Three weeks

[Donnamoryc]

Good morning everyone just wanted to keep close and tell you tomorrow it’ll be 21 days and I’m feeling so much better cravings come and go but nowhere near as strong as what they were. I’m still on the patch and I think it’s time I go down to the next Level. I’m very scared and nervous about it that I’m gonna have to go through these withdrawals all over again. Any help is appreciated. You people are all great. 

[ReallyReal]

Congratulations on 21 days!  That is great.  And it is great that you are doing so well.  I did not use the patch, I used the gum; but I was pretty careful about the step-down process, following the recommended time-frame both on the box and from experts on smoking cessation who talked about NRT.  What is the recommended time-frame for stepping down on the patch?  Is it after 3 weeks, or a little bit longer?  I would follow that and step down according to the time-frame recommended by smoking cessation experts.  Others may disagree with me, but research shows that people who use NRT are more successful at staying quit when they use it according to instructions.  Wishing you the very best and continued success in your quit.

[CommunityAdmin]

Congratulations on 21 days! Great to hear that you are pushing through.

Quiana, EX Team

[YoungAtHeart]

You are the best judge of what you need to do.  You can always go back up on the nicotine if the lower dose makes you too awfully uncomfortable.  Do also keep in mind that the patch directions for step down are created by the folks who want to sell you patches!!!  There is no regulation on them, so it really does all depend on your experience and commitment strength.  If you decide to step down, be sure to have your tools handy and USE them to get over any rough spots.  

Let us know what you decide and how you do!  Feels good, huh?!?

Congratulations on THREE WEEKS!  You are on your way!!!!  

Nancy

[Barbscloud]

@Donnamoryc So happy and proud of your 21 days of success. It takes time, but I'm happy you're starting to feel better.   Remember you're body is healing!

Don't listen to nay sayer's and use the patch long enough to be successful and follow the step down guidelines.   The FDA regulates nicotine patches. Listen to the experts to achieve you forever quit.  I used Welbutrin and nicotrol inhalers and have no regrets about using a quit aid to achieve my 6 year quit.

Nicotine replacement - safe and effective - EX Community

How is the sleeping going?

Hugs

Barb

[biscuit9]

@Donnamoryc  You quit nicotine for 21 days:  that makes you  brave and tough and strong.  You ARE able to do hard things!! In other words, you got this.  I quit cold turkey, but I also felt much stronger about day 21, it's like I turned a corner and I was beginning to feel more human and I hope that is what you are describing.

You have nothing to fear and I hope the hard part is already over, for you.  Stay vigilant.  Read all you can about this addiction.  If writing/journaling your feelings helps you, then do it.  Congratulations on quit day 21.

[Donnamoryc]

Thank you, Barb and biscuit for the heartfelt wishes. I find I have to keep busy no matter how much I don’t want to be my sleep is getting better. I realize why I was getting up in the middle of the night was because I was having a cigarette then now, no cigarettes and I am sleeping better, thank you for being here for me 

[MarilynH]

A super congratulations on your precious quit journey @Donnamoryc YAY for 21 splendiferous smokefree days and counting YAY for each and every day WON! YAY for Freedom!

[Donnamoryc]

Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement. It is so nice knowing somebody’s here helping me along the way it means more than you know. I just love this site.

[DhivyaaManickam]

 You are going STRONG on 24 days and sounds like you have learnt a lot of things these past few weeks on what helps you be most successful. Congratulations!! We are glad to hear you find the community both resourceful and helpful.