Hi Karen, can you tell us your reasons for wanting to stop smoking?
I knew I wanted to quit for the sake of my health.
Have you stopped smoking previously?
Yes, a few times but it never felt like the right time because it was everyone else saying that I needed to stop. When I wanted to stop, I knew I could do it.
Before your first appointment, did you believe you would be successful?
Yes, I did this time. I just knew in my head that this was my time to be smoke free for good.
Did you use stop smoking medication to help you quit and what did you use?
I used the patches they worked very well for me.
How helpful did you find this?
Very
Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit and stay smokefree?
The face-to-face appointments with my advisor Sarah where very helpful they kept me on track.
What do you like the most about being a non-smoker / quit?
I feel so much healthier, I am going for walks with my dog and not getting out of breath while out walking is great. Also, with stopping smoking in the wintertime I no longer need to go outside in the cold for a cig.
Has your health improved since your quit and if so, in what ways?
Yes, breathing it is so much better, I have hardly used my inhaler since I stopped smoking.
What have you found helpful whilst accessing Yorkshire Smokefree service?
The Face-to-face visits with Sarah. I could go and see her and I knew I could be proud of what I have achieved. Its nice to be able to have face to face appointments with my advisor and feel that I have achieved my goal.
Could you give us a quote about your experience of becoming smokefree that may help others to take the same step.
I saw smoking as a stress reliever when really all I needed was to get away from the situation. Keep trying, you can do it. It may take a few goes but you will get there.
Well done Karen, your stop smoking advisor in Barnsley is incredibly proud of you!
