High blood pressure and an unhealthy habit of chain smoking led me to make one of the biggest changes of my life.
After 50 years of heavily smoking, I decided it was time to give it up, especially after the doctor told me about my blood pressure problem. The doctor referred me to the Southern Stop Smoking Service and when the coach arrived for a visit, I’d already made my mind up. I was going to stop.
I couldn’t wait to get rid of the cigarettes. I wasn’t working and all I was doing was sitting at home smoking. It just wasn’t a healthy lifestyle. I was going through 150g of tobacco a fortnight and it was costing me around $300.
I’d tried to quit a couple of times in the past but I was always using just one patch and chewing on the gum which I couldn’t stand. I didn’t know how to properly use the NRT. I found quitting too hard; smoking had been a part of my life since I was a teenager.
But this time was different. I was determined and my mind was made up.
If it wasn’t for the coach I’d still be smoking. It was great to have someone to hold me to account, and she explained how to use the patches properly and that made a big difference because one patch would have done nothing for me. I also use a vape.
I’m enjoying using the vape and have found it a great tool to stop smoking but it’s only a temporary measure and eventually I will stop using that too.
While my blood pressure will take a while to come down, I’m feeling so much better and my cough is gone. I sleep better and I’m saving so much money.
- Bruce Burt, Alexandra
