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1. rnrfandd2

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   22 Jan 2019
   22 Jan 2019

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   Hello all!  I attended a STOP meeting last night and received 5 weeks of patches.  Woke up this morning and put one on.  I've tried to quit cold turkey a few times over the last few months and ended up having severe panic attacks, so I knew if I really wanted to quit that I was going to need help.  Being on OW and not being able to afford patches or other aids was the kicker though, so I was thrilled to find out about STOP.  
   
   I'm only a few hours in, but haven't experienced any of the anxiety that I did the last few times.  So this is definitely a good thing.  I know it's recommended that you change your behaviours and avoid triggers, but I don't want to do that.  I want to be in those situations and be able to deal with them without lighting up.  I once quit for several months, without any issues (not sure now why I started again.. probably stress lol), so I know I can do this.  Finding this community for extra support is a bonus!
   
   My biggest concern is weight gain.  Definitely don't want that to happen, but I guess that comes down to choices of snacks, though being on OW I can't exactly afford to go buy a bunch of snacks.. healthy or otherwise. 
   
   I'm looking forward to Day 1 being behind me, and every day after this! 
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   22 Jan 2019 in reply to rnrfandd2

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   rnrfandd2,
   
   Congrats on quitting smoking. It sounds like you have tried to quit in the past and you are taking steps to make this quit a success. So much of your quit boils down to your attitude and commitment. 
   
   As for the weight gain just keep an eye on how much you are eating. You could always try contacting a local food bank or a Salvation Army and inquire about getting some healthy snacks. (Mini carrots worked for me). 
3. nadia b, quit coach

   

   47 posts
   Registered:
   18 Jan 2019
   22 Jan 2019

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   Good afternoon everyone,
   
   Welcome rnrfandd2! I am so happy to hear you were able to find the resources and support you needed through the STOP program. I hope you are still enjoying day one and feeling strong. Remember to take things one day at a time and enjoy those successful moments you have.
   
   As you mentioned, it is recommended to switch up your behaviours, however, it awesome to hear you want to train yourself to cope throughout your normal routines and behaviours. This could be something as simple as having something in your hand to play with as you drink your coffee.
   In regards to weight and quitting, everyone is different (some people gain, some people loose, some people don't change). ATP made an excellent point of various options. Even throwing some bit-sized fruit in the freezer (i.e. grapes, berries, etc.)
   
   Congrats again and we look forward to hearing more about your quit journey.
   
   nadia b.
   
4. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   22 Jan 2019

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   Hi rnrfandd2,
   
   Congratulations on embarking on your quit journey and welcome to the smokers help line. Read through some of the past posts to see what has worked for others here. There may be items that will work for you.
   
   Your past experience will serve you well in making this one a success. Getting the five weeks of patches as your quit aid is a real bonus. Keep a list of your reasons for quitting handy. It will be a reminder of why you said goodbye to smoking.
   
   Weight gain can happen. It did with me but I took later steps to bring myself back to a reasonable weight. Keep a jug of water handy and drink lots. It will help.
   
   Wishing you every success!
   
   Eagerquit
   
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   22 Jan 2019

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   Hi mrfandd2,
   
   Good for you for going to a STOP meeting.  I hope you found it helpful.  And it is great that you got the patch.  I hope you continue to find them helpful.
   
   I know what you mean about not wanting to change your routine.  When I quit, I knew that just about everything was a trigger for me!  But I made myself face the most difficult ones right away, so that if I slipped, I would slip without being too far down the quit road.  I drank coffee and alcohol, and I hung out with the smokers in my family and my friends who smoked.  And all the while, I told myself, "I am choosing not to smoke."  Now that strategy certainly won't work for everyone, but it did for me.  I quit cold turkey, and I wanted to reaffirm to myself that I was really serious about quitting this time.
   
   I guess what I'm trying to say is, do whatever you think will work for you.  You know yourself best.  The most important thing is that you are committed to quitting.
   
   I wish you every success in your journey.  Keep posting so we can cheer you on!
6. rnrfandd2

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   22 Jan 2019
   23 Jan 2019

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   Thank you all for your support and encouragement!  I'm on the eve of day 2, and this evening is being a little more difficult for me, but I've got this :) 
   
   Drinking lots of water and playing with the Tangle Toy that the STOP program gave to me is definitely helping. 
   
   However the side effects of the Patch are definitely kicking in.  Hardly slept last night and had a vivid dream when I did sleep.  Today I've been lightheaded with a bunch of dizzy spells.  I know these will go away once my body adjusts to the NRT.  Just a matter of time. 
7. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   23 Jan 2019 in reply to rnrfandd2

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   Congrats on Day 2. 
   
   Drink lots of water. That really helps. 
   
   I've not used the patch, but in past quits I found I got used to the NRT's within a few days. 
   
   Check the instructions for the patch, you might need to remove it at night. 
   
   
   
8. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   23 Jan 2019

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   Hello rnrfandd2,
   
   Patches can sometimes keep us up at night or give us vivid dreams, especially if we never smoked during the night. We do recommend to use the product as directed, so for the full 24hrs, except for those people who have disturbing nightmares on the patch.
   
   Another reasons for poor sleep is that it is just a normal withdrawal symptom, and like you said, may get better with time. It is hard to know whether the sleep disturbance is from your body healing, or the nicotine over night.
   
   Lastly, I want to mention that sometimes if the patch dose is too low or too high, it can also affect our sleep. This relates to each of the points above. Too low = maybe withdrawals, too high  = from the patch.
   
   Hope this makes sense, and by the way, congratulations!!
   
   Jenna Lee