Aids HIV FAQ

New quitter with ques./Ramblings

Question:

Hi, Joel, Unless I missed it, I don’t see how long you’ve been on the patch.  I can only speak from my own experience, but the patch worked for me.  I don’t think I would have had much success with Cold Turkey as I really needed to break all the habits associated with smoking… and the patch gave me the opportunity to do that.  This made it easier to battle the nicotine addiction because I could tackle one thing at a time.  But… if I could have done it, I would have gone CT because I think it’s great to get it all done quickly if you can.  I was just not one of those who could.   People vary in their experiences with the patch… for me I felt pretty good after about a week at a specific dosage but I did go through a week or so of adjustment every time I would step down.  That part wasn’t too tough though. Hang in there, and congratulations on quitting! Hugs, Elle f3as3

Response:

I quit cold turkey this time (actually the "Scared Shitless" method) and one of the questions I have for my doctor, whom I am visiting today, is about the same feelings in my chest as you have.  So far the only thing I’ve found that works is exercise as well.   I’ll let you know if the doctor has any thoughts. Greg Groth Two months, one week, four days, 6 hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds. 2891 cigarettes not smoked, saving $577.94. Life saved: 1 week, 3 days, 55 minutes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I have tried to quit about as many times as Mark Twain and now I am > trying the patch. I smoked the better part of 18 years since I was > 14-15. My previous attempts were during the "pre web era". It’s > amazing how much stuff you can find on the web now to help. The Smoke > Free Stats and the PuffFree for Palm programs are helpful. Those keep > me from cheating as I would have to restart my counter. I’m using the > generic patch (22mg) by Perrigo. It is sold in Eckards. > It still is a lot tougher then I thought because I am constantly > anxious. It feels like my chest is a lighter then air and is very > unnerving. Hard exercise is the only thing that helps. Unfortunately > you can’t do it all the time. I’m thinking of stopping the patch and > just trying cold turkey. I can take the pain for a few days but not > sure if I can hold out for 6 weeks of this patch program. > Along with exercise I use Altoids and spicy beef jerky as that burns > my mouth a little. I think I my mouth misses the smoke and is > substituting anything to burn it. It helps although I need to find > some other hot foods. Too bad they don’t sell pepper gum I could use > that. > Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious > for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get > it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain? > Thanks > Joel > 4 Days 10 Hours 19 Minutes 37 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 88. > Money saved: $15.51.

Response:

Thanks for the tips all. Maybe I’ll see my doc and get some Zyban before vacation. Vacation is coming up here in a couple of weeks and I don’t want to be strung out. The anxiety problem I have is probably not helped by the caffeine products I consume. Oh well one problem at a time. It’s a good thing I am skinny because I am doubling my food intake. About 8PM last night I was craving a smoke so I went down to Dairy Queen and brought home a large hot fudge sunday with whip cream and nuts. My poor wife who has to work to be thin and who has not eaten a french fry in 3 years just watched me not saying a word. I almost felt guilty as I licked the spoon. Nah. I am beginning to doubt this save money thing. I would save a lot if I did not buy mass quantities of ice creams, nuts, mints, mega sourheads, lemondrops, beef jerkey. I have tried cinnamon sticks and it is like chewing a piece of a tree limb. Did you ever have cinnamon toothpicks? We used to get em from the ever secretive "cinnamon toothpick guy" at high school. I believe he just soaked them in cinnamon oil extract. he never talked, didn’t want anyone moving in on his turf… Funny you should tell me to buy the brand name patch Kevin, my damn patch keeps falling off today. Ready to break out the duct tape… Well l8rs and thanks again Joel 5 Days 12 Hours 3 Minutes 23 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 110. Money spent on substitutes for smokes such as ice creams and oreos : $19.26 to $2543.00.

Response:

>Funny you should tell me to buy the brand name patch Kevin, my damn >patch keeps falling off today. Ready to break out the duct tape…

Hi Joel, 3M band aids for elbows and knees work great! Even during summer when you’re all sweaty. Congratulations on your quit Nicole SA #4  QOF+  f3as3  Four months, six days, 14 hours, 7 minutes and 25 seconds. 4430 cigarettes not smoked, saving $788.38. Time I can spend with my little one that I wouldn’t have if I were smoking: 2 weeks, 1 day, 9 hours, 10 minutes. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful… you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

Response:

>Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious >for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get >it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain?

The patch has worked for me. It takes the edge off. My doctor told me that he thought it was nothing more than a placebo. My doctor is not a smoker, so what the hell does he know. Placebo or not, it has a better success rate than cold turkey (from what I’ve read). It has little or no side-effects. Take if off before you go to bed, unless you like dreaming in 3D Technicolor with SurroundSound. Buy the name brand – the adhesive is much better than on the generic ones. You can take a shower without needing to duct-tape it back on your arm. You asked, ‘Do you crave for months’? Cigarettes? No, only a few days. Cheese? Yes, but we’re working on that. -Kevin 2 m 0 d.

