Nicorette patches

[B00]

I know im sounding a bit like a broken record with this no smoking malarky, but....

Ive tried Googling this with no success so im turning to you lot (sorry!). Is it possible, or have you or know anyone who gets pains in the arm from a nicorette patch?

I've been wearing patches for 2 days now, the 16 hour ones, and ive noticed every now and then the arm it's on, will go a bit numb and tingly and just generally feel weird. It's freaked me out a bit and ive just taken todays off.

Is this a normal side effect? And if so, is it worth it? Think id rather bloody smoke!

[Old_Geezer]

You're supposed to take them back off again. You'll have nowhere left to put them by the weekend.

[B00]

I have ya dippy bugger, yesterdays was on right upper arm, and todays is on right lower arm. Think it might be because ive put two on the same arm?

[LazyGun]

I have no direct experience of patches -I went cold turkey when I quit smoking, nearly 3 years ago now - but I did eat a snack or some crisps when i got the craving, resulting in weight gain. Better lungs, but tight waistbands - not sure it was the best trade off :)

I have not heard of those particular symptoms you describe as common side effects of nicorette patches - rashes, redness, itching etc are reported more frequently. Might it just be a pyschosomatic effect of nicotine withdrawal?

I have also included a link to a good article about someones battle with quitting smoking in todays Independent, if you are interested :)
http://www.independen...-smoking-2235120.html

[radiogaga]

Is the sensation your body feeling /reacting to the nicotine going into your system? i experienced the same when i used patches.

[B00]

I dunno radiogaga, but my arm defintely felt weird, all tingly and numb like, have ot admit it freaked me out!

Thanks Lazy Gun, will have a read now. I'm also on a diet, i started that last week, and to be honest life's looking pretty bloody grim at the moment- the two things i love the most, smoking and eating *poof* gone! :-(

[anneasquith]

could you be reacting to the plaster rather than thre actual patch ?

[B00]

honestly dont know Anne, id have thought that would be more of an itch thing y'know? But it could be, Google's being no help, so maybe im imagining it?

[LazyGun]

Ouch Boo - you are braver than I. Were it me, I would do one or the other, not both at the same time!

[bednobs]

put it on your chest next time and see

[arwyn]

Boo first of all well done, 2 days is really good as the begining is the worst,
Yes people can get a numb tingly arm, it will wear off. You might feel better with it on you'r back or chest, but they really help you to quit so do try to wear it.
You asked yesterday for ideas on how to change the habits, well I used to buy kid's colouring books for when ever I sat down otherwise keep busy. I'v since helped 5 other people to stop so feel free to have a moan at me ha ha.
Keep up the good work.

[B00]

Thanks Arwyn, i was beginning ot think i was imagining it, lol.

Colouring in sounds like a good idea, its something i can do whilst still sitting (I'm still a lazy cow, we can't work miracles you know!)

I am turning into a moaning bugger, well more of a one i guess. People are going to get so sick of me!

[arwyn]

I won't Boo ha ha. dont diet at the same time, just munch on a carrot or something that is'nt fatterning. You can diet at a later date.

[coccinelle]

Keep up the good work. I can quite imagine that dieting and giving up smoking can't be easy cos you're depriving your poor old body of what it likes. Maybe leave the dieting till later and go for some walks to keep your mind and body occupied (think of that fresh, snowy mountain I mentioned). Drinking liquids especially water and tea are also good to eliminate all those horrible toxins lurking about.

[milly143]

B00, when I used them a few years ago as well as being really itchy and red (maybe I shouldn't have been using them) I used to get a sort of dull ache in the area I had stuck it. Is that the same sort of thing? From memory that only happened for about a week or so.

[B00]

Yeah that's kinda like it Milly, think i should stop altogether or perservere with them?

No, i know what you're all saying, but im sticking to the diet, as I really need to lose some weight regardless of whether im smoking or not.

[milly143]

I think you should stick with them for a little longer and see if it improves. You don't get out of it that easily! ;o)

As I said, for me it last about a week (maybe a bit longer but I can't remember too well) and then it stopped and I stopped noticing I had the patch on. Maybe your body just needs to get used to the patches.

Well done by the way, keep seeing your posts and wishing I had the will power to try again.

[B00]

you're back to smoking Milly?

Awwww :-(

[milly143]

It's a bit late for that. I already did. My non smoking only lasted about 3 months due to my inability to be an individual. lol

[redman41]

Get some Rizla BOO and roll them up and smoke them, might be better and less hassle ! ;-)))

[B00]

hehe, well least you tried!

I've heard folk say that once you'e been a smoker, you always will be a smoker if that makes sense- my dad gave up for 26 years and is now back on them!!!!