Tracey was advised to quit smoking after a diagnosis of emphysema. She opted for the "Swap to Stop" scheme, switching from cigarettes to a vape. After successfully staying tobacco-free for 12 weeks we asked Tracey to share her story...
"I was referred to Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield via the hospital after a stay in ICU to treat a chest infection with a diagnosis of emphysema. I had always smoked since my school days mainly due to peer pressure.
My advisor, Clare, telephoned me to discuss a plan going forward and after discussing all the options available to me, I opted for the ‘Swap to Stop Scheme’. This meant I was going to try and quit tobacco using a vape as an alternative.
My advisor arranged for my vape and liquids to be delivered from Totally Wicked to my home and with fortnightly calls, she supported me in quitting smoking completely. I am now officially smoke-free and no longer using tobacco. I aim to phase out my vape by gradually reducing my nicotine strength.
After a recent stay in hospital (wholly unrelated to respiratory) my husband visited and took me outside for some fresh air, the long stay in hospital was affecting my mood and I asked him to buy me some cigarettes. He refused producing my vape with the reminder that I’d worked too hard to be drawn back into the cycle of smoking again, proving how smoking thrives on negativity. I am now fit and well and going forward as a non-smoker which I could never have achieved on my own."
