Paul wanted to stop smoking and with the support of Smokefree Sheffield he is now officially an ex-smoker! He did a quick Q&A with his advisor, Zrinka, and here's what he had to say...
Hi Paul, can you tell me what your reasons were for wanting to stop smoking on this occasion?
The main reason was my health and to try to save money. It was getting too expensive. I was spending £12.50 a day on a pack of 20.
If you have previously tried to stop smoking before, without success, can you explain what was different for you on this occasion?
I did stop for 6 months and then my mother passed away which got me started again. I found vapes very helpful to stop me from smoking, and regular meetings are also very helpful.
How did you feel before your first appointment about stopping smoking compared to after your first few appointments?
Before my first appointment I felt a bit nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. I like the fact that it was one-to-one appointments and not a group. After my first appointment I felt relaxed.
Did you use any products to help you stop smoking? NRT/Vapes/Medications? Please specify which product.
Previously I tried gums and patches and neither worked, and now I’m using a vape which is helping me tremendously.
Did you find the products helpful? Would you recommend other wishing to stop smoking use this product? If so why?
I would recommend vaping to everyone wanting to stop smoking cigarettes.
Did you have any other motivations, apart from being able to use products, to help you stop smoking?
I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) last year, so I’m now on medication for life. It’s very important that I did stop as I was told that if I didn’t quit I wouldn’t have much longer.
Now you are no longer a smoker, what are you enjoying the most about being smoke free?
The fresh air, my sense of smell has returned and my flat doesn’t smell of smoke.
Has your health improved since your quit and if so, in what ways?
It has got better; I’m not coughing every morning like I used to.
Other than health improvements, have you noticed anything you can now do that you couldn’t do whilst smoking?
I’ve saved money, so I can buy what I need, such as food.
What did you find helpful whilst accessing Sheffield Smokefree service?
The support has been fantastic!
Well done on your quit, Paul. You've done brilliantly!
