Giving Up - Day 1

Welcome to Giving Up Smoking - The Champix Way!

My name is Louise Martell and I have made the life changing decision to finally stop smoking. I have been a smoker for over 15 years and know this will not be an easy habit to break! So, I have decided to make an online diary to show my own progress and hear from others in the same situation. This way we can share experiences, side effects, stresses and anything else you wish to share - our own support network!

I have joined the Phoenix programme with my doctor and after a long consultation we decided that Champix was the way for me to go. I work as a professional singer which meant that certain other methods would've been unsuitable - like the inhalator as it can be painful for the throat, this can also be the case with the nicotine gum.

On the Champix programme I have to take the tablets as directed and remain smoking for up to the first 2 weeks while on the medication. I have to set a 'stop' date for some point in week 2 and then that is the day that this nasty habit ends!

I took my first tablet this morning. My doctor recommended that I take it with food as the main side effect of this pill is nausea, but they have found this to be more apparent on an empty stomach. I took my pill with a yogurt this morning and so far have felt fine. If anything, I am a little more restless than normal and can't sit still - but that's never a bad thing!

I hope that this blog proves useful to anyone else in my situation and look forward to hearing from you.

Don't give up on giving up ....... and good luck!!!!