Response:

Try chewing on cinnamon sticks, spicy, without the calories Bean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Thanks I’d appreciate that. So much for me trying cold turkey then. I’ll stick to the patch. Thanks Joel 5 Days 11 Hours 37 Minutes 2 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 109. Money saved: $19.19. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I quit cold turkey this time (actually the "Scared Shitless" method) and one >of the questions I have for my doctor, whom I am visiting today, is about >the same feelings in my chest as you have.  So far the only thing I’ve found >that works is exercise as well.   I’ll let you know if the doctor has any >thoughts. >Greg Groth >Two months, one week, four days, 6 hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds. 2891 >cigarettes not smoked, saving $577.94. Life saved: 1 week, 3 days, 55 >minutes. > Hi, > I have tried to quit about as many times as Mark Twain and now I am > trying the patch. I smoked the better part of 18 years since I was > 14-15. My previous attempts were during the "pre web era". It’s > amazing how much stuff you can find on the web now to help. The Smoke > Free Stats and the PuffFree for Palm programs are helpful. Those keep > me from cheating as I would have to restart my counter. I’m using the > generic patch (22mg) by Perrigo. It is sold in Eckards. > It still is a lot tougher then I thought because I am constantly > anxious. It feels like my chest is a lighter then air and is very > unnerving. Hard exercise is the only thing that helps. Unfortunately > you can’t do it all the time. I’m thinking of stopping the patch and > just trying cold turkey. I can take the pain for a few days but not > sure if I can hold out for 6 weeks of this patch program. > Along with exercise I use Altoids and spicy beef jerky as that burns > my mouth a little. I think I my mouth misses the smoke and is > substituting anything to burn it. It helps although I need to find > some other hot foods. Too bad they don’t sell pepper gum I could use > that. > Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious > for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get > it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain? > Thanks > Joel > 4 Days 10 Hours 19 Minutes 37 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 88. > Money saved: $15.51.

Response:

Dear Joel, I quit by using the transdermal nicotine patch just like you are doing. Of course you are going to feel anxious and nervous because you are in a drastic lifestyle change. Using the patch (in my opinion) is not "dragging the pain on". It is designed to help you get rid of the physical and mental habit as you ease off of the nicotine. Some people have ripped the patch off and just went cold turkey because they couldn’t stand the patch. For me it was a God send. I think it was because I have a low tolerance for withdrawal pain. I have had to withdraw from many addictions and there just comes a time when I know what is past few years, so cold turkey would have sent me flying over the edge. I also used Zyban with the patch. It is designed to take the edge off (releive that anxiety that you are feeling) as you detox. There is so much your body must go through as you quit this disgusting habit. Just keep in mind, if we loved smoking so much we wouldn’t always be trying to quit. Did you see that link I posted earlier? it is FABULOUS!!!!!! It walks you through withdrawal symptoms and is loaded with information you can use. Drink lots of water to help you flush the nicotine out of your system. This quitting is a process, and it will take quite a long time for your body to heal. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Here are some links to explore. Arm yourself with information. The internet is an amazing resource for us, isn’t it? I was amazed at how much I was able to learn about what I was doing to my body. http://www.sk.lung.ca/smoking/d1.html http://thriveonline.oxygen.com/medical/library/article/002032.html http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/cessation/health_facts/addictions.html http://www.ash.org.uk/html/factsheets.html http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/mycigarette.htm Janet There was never a genius without a tincture of madness. Aristotle

Response:

Hi, I have tried to quit about as many times as Mark Twain and now I am trying the patch. I smoked the better part of 18 years since I was 14-15. My previous attempts were during the "pre web era". It’s amazing how much stuff you can find on the web now to help. The Smoke Free Stats and the PuffFree for Palm programs are helpful. Those keep me from cheating as I would have to restart my counter. I’m using the generic patch (22mg) by Perrigo. It is sold in Eckards. It still is a lot tougher then I thought because I am constantly anxious. It feels like my chest is a lighter then air and is very unnerving. Hard exercise is the only thing that helps. Unfortunately you can’t do it all the time. I’m thinking of stopping the patch and just trying cold turkey. I can take the pain for a few days but not sure if I can hold out for 6 weeks of this patch program. Along with exercise I use Altoids and spicy beef jerky as that burns my mouth a little. I think I my mouth misses the smoke and is substituting anything to burn it. It helps although I need to find some other hot foods. Too bad they don’t sell pepper gum I could use that. Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain? Thanks Joel 4 Days 10 Hours 19 Minutes 37 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 88. Money saved: $15.51.

