Stephen was referred to Yorkshire Smokefree in Barnsley following a heart attack and a stay in hospital. He'd tried to quit several times before but had never been able to do it and when he approached our service he was still unsure that he would be able to stop smoking for good. In fact he told our advisor that he "couldn't imagine himself not smoking".
At his first appointment Stephen and his advisor Julie discussed the various quit medications and NRT that can be prescribed through our service. Stephen opted to try Nicotinell 21mg patches and as the weeks went by these were reduced down to 14mg. He found the patches worked really well and helped to reduce cravings. He could tell the difference if he didn't have a patch on, but eventually he was able to stop using them all together.
He really credits the patches as playing a big role in his success, saying, "I don't know if I could have done it without the patches and just not smoke. I have found it easy this time using a combination of the patches and the weekly Yorkshire Smokefree service. I also found the telephone calls with my advisor really helped me - it was great to know I could call any time I needed some support."
Now he's officially a non-smoker Stephen is enjoying the fact he doesn't have to pop outside every ten minutes for a cigarette. He's noticed he's not drinking as much tea or coffee, as he associated both with having a smoke. His breathing has improved considerably and he is wheezing far less. His chest feels a lot better and he also feels like he no longer has a blocked nose, which occurred frequently in the past.
Stephen is taking time to look after his overall health following his heart attack and stopping smoking is a HUGE step in the right direction. Well done Stephen, the team here at Yorkshire Smokefree are incredibly proud of you.
Some final words from Stephen:
“Yorkshire Smokefree gives you a back-up, someone to stand behind you if you fall. Receiving a phone call every week from them and giving the right support. Somewhere you can turn to for help”
