stopping smoking

Can anyone help me to stop smoking? I gave up about 10 years ago for 7 years, and then started again - I can't remember why, but I wish I hadn't. I've tried patches, and gave up for about 6 weeks, then started again, and I've tried cold turkey and cutting down - but can't keep away! Any tips will be more than welcome, cos I'm starting to get really out of breath when walking up hills. I don't have any coughing problems, but I know it's only a matter of time!

Perhaps a trip to Boots the Chemist to see the pharmacist. They can offer lots of different treatments not just the patches, and it's a free service, they give you a consultation and then you can hopefully find a solution that will help you.

Katherna wrote:Perhaps a trip to Boots the Chemist to see the pharmacist. They can offer lots of different treatments not just the patches, and it's a free service, they give you a consultation and then you can hopefully find a solution that will help you.

Thank you for that good advice - I didn't know it was a free service - I had looked at the prices of Nicotinell etc and couldn't afford them, and although I could have got something on prescription I didn't want to bother the doctor because they are so busy and it's a job getting an appointment.

I only found out about it after asking the nurse after a routine check at the docs, she sent me to Asda and the pharacist there sent me to Boots. They give you a form to fill out and take back, then they give you a quick check - lung capacity etc; then they can sort you out a course of action. You have to visit them for a certain amount of time, but if it helps you to stop smoking then it's all worth it.

thanks again - I'll chase off to Boots and get on the case!

Good evening Kat, I found acupuncture extremely helpful when, my sessions finished two years ago and I have not smoked since, the smoking restrictions in my local were a Godsend, I have found my bank balance a lot healthier also. Good luck with your quest to give up smoking.

pdiggy wrote:Good evening Kat, I found acupuncture extremely helpful when, my sessions finished two years ago and I have not smoked since, the smoking restrictions in my local were a Godsend, I have found my bank balance a lot healthier also. Good luck with your quest to give up smoking.

Thanks for this idea - was acupuncture expensive -and did it hurt (I've always had a thing about needles!). I did try hypnotherapy to try to lose weight, but it didn't work - but willing to have a go at anything else.Kat - I've tried to sign up at my local pharmacy, but the pharmacist always has a queue of prescriptions to do, and hasn't had time yet!

I've only just seen the posting but want to say "good luck". Just to say that if you once stopped for 7 years you've got what it takes - so take heart and look back on that experience as a triumph, not as a failure, just because you eventually cracked. I gave up some time ago (6th October 1980 since you ask!) and I tell myself that I could still drift back but even if I did, the time spent as a non-smoker must count for something. So whether it's cold turkey, patches, whatever (a mix, perhaps?) go for it and be insufferable as you triumph! (Ex-smokers are far worse than non-smokers at being righteous about it all!) Good luck!

I've had accupuncture and no it didn't hurt, if you see the needles they're really fine although they look long they're not pushed all the way into the skin. I found it quite relaxing actually, and it worked ... I had bad syatica (not sure if this is how you spell it) and was sick of taking tablets for it, so I tried accupuncture. It was quite expensive but it meant that I didn't have to take any pain killers or any other tablets, I also had accupuncture for migraines at the same time and touch wood haven't had any of those for a long time now I think with the smoking if one method doesn't work then try another one. Good luck

Chris Drew wrote:I've only just seen the posting but want to say "good luck". Just to say that if you once stopped for 7 years you've got what it takes - so take heart and look back on that experience as a triumph, not as a failure, just because you eventually cracked. I gave up some time ago (6th October 1980 since you ask!) and I tell myself that I could still drift back but even if I did, the time spent as a non-smoker must count for something. So whether it's cold turkey, patches, whatever (a mix, perhaps?) go for it and be insufferable as you triumph! (Ex-smokers are far worse than non-smokers at being righteous about it all!) Good luck!

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thanks Chris, will try my hardest - I think when you stop and then start again you actually smoke more, so then it becomes harder, but I will give it a good go !

Katherna wrote:I've had accupuncture and no it didn't hurt, if you see the needles they're really fine although they look long they're not pushed all the way into the skin. I found it quite relaxing actually, and it worked ... I had bad syatica (not sure if this is how you spell it) and was sick of taking tablets for it, so I tried accupuncture. It was quite expensive but it meant that I didn't have to take any pain killers or any other tablets, I also had accupuncture for migraines at the same time and touch wood haven't had any of those for a long time now I think with the smoking if one method doesn't work then try another one. Good luck

That's reassuring! I'll make a few enquiries and get on the case - but haven't given up about the pharmacy - SOMETHING WILL WORK !

Just don't buy any cigarettes! ;-)

helen_mawson wrote:Just don't buy any cigarettes! ;-)

I got some patches, and they kept falling off all the time - I had to stick them back on with the white plaster bandage! Then my other half, who smokes like a chimney - was taken into hospital. I didn't buy any cigs, and he was in for ten days, and I didn't smoke. That was 6 weeks ago and I haven't had one since, so I am now a non-smoker. He came out of hospital, kept off the cigs for 3 weeks, and went back on them - so although he's polluting my environment I haven't given in, and you're right - I don't buy any, so I don't smoke any!

Thats fantastic news you've done without for 6 weeks! Good on you.

excellent, keep it up!!!!