Nellie

Denali, that’s very helpful. Thanks. I found that the last time I tried the patch, too. The step down to stage two was the killer for me. I will keep watch this time, though I’m terrified of trying the cold turkey thing again, as I simply haven’t got the welly to stick to it. I’m doing well so far on full strength patches, with no desire to smoke so far. Running on faith. cheers, Nellie

Good idea! I might just do that.

I’m with you on that. No more pills for me. cheers, Nellie

Oddly, SD, I’m finding the wild dreams kind of interesting. But yes, I’ve been taking the patch off before bed. It’s tragic that nobody really wants to hear about your dreams, though. “I had a weird dream last night” is fine. But details, not so much. I guess a dream diary would be a thing, but then they’d take on far more significance than they really warrant. hey ho, Nellie

Thanks, Doreen. I’m already finding that I’m getting lots more done, seeing as I’m not dekeing out for a smoke every fifteen minutes. I used to do social media in the porch with a smoke. But you know, social on the porch without a smoke is still a nice break. That’s the thing - the behavioural aspects of the drug that getcha. You need a bitty break from whatever it is you are doing. You step out for a smoke. But the trick is to re-wire the brain, not necessarily to erase the need for a little break, but to erase the thing that used to accompany it. cheers, Nellie

Perfect. Thanks.

This is a really interesting message, Meg. Thanks for it. The tracker sounds like a splendid thing. I wanted to share what happened to me many years ago, an experience that put me off trying to quit for a long time. I started talking Zyban, which was the same stuff as the antidepressant Wellbutrin, but in a smaller dose. It was miraculous at first. I didn’t have the remotest interest in smoking. I was so happy. Then a couple of weeks or so in, my palms started itching. Then my scalp and the soles of my feet. And then hives everywhere. Then I started wheezing. Luckily, got to the ER in time to get treated for a massive allergic reaction. (Turned out to be the blue dye in the pills). Stopped taking them at once, of course. Which you’re not supposed to do with antidepressants. And was a hot mess for a month or so. Until I decided that the only way to feel better was to smoke again. Which I acted upon, of course. And did feel better. But was three times more addicted as a result. I wish it had worked, and I know Zyban and champix have done wonders for many. Scared the willows out of me, though. cheers, Nellie

Hiya. Should I be replying in another thread, or is this one okay? I agree with the sense of regarding a quit as more complete, in a way, after a year. Because of the seasonal changes and “I always did it this way” kind of behaviours around special occasions and festivals. My mum (now departed) and I used to cook Christmas feasts together every year, and each step of the process was punctuated by “having a little ciggie” on the back deck, before the next thing. I think tobacco is probably tied up with heart warming memories for a lot of people. The trick is to start new traditions, smoke free. cheers, Nellie

Hi, GonSo. Yes, veggie snacks are probably a good approach. I’m finding that kitchen activity of any sort is helpful, except that it’s always been my habit to take a smoke break between steps in a recipe. Argh. cheers, Nellie

Hi, SD. I’m following the patch directions this time. The strongest ones do make me edgy and give me technicolour dreams, but last time I tried them, I switched to the lesser dose too early and ended up bailing on the quit. So six weeks for the high-octane ones because frankly, the patch side effects are no worse than a lungful of poison, right? cheers, Nellie

Many thanks to you, Reciprocity (I did the nope thing), Doreensfree (thanks for your kind support), QuittingGirl (the cinnamon trick is worth trying, when there’s a craving. I think I want to avoid any oral/manual substitutes until I can’t stand it), and Johnny5 (thanks for your message). It feels like there’s a good community here, and I’m looking forward to being part of it. blessings, Nellie.

Thanks, GonSo. nellie

Well, just Nope.

Thanks for the welcome, Reciprocity. I’ll be exploring. Cheers, Nellie

Hello. I’m Nellie, and I’ve been smoking with fierce dedication for more than 40 years. I’ve managed to quit a couple of times, but never for more than a month or two. Recently, I had a nasty cold that settled in my chest. I was miserable, but as usual managed to convince myself that continuing to smoke would get me through it faster. Hah. Anyway, it’s time to do it properly this time. I’ve been on the patch for a week and feel pretty good so far, but I’ve been there before. A couple of weeks in, my brain says “you’re fine. You don’t need those silly things.” And sure ’nuff, back I go. So here I am, hoping this lovely community will help me do the thing. Thanks for reading, Nellie