Lilly

73 days is amazing Abby. You're nurturing your own quit but always have time for others. I love Sheldon

Even though you say you are a perfectionist I can't help but wonder if you are just someone who enjoys planning more than doing. The problem is that with all the reading and planning you suddenly look up and realise another three months have passed. My own experience is you can over think quitting. I would say pick a date and just go for it. Spend your first week reading everything you can. Saz has a link to how to use this forum effectively and most of what you need is in there. Be daring - pick a day and just run with it

This post is great Whispers x

Not smoking today

One of the things I adore about MQ is how humble he is. This forum is a big deal but his happiness seems to come purely from the knowledge it is helping people. He clearly pays out of his own pocket and that in itself shows how selfless he is. The Moderators and Rixcz mix in and I have never once seen them swoop in to remind us of who they are. They keep us in check but in a very discreet way. Finally the members are the most caring and sincere people I have met. People invest their time to ensure we all experience the goal here which is to quit smoking. They cheer you on, pick you up when you stumble and never give up on anyone who wants to feel that freedom. I love this place and I genuinely love all the people I meet here. You are never alone here

Thanks both of you. I don't know why I let him get to me but he did. Douche has made me laugh. If he pipes up again tomorrow I'll just think of that and smile to myself x

I really needed to read these posts tonight so thank you for all your great advice. So today I went back to work. Obviously everyone who passed me stopped to check how I was. I told each and every one of them I had quit smoking. So the first guy I told just laughed and said you haven't quit smoking if you're wearing a patch. I'll come and congralute you when that comes off. I was a bit shocked but never said anything. Seriously EVERY time someone spoke to me he would pipe up with his oh she hasn't quit yet as she's wearing a patch. I asked him after an hour why he kept saying I hadn't quit and he said because you've still got nicotine going in all day. I was there for 9 hours and this went on all day. I got in the car to come home, drove up the road then burst into tears. I feel really deflated and like he sucked every bit of positivity out of me. I get that people have an opinion on NRT but I don't get why he just kept going on and on and on. I'm 20 minutes away from completing another day so have come to my safe haven to see the people who get it

Thanks Octain. I will try the shoulder blade area tomorrow and see how that goes. I've decided not to sleep with it tonight. I've taken it off, had a bath and have come to bed. I've got through a whole day so despite the pain they obviously help

Look forward to seeing you again. I've been sitting here for half an hour thinking how hot you are and then I realised it's Paul Newman

I'm not smoking today

Welcome to this lovely forum Jeans

Good God - have you both really not smoked that many Throwing on my 28

So sorry to hear about all you are having to deal with. Mums are the most precious people in the world. Well done for staying strong in your quit.

Oh Abby that is not the present you had hoped for today. You really have done the best thing you could have done for your health by quitting smoking. I'm praying that the Cardiologist gives you some good news. Please let us know what they say xx

Come back and quit

Thanks Reci. The patch is 21mg of nicotine. I was working it out just now and each cigarette has 0.5mg of nicotine. Even smoking 30 a day I would have only been taking in 15mg so maybe it is just a lot more than my body is used to

I put it at the top of my arm on outside. More or less where you would get an injection. They also gave a second NRT so I have a back up. I like the idea of the patches - slap it on in the morning and forget about it so hoping the lower strength is better. I got given the inhalator too but trying not to use those unless I get really desperate. I'm looking forward to work. I feel well I'm just a bit wiped out. They said I could feel like that for a few weeks so can't wait for that to pass. Really appreciate hearing about your experience with the patch x

Thanks so much everyone. Not having the best day. Not quit wise but patch wise. After about half an hour my arm was so painful. The only way I can describe it is it feels like someone has been repeatedly punching me in the arm. I spent the first hour convincing myself I was about to have a heart attack I bought some lower strength ones and will try them tomorrow to see if that makes any difference. I'm doing my positive thinking Reci That tip was a great one thank you. I'm back at work tomorrow as can't stand another day stuck at home. I won't be able to post as much but will log in straight away from my phone if I'm struggling. @WeegieWoman you've given me hope with the patches. The clinic I went to did my co2 reading, gave a bit of advice then gave me the NRT. It's in a hall so met lots of other people quitting while I was waiting. Did you get any side effects? I love you lot so much

I love this idea Whispers

I did see a Quit Smoking Counsellor. We have places where you can just walk in, have a chat and you get free NRT for 8 weeks. They gave me patches but I haven't put one on yet. The plan is to use the strongest one for 8 weeks, step down for two weeks and then step down to the lowest one for another two weeks

Thank you Joe x I'm buzzing Reci and Linda. Can't stop smiling

Thank you Saz. I'm feeling really happy right now and ready to face this beast for the final time. The support from all of you really lifted my spirits x

Happy Birthday Abby. Hope you get everything you wish for X