Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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LISA!!!! That is BEYOND great news!
I am sitting here with the biggest smile because that is such a huge breakthrough! In fact, it is so huge that I have broken out my PAINFULLY SLOW laptop so that I could post a picture for you (my Ipad won't let me do pictures... or if it does, I don't know how)...
My DH just walked in the door so gotta run... Will read your post more carefully and post a bit more later... Back on my speedy Ipad where each letter I type doesn't take several seconds to show up on the screen! God, I hate this computer....!
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Lisa, you went all day - wow!!!!!!!!!!! Do not know the answer to your ?, is there a 1-800 no. on the box, I would try that to see what they say, if no 1-800, call your PCP tomorrow and ask for his advice. I would take it off now, a friend of mine used the patches and always took his off at night because of the dreams. Any one else use the patch? Karen
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Thank you Seaside for the awesome picture! But I don't think I deserve it just yet as I am about to tear this thing off! I have just been "testing the waters" the last few days, trying to identify triggers but have not yet actually come up with a plan. I do know that the morning is bad..bad...bad...
So even though this patch worked (possibly too strong, but so be it as I still have not smoked yet), once I get a plan in place, my cue cards, etc., I will hopefully have the confidence to do this! Even though I am really wanting a cigarette now (and I'm sure I will because I always find a way to screw up a good thing - lol) at least I know that SOMETHING is possible! So if I end up smoking 2 tonight (plus the 4 or 5 from this morning) then that is a huge milestone...right??
Oh, one more question to add to my list from the first post: Am I getting more nicotine with this patch than I usually do when I smoke? Because if not, then this is a good thing!
(I can't do cool pictures....only smiley faces. And pretty pathetic ones at best. :-) :-) :-)
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Hi Karen,
I'm taking it off because I'm giving in to the craving for one cigarette before I go to bed. And I know I have to wait several hours after it comes off. Since I don't have my "plan" prepared, I don't want to do this haphazardly but wanted to test it out. (OK, so the dishes didn't get done today, dinner is not prepared and no house cleaning or grocery shopping took place but the patch worked.) LOL
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Lisa, I think 21 is the highest dosage, so if you smoke lights or even filtered regulars you were getting a higher dasage, which is probably why you were in lala land. But I am presuming when you got the script you had to say what type cig. you smoked so it may be equal to what you normally smoke. Would indeed be great if it was less. Evenso, you went all day on 6, which is indeed a good thing!! Showed you you can do it, it is not impossible, it is doable. And if you have to use a nicotene aid that is A OK. Most of us did. A job well done, dishes and housework can wait a day, dinner proably not. Karen
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So now I'm depressed (neurotic)? I was doing really well but then read all these things on the internet that say in the long run, NRT is not effective because you are still addicted to nicotine. I read something that said long range success rates are not good with NRT. So now I am really confused... Even said that some people never get past the NRT. So this is depressing .. Should I be using this or not? Man!!! I went from having a great day to "Oh crap!".... So despite warnings, I went outside and took 2 puffs... So what is the real story with the nicotine patches? Has anyone here actually quit with them? I just want to go cry now!
Karen - I smoke USA gold (comparable to Marlboro regular) - pretty strong. No lights. I do smoke about a pack or more a day BUT... I rarely sit down and smoke an entire cigarette unless I am sitting outside talking on the phone (or to someone in person). Most of the time I got outside, take 3-4 hits and throw the rest away.
When I was trying to negotiate with my PCP for estrogen after my oophorectomy, he asked, "How many cigarettes do you smoke in a day?" and I said "I don't know, because even though I light up frequently, I never smoke the whole thing!"
Just crazy....
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Lisa - What a huge step forward - so proud of you. It sounds like the 21mg patch is too much - perhaps like you said - go down a step and see if that works - like you said you can always go back up. It is okay to test the waters, I certainly did and many times before I found this thread. Did you get yours over the counter or fromm a pharmacy? I looked at the Nicoderm patches that can be purchased at Walmart in front of the pharmacy but I was really dead set against using any type of NRT. And that was just me - I see nothing wrong with them if that is what is going to work for you.
