"I have smoked since I was 14 years old and am now 73. Wasn&#039;t much at first, but as the years went by it got a lot worse. In fact I would have to say at least two packs a day. I always wanted to quit, but never thought I could do it after smoking so long and so much. Then on 5-31-09 I was taken to the emergency room because I couldn&#039;t catch my breath. I stayed there for 4 days. They put the &quot;patch&quot; on me in there and sent me home with an oxygen tank. Now I know I have to quit. I now have COPD. Anyway I made up my mind right then and there I was going to stay on the Nicoderm patch. I&#039;m now on my &quot;step #3&quot; 7mg&#039;s and I only have 4 patches left."