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should i stop the patch

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 23

Elaine - You're not back to step one, you're just back to where you were before you took the patch off and that's only a matter of a few minutes/hours ago!! You haven't lost a thing. In fact you will gradually gain confidence over the next few weeks as you reduce the strength of patches and learn more about your personal reactions to your quit - we're all different and each of us cope differently with our quits. Good luck and keep going - patch or no patch!! Pat(133 days - quit date 14.02.06). xx

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1687

elane, This is such a personal choice as many have already told you. So if you are thinking of taking the patch off at this stage of your journey and wanting the nicotine out of your body then that is your choice not mine....No one can tell you what to do because this is your quit. We are all different, and nicotine is such a powerful drug. I used the patch with much success, but that was my way. You will figure it out soon. As many have already told you I have seen success both ways. Which strength of patch did you start on? If you started on the 21mg, then maybe you could move down to the 14ms or the 7mg and see what happens. I hope everything works out for you... Sunshine [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/7/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 171 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,915 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $598.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 24 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] 56

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$231,827.06

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Days: 6784 Hours: 4

Minutes: 47 Seconds: 16

Life Gained
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45793

Smoke Free Days
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686,895

Cigarettes Not Smoked

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 893

Go with what you think is best but if you quit the patch make sure that you are fully committed for a tough few days. Keep some to hand just in case, putting some more nic into the system is much better than smoking. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/6/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 141 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,698 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �352.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 25 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 11 [B]Seconds:[/B] 30

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 30

If you need the patch longer, use it longer. It's there to help you quit. If you take off the patch and you think you need it to kleep you from smoking, put one on. For me, smoking with the patch on was scarier than smoking. The nicotine in the patch helped with the cravings. At this point, I think someone could have put fake patches in a box and told me they were the real thing, and it might have worked. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/23/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 4 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 74 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $12 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25

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$182,943.04

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Days: 7754 Hours: 21

Minutes: 16 Seconds: 47

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45793

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778,481

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18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5195

Elaine... I am a cold turkey quitter. I wanted nicotine out of my system and to get over everything as quickly as possible. Several here have used the patch to ease away from nicotine. It is personal choice. I have always been of the opinion that if I was going put nicotine in my system I was going to do it the old fashion way....smoke it. Never could get over that thought process but that's just me. There are many, many successful quitters on these boards that used the patch to quit. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 7/1/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 361 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 7,228 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1263.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 31 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 48

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2830

Elaine, If you think you want to take the patch off, then so be it. BUT - if you get to the point where the cravings are so bad that you just can't take it, then put the patch on! I've seen too many people say "I quit the patch too early" and I'd hate to see that happen to you. But, you do whatever you think is best for you... just remember, if the choice comes down to patch or smoke... CHOOSE THE PATCH! Crave the Quit! Pam [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/28/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 242 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,060 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $999.46 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 14 [B]Mins:[/B] 16 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2830

Elaine, The patches are designed to be a step-down process. I didn't use the patches personally, so I don't have any personal experience on this, but from what I have read on the site, some people experience some additional cravings when they step down and others do not notice any differences at all. So, since the cravings were difficult for you to handle, you should consider stepping down gradually, as recommended. Crave the Quit! Pam [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/28/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 242 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,070 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $999.46 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 14 [B]Mins:[/B] 56 [B]Seconds:[/B] 9

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 205

Reread the book elaine. You really do not need any NRT. You can do it! Stay strong and stay quit! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 147 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,420 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $793.8 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 13 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 15 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2534

Hi elaine, This subject has the potential for another blistering thread! My view? And this is only my view! Prepare yourself for a tough few days, take off the patch and quit cold turkey. If you really want to quit smoking and have the determination and willpower to succeed, you will, believe me. It really is your choice; many here have done it and so can you. Good Luck whatever you decide. Penitent 770 smokefree days cold turkey!

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$60,973.00

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Days: 1264 Hours: 6

Minutes: 31 Seconds: 44

Life Gained
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5543

Smoke Free Days
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121,946

Cigarettes Not Smoked

18 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12049

Elaine, How are doing this evening? Did you talk to your doctor and pharmacist to advise you about your patch questions? They have a world of knowledge to give and can be of great assistance to you. The choice is yours, but try and get all the facts first. If it was working for you before than it can continue to work for you. Keep Strong, Josie _____________________ The SSC Support Team.

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should i stop the patch