My Father was told by his doctor to stop smoking.?

Question

He was recently diagnosed with heart disease. He has been smoking since he was a young teenager. He's in his late 50's. He says he's fine unless someone reminds him about it. Any ideas on how I could support him with this. Are nicorette patches any good? If I can't talk to him about it, how can I help/support him in other ways? I smoke myself but not in front of him anymore Thanks

Answer 1

Before he decides to use any products to quit smoking he needs to be advised by his doctors which ones he can and which ones he can not take as my mother also has heart disease and she can't take the patches cuz there is too high of a risk for heart attack with them. Good luck to your dad and hopefully you can find it within yourself to maybe buddy up with him on his journey to being smoke free! Would be good for both of you I think!! Best of luck to ya!!!

Answer 2

Since heart disease apparently runs in your family, the best thing you can do is quit smoking also. I know that it is hard, I just quit about a year ago. Even though you don't smoke in front of your Dad, he can still smell it on you. Don't kid yourself, he can smell it. The best way to show your Dad that you support him 100% is to quit with him. He will be happy to know that his good example has helped you to kick a bad habit as well. The patches have helped some people and not helped others. There are several ways to quit smoking these days. There are patches, gum, pills and inhalers (my Mom used the inhalers and loved them). There is also this method that involves shots in your eyes. It sounds gross, but apparently it works really well. Ask your doctor for suggestions.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Smoking is a hard habit to break, I watched my grandfather die from this habbit! The best thing is just to be there for him, and when he needs to smoke keep him busy doing other things. I have no idea what kind of things he likes to do but if he likes to play games, or watch movies, or just sit and chat many times that will make a person forget about the craving. My Uncle used the patches and it worked very well for him so it is deffinately worth a try!

Answer 4

My husband quit smoking using these patches, but he really wanted to give them up. Nothing will work 100% unless he really wants to give them up. If he's willing to then buy him some of these patches, the Nicquitin CQ are the brand my husband used and he found them great. I know you've said that you can't really talk to your Dad about this but what if you maybe gave the cigarettes up with him so then he doesn't feel like you're dictating to him he feels more like you're supporting him. Just a thought, I hope it all works out for ye

Answer 5

My dad quit smoking cold turkey awhile back. He said that the most helpful thing to him was chewing on toothpicks. It was something to keep in his mouth and helped a bit with the psychological cravings.

If your father is having a hard time, remind him what he has to gain by quitting, how far he has come, and of his health. Also, the ultimate sign of support you could show would be to stop smoking right along with him.

Good luck to you both.

Answer 6

THE PATCHES work well..suggested that a step down program have him set a date three weeks out to quit. the first week buy cigarettes that are lower in tar and nicotine than the ones he now smokes the following week step down the dose again the last week he should be smoking the lowest tar and nicotine cigs available. a few days before the quit day and the day of the first patch. get rid of all smoking gear lighters ashtrays ect. on carry matches for lighting the last days smokes. wash all clothing with bleach and get the smoke smell out of the house only smoke outside clean the car make is smell better.the day he is to quit put the first patch on as soon as he wakes. then have him stay busy .t the 21 mg. patches first for three weeks then step down to 14mg for three weeks then to the 7 mg. for three weeks by then he should be able to go without. important smoking is not only physically addictive but its a mind game also so finding something to do with his hands is important ..when i quit i used this method and im smoke free for 7 months now. good luck

Answer 7

It's cool that you don't smoke in front of him, but why not quit WITH him so you don't get diagnosed the same way when you are his age? This will support him as you stated you want to, as well as ease his mind and make it easier for you both. Good luck! It's easier to quit smoking when someone is quitting with you. Been there.

Answer 8

Any responsible medical professional will tell anyone to stop smoking. The hospital where I work has adopted a smoke free campus....no one can even smoke in their car there. We also have a standing order for nicotine patches for our patients who do smoke to help reduce their cravings. Quitting together might be the best support you can give him. There are many ways to quit. I suggest you contact you local hospital, most have packets they can give you to help with smoking cessation, and may have classes you and your father can attend for free or a nominal fee. My experience working with patients tells me that those who smoke heal slower from infections and surgeries and are generally in poorer health than those who don't. Some surgeons even refuse to do certain surgeries on patients who smoke because of this. Do whatever you can to stop smoking yourself and help your father stop.

Answer 9

He is going to do what he wants to do. He is a grown man and he has been doing it for about 50 years! I dont think you can take something away from someone after that long unless he wants to let it go. I think if he could do anything for you, It would be to set and example for you and see you quit. You have to learn from your father.

Answer 10

Check with your local health centre if there is a cessation clinic in your area. I am in the midst of quitting and the clinic is a great help. They talk to you and advise you on what would help you to quit. I am on the patches.....they work for me....so far. I haven't smoked for nearly a month......I'm getting there!