KillTheCan.org Accountability Forum

Community => Introductions => Topic started by: swishnomo on September 02, 2016, 09:58:00 AM

Title: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on September 02, 2016, 09:58:00 AM
I found this site on July 5, the day I received the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. Go ahead, Google those words. The first few words Wikipedia uses to define it are 'snuff dipper's cancer'.

I started in High School as a our Vo Ag class found a pouch of Red Man that some construction worker left on the job site in 1973. As a farmer working outside, it kept me alert and going on long, 18 hour days. My sweet wife disapproved, but finally after several arguments, she promised she would never say anything again. I tended to hide it from my 4 kids and friends. this went on for about 10 years, until 1987 when the Lord convicted to quit.
That lasted for about 6-9 months. We were going through a nasty breakup of a business partnership with my parents. That, along with feeling let down by the Lord that MY plans were not working out had me in a bad place to start up again. I remember stopping at a gas station where they had individual Swisher Perfecto's on the counter for like a dime. I figure, 'hey, just one or two chews ain't gonna hurt'. Big mistake, HUGE! I found the Swishers made a really nice, neat plug. 3 plugs to a cigar. No bulky pouches, No dippers teeth. That was 1988.

I half heartedly tried to quit in the last 28 years. But really had no motivation. A cancer diagnosis at age 61 is definite motivation. Fortunately, the tumor was on my big toe. Most of the verrucous carcinoma's are in the oral cavity; mouth, throat, lips, cheeks. Go ahead, look at some of the Google Images it brings up. Some of the other locations on the body are the extremities; hands, feet and even the genitals! Thank God my tumor did not show up there! Would that have stopped us from chewing if someone had told us we could get a tumor on our penis? Probably not for me, until it happened...

I stopped chewing the day after My diagnosis, July 6, so around 60 days in. The Fog and irritability the first week were not fun. My sweet wife of 41 years has been very supportive. I went to a friend's dispersal auction two weeks ago, that is when the anxieties really started. I really don't want to go on any prescription anti-anxiety meds. Hoping that this will soon pass. been using seeds, but don't like the 'mouth feel' / cauterization because of the salt. Also been chewing on alfalfa stems. Not as splintery as tooth picks, but not real practical when we go down to the Carribean to help a dying relative in two weeks. Would be tempted to try the fake stuff, but figure I have got this far. Really don't want to get 'hooked' on something else.

I had Moh's surgery on my big toe on August 4. They took about half my toe off, scraping the bone to hopefully 'get' all of the cancer. My prognosis is OK, the cancer won't kill me. There is a 10 % chance it could come back at the same location, at which time they would have to amputate my big toe. But for any one that has chewed, the risk of this carcinoma will be out there for a long time. Thanks for your Website, along with the information and support therein.
SwishNoMo
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Backwoods901 on September 02, 2016, 12:56:00 PM
Quote from: swishnomo
I found this site on July 5, the day I received the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. Go ahead, Google those words. The first few words Wikipedia uses to define it are 'snuff dipper's cancer'.

I started in High School as a our Vo Ag class found a pouch of Red Man that some construction worker left on the job site in 1973. As a farmer working outside, it kept me alert and going on long, 18 hour days. My sweet wife disapproved, but finally after several arguments, she promised she would never say anything again. I tended to hide it from my 4 kids and friends. this went on for about 10 years, until 1987 when the Lord convicted to quit.
That lasted for about 6-9 months. We were going through a nasty breakup of a business partnership with my parents. That, along with feeling let down by the Lord that MY plans were not working out had me in a bad place to start up again. I remember stopping at a gas station where they had individual Swisher Perfecto's on the counter for like a dime. I figure, 'hey, just one or two chews ain't gonna hurt'. Big mistake, HUGE! I found the Swishers made a really nice, neat plug. 3 plugs to a cigar. No bulky pouches, No dippers teeth. That was 1988.

I half heartedly tried to quit in the last 28 years. But really had no motivation. A cancer diagnosis at age 61 is definite motivation. Fortunately, the tumor was on my big toe. Most of the verrucous carcinoma's are in the oral cavity; mouth, throat, lips, cheeks. Go ahead, look at some of the Google Images it brings up. Some of the other locations on the body are the extremities; hands, feet and even the genitals! Thank God my tumor did not show up there! Would that have stopped us from chewing if someone had told us we could get a tumor on our penis? Probably not for me, until it happened...

