After 40 years of smoking, with repeated attempts at stopping, the last one being about 3 years ago, I find myself preparing for another attempt.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about how to go about it this time. It would be inaccurate to say that past attempts at stopping failed, as I actually (normally) get to six weeks of being stopped before my body starts to pack up physically and mentally. I've spoken with doctors and even seen a neurologist about it, but none of them have been able to offer an explanation as to what's happening at this six week stage.
In the past, I've been working, and I've had to start smoking again as it was either that or lose my job!!! This time around, however, I'm not working, I'm on medications which *might also* help, and if push comes to shove - I'm in a better position to go through this six week stage of physical collapse!!!
I saw my GP today (to get patches) and warned him of my six week barrier and that I would be beating a path to his door and to please not ignore me if/when this happens.
So, today I have my patches and my last pack of cigarettes. For some reason my GP has started me on 'Step 2' patches. They are supposed to be 16 hour patches, to be put on first thing in the morning. Hmmmmm....... I'm not sure I fancy the idea of waking up tomorrow morning craving that first one of the day. So I think that for today at least I'm going to put it on before going to bed.
Here we go........ I'll post in Day 1 tomorrow...... assuming I make it that far!!!