The Will to Quit: Theresa Perry's Smoking Cessation Story

"You will not stop a pleasurable habit, including smoking, until you are tired of it. Quit when you are ready because as long as you crave it, you won't stop till you get it. So, having a person to walk alongside you once you are ready — without pressuring you, but also holding you accountable — can make all the difference in the world."

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These are the wise words of Theresa Perry — who successfully quit smoking — with the help of Jessica Revels, FNP, of Quit with WakeMed. She is grateful she found someone who wanted to help her achieve her goal, on her timeline, using her agreed upon methods.

Here is Theresa's story:

"I had my first cigarette at the age of 11. Back in the 1960s and 70s, smoking was simply the thing to do. My mom didn't smoke, but my siblings did and introduced me to it. By the time I was 15 years old, I was hooked, and I started finishing a pack every couple of days. I continued to smoke for 46 years, until my cardiologist Raj Fofaria, MD, FACC, of WakeMed Heart & Vascular - Cardiology - Clayton asked me if I was still smoking."

The Pandemic Influence

"By 2024, I had progressed to smoking at least a pack to a pack and a half a day. The pandemic had increased my anxiety, so cigarettes became more of a comfort for me." 

The Will to Quit

"I told Dr. Fofaria that I was still smoking but that I was tired of it and was ready to quit. I simply had not had success with landing an appointment with the smoking cessation program suggested by my insurance. That's when he told me about Quit with WakeMed. 

"I scheduled an appointment with Jessica Revels. She prescribed me prescription Varenicline. I didn't notice a difference in my cravings. What made the difference was talking to Jessica, sharing my goals with her and then keeping those goals because our talks made me hold myself accountable. She didn't push me. I made promises to her about changing my habits, and for that reason, I was committed to doing what I said I'd do.

"By our second appointment on March 14, I had quit, — just in time for my birthday on March 23 — and I have been smoke-free for eight months." 

Another Habit Broken and Weight Loss Achieved

"While I was going through smoking cessation, I was also working on losing weight. I noticed that after I quit, I began to crave sweets. I, initially, didn't realize the connection between my desire for sweets and no longer smoking. Once I realized it and understood that my craving had more to do with putting something in my mouth as I had previously done with cigarettes, I was also able to control it and lost a total of 70 pounds."

Gratitude for Jessica Revels, FNP

"I'm thankful that Jessica Revels listened to me and didn't pressure me. She didn't make me feel guilty for being a smoker — which was something that had always upset me since smoking is not the only carcinogen."

You Can Too —  When You're Ready

"To those who want to quit, I encourage you to make sure you are doing it because you want to and not because anyone is pressuring you. Permanently quitting a habit can happen when you're ready. Also, don't buy into the idea that you can do it in a couple of weeks to a month. It could take a while, and that is okay."

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About Quit With WakeMed – Tobacco Cessation Program

Quit with WakeMed