I did the patch, exactly as recommended. Each wean was pretty bad, then adjusted to tolearable and the final wean to cold turkey has been hell. I read a lot of posts here and many indicated a much "kinder" experience whether using nrt's or going cold turkey.
I am smoke free almost 2 months, and nic-free 6 days. I know I could have chomped some gum or some other nic substitute, but it makes no sense to me to continue this nic-fix. I'm not saying it's no good (for those using nrt's- not smoking is the best thing!), but some time I have to get free of this stuff. So I chose to stop the patch (7 mg) versus going another 2 weeks.
I just want to let people know there are those of us who have experienced an almost constant crave with the patch, and while I admit I would never have gotten through the first week without it, maybe cold turkey isn't such a bad thing. But if you are one of these people (like myself), I just want to let you know you're not alone.
I have just finally started to have days not totally encumbered by craves. That's right...waking to sleeping. I had the reverse of the predicted scenario...several 3-5 minute periods of NOT CRAVING per day. Where did this idea of a few craves per day come from? Not for me, anyway. Oh well, it has got to get better. I don't know, maybe I'm just a freak, but I surely wouldn't recommend the patch for any length of time for anyone else, based on my experience.
The bottom line is that I did it, I had no puffs/slips, and am now looking forward to some relief here at the 2 month smoke free/ 9 day nic-free point. However any of us can do this is great!
Bob
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 57
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,297
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $513
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 30 [B]Seconds:[/B] 39