Like Karen said, job well done - stay strong - you can do this.
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Oh and I didn't have a script for the patches - just bought them OTC based on the formula that 21mg would be correct if you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day (I think so!??) and if you smoke within 5 to 30 minutes of waking (definite). I went to the American Lung Association website and didn't see anything there about NRT which got me very nervous...
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Lisa,
I think you most DEFINITELY deserve the picture! I didn't post it because I thought you were all the way there but, perhaps more importantly, because you took what will be your hardest step... You decided to TRY! I think you are going about this very smartly....
You seemed very worried about even starting because of never having tried before and not knowing what to expect and then took a GIGANTIC first step today.... Not to worry about taking that patch off and having a couple of smokes (my ruler is tucked away)... This isn't about quitting right away, it's about trying it out, finding out what works for you, building confidence that you can do it and even though it won't be 100% comfortable, knowing that you are in control and nothing bad will happen... In other words, setting a solid foundation to be successful!
Please don't be worried about taking help from the aids that are available... Yes you will still be using nicotine but, it is with a clear step down plan to be done.... It will give you a chance to deal with the habit... the situational smoking... without all of the withdrawal discomfort... Edited to add: and eventually, as you step down, that weaning off the nicotine will happen in a very controlled way..
I quit cold turkey and would say I dealt with things in the reverse of how I imagine it would be with NRT.. I dealt with the actual nicotine withdrawal first and then the psychological addiction after...
I think LadyinBama used the patch... I will PM her to see if she can give some insight here!
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djfrro,
Hope today went well for you at work! Those first few times that you do anything after you quit that you used smoke while doing will be hard... But after a few times where your brain keeps waiting for you to smoke and you don't, it figures out it isn't going to happen and the connection is broken! That's why in the beginning it's so freaking hard because all of the connections/triggers are still there! As you break them one by one, the triggers/cravings become fewer and fewer until they are just a rare, fleeting thought...
You have passed a really huge milestone at 3 weeks and, in my experience, things will get better and better with each passing day... The 3 month mark was another major milestone!
You are doing so well! Very happy for you!
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If you remember what your very first cigarette felt like--- dizzy, lightheaded, and nauseated--that is what nicotine overdose feels like.
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Seaside - I love your inspiration. Those posts would have given me the confidence to make that first step. HUGS
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Lisa,
the patch does seem to give alot of nicotine but according to the instructions if you smoke over 10 cigs a day start out out the step 1 ..It sounds normal to me. The patch does a wonderful job of helping you to not crave smoking..you are getting nicotine but not the carcinogenic. which is a ton better than smoking a cig..The patch works great my husband quit after 47 years of smoking.. Continue to test your quitting options, remember success is your goal..The stop smoking aids are there cuz they work, no need to struggle cold turkey.. you may have just been breathing so much clean air today it scared you..I know it did me that first day...Just keep remembering little steps big success...you are doing great..
the Patch works great,, I would say for the first 3 weeks you can keep it on. I put it on at nite but a
Because I was a morning smoker. Then after 3 weeks caused dreams just like with chantix ..so I put it next to mybed and put ithe patch on when my alarm went off in morning,but before I got up for my coffee,which I had to delay too. So I ended up changing my morning routine because I so wanted a cig with the coffee.
everyone is different you'll find what works just for you....But for now your doing great don't worry at all..
Malleme0 -
Thanks everyone for your supprt! I don't want to get addicted to the patch, though, since the goal is to be nicotine free for the DIEP. On the other hand, with the patch I did not smoke. The morning is by far the most difficult for me. And it's not even the coffee. I literally lie in bed feeling the need to run out and smoke even before the coffee. I've already been out 3 times in the last 30 minutes (again, not smoking the whole thing - just a few hits.)
VJ: What is your take on the patch??? I had a bad experience with Chantix making me very lightheaded and dizzy after the 1st pill. MD thought it would be catastrophic to increase to twice a day and this was only on the .5 dosage. Is possible to try again or is it likely to have same result?
