Nicotine Patches

[Mars]

Anyone had any experience or LUCK with nicotine patches???? I went to the doc today because of my eye and they decided that I have an infection in both eyes; the fat pocket (???) appears to have burst under my eye (they aren't sure - what the heck am I paying them for>>>>) and I left with an RX for patches.

I figure since life is rough right now, why not get it all over with and start new in a few months (I me up)

PS: I declined Chantix (which Larry is on) since the medicine flows thru the liver. She suggested that I use Chantix and Milk Thistle (which flushes the liver) but that seemed like it defeated the purpose?? Anyways, I avoid all liver flowing meds if at all possible.

Love,
Mars

[hazel]

I used the nicotine patch. Did the trick for me. I'd smoked for 30 years and was a 2 pack a day person who never thought I'd be able to quit. As it turned out I was allergic to the adhesive but I stuck with it (haha) and after about 2/3 weeks I was over the worst of it, though blotchy, and was a non-smoker. That was in 1992. It is really a relief not to be dependent on cigarettes. You can PM me if you need a "buddy"!

I wish you all the luck with quitting. And everything else, too.

[Peggy]

I use nicotine patches whenever I travel and they work marvelously for me.

Peg

[starfire]

Yes, as Peg said, the patches did work for me also. Unfortunately (for me) I was one of those people who could wear a patch (highest dose) and smoke besides without getting "sick" from it. Therefore it was never much a deterrent for me UNTIL I decided I WAS going to quit. Then they did help for a few weeks after which I did OK without them.

In other words, I don't think anything really works until you are ready and have made up your mind to DO IT.

Love, Shirley

[barbaranoela]

I didnt use a patch-----and this is how I was weaned off the smokes--
We cruised with our friends that didnt SMOKE---so it was all NO SMOKING sections---BUT I would find a smoking area and have my *lift*

Thus from this I was starting to be weaned off the cigarettes----and when Lou's big day of retirement came --I was in a dither---cus he NEVER EVER EVEN put a butt in his mouth----TRUTH~~~~

So it was very hard for me to smoke with him home all day---and sticking head outside a window to have one was getting nutty---smoking outside the garage --in the freezing cold was totally NUTZ---so ---this was my stopping--

Remeber me saying I have 3 packs still in my drawer???
Why??? I have no idea----maybe a reminder of what I accomplished-

I will say---I surely missed them with my and on the --wow---I would smoke one after the other!!!
One of my nurse friends----used the patch AND would take it off when she wanted a smoke??? but she did get sick from doing that --took her a very long time to de-smoke herself--but she did it--

Doug and my DIL smoke----big time too

Luve Barbara

[JJ]

I used the lozenges and they worked great! JJ

[thedell19]

When you guys quit smoking... Did you already have your problems with MC? I still smoke a bit and want to quit byt the end of the year but I dont want to go into a big flare. Do the patches etc help keep your symptoms at bay while your body is adjusting?

[Mars]

So far, so good!!! I don't have the "bad attitude" or the shakes, nor do I have too bad of a craving!!! I am impressed.

I started Sunday and have now cut from 1 1/2 to 2 packs daily to 1/2 pack. I am doing WONDERFUL!!

The flare hasn't kicked in "much". I'm really attributing it to the stress I'm under but the poops have been rather mild.

Good luck on quiting - It CAN be done!

Love,
Mars

[tex]

Mars,



Love,
Tex

[hazel]

Yea, Margie! Keep up the good work!

Thedell (Andrew?), I quit smoking several years before getting MC. No relation between the two for me.

[starfire]

Andrew, I quite smoking in Jan of 2004. I was diagnosed with LC in early July I believe. The first major bout I had with it was end of April in 2004.
Yes, the patches lessen the withdrawal symptoms.

Mars you are doing GREAT!!

Love, Shirley