Should I continue NRT?

[Dixie57]

Hi, Im new here and Im needing a bit of support with quitting smoking. I am 54 and have smoked most of my adult life. I started using the nicotine patch about 3 weeks ago and it has helped with most my cravings. I would like to continue with the NRT but does anybody know if my body will start to become more oxygenated and start to heal while im on the NRT? or will I have to wait until I finish the last step for my body to start getting the benefits of being a non-smoker. I have noticed some good changes like I can breath easier and deeper, taste and smell have improved a little. I have also noticed some not so good things like needing 10-12 hours sleep at night, sensitive gums and increased appetite and some belly problems. Should I continue using the NRT to make this eisier or am I just prolonging any benefits. My DR has given me 6 months to lower my cholesterol and to stop smoking. Im stressing about being able to watch my diet while im going through withdrawls from cigarettes.

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Welcome Dixie, and well done on deciding to quit. Although you are on nrt, it is only a minimum amount of nicotine. Nicotine is the substance that makes you addicted , but does not harm you . Its the other 4000+ chemicals in cigarettes that do the damage.

You should feel all the benefits from now and your lungs will be clearing out any toxins.

Do have a look through the pinned posts for lots of information.

The pinned posts can be found on the right hand side of this page or at the bottom of the page , depending on which device you are using.

Please let us know your exact quit date so we can assign you a progress badge and add you to our wall of winners.

Look forward to hearing from you. Its past my bedtime now so will catch up later. xxx

xx

[Dixie57 5 MONTH WINNER in reply to jillygirl]

Hi Jillygirl. Thank you for your response. My official quit date was december 9th.

[Briarwood Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Dixie and welcome to Quit Support👋

Well done 3 weeks smoke free is a great start👍🏼

I would say don’t be in a hurry to come off the patches as they are recommended for 3 months use.

Jilly has given you good advice already, so I’ll just say take your time and you will feel when it’s the right time for you to stop using them.

Sensitive gums and an increase in appetite is very normal at this stage.

You’re doing well and we look forward to supporting you on your journey to a healthier future.

It’s great going into the New Year smoke free🚭✅xx

[Corrina125 7 YearsSmokefree]

Hello and welcome Dixie, please do not come off the patches, take them to the natural end of its cycle. Many, many members have failed because they did not do this and that is the reasons why you are advised to follow the instructions.

You can only concentrate on one thing only, to do both is recipe for disaster, for now concentrate on quitting smoking and have healthy snacks to hand such as carrot sticks and chopped up pieces of fruit.

Well done on being 3 weeks quit, its the best decision you could ever make for your health.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Dixie, I see you've had lots of help about NRT, so I'll just welcome you to Quit Support💙,remind you to drink plenty of water 💦💧and wish you good luck with your quit.🍀🚭

[Dixie57 5 MONTH WINNER]

Thank you all for being so supportive!! I feel more confident today and I know I can do this..