My name is Denise and I am a retired District Nursing Sister from Wakefield. I started my stop smoking journey at my local GP Practice in Crofton.
The main reason for me wanting to quit smoking was that I had already accepted in my own mind that I would die of cancer before stopping and this was a wakeup call for me! I thought that stopping smoking was impossible due to it being a physical and mental dependent and I did not want to prolong my addiction to nicotine any longer. I would often use a cigarette as my reward after everything I would do! It took over my life.
I was offered several options of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and decided that the medication Varenicline would suit me best. I could not have stopped smoking without this! I did have a few side effects with the full dose, but this soon calmed down.
What I like most about being a non-smoker is my clothes not smelling anymore. My breathing has improved very quickly. What did help me to stay smoke free was setting myself small goals i.e. not smoking in the car. The Carbon Monoxide readings were also a big bonus.
My health has vastly improved. I used to have lots of recurrent chest infections which lasted for months with a chronic cough. The coughs stopped within 2 weeks and my blood pressure has also improved. I have saved a great deal of money and used this to have short breaks away.
What I have found helpful whilst accessing Yorkshire Smokfree was having my advisor to talk too who would always reassure me that I am not alone in how I feel it is quite normal to still feel the urge to want a cigarette – so I just keep telling myself no – I am a non-smoker now.
Thank you to Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield!
