Hi everybody..Rachel here x

[nsd_user663_61314]

This is my 3rd day of stopping and unfortunately I had a ciggy this morning but don't want to have any more...I'm finding it extremely difficult possibly because I have been forced to stop rather than my own choice, I need an op for an inflamed gallbladder but the consultant advised me she does not operate on smokers...I was going to quit as soon as I had my op (with my doctors help), but as I'm in a great deal of pain and distress at the moment I didn't think it was the best time to stop!....I seen this forum this morning and you all sound a wonderful bunch of people, I hope you can help x

[nsd_user663_54332]

Hiya and welcome

Aww I'm sorry you're struggling and hurting, not nice.

It's not easy in the first days but it will get better - you might not believe that right now, but it does!!

Are you using any kind of NRT? That definitely takes the edge off the withdrawal!!

Anyway, you post whenever you like 'cos there's always someone around to help, and good luck

Gemma xx

[nsd_user663_61314]

Thanks Gemma, sorry just feeling sorry for myself I'm not usually a negative person..honest! I know there are lots of people a lot worse off than me, I'm very fortunate I know ...thanks for the welcome and understanding, I'm sure it will get better, yes I'm on patches, but consultant said she would prefer me free of patches as well...erm don't think I'll manage that just yet...thanks again Gemma you've lifted my mood allready

[nsd_user663_54332]

Aww don't worry about feeling down, pretty much everyone goes through that unfortunately but again it does pass!!

Am on day 6 and already feeling tons better than the first couple of days

The patches are good, that's what I'm using with some gum when the craves get too bad - don't worry about being off them yet, it's fab you're quitting

Really glad to have helped!! Everyone says it, but if I can quit, anyone can

[nsd_user663_61314]

You're doing brilliantly Gemma yeay!....go treat yourself, you so deserve it.

Great tip I think I'll go get some gum, maybe I wouldn't have had the ciggy this morning if I had the gum for emergencies.

I'm feeling so positive again Gemma...can't thank you enough, I know I'll get through this now

[nsd_user663_54332]

You're doing brilliantly Gemma yeay!....go treat yourself, you so deserve it.

Great tip I think I'll go get some gum, maybe I wouldn't have had the ciggy this morning if I had the gum for emergencies.

I'm feeling so positive again Gemma...can't thank you enough, I know I'll get through this now

Now that is fab!! You go

You'll definitely get through it hun!!

Having the gum is definitely a good idea for when the craves get too much to bear, and you have to concentrate on chewing it too so it takes your mind off the smokes - bonus!!

Make sure you get a flavoured gum though, "original" is properly minging, have got the freshfruit on myself which is tasty, and the icy freshmint is nice as well

[nsd_user663_59305]

Hello Rachel, welcome to the madhouse We will do everything we can to help you along the way to freedom.

I am sorry to hear you've not been well. I am amazed your doctor is so hardcore in her attitude toward patches - blimey, I would have thought she would advocate anything that got you off the death sticks! It's really difficult to quit when you feel as though you've been forced into it but you also sound determined. I always recommend distraction, if the urge comes on strong, water the plants, do a crossword, punch a pillow, scream really loudly or even Candycrush - just get your mind off the craving! I know the pain can make it difficult to stick to your guns, but in my personal experience, I've found that quitting has improved my rheumatoid, probably because the circulatory system is doing what it should and healing is so much faster - I had an attack last week and I'm almost back to normal when this time last year I'd have been "out of it" for a couple of weeks. Sending heaps of positive thoughts

[Hidden]

Hiya Rachael and welcome!

Poor you, sounds like you're having a grim time at the moment 😢 really sorry to hear you're struggling. Don't be too hard on yourself, you will quit when you're ready.

I agree with the suggestion to grab some nrt gum, lozenges or something, just to prop you up when you feel yourself wobbling. I used an ecig - not completely recommended as it's action is too close to smoking but for me it worked and I'm celebrating 75 days smoke free today. We all need a helping hand sometimes!!

Good luck to you and hope you feel better soon. My friend had emergency gall bladder surgery - wasn't a pleasant experience but all good now .

Have a hug

Xx

[Hidden]

Sorry Rachel, not Rachael!

Xx

[nsd_user663_60964]

Hi Rachel,

Personally, I think your consultant sounds like a silly old bag :mad:. I'm sure she's experienced when it comes to gall bladder surgery but she clearly has b****r-all experience of what it's like to quit smoking. It's bad enough having an apparent blanket-ban (no pun intended!) on operating on smokers (what would she do if it was an emergency? Let you die???) but it's even worse for her to express reluctance to operate on you whilst you're on patches. Whatever difference is it going to make?? That sounds like the attitude of a holier-than-thou anti-smoking zealot to me. I think you should stay on the patches (and supplement them with any other compatible NRT you need to dampen down the craves and stop you from smoking) and if she asks just lie about it. It's not ideal but she hasn't given you much choice really has she?

And, what's more, after your surgery is done & dusted, if there is a PALS (Patient Advocacy Liaison Service) at the hospital I should have a chat with them about her attitude. You don't have to make a complaint as such (and you can provide positive feedback about her surgery expertise) but it might result in someone having a 'quiet word' with her about her unhelpful attitude.

Sorry- didn't mean to go on a rant- but it's made me really furious has that. :mad:

Oh, and lovely to meet you by the way. You'll find the forum is the most helpful place you could imagine. I couldn't have made it this far without all these wonderful, wonderful people.

[nsd_user663_61314]

BIG Thanks to all of you!

Sorry i didn't reply before...just catching up with all the replies now....I'm still stopped woo hoo and still waiting my op...lol

Just wanted to say You are all really wonderful people, doing an excellent job, making a real difference. Certainly made all the difference to me..you are people who really understand and can sympathise...offer guidance, advice...you do realise don't you that not only are you saving lives...but erm peoples sanity!!

;):D

[nsd_user663_60655]

Hi FAE

Don't give up on yourself. Hang in there. Believe that you can prevail. Not easy, bit hey, what is.

Good luck, God bless

Firefly

[nsd_user663_54332]

Sorry i didn't reply before...just catching up with all the replies now....I'm still stopped woo hoo and still waiting my op...lol

Just wanted to say You are all really wonderful people, doing an excellent job, making a real difference. Certainly made all the difference to me..you are people who really understand and can sympathise...offer guidance, advice...you do realise don't you that not only are you saving lives...but erm peoples sanity!!

;):D

Oooh that's fab, well done Rachel!!

Hope your op goes well