On the Patch

[Ruth~]

I am going through a step by step program on the patch to quit smoking. I've heard good things about the patch.
Could use some support and positive feedback on this..Thanks

 

[megg]

You can do this.
I will be starting the patch shortly.
Feel free to PM me anytime.
Having support people is good.

 

[Ruth~]

Thank you! I've been overcoming urges to smoke by keeping busy and trying to do things to relax like listening to music and watching tv right now. I have a relaxation tape that I'm going to try out.

I take the patch off a few hours before I go to sleep as they say you can. The nicotine stays in your skin for a few hours still after you take off the patch. You can also keep it on 24 hours a day. I prefer not to because I kept waking up when I had it on. I didn't smoke while I was sleeping so it makes sense to me that I can go without it during the night. Then I put on a new one in the morning when I get up.

We can do this, YES! I'm praying for all.

 

[If Not For Grace]

Hey did you get the vivid dreams? It's a great side effect, I loved that part. The patch worked for me as far as helping break the habit, but the gum was better for me. 1st time I had patches everywhere. 2nd time bought 1 box patches and Still keep some gum for unexpected cravings, but they are doing lots better.

The colors in my dreams were really intense and so were the images--have any of you experienced this?

 

[Ruth~]

Yeah, I had some wild dreams and then I also had some nightmares. I can't remember my dreams at all last night. I am on step 2 of the patch, maybe the dreams are getting less intense at a result of less nicotine? I don't know. I liked the dreams at first.

 

[etalihini]

You can do this.
I will be starting the patch shortly.
Feel free to PM me anytime.
Having support people is good.

how do i use the patch to stop my smoking

 

[If Not For Grace]

1st Throw AWAY your last pack of cigs.
2nd Throw away your ashtrays (Pack em in the attic if one was Grandma's but get em out of sight and reach)
3rd Throw away your lighters and buy kitchen matches for lighting candles or the grill or any other excuse you need to have fire.

4th Buy some incense or burning oil or aroma therapy of some kind.

5th Get rid of Junk food-candy,nuts etc...eat carrots or chew gum if you have to.

NOW go get some patches peel off the back and stick one (two if you need it although it is not recommended)on your body somewhere.

You can adjust placement depending on your need.
I started with my arm and moved to my thigh-if you experience palpitations or bad taste etc. The further away from your heart the better.


Now--have a list of activities to keep busy with.
Buy gum for after meals or other trigger times.
DRINK FLUIDS WATER WATER WATER--this is for DETOX and to break the habit of smoking, you WILL STILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH some form of withdrawal, it is just less severe with the patch, because it's not cold turkey and both things at once.

I liked the dreams at first.

ME TOO! So that's one thing to look forward too.

Let us know how it goes!!!

 

[Ruth~]

how do i use the patch to stop my smoking

Remember to read all the instructions that come with the patch. I got the Nicotine Transdermal System brand. I started with step 1 and used it for a week, then I went and bought step 2 and used it for a week, then I bought step 3 and used it for a week. Now, I have not had a cigarrette for 38 days. I feel okay, too, and don't crave them.

Good luck to you.

 

[UnitynLove]

Keep on going Ruth, we are reuting for you!

 

[LynnAnne]

The patch is awesome! As far as cutting cravings and allowing you to go smoke-free. Even for heavy smokers like myself!

My only major problem is that I have an allergic reaction to the patch. It leaves a large red swollen (and very itchy!) square on my skin that is feverish (even hot to the touch). I dealt with this last Fall when I quit smoking, and just decided to use each 'step' for one week instead of two - cutting the time on the patch in half.

That didnt really work though so I stayed on the 3rd level a little longer. By the 7th week I was covered in 'squares' because I had to put the new one on in a new place each day.

I really wish they made a hypo-allergenic patch!! I started back at Christmas, which I regret, so now I am facing quitting all over again. Blah.

Good luck to everyone else on the patch! I hope it works as well for you - minus the allergic reaction LOL.

 

[MaddiesDad]

Ruth! This is great news for you and your loved ones.I turned my cig addiction over too.
It is a wild process,you're doing it.