Susanne, from Cwmbran, quit smoking on 5 December 2020, after 46 years of addiction. She started smoking at just 15 years old and had tried to quit many times before. This time, something changed.
What inspired you to quit smoking?
A few months earlier, my grandson asked me why I smoked. I couldn’t really give him an answer, only that I was addicted. He asked if I was bothered that it’s bad for you and can kill you.
He said, “I am worried Granny that you won’t be here long enough to see me grow.”
That shook me. I hadn’t long lost my mum and was still grieving. Every time I lit a cigarette after that, I thought about what my grandson had said. I knew I had to do it for him and my other grandchildren.
What impact was smoking having on your life?
I’d suffered with very high blood pressure for years and taken lots of different medications that didn’t seem to work. The next step would have been beta blockers, likely for life. Then there was the breathlessness. I was finding it harder and harder to do everyday things, even just walking up the stairs.
Financially, I couldn’t afford to smoke, yet I always found the money somehow. If I thought I wouldn’t be able to buy cigarettes, I would panic. I even had the odd panic attack. I’d lie awake worrying in case I didn’t have enough to last until I could get to the shops. It was taking a serious toll on my mental wellbeing.
Did you get any help to quit?
I started by searching online for support and looking into what help was available locally. During the pandemic, face to face services were limited, so I was relieved to find the NHS Help Me Quit service.
I filled in my details and received a call back within 48 hours.
I was given a personal adviser, Vicky. We talked through my smoking habits and what nicotine replacement products would work best for me. She arranged everything over the phone and sent a prescription so I could collect what I needed from the chemist free of charge. Vicky continues to check in regularly, and I can contact her if I ever need extra support or advice about the products.
How did you find the experience of quitting?
After many failed attempts over the years, I really tried to prepare mentally this time. I kept going over my reasons for stopping in my head.
I smoked my last cigarette, put on a 21mg patch, and haven’t looked back. Being in the right mindset, reminding myself why I was quitting, and knowing someone would be checking in with me made a huge difference. Using nicotine replacement therapy meant I experienced very few withdrawal symptoms. It was much easier than I expected.
How has quitting smoking improved your life?
My health has improved so much. I can walk up the stairs without getting breathless. My sense of taste and smell are stronger. I sleep better and no longer have panic attacks linked to cigarettes or worrying about running out.
Most importantly, my grandson is so proud of me. That means everything. The money I’ve saved will go towards my grandchildren, with something extra special for the grandson who gave me the push I needed.
What advice would you give to any smokers out there who would want to quit but think they can’t do it?
I would say try, try, and keep trying as at some point you will do it. My grandson was my motivation, find something that makes you determined to stop. Keep thinking of it for a few days before you actually stop.
I’d also definitely get in touch with the NHS FREE service, get your own advisor who will get you the right NRT products and have these to hand as soon as you have smoked that last cigarette.
Just go for it… I am almost 6 weeks smoke free and feel so much better for it. Be proud of yourself for everyday you are smoke free and with each day remember you are repairing your body from all the harmful chemicals you used to inhale.
Go for it! Be proud of yourself…..You can do it!
