Patches users advice needed

[nsd_user663_4025]

Hi,

I have been on the patches now for just over three weeks, and they have been great for me. I am finishing my last box of step three next Wednesday, I am feeling a bit panicky!!

I thought that they were just psychological but whilst on holiday I forgot to put them on one day and about 12 midday I realised I did not have it on, I had been very grumpy all morning and agitated like something was missing, and then realised I did not have the patch and then put it on.

That incident has scared me, as I thought that after three months, I would be fine, I am scared that from next Wednesday I will be back to day 1, as it will be giving up nicotine for the first time?

Any experiences or advice welcome, thanks.

[nsd_user663_4025]

Thanks Kat, (love your new pic by the way but do miss Gloria....) that sounds like a brilliant idea, will do that from tomorrow, so I don't extend it any longer than necessary - was even thinking about sticking plasters on my back, just for effect!!

I hope all is well with you :)))

[nsd_user663_61153]

Using patches

Hi,

I have been on the patches now for just over three weeks, and they have been great for me. I am finishing my last box of step three next Wednesday, I am feeling a bit panicky!!

I thought that they were just psychological but whilst on holiday I forgot to put them on one day and about 12 midday I realised I did not have it on, I had been very grumpy all morning and agitated like something was missing, and then realised I did not have the patch and then put it on.

That incident has scared me, as I thought that after three months, I would be fine, I am scared that from next Wednesday I will be back to day 1, as it will be giving up nicotine for the first time?

Any experiences or advice welcome, thanks.

Hi Martha, forgot to add this to your post a few mins ago. I used patches for nearly 5 months and say use them until you feel confident. After 3 weeks on the step 1 patches I knew I was still not in the right mindset so I stayed on them another 4 to 5 weeks. Some days the patch would be on nearly 30 hours before I changed it that's why the weeks went over. I then did the same with stage 2 and then stage 3. In fact, I was going to stay on the last patch over Christmas, but found that these patches did not stay on as well and they often came off in the shower. I then got to the point in early December where I had forgotten to put one on for 3 or 4 days so have not used them since. May have used in total 10 lozenges since the last patch but can't even remember now when I had the last one. You will know whether you need them or not. My GP thought it safer to be on them longer as opposed to smoking. Hope this helps. In the beginning I thought I would be on them for life:eek: but hey going well and I'm sure you will. I don't think I would have done it without them

Margie60 x

[nsd_user663_4025]

Kat, in that case I am Heffalump, really feel like it after the hols!!

Looking forward to your big party in a few days

[nsd_user663_4025]

Thanks Margie, very useful, thanks!

I think psychologically I just want to be nicotine free, but you are right, better to be on patches than cigarettes, I might start cutting them down, then not put one in the morning but carry it in my handbag (with scisors - what a pain that is!) and put them on if I get really bad.

I also have an e-cig (that I purchased over two years ago) and use when I have too many on a night out, but haven't used one as I haven't changed one cartridge since I gave up smoking!)

Sounds like you are doing fab!!

[nsd_user663_34264]

Hi Don't know what stage you started on but mine(invisi patch, from nicorette) are stage 1 for 8 weeks stage 2 for 2 weeks and then stage 3 for 2 weeks. I don't know how many cigs you smoked but have you followed the course properly as it doesn't sound as though you have been on them long.

I tried a while ago with patches and didn't follow as the box said, was too inpatient and then started smoking again and I think it was for this reason.

DO not try and run before you can walk is my advise. Take it slow and steady

Remember the race between the hare and tortoise, Slow and steady won the race.

[nsd_user663_4025]

Hi Don't know what stage you started on but mine(invisi patch, from nicorette) are stage 1 for 8 weeks stage 2 for 2 weeks and then stage 3 for 2 weeks. I don't know how many cigs you smoked but have you followed the course properly as it doesn't sound as though you have been on them long.

I tried a while ago with patches and didn't follow as the box said, was too inpatient and then started smoking again and I think it was for this reason.

DO not try and run before you can walk is my advise. Take it slow and steady

Remember the race between the hare and tortoise, Slow and steady won the race.

Yes, I am on the same ones - I used stage one for 9 weeks (as I had bought one too many boxes) stage 2 for 2 weeks and stage 3 for two weeks which is now coming to an end tomorrow - so I have gone over one week and a half as I am now stopped for over 14 weeks. What I have started doing now as suggested I have bought an extra box of stage 3 and I am cutting them in half so they will last two weeks and see how I get on. At least it has stopped me feeling anxious and I guess there is not much nicotine in them? Thanks for your advice, I will keep them on until I feel comfortable to go it alone.

[nsd_user663_34264]

Another little trick. On the very last one just leave it on until it falls off.

I have just gone down a stage and thought I might have that monster having a little niggle but he has been very quite so far.

[nsd_user663_61170]

day 1

Hi im on my first patch of stage 1 but it feels ok no pain in my arm but feel a bit fussy headed.

[nsd_user663_60964]

Hi Beer,

The fuzzy-headedness is a common side effect of quitting smoking so probably nothing to do with the patch.

Well done on your quit so far- you're going brilliantly! You'll be on day 2 before you know it

[nsd_user663_61170]

new post

Hi how do I start a new post, I can reply to one but can't work out how to post a new one thanks keith.

[nsd_user663_61170]

Ok thanks I will give it a go, im not very good at this sort of thing lol