Response:

Hi, I have tried to quit about as many times as Mark Twain and now I am trying the patch. I smoked the better part of 18 years since I was 14-15. My previous attempts were during the "pre web era". It’s amazing how much stuff you can find on the web now to help. The Smoke Free Stats and the PuffFree for Palm programs are helpful. Those keep me from cheating as I would have to restart my counter. I’m using the generic patch (22mg) by Perrigo. It is sold in Eckards. It still is a lot tougher then I thought because I am constantly anxious. It feels like my chest is a lighter then air and is very unnerving. Hard exercise is the only thing that helps. Unfortunately you can’t do it all the time. I’m thinking of stopping the patch and just trying cold turkey. I can take the pain for a few days but not sure if I can hold out for 6 weeks of this patch program. Along with exercise I use Altoids and spicy beef jerky as that burns my mouth a little. I think I my mouth misses the smoke and is substituting anything to burn it. It helps although I need to find some other hot foods. Too bad they don’t sell pepper gum I could use that. Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain? Thanks Joel 4 Days 10 Hours 19 Minutes 37 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 88. Money saved: $15.51.

Response:

Dear Joel, I quit by using the transdermal nicotine patch just like you are doing. Of course you are going to feel anxious and nervous because you are in a drastic lifestyle change. Using the patch (in my opinion) is not "dragging the pain on". It is designed to help you get rid of the physical and mental habit as you ease off of the nicotine. Some people have ripped the patch off and just went cold turkey because they couldn’t stand the patch. For me it was a God send. I think it was because I have a low tolerance for withdrawal pain. I have had to withdraw from many addictions and there just comes a time when I know what is past few years, so cold turkey would have sent me flying over the edge. I also used Zyban with the patch. It is designed to take the edge off (releive that anxiety that you are feeling) as you detox. There is so much your body must go through as you quit this disgusting habit. Just keep in mind, if we loved smoking so much we wouldn’t always be trying to quit. Did you see that link I posted earlier? it is FABULOUS!!!!!! It walks you through withdrawal symptoms and is loaded with information you can use. Drink lots of water to help you flush the nicotine out of your system. This quitting is a process, and it will take quite a long time for your body to heal. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Here are some links to explore. Arm yourself with information. The internet is an amazing resource for us, isn’t it? I was amazed at how much I was able to learn about what I was doing to my body. http://www.sk.lung.ca/smoking/d1.html http://thriveonline.oxygen.com/medical/library/article/002032.html http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/cessation/health_facts/addictions.html http://www.ash.org.uk/html/factsheets.html http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/mycigarette.htm Janet There was never a genius without a tincture of madness. Aristotle

Response:

Hi, Joel, Unless I missed it, I don’t see how long you’ve been on the patch.  I can only speak from my own experience, but the patch worked for me.  I don’t think I would have had much success with Cold Turkey as I really needed to break all the habits associated with smoking… and the patch gave me the opportunity to do that.  This made it easier to battle the nicotine addiction because I could tackle one thing at a time.  But… if I could have done it, I would have gone CT because I think it’s great to get it all done quickly if you can.  I was just not one of those who could.   People vary in their experiences with the patch… for me I felt pretty good after about a week at a specific dosage but I did go through a week or so of adjustment every time I would step down.  That part wasn’t too tough though. Hang in there, and congratulations on quitting! Hugs, Elle f3as3

Response:

I quit cold turkey this time (actually the "Scared Shitless" method) and one of the questions I have for my doctor, whom I am visiting today, is about the same feelings in my chest as you have.  So far the only thing I’ve found that works is exercise as well.   I’ll let you know if the doctor has any thoughts. Greg Groth Two months, one week, four days, 6 hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds. 2891 cigarettes not smoked, saving $577.94. Life saved: 1 week, 3 days, 55 minutes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I have tried to quit about as many times as Mark Twain and now I am > trying the patch. I smoked the better part of 18 years since I was > 14-15. My previous attempts were during the "pre web era". It’s > amazing how much stuff you can find on the web now to help. The Smoke > Free Stats and the PuffFree for Palm programs are helpful. Those keep > me from cheating as I would have to restart my counter. I’m using the > generic patch (22mg) by Perrigo. It is sold in Eckards. > It still is a lot tougher then I thought because I am constantly > anxious. It feels like my chest is a lighter then air and is very > unnerving. Hard exercise is the only thing that helps. Unfortunately > you can’t do it all the time. I’m thinking of stopping the patch and > just trying cold turkey. I can take the pain for a few days but not > sure if I can hold out for 6 weeks of this patch program. > Along with exercise I use Altoids and spicy beef jerky as that burns > my mouth a little. I think I my mouth misses the smoke and is > substituting anything to burn it. It helps although I need to find > some other hot foods. Too bad they don’t sell pepper gum I could use > that. > Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious > for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get > it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain? > Thanks > Joel > 4 Days 10 Hours 19 Minutes 37 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 88. > Money saved: $15.51.