On the patch I didn't feel like it was nicotine overdose (i.e., I could still drive and do things) but felt that it was enough nicotine that if I had lit up a cigarette THEN it would have been an overdose. Seemed like it was more nicotine than I would get from smoking but probably because it is sustained release. The cigarette likely gives more nicotine upfront and then is gone in 2 hours.
Do you recommend that I ask my MD for Wellbutrin again? I really need to do this but feeling so scared and frustrated again. Especially after this morning when I woke up with the craving so strong. That happens to me every day.
I really wish I could just quit cold turkey but I think it takes a special personality to do so. Seems most here have quit that way?
Thank you Malleme, Jo, Seaside and Karen for listening!!
Thank you!!
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I did not smoke yesterday, it does seem to be getting easier. I can't believe that I have gone this long without. mornings are still hard, I still really want that morning one, I just keep repeating to myself what my oncologist told me on that last visit " I can can cure just about any form of breast cancer, but I have yet to cure a lung cancer"
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Lisa, I used the patch. Be sure you are using the right dosage. The instructions said to start with 21 mg if you smoked as much as I did, but I found that one too strong and started at 14mg. I used it in conjunction with Wellbutrin, which is an antidepressant that has been found to help people with nicotine cravings. Those, plus determination, helped me quit. I knew I couldn't handle the withdrawal from nicotine, so needed some extra help. At this time, please don't worry about being addicted to it. Even if you use it longer than recommended, you are just getting nicotine and not the other hundreds of chemicals found in cigarettes.
Good luck! You can do it.
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Jjfrro your doing great , for me charging the morning routine was key.
Lisa, your doing great. Don't stress about having a few
, I have found getting your mindset and a plan are really the most important. Like what date? Or timeframe do you want the Diep surgery? How long does your Dr say you must be nicotine free before scheduling?
Addicted to the patch-I don't......know about that...the patch gets too itchy and most just stop by forgetting to put it on because you step down gradually.
Ladies don't stress , every cig you don't smoke is a step in the right direction.don't beat yourself up..Believe in the power of positive thinking.
good luck Ladies and have a wonderful day..
Malleme0 -
I see some of you are tossing the idea of Wellbutrin around. If you are taking Tamoxifen, this drug is shown to have a major drug interaction. I would suggest talking with your MO before taking this. Please be careful. I can't copy & paste links but you can look this up at www.drugs.com.
Hope everyone is having a good day.
PS. Edited to add - I am smoke free 4 months today. Never thought I would last this long living with a smoker.
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Jo that is awesome! I hope that someday I can join you... I can't stop beating myself up. However I did just throw in a piece of nicotine gum. Seems that the NRT does help me to some degree but as soon as it's gone I want to smoke... I am crazy....!!!!!
I am not taking Tamoxifen - forfeited that since I am a smoker and had the oophorectomy instead. Wondering if I should dabble with the chantix again..
dffro: Congratulations!!! I wish I could find the strenth to do this cold turkey...or any way for that matter!
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Lisa65inNY--I would need more information to comment on your use of NRT's etc... I would be happy to spend a minutes with you on the phone if you want to talk about it. my number is 760-333-1270. VJ
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Lisa, you are finding the strength to pick various methods and try them out. Just because tomorrow you will not be a non-smoker, does not mean you are a failure. Build yourself up by comments from this site where people are so proud that you are trying, for each cigarette you wait for that is a positive step. Count up your baby steps in the past dew days, they are so much more than just a week ago. You have had a whole attitude change in the past week, that is a huge step. Cravings will come, they still come at me, but I have too much time invested to give in, you have a week already invested, you are finding your way and that is so great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jo, you go girl, I remember when you had one day under your belt and found the tools, the natural spray, then the nicotine free ecig to help you through. You did your research and took it one step at a time, and now 4 months!! So proud of you. djfrro, you came a long way baby, even when it is tough - you tough it out. And you continue to rely on the support of the group, isn't it the strongest group you have ever seen. Lisa, in a day, you push yourself forward, each day builds up, keep coming to the group for the positive feedback you are getting on your huge baby steps, stay strong. hugs, Karen
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CindyD, have not heard from you in a while, how goes it? Thinking of you, Karen
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Lisa - Sweetie!! Stop beating yourself up. It took me many times before I quit. Remember, I was a 40+ year smoker. Still use my e-cig but WTH - it beats going back to smoking since I live with a smoker or eat tons of food and put on massive amounts of weight. You will know when it is your time. You will join me one day. I will definitely hang around and wait for you - you are worth it.
