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1. cathyh

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Jan 2019

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   I quit smoking 17 days ago, initially using the patch and inhaler. Everything was going very well for 7 days and then I started having allergic reactions to the patch.
   I tried not using the patch and ended up having a slip and smoked. This is so frustrating.I m back on track but have had to resort to a vape as my NRT.
   
   I can still wean myself off by reducing the level of nicotine in the ejuice and, yes, I know it is not the best solution because I am still inhaling but it is better than going back to smoking cigarettes.
   
   The funny thing is my mornings are pretty easy as far as cravings go so I hardly vape at all in the morning. It is the afternoon and evening that I find the hardest so I try to keep busy in the afternoon and crochet in the evening to keep my hands busy and my mind off smoking.
   
   At 17 days in, I am determined not to go backward but it is soooo hard! LOL
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to cathyh

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   Cathy,
   
   Congrats on making to your 3rd week smoke free!  I guess the most important thing is whatever strategy works to get you to keep from smoking is the right one. The sensible thing would be to have  a plan in place to reduce and eventually eliminate the nicotine. 
   
   I quit on Jan 01, and by day 3 I quit using nicorette as well - I didn't like the feeling and figured if I'm going to make a serious go at this, I might as well get the nicotine withdrawal part over with. Feeling much better since I did. Still have the strange feelings of not smoking and not sure what to do with my time.....

   Last modified on 14 Jan 2019 14:05 by atp
3. cathyh

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to atp

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   Thanks. I do have a plan to get off nicotine. I am following the same sort of 3 step program as the patch. I will reduce the strength of the nicotine in the ejuice used as well as using the three D strategies. in 4 more weeks I should be nicotine free. 
4. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to cathyh

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   Hello Cathyh,
   
   Congratulations on your day 17 of being quit!
   
   I'm sorry you were allergic to the nrt patch, sometimes it's the adhesive you are allergic to as opposed to the patch. Have you thought of asking your doctor or pharmacist about maybe trying another form of nicotine, like the lozenge or inhaler?
   
   Also in regards to the vape or ecigarette, it is safer than smoking but it is not without risk. Maybe you would benefit from the nrt inhaler, which has been proven to be safe and effective.
   
   Good luck and keep up the good work!
   
   Renee
   
5. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to cathyh

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   Hello Cathyh,
   
   Just remember the nicotine is what you are addicted to, but it's not what's harmful, it's all the other things in a cigarette that is harmful.
   
   So please don't feel you need to rush off nicotine, since the nicotine in the vape or in nicotine replacement is what makes your quit more manageable.
   
   Take your time and don't rush!
   
   You are well on your way,
   
   Renee
6. cathyh

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to renee, quitcoach

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   I have tried several different brands of the patch and all of them leave me looking like I have 2nd degree burns and are progressively getting worse with each patch I used. The marks left behind take about 8 days to heal and are leaving brown scars on my skin. It is frustrating because I was doing so well on them.
   I don't intend to stay on the vape for long. I only use as needed to get through a craving and will be reducing the nicotine strength. 
7. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to cathyh

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   Hi Cathyh,
   
   That's so frustrating that the patch works well for you but leaves you with marks. It's good that you have resolved this!
   
   What have you liked best so far about being smokefree?
   
   Renee
8. cathyh

   

   6 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to renee, quitcoach

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   Being able to breathe, smell and taste again! I have not had to use salbutimol once since I quit. I don't have post nasal drip anymore. No cough when I wake up in the morning.
   
   It has turned me into a hobbit though hahaha...first breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies,. I will have to tackle to diet again soon but right now just trying to get a handle on cravings. One good thing is I do only eat whole foods so it is healthy food, just too much of it at the moment.
9. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   14 Jan 2019 in reply to cathyh

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   Hey Cathy,
   
   I get the weight thing - I've added a few pounds since I quit as well - lesser of two evils. 
   
   I've tried to quit quite a few times over the years - this is the first time I got past the first 3 or 4 days, and I too am noticing positive benefits with breathing, general well being. 
10. shazzan

    

    140 posts
    Registered:
    06 Nov 2018
    18 Jan 2019 in reply to atp

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    You will lose the weight gain once you start breathing better and have more overall energy. As far as using an e-vap i would initially advise against it, as some may just view it as a cheaper and safer way to smoke. That is not our goal here. Keep your eyes on the prize... Becoming a Happy Non-Smoker! That means smoking anything, even a straw!
    
    We want to break the hand to mouth habit, that is a habit like biting your nails. If using inhalers or e-vap, i would treat them as cutting down on cigarettes early i a quit. It is not how fast you come off of nicotine. That addiction to nicotine is over within 72 hours of the last nicotine by going cold turkey. 
    
    The most difficult part of a quit is the physiological  part of behavioural changes, and re training the mind to better acceptance of becoming a non-smoker. This is 90% of the battle, so don't worry about the nicotine, but break the habits associated.
    
    Make smoking cigarettes or your substitute uncomfortable. Smoke alone and think about that nicotine stick. See how it controls you. Do not have it in any situation where you would enjoy it, but instead where you will loath it and resent the time taken to get you fix or "medication"
    
    In truth, a cigarette is only the medication for the side effect it causes. 
    
    How many drugs out there carry more warning labels for the relief than the ailment? Then they just treat the symptoms, not the cause. 
    
    You need not endure cravings to quit nicotine, just change the habits so that you decided you actually Want to be a Non-Smoker and Embrace the idea rather than fight it. Do all you can do for yourself to change the habit and mindset. 
    
    All the best to everyone making this wonderful journey. I quit half smart, turkey, with a desire and a belief in myself. You are off to a great start with just those two things.

    Last modified on 18 Jan 2019 17:37 by Missing user
11. emily, quit coach

    

    255 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    18 Jan 2019

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    Hi cathyh, atp, and shazzan,
    
    Thank-you all for sharing your quit stories. As you can see each of us is different and sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the right method of quitting for us.
    
    So happy to hear that each of you have found a way to quit that works for you. 
    
    Have a a great smoke free evening,
    Emily