Patchwork (Nicorette Patch Step 3)

Member Name: wendybull

Product:	Nicorette Patch Step 3
Date:	25/10/05 (349 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Healthier Lifestyle

Disadvantages: Still hard work

I have smoked properly since I was about 16. I am now 33 and still struggling to stop. Admittedly I didn't start trying until about 3 years ago but hey I got there eventually.

My husband and I wanted to try for a second child and I knew I had to give up properly for this pregnancy after being on again off again during my first. I went to see my doctor before I fell pregnant (we had been trying for a year and a half whilst I was smoking and no luck) and asked for his help in giving up. I didn't even realise they gave out patches on prescription. He was fantastic and after a long discussion about why and when etc he prescribed me with 2 weeks supply of the stage 1 24 hour patch by nicorette.

I got home on the Wednesday night and put my first patch on. I thought if I had given my body a nicotine boost through the night my first day of not smoking would be easier when I woke up. I was right and Thursday morning I classed myself as a non smoker. I fell pregnant a month later (coinicidence or a vital benefit of not smoking???) and was over the moon.

The doctor slowly brought down the prescriptions through lower levels of nicotine patches until I was free of the patch and free of the fags and well on my way to my second child.

BUT....................

two years later I found I was lured to the dreaded weed again through stress of having two noisy young children driving me to the edge (lol love them really) but I did turn to the fags again.

So, off I went to the doctors again and got my patches. I have been attempting to give up now for about 6 months and keep slipping off the wagon. I manage 4 weeks or so and then fall off. I have found the patches are really irritating my skin this time round (no problems first time) and have made big red circles on my arms or wherever I put them which are very itchy, and uncomfortable. I am ready to give up again but can't seem to get to grips with the willpower you still need even with the patches.

My overview is that the patches are fantastic for stopping the cravings, they don't go completely but are dramatically reduced with the patches. However you do still need will power and support from the doctors who hold smoking support groups in my area. Take evry bit of support and advice you can get and you will get there - so will I!!!!!!

Summary: Will power still needed but patches work a treat!!