I had a heart attack earlier this year and was admitted to the Northern General hospital. It was a major wake-up call that instantly made me determinded to quit for good - I knew if I didn't I would not be here much longer. I didn't smoke whilst I was in hospital and was given nicotine patches when I was discharged back home so that I could keep going with my quit attempt. I was referred to the community team for support.
I wasn't confident that I could achieve becoming Smokefree on my own but as soon as I had my heart attack I promised myself I would never smoke again. Getting the support from the stop smoking service and using the medication really helped boost my confidence that I could keep going. I couldn't image myself with a cigarette now and I was a heavily dependent smoker who smoked x25 a day.
I used the 24 hours patches which I found very effective. I started on high strength and gradually moved to the low strength over the course of 12 weeks.
They were really helpful, I couldn't have quit without the patches or Ge,,a!
The regular telephone support I recieved from my stop smoking advisor Gemma helped me to quit and stay smokefree, as well as my husband who decided to quit cold turkey to support me. I also tried to make changes in my daily routine - I cut down on coffee and switched to fruit tea and made sure the fridge was full of fruit and yoghurts so that I didn't reach for unhealthy junk food when I was tempted to snack. I still went out to the pub to meet with friends who were really supportive and so glad that I was OK after my heart attack. I did have a drink but cut down on the amount that I would usually have so that I wasn't tempted to smoke.
My health has improved since I quit with my taste and smell being improved and I no longer cough and wheeze.
The extra money my husband and I saved from quitting meant that we were finally able to purchase my long-awaited eternity ring. We have been able to decorate the house and treat ourselves and family. My husband has bought a new car and we are planning to go on several mini breaks.
It was very easy to access the service and really helpful that I didn't have to go anywhere to attend an appointment, especially after having a heart attack.
