I saw the nurse, she didn't ask and I didn't tell - but I can't have smelled that bad or she'd have noticed? It says "non-smoker" on my notes and it's true now in any case

Anyway, one of my friends quit last year using the Quit Kit and Smokefree thingy and she said they were pretty good

She had the same kit as Sarah, but with a tangly-toy instead of the stress ball. Would definitely recommend getting either one of them!!

Ooh and I don't know if this helps Bunny? facebook.com/NHSSmokefree

[nsd_user663_56287]

that quit kit thing is awesome. Ive had a couple...

Shame your not meant to have more than one per person so I can't order it through the post anymore. So I made my own calendar to put stickers on this time

[nsd_user663_54332]

that quit kit thing is awesome. Ive had a couple...

Shame your not meant to have more than one per person so I can't order it through the post anymore. So I made my own calendar to put stickers on this time

Order one in your mum's name, or use your middle name

You're going to save the NHS ££££££ by quitting so they shouldn't be tight with a quit kit that probably only costs them a few quid to send out

[nsd_user663_56287]

someone told me that the NHS try and make you buy drugs all the time if you dont even need them. Im not just talking about NRT but like doctors get a commission or something. I wonder if thats true.

I got a bag of antibiotics at home

just a ponder

[nsd_user663_54332]

someone told me that the NHS try and make you buy drugs all the time if you dont even need them. Im not just talking about NRT but like doctors get a commission or something. I wonder if thats true.

I got a bag of antibiotics at home

just a ponder

That's something my doctor's good for - last time I saw him (in 2007, lol) he told me to not bother with a prescription for my migraine tablets, just use paracetamol or ibuprofen and save the prescription cost.

Guess it depends on what your practice policy is. Or it might have changed in the last 6 years

[nsd_user663_56287]

I have no idea.

All I know is that my doctors are pretty useless and try and send you off with penicillin for every time.

Internet is better than docs

[nsd_user663_57214]

I don't rate NHS smoking advisors at all. None of them ever seem to have smoked so how can they advise and sympathise with what you're going through. If I get through this tough time I think I might start up my own counselling service for smokers, I'm sure I'd be better clued up than they are!

[nsd_user663_56287]

ill join Nooney!!

as long as you can get everyone prescriptions for NRT

cant believe how expensive they are without!

ooh dont get me started on prices..... I better hop along

[nsd_user663_57214]

Oh I'll just get a job lot from Wilkinsons (definately cheaper in there) and include in my hourly rate.

Could have done with some counselling today actually, day 5 and first day I've not been at work since I stopped and I've found it much harder. Just been and bought some wool to start some knitting.

[nsd_user663_54332]

I wonder how long you need to be quit before they update their records. Do they even bother to change the notes or do they class us as being once a smoker always a smoker.

Think they put you down as an ex-smoker.

The GP did ask my dad if he smoked (he has a lung condition among other things) and he said he had smoked a few cigars when he was younger but not many and was never hooked so they put him down as non-smoker.

Just wondering, is there any point in telling them I smoked - when I go next that is - or doesn't it really matter?

[nsd_user663_54332]

Gemma I would not bother telling them that you are a ex smoker. Who knows maybe in the future having ex smoker on our records may put us lower down the eligibility list to be treated by the NHS.

That's a good point - scary but true!!

Amount of extra tax we've all paid we should get 5* service but can't see that happening.

Can always blame their nurses for having a rubbish sense of smell and after all they just didn't ask!!