Trying a new approach

[nsd_user663_64495]

Hi All,

I'm on day 3 of my quit attempt, this time I have enrolled in a clinical trial being undertaken by a London hospital that is comparing the effectiveness of e cigs against NRT. I am using NRT to quit and attending regular weekly appointments at the clinic, but I have to say today has been really tough. The first two days I barely noticed it, which surprised me after years of smoking almost 30 a day! But today has been really hard. It hasn't even been a stressful day but the cravings have lasted a long time and I haven't been able to think straight at work.

Is this normal at this stage? Does any one have any pointers for keeping going on days like these?

Looking forward to chatting with like minded people.

Cheers James

[nsd_user663_51263]

Hi James

Welcome to the forum.

How you are feeling at the moment is perfectly normal. I think that sometimes the first couple of days can be easy and then we start to feel the effects of our withdrawal from nicotine as we slowly come to terms with the fact that we're not smoking. It does get easier as time goes on, especially if we are really determined to quit.

I think you will get lots of support and motivation from the clinical trial you've enrolled on and I'm also sure that you'll get lots of help and advice from the forum if you need it. We're all in the same boat on here and although quitting's different for all of us it's good to be able to share our experiences and encourage one another.

Keep us posted and Good Luck to you.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Hi James and welcome to the forum...Surely we all experience this quitting thing different but the basic symptoms will be the same .. The tensity and how we experience it might differ.

Very interesting the trial on NRT and E cigs. There is so many people always asking what is the best and your live input can be very helpful.

Stay strong and be on alert because this Nicotine addiction is a sly one and will attack you when suspected the least....!

Post frequently and let us know how you experience this journey to freedom.....

[nsd_user663_64457]

Hi James. I think that enrolling in a clinical trial is such a good idea. You'll get plenty of support I'm sure and also it helps to be doing your quit alongside others. A bit like joining Weight Watchers to lose weight. It's so much easier to fail when you're doing it alone but when you have to check in with someone you feel a responsibility to carry on.

During the first couple of days of quitting I found I was on such a high at having finally 'done it' that it seemed easy, as you said. When reality hit it was harder. Good days and bad days.

My biggest help through these past three weeks has been this forum.

Come here as often as you can. Everyone's in the same boat and everyone understands. So post often and make friends. It's been my lifeboat.

[nsd_user663_64495]

Thanks Guys, start of day 4 and today I am feeling really light headed, I guess because of the extra oxygen in getting. Day at home with the wife today, so wish me luck 😉

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Well done James on making the best decision of your life to quit, What you are feeling is perfectly normal and will pass soon. Enjoy your first weekend as a non-smoker with your wife and veg out, you deserve it! I look forward to reading your updates on how you are getting on especially in this new trial. Good luck and stay strong!

[nsd_user663_64495]

I am really keen to see the results of their trial so I hope they publicise them. Personally I don't want to quit smoking using an e cig but there is no doubt they are helping a lot of people. Let's hope they start regulating them soon.

What you are feeling is pretty normal and will hopefully settle down soon for you. It's s big change our bodies go through when we quit but the symptoms can be quite daunting.

Make sure you keep your fluids up and look after yourself more than ever. Give it a couple of weeks and you'll soon see the benefits.

Just out of curiosity do they only offer one form of NRT or do you get a choice?

Keep yourself busy this week end and make sure you have lots of food in x

Hi ya, yes you get a choice of NRT, they advise you based on your smoking patterns and preferences on what you could use and then you are given a prescription. I have asked for a copy of the report when it's published so will add it here, but it won't be for about a year as they its a long study that is monitoring progress over a year.

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to nsd_user663_64495]

Hi James, Do you know how many people are in each group? (e-cigs and NRT). Also, did you get a choice of which group you were put in or was everybody randomly allocated a group to be in? Sorry, really into stuff like this!

I hope it's a little easier for you today and good luck with your quit.

[nsd_user663_64495]

Hi ya, yes you get a choice of NRT, they advise you based on your smoking patterns and preferences on what you could use and then you are given a prescription. I have asked for a copy of the report when it's published so will add it here, but it won't be for about a year as they its a long study that is monitoring progress over a year.

Hi ya, it's a randomised control trial so I had no choice over allocation of NRT and ecig. Afraid I don't know what the study population is. I would have liked to see it also include a group for combining ecig and NRT. As for the hardest bit seems to be missing the inhalation of something which could be achieved in my case of combining a patch with an ecig rather than a pitch with a spray.

Today seems to be ok so far, but haven't met up with my boss yet! Guess I should move over to the other forum now though as in day 5!