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Karen & Jo - Thank you for your contiued support! I am just having such a hard time with this.... I know that it gets better in time, because all of you who I trust have said so! But then I think to people who tell me crazy stories and then I "assume" I'll be like them...
For instance... the receptionist in my MD's office told me once that she quit for 10 years (then started again) and that the cravings never went away. Now seriously I find that hard to believe but I feel that because of the panick and stomach issues I have when I think about quitting that I will be like her...(or some of the others).
Jo: I didn't realize that the e-cig you are using has no nicotine. That's great! How does it work? Does it satisfy the hand/mouth thing? Does it still put out a vapor so you feel like you're smoking but not? Does it feel like you're sucking on air? I am ready to give that a try as well!!!
So... I stopped at CVS on the way home from work today to buy the 14mg patch to try and they were sold out. Wonder if that's a sign I should stay away from the patch...
Friday I go to my MD and will discuss Wellbutrin and Chantix again... Starting to feel like throwing myself in front of a bus just so that I can spent a few weeks in the hospital smoke free!! Crazy...
VJ: Would love to speak with you! Let me know when the best time is to reach you. Weekdays are hectic for me but Friday night, Saturday, Sunday will work! I am in NY so 3 hour time difference. Thank you so much!!!
Lisa
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CindyD: Where are you? Haven't heard from u in a while! Hope things are well!!!0
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Lisa - The e-cig does satisfy the hand/mouth thing. I don't have cravings anymore - maybe I am just one of the lucky ones. It does put out a vapor so you think you are still smoking. I really like mine. One of the good things is when it is cold and funky this winter, you would not have to go out to smoke. I have read articles where the e-cig is gaining so much popularity that restuarants and bars are now allowing them since they are basically harmless - no secondhand smoke or smell to worry about. Now you can get them with nicotine and in different strengths and wean your way down that way. If you want to consider going this route, just let me know and I can give you more info and perhaps help you find one that will work for you.0
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I know I am kind of jumping in here.
I smoked 42 years. Quit smoking October 29, 2011. Diagnosed with DCIS Nov 7, 2011.
I had planned to quit for like two weeks, planned to smoke my last carton and be done with it. I talked to my doc about it and she liked my plan.
I use the E-cig quite a bit although now, about 2-1/2 weeks after last cig, I find I am using it less and less all the time. I don't think I could do it without the E-cig...honestly.
I guess that hand holding/action thingee and the puffing, is a big part of it for me. I am convinced I will never light a cig again. Never.
I saw Oncologist yesterday, having gene testing thurs. and then must decide on lumpectomy or mast and etc. It is pretty overwhelming, but overall I am GLAD I stopped the cigs!
Never ever dreamed I could actually stop!!!
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Congratulations Bobbi, that is so awesome!! Two and a half weeks is soooooo great!!! Are you using the e-cig with or without nicotine?
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Jo - thank you, sending you a PM....
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Lisa, some people do go back to smoking, like the receptionist you spoke to, but it has been my experience on this site that whether cold turkey or using a nicotine aid - once quit, the cravings go away over time and we don't go back to smoking. In attending a reunion with about 10 of my closest friends, not one of us is smoking anymore. It is just your mind plaing tricks on you for you to be the one person who follows the receptionist's path. As for the CVS being out of the 14 mg. patch it is just a sign of the many, many people quitting. You are making great strides in investigating all the aids available to you, just try to relax a little as you have allready seen you can do it on the patch, bc wasn't easy but you did it, this too is like the saying - you don't have to be tough, you just have to show up and you are doing that already. You are gathering info from alot of people, Jo and VJ, and that is a far cry from where you were last week. I used the e cig with max mg. at first, weaned myself off that to the lowest and weaned myself off of that as Jo suggested. She has done alot of research on the different types of e cigs and you will benefit from talking to her. hugs, Karen
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