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1. nancyinnes

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   14 Mar 2019
   14 Mar 2019

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        Hi All...I am 37...havent tried to quit in about 3 years, but am really committed this time!  I am on the patch (I bought them like a year ago, and noticed they expired in September of 2018...will they provide any relief? I am on day 2...yesterday wasn't so bad, today I feel like the cravings are intensifying as the day goes on and lasts for like 2 hours....Just reaching out....I know I can use the inhalers or quick mist at the same time as the patch, but trying to get by with just the (expired) patches...UGH this sucks...just looking for some encouragement this afternoon 
2. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   14 Mar 2019 in reply to nancyinnes

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   Hello Nancyinnes,
   
   Welcome!
   
   Congratulations on quitting and being on day 2. I don't think it's a good idea to use expired patches, since they are likely to be ineffective. Do you have the inhaler and quick mist? If so maybe use those so that you don't have to buy any. Is there a reason you only want to use the patch? If you are only interested in the patch I would suggest buying fresh ones.
   
   We are all rooting for you!
   
   Renee
   
3. nancyinnes

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   14 Mar 2019
   14 Mar 2019 in reply to renee, quitcoach

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   Hi Renee...good point I was thinking the same thing.  I have a box of patches that are not expired, I will switch to them tomorrow morning when its time to change it, I was just thinking it would be a shame to waste them...but we are going for success this time!  I have been smoking for 24 years :(  It is TIME to stop.
   
   I don't know why the patch seems to be the best option for me for a constant relief and then to have the inhalers and quickmist available for emergencies
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Mar 2019

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   Hi nancyinnes,
   
   The first part of a quit is definitely the hardest, as your mind and body tries to adjust to not being bombarded with chemicals.  Withdrawal and cravings can be really hard to deal with, so I would suggest that you use the inhalers or quick mist more frequently.  That is what they are there for, and you don't want to let yourself get to a point where you are desperate.  There is nothing wrong with using NRTs.  They are there to help you quit, and they have helped many people to achieve their goal of becoming a non-smoker.  Using an NRT is nothing compared to smoking itself.  So give yourself a break and mist away!  And hang in there.  I know it's hard but you can do it.  Just take it one step at a time.
5. nancyinnes

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   14 Mar 2019
   15 Mar 2019 in reply to treepeo

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   Thank you Treepeo.  Yesterday was a hard one, I used the quickmist and felt better within a short while, which was great as I was feeling pretty crazy.  I brought the quick mist to work today for day 3...hopefully we have an easier day today 
6. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   15 Mar 2019 in reply to nancyinnes

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   Nancy,
   
   Good for you for being determined and using the quick mist. Day 3 and you are rocking your quit! 
   
   I started using lozenges and quick mist, but stopped using them 2 days into my quit. I did however, keep that cool qiuick mist tube in my pocket and play with it a lot over the first week or two of my quick. Kind of gave me something to play with to keep my hands busy, and gave me reassurance if I had a bad spell I could always use it instead of lighting up a smoke. 
   
   
7. kate r, quit coach

   

   49 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jan 2019
   18 Mar 2019

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   Hi nancyinnes,
   
   Congratulations on quitting! It's great to see you have found a combination of products (the patch and oral spray) that works for you! As you mentioned, having the constant relief of the patch and an additional product for emergency cravings works well for many people!
   
   As treepeo shared: NRT products are there to help you manage cravings. It is far better to reach for them than a cigarette! Also, as atp stated, they can give you that added reassurance that help for the cravings is available, and you do not have to go through them.
   
   You can quit and stay smoke-free! Keep us updated!
   
   - Kate R
   
8. clayzeegirl

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   11 Mar 2019
   18 Mar 2019 in reply to nancyinnes

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   Hi, nancyinnes,
   
   Hope you are doing well with quitting.  I did use all my expired  21mg. patches. I used what was remaining for 7 days. They were effective for me.  I am still a quitter!!!!   It sure isn't easy eh? 
   All the best to you on this journey.