I had originally set my quit date for 06/15/2015. I gave it a shot, but only made it one day. I tried again on 06/17/2015 and made it until 10 pm that night. On 06/19/2015, I woke up with determination. I have made it 13 days now. I am on my way. I am 55 years old. I first started dipping when I was about 13 years old. I either dipped or smoked (or both) until I was 25 years old. At 25, I quit both. I went 8 years with neither. Then when I was 33 years old, I became a member of a volunteer fire department. Most of the members chewed or dipped. That was 22 years ago. I have dipped for 22 years straight since. My habit had gotten me to 2 cans a day.
Reasons I quit: Health and Expense. I went to the doctor about 8 months ago. My cholesterol was extremely high. I was a Diabetic. I was 100 pounds overweight. Since that time, I have lost 60 pounds. I have changed my diet. I try to only eat foods that are healthy. I haven't had any alcohol in 8 months (part of my weight loss plan).
I promised my wife and son that I would quit snuff. I made a verbal commitment to them that I would quit before my next doctor's appointment on 06/29/2015. I also told my doctor that I would quit snuff by the time that I had my next visit with him on 06/29/2015.
On 06/29/2015, I had 10 days of quit under my belt, and I was carrying around 60 pounds less of weight. My cholesterol was normal. I am now classified as having Diet Controlled Diabetes. I don't have to take any medications for the diabetes.
I am determined to live a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating, exercise, and no tobacco.
My experience so far.
Day 1 through 3: Extreme cravings, moodiness, just wanted to sleep all the time. It was the weekend, so I slept in and took naps. Crazy dreams, night sweats, cold chills. Serious Constipation! Constant Headaches. Lots of Fog!
Day 4 through 10: cravings not as bad, moodiness at times, going to sleep earlier and waking earlier, crazier dreams, night sweat (but not as bad), hot flashes and cold chills at night. Constipation was relieved at day 7. Headaches that came and went, but were not as bad. Constant fog, but not as bad as first 3 days.
Day 11 and Day 12: cravings in morning, moodiness better, no crazy dreams, Sweated a little but very light. No hot flashes or cold chills during night. Still experiencing some fog, but getting lighter every day.
Day 13: I feel better this morning. Slept good. No dreams. No sweating, chills, or hot flashes. Still some fog.
My tools: sunflower seeds - I eat a small package every night at 9 pm. Sugar-free gum - I chew gum four or five times a day for 15 minutes. This has helped my cravings, especially first thing in the morning. Fruit - I've been eating snacks scattered throughout the day which include bananas, oranges, apples, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and grapes. I eat a small snack of fruit periodically during the day. I eat this slowly and enjoy the flavor. Drinks: I've been drinking lots of water and green tea.
The nice thing is that after I made it 3 days, I knew there would be no turning back now. I never want to go through those first 3 days of quit again.
My motto now: Never Quit Quitting.
13 days and counting. I'll be back to post when I hit 100 days, and I will make 100 days.
Kenneth Hankins