Response:

>Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious >for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get >it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain?

The patch has worked for me. It takes the edge off. My doctor told me that he thought it was nothing more than a placebo. My doctor is not a smoker, so what the hell does he know. Placebo or not, it has a better success rate than cold turkey (from what I’ve read). It has little or no side-effects. Take if off before you go to bed, unless you like dreaming in 3D Technicolor with SurroundSound. Buy the name brand – the adhesive is much better than on the generic ones. You can take a shower without needing to duct-tape it back on your arm. You asked, ‘Do you crave for months’? Cigarettes? No, only a few days. Cheese? Yes, but we’re working on that. -Kevin 2 m 0 d.

Response:

Try chewing on cinnamon sticks, spicy, without the calories Bean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Thanks I’d appreciate that. So much for me trying cold turkey then. I’ll stick to the patch. Thanks Joel 5 Days 11 Hours 37 Minutes 2 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 109. Money saved: $19.19. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I quit cold turkey this time (actually the "Scared Shitless" method) and one >of the questions I have for my doctor, whom I am visiting today, is about >the same feelings in my chest as you have.  So far the only thing I’ve found >that works is exercise as well.   I’ll let you know if the doctor has any >thoughts. >Greg Groth >Two months, one week, four days, 6 hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds. 2891 >cigarettes not smoked, saving $577.94. Life saved: 1 week, 3 days, 55 >minutes. > Hi, > I have tried to quit about as many times as Mark Twain and now I am > trying the patch. I smoked the better part of 18 years since I was > 14-15. My previous attempts were during the "pre web era". It’s > amazing how much stuff you can find on the web now to help. The Smoke > Free Stats and the PuffFree for Palm programs are helpful. Those keep > me from cheating as I would have to restart my counter. I’m using the > generic patch (22mg) by Perrigo. It is sold in Eckards. > It still is a lot tougher then I thought because I am constantly > anxious. It feels like my chest is a lighter then air and is very > unnerving. Hard exercise is the only thing that helps. Unfortunately > you can’t do it all the time. I’m thinking of stopping the patch and > just trying cold turkey. I can take the pain for a few days but not > sure if I can hold out for 6 weeks of this patch program. > Along with exercise I use Altoids and spicy beef jerky as that burns > my mouth a little. I think I my mouth misses the smoke and is > substituting anything to burn it. It helps although I need to find > some other hot foods. Too bad they don’t sell pepper gum I could use > that. > Has anyone else quit on the patch here? How long did you feel anxious > for? Do you crave for months? Is Cold turkey better because you  get > it out of your system faster and don’t drag on the pain? > Thanks > Joel > 4 Days 10 Hours 19 Minutes 37 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 88. > Money saved: $15.51.

Response:

Thanks for the tips all. Maybe I’ll see my doc and get some Zyban before vacation. Vacation is coming up here in a couple of weeks and I don’t want to be strung out. The anxiety problem I have is probably not helped by the caffeine products I consume. Oh well one problem at a time. It’s a good thing I am skinny because I am doubling my food intake. About 8PM last night I was craving a smoke so I went down to Dairy Queen and brought home a large hot fudge sunday with whip cream and nuts. My poor wife who has to work to be thin and who has not eaten a french fry in 3 years just watched me not saying a word. I almost felt guilty as I licked the spoon. Nah. I am beginning to doubt this save money thing. I would save a lot if I did not buy mass quantities of ice creams, nuts, mints, mega sourheads, lemondrops, beef jerkey. I have tried cinnamon sticks and it is like chewing a piece of a tree limb. Did you ever have cinnamon toothpicks? We used to get em from the ever secretive "cinnamon toothpick guy" at high school. I believe he just soaked them in cinnamon oil extract. he never talked, didn’t want anyone moving in on his turf… Funny you should tell me to buy the brand name patch Kevin, my damn patch keeps falling off today. Ready to break out the duct tape… Well l8rs and thanks again Joel 5 Days 12 Hours 3 Minutes 23 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 110. Money spent on substitutes for smokes such as ice creams and oreos : $19.26 to $2543.00.

Response:

>Funny you should tell me to buy the brand name patch Kevin, my damn >patch keeps falling off today. Ready to break out the duct tape…

Hi Joel, 3M band aids for elbows and knees work great! Even during summer when you’re all sweaty. Congratulations on your quit Nicole SA #4  QOF+  f3as3  Four months, six days, 14 hours, 7 minutes and 25 seconds. 4430 cigarettes not smoked, saving $788.38. Time I can spend with my little one that I wouldn’t have if I were smoking: 2 weeks, 1 day, 9 hours, 10 minutes. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful… you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

Response:

Filed under: Aids