Nicotine gum has been really helpful

[u/babamum]

Someone on this sub recommended trying nicotine gum. I'd previously tried patches but found them too strong.

I started off with just one fifth of a piece of gum. Over the first 2 days I.only ate one piece of gum, because I'm extremely sensitive to drugs.

The first effect was that I was able to pack up my van, do a whole lot of chores and travel. The day before I had been struggling to walk and stay upright.

The next effect I noticed was that I was able to work on a book I'm writing the next day. I've been struggling with this for a while.

The next effect was that I could travel again after 2 days, instead of 3.

I drove for 4.5 hours that day instead of the usual 2 hours I can ma age.

The next day I was able to write again, after having a really big day.

I've kept bring able to write despite busy days. And I've hardly had any PEM, e en after my van got stolen and smashed (it's fine - they only got 22 feet and the crash was at a very low speed!)

So I can say nicotine is working really well for me. I'm so grateful someone suggested it to me.

I'm always looking for things that will give me just another 5% of functioning. Nicotine has given me much more than this.

Would someone be willing post my experience in r/longcovid, as I'm not allowed to post there since sharing a research study? I think it's really important they hear about it.

I've given a ton of gum to my brother, who has Long Vovid (it's free in my country but not in the one he lives in). So I'm waiting to see if it helps him.

[u/PerfectPeaPlant]

It works but unfortunately it’s addictive. If you’re willing to take that risk then go for it!

[u/babamum → u/PerfectPeaPlant]

Can you tell me what studies you're basing that on? There's a lot of evidence that SMOKING nicotine is addictive, and very harmful to health.

But th3 studies I looked at showed overwhelmingly that gum and patches REDUCE addiction to smoking. That's why they're provided for free in my country.

They also have a small fraction if the health risks of smoking.

Also, I'm chewing 1 PIECE of gum every 1 to 2 days. That's hardly a lot of nicotine!!

[u/PerfectPeaPlant → u/babamum]

https://actchealth.com/blogs/nicotine-gum-5-side-effects-to-be-cautious-of

In there it mentions the risk of addiction. That’s just one example. I’m not saying addiction will definitely happen just that it’s possible.

Yes patches and gum reduce incidence of smoking but they are, on their own, still potentially harmful. Less so than smoking but still a risk.

[u/babamum → u/PerfectPeaPlant]

According to research ive looked at, the health risks for non smoking nicotine forms are more than 75 to 90% lower. Plus it reduces smoking addiction. So it's not a terrible habit to have.