mari_m
92 posts
Registered:
03 Jan 2019
29 Mar 2019
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hello Darlin1960, I used the patch when I quit smoking this time and had good luck with it going through the whole 10 weeks, using it as directed with the 3 steps, gradually getting off nicotine completely.( I discovered that I had to buy the Nicolette brand, as some of the other generic brands reacted to my skin). I do remember trying it before on past quit attempts, and it reacted on my skin and I had to stop using it. So this time I was very careful reading the instructions a few times to make sure I was using it properly. I discovered also that I could only use it on my outer arms between the elbow and shoulder, and always making sure to pick a new spot each time. I would use one arm for about a week, then start on the other arm. I did find that when I first put the patch on, sometimes it would burn or itch for a few minutes, then was ok. I just had to make sure I didn't hold my hand over it for too long when first putting it on as that seemed to overactivate it which caused the itching. I think it took me some trial and errors before it all worked for me, but I was determined that this time I was going to be successful and nothing was going to stop me! I also took the patch off at bedtime, as I didn't like the bad dreams, and really needed some restful sleep. Then I would set my alarm for 1/2 hour before I had to get up, and put the new patch on so it would have a chance to start working before I got out of bed. And I found chewing the nicgum helped me to get past the really tough times, when the patch just didn't seem to be quite enough for me. I guess what I really learned this time quitting, is that I took the problems as they arose and figured out how to get through them. Think of it as a challenge, and there is always a way to figure out how to get through it successfully. I read about this addiction a lot, and checked in with this forum for info and support. I do believe that made such a big difference to my staying quit. I hope that this info may be of some help to you, and welcome to this group. The members and coaches are awesome!! We can do this One Day at a Time. - m