- ‘Not having to clear my throat every minute with that irritating tickly throat syndrome and being able to run for 30 minutes without my lungs feeling like they are on fire.’ Sophie Chamier
- ‘Eighteen months after giving up smoking, I ran my first ever marathon in less than four hours!’ Simon Beazley
- ‘I don’t have to drive with the car windows down, my hangovers are better and my hair smells of shampoo rather than fag butts.’ Lisa Atkinson
- I love saying “no, sorry” when people ask me for a light.’ Katie Gibson
- ‘The first time I was able to tick the “nonsmoker” box when I was filling out a form.’ Lee Murphy
- ‘Being able to smell smoke on other people – and knowing I don’t smell like that any more.’ Jose Mendoza
- ‘I’m happy Daddy has stopped smoking because now he can play football with me in the park!’ Jed Burgess Age 4
Linda
Week One
It’s now been five days since I quit smoking and it’s been up and down. The first few days I really struggled with the nicotine cravings so I went to my doctor for help. He recommended a smoking cessation class. I went to the class yesterday and it was suggested that I should try using NRT patches, so I chose the “Nicorette 16-Hour Patch” to manage my withdrawal symptoms. I’ve always been a bit sceptical about patches – surely you’re just replacing one form of nicotine with another? – But she was very helpful. She explained that by applying a patch to my arm every morning and taking it off at bedtime, I’d receive a continuous, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day to help relieve my cravings. I’ve had the patch on all day, and so far, the withdrawal symptoms are okay – the afternoon went by without me realising that I hadn’t had a fag! Here’s to week two!
Week Two
I’m so pleased with myself for having been off the cigarettes for two whole weeks. My best moment was at Friday lunch time. My colleagues and I went to the pub for lunch and I sat there while the rest of them were smoking and I resisted a cigarette. After the first week I was surprised that nobody had noticed that I wasn’t having my fag breaks, but now everyone knows and is very supportive. The patches have been extremely helpful – I know I could easily go back to smoking without them. But I will say you do need willpower as well.
Week Three
It’s now been three weeks without a cigarette and I’m beginning to think I could really make it this time. My lowest moments are always after a meal in the evening – my favourite time to light up – but I’m finding that even these are becoming less frequent! Yesterday, I managed to walk up three flights of stairs to my office without getting out of breath at all. I was beginning to think I could do without the nicotine replacement patches now, but I’ve decided to keep using them and complete the course – I don’t want to slip back to smoking again. My friends and family have all been incredibly supportive over the past few weeks. A couple of them are ex-smokers themselves, and it’s really encouraging knowing they’ve kicked the habit if they can, so can I…
Week Four
I’m so pleased – I’ve made it through an entire month without a single cigarette! The most useful piece of advice I’ve been given for quitting was to go and get a glass of water every time I felt tempted to smoke. It’s a really simple tip, but it has helped me through the past four weeks, and it’s something I’ll definitely carry on doing.
Month Two
Another milestone over and I’m feeling absolutely great. When I went to the smoking clinic to be checked out, they noticed a great improvement in my health. I’m getting fitter, too, and can take the stairs at work much quicker than before. I’m only craving cigarettes a few times a week now, not every day like before. I found out that my aunt, who gave up a month before me, has given in and gone back to smoking. This just makes me even more determined to keep on going.
Month Three
I’m extremely excited that I’ve run the course. I’ve taken up swimming and I’m doing between 30-40 lengths twice a week – I couldn’t have done that three months ago. I love being a non-smoker and I’m off the patches, too. I do still have cravings, but very rarely – I just go and get a glass of water and the thought goes out of my head.
Nick
Week one
Usually I’d have a cigarette within the first half hour of waking up, but today I had a NiQuitin Lozenge instead. I could have done with a cigarette several times but I didn’t give in and it did feel great to say, ‘I’m an ex-smoker’. I know I have to keep this mindset going but I’m worried that I might get a little tetchy. I feel like wearing a sign around my neck saying ‘I’m giving up smoking’. But it’s something I really want to do, and I’m going to do it.
Week Two
I’ve been keeping myself busy, but I can smell and taste again, which is fantastic. I dreamt that I smoked and I woke up feeling like I’d let myself down! I’ve had cravings, but the lozenges have really helped with those. The hardest thing is being around smokers – the smell is quite tempting, but I just keep popping the lozenges into my mouth. I feel healthier than I have in a long time. It’s also great not to have to worry about when I’m going to get my next fag. I’ve smoked for 17 years of my life and I had a rush to the head the other day when I reminded myself I’m an ex-smoker.
Week Three
I’m getting used to not having a cigarette after a meal, or after work, etc. I don’t regret quitting one bit. When I wake up, I’m managing to go longer before I have my first lozenge. The nicotine replacement therapy is working for me, and I don’t think I could have done it cold turkey – but I’m not out of the woods yet. I’m looking forward to having less reliance on the lozenges in a few weeks, but they’re really getting me through the difficult times.
Week Four
I thought my teeth were naturally yellow, but a mate said how white they look now – I’m so chuffed I’m getting them polished so I can dazzle everyone! I’m cleaning up slowly. I haven’t had any coughing, and feel like I’ve got new lungs. I’ve gained everything. You have to decide when it’s right for you, but I wish I hadn’t left it so long…
Month Two
I’m gradually weaning myself off the nicotine. My cravings have been quite acute, but I know I don’t really want it. It’s great having extra energy and I don’t feel edgy if I can’t have a smoke. I’ve been cutting down on the lozenges, which help to keep the nicotine monster at bay. I’d tried quitting before with different NRT treatments, but the lozenges are definitely the ones I like best. It’s still been difficult, and willpower is essential.
Month Three
I feel brilliant being in the no-smoking camp – I’ve got more time and money, I smell nice and my lungs feel better. There will always be times when I crave a cigarette, but the worst is out of the way. I’m proud of not smoking – I don’t think I could ever have another cigarette again. I feel like I’m cured!
