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stepping down to 14mg please help

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stepping down to 14mg please help

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 49

I was on the 21 mg patch for 28 days. When I stepped down, the withdrawal was so bad that I just went cold turkey. Everyone is different and I'm not recommending this way. My Dr. once told me that with any stop smoking aid, you need to combine it with good old fashioned will power. He probably never smoked... You are all doing great! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 11/26/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 513 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 10,277 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1539 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 54 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 44

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 13

princess- I was doing step one of the patch (21mg) for 6 weeks, but it was making my cravings worse like the patch wasn't giving me enough nicotine. So, therefore my brain wanted more. So, about a week and a half ago, I said screw it and just took the patch off. I figured if I slip, then I will try again, but I haven't. See, being on the patch is just prolonging the withdrawl of nicotine, its kind of like when heroine addicts come off the drug, they take methodone. You will have withdrawls though, I must warn you, the first night without the patch I was awake the whole night, that was about it, I slept fine after that. It will be better for you though if you decide to go without the patch. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 48 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,218 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $171.36 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 52 [B]Seconds:[/B] 5

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 517

[color=Red]That is SO great Angel ! You are right... everyone is different. Just as our quits are all unique so is the method in which we choose to be non smokers. Good insight.. and congratulations on your wonderful stats ! J xo [IMG]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o304/Monica58/thumbsup-1.gif[/IMG] [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 4/4/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 19 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 492 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $194.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 3 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 37

I think everyone is different and needs to find thier groove i used the 21 mg patch for only a week used the 14 mg for 3 days and i said he.. with it i want the nicotiene out my system i have been quit well over a year now . Everyones body is different you have to listen to it :-) Good luck with everything! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/29/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 390 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 9,766 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $780 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 41 [B]Seconds:[/B] 45

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$184,788.00

Amount Saved
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Days: 6359 Hours: 4

Minutes: 46 Seconds: 13

Life Gained
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46197

Smoke Free Days
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923,940

Cigarettes Not Smoked

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 517

[color=Red]I'm the one tutti is referring to... she was there to help me this morning. :) I was a real mess. Now I'm just totally exhausted and heading to bed early to recover. J [/color] [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 4/4/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 19 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 490 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $194.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 51 [B]Seconds:[/B] 50

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 517

[color=Red]Princess I decided at 16 days or so to step down and it was a huge mistake ! The packaging says to stay on the 21 mg's for 6 weeks which equals 42 days and after what I just went through today I am back on that 21 mg's 1st thing this morning. I thought I was ready to lose my mind and could NOT stop crying. I see that you stopped well before the 42 days. Do you think you should maybe follow the recommended number of weeks ? Just a suggestion. All the best to you ... J xo [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 4/4/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 19 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 490 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $194.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 51 [B]Seconds:[/B] 32

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 932

I know what you mean. I could shoot myself in the foot for ever smoking that first cigarette. :mad: I know it's hard, hard as hell in fact, but I know you CAN do this. You've got a great attitude. Just take it one hour and one day at a time, like you said. Are you drinking lots and lots of water? It really helps with the cravings. I don't know why but it does and it flushes the nicotine out of your system. Each time your hit with a craving, get up and move. Take a quick walk down the hall if you're at work. If you're at home, brush your teeth, take a longer walk, etc. Just make sure you busy yourself. Get plenty of sleep when you can. Fighting those cravings is soooo exhausting. I read one post this morning where a member skipped the 21 mg. patch and went to the 14 mg. She wanted the nicotine out of her system in a hurry. She had to go back up to the 21 mg because it threw her system into a tailspin. She woke up crying and completely out of it. I think you should use the patches just like your doctor prescribed. Stepping down too much at a time may have the same effect on you. IMO Keep posting all that you need to. I'm right here, sweetie. I know you can do this. Hugs and Stay Strong, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 64 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,904 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $229.76 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 5 [B]Seconds:[/B] 34

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 49

tutti im ok. thank you for your support. it seems like its getting better. one day one hour at a time. wish i had known the patches worked this way. im almost temted to when my step down comes for the last time to not wear it and try going solo. may be a mistake i dont know. wish i would of never went back to smoking again after 13 years of giving it up. i cant and wont give in. my health is to important. thanks to all of you. your all angels. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/25/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 29 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 591 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $94.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 53 [B]Seconds:[/B] 31

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$124,731.90

Amount Saved
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Days: 6359 Hours: 4

Minutes: 46 Seconds: 13

Life Gained
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46197

Smoke Free Days
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692,955

Cigarettes Not Smoked

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 932

Princess, How are you doing? Post and let us know, okay? You CAN do this. The cravings will pass, I promise. Keep reminding yourself with each and every crave that your body is healing. This is true and it brought me comfort. Hang in there!! Hugs, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 64 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,903 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $229.76 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 59 [B]Seconds:[/B] 51

19 years ago 0 +0 / -0 932

Princess, Hang in there, okay? Don't panic. Breathe slowly. I wish I knew more about the patches. I had to go cold turkey. But I know someone will come in here shortly who can advise you better than I can. Did you step down sooner than the program allows? I do know that it's recommended that you follow the program exactly as your doctor has prescribed. And I do know that there are withdrawals to some degree after each step down. You didn't step down too soon or too much, did you? Pull out the tools you used in the very beginning. Drink lots and lots of water to flush your system and help with those cravings. I'm going to post some Tips, Breathing, and Tension exercises just below that really helped my when I was on Day 3. Here they are: TIPS -Exercising can help to manage your withdrawal easier overall. -Watch your caffeine intake, especially after 6 pm. Drink decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas. -A routine to relax your body at night helps some people fall asleep. Use the following deep breathing and relaxing techniques. Deep Breathing: 1) Take a slow deep breath in through your nose to the slow count of five. Push your tummy out at the same time. 2) Slowly breathe out through your mouth to the count of 7. 3) Repeat this 3 times, as you feel yourself relaxing and the stress dropping away. Tension Releasing: 1) Let go of the tension in your neck and shoulders. 2) Let go of the tension in your jaw. 3) Focus completely on your breathing, nothing else. 4) As you exhale, let your shoulders drop and let your body sink into wherever you are. 5)Repeat this until you feel relaxed and centered. *It's a skill. You may want to practice several times a day to make it a normal part of your routine. Hang in there, Princess. Keep posting. We're here for you. Stay Strong, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 64 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,903 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $229.76 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 58 [B]Seconds:[/B] 28

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stepping down to 14mg please help