I stopped chewing the day after My diagnosis, July 6, so around 60 days in. The Fog and irritability the first week were not fun. My sweet wife of 41 years has been very supportive. I went to a friend's dispersal auction two weeks ago, that is when the anxieties really started. I really don't want to go on any prescription anti-anxiety meds. Hoping that this will soon pass. been using seeds, but don't like the 'mouth feel' / cauterization because of the salt. Also been chewing on alfalfa stems. Not as splintery as tooth picks, but not real practical when we go down to the Carribean to help a dying relative in two weeks. Would be tempted to try the fake stuff, but figure I have got this far. Really don't want to get 'hooked' on something else.

I had Moh's surgery on my big toe on August 4. They took about half my toe off, scraping the bone to hopefully 'get' all of the cancer. My prognosis is OK, the cancer won't kill me. There is a 10 % chance it could come back at the same location, at which time they would have to amputate my big toe. But for any one that has chewed, the risk of this carcinoma will be out there for a long time. Thanks for your Website, along with the information and support therein.
SwishNoMo
welcome to the site, that would put you in the dumpster fire of the OCT quit group.

here is the link topic/11679548/634/#new (http://forum.killthecan.org/topic/11679548/634/#new)

your story is one that will help alot of the guys on here realize how dangerous it really is to continue this habit. You got lucky and its good to hear such an outcome.

the fake stuff is not that bad, it helps with cravings and to keep yourself from the actual stuff.

anything you need hit anyone up on here we are all here to help.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Nomore1959 on September 02, 2016, 01:25:00 PM
Quote from: backwoods901
Quote from: swishnomo
I found this site on July 5, the day I received the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. Go ahead, Google those words. The first few words Wikipedia uses to define it are 'snuff dipper's cancer'.

I started in High School as a our Vo Ag class found a pouch of Red Man that some construction worker left on the job site in 1973. As a farmer working outside, it kept me alert and going on long, 18 hour days. My sweet wife disapproved, but finally after several arguments, she promised she would never say anything again. I tended to hide it from my 4 kids and friends. this went on for about 10 years, until 1987 when the Lord convicted to quit.
That lasted for about 6-9 months. We were going through a nasty breakup of a business partnership with my parents. That, along with feeling let down by the Lord that MY plans were not working out had me in a bad place to start up again. I remember stopping at a gas station where they had individual Swisher Perfecto's on the counter for like a dime. I figure, 'hey, just one or two chews ain't gonna hurt'. Big mistake, HUGE! I found the Swishers made a really nice, neat plug. 3 plugs to a cigar. No bulky pouches, No dippers teeth. That was 1988.

I half heartedly tried to quit in the last 28 years. But really had no motivation. A cancer diagnosis at age 61 is definite motivation. Fortunately, the tumor was on my big toe. Most of the verrucous carcinoma's are in the oral cavity; mouth, throat, lips, cheeks. Go ahead, look at some of the Google Images it brings up. Some of the other locations on the body are the extremities; hands, feet and even the genitals! Thank God my tumor did not show up there! Would that have stopped us from chewing if someone had told us we could get a tumor on our penis? Probably not for me, until it happened...

I stopped chewing the day after My diagnosis, July 6, so around 60 days in. The Fog and irritability the first week were not fun. My sweet wife of 41 years has been very supportive. I went to a friend's dispersal auction two weeks ago, that is when the anxieties really started. I really don't want to go on any prescription anti-anxiety meds. Hoping that this will soon pass. been using seeds, but don't like the 'mouth feel' / cauterization because of the salt. Also been chewing on alfalfa stems. Not as splintery as tooth picks, but not real practical when we go down to the Carribean to help a dying relative in two weeks. Would be tempted to try the fake stuff, but figure I have got this far. Really don't want to get 'hooked' on something else.

I had Moh's surgery on my big toe on August 4. They took about half my toe off, scraping the bone to hopefully 'get' all of the cancer. My prognosis is OK, the cancer won't kill me. There is a 10 % chance it could come back at the same location, at which time they would have to amputate my big toe. But for any one that has chewed, the risk of this carcinoma will be out there for a long time. Thanks for your Website, along with the information and support therein.
SwishNoMo
welcome to the site, that would put you in the dumpster fire of the OCT quit group.

here is the link topic/11679548/634/#new (http://forum.killthecan.org/topic/11679548/634/#new)

your story is one that will help alot of the guys on here realize how dangerous it really is to continue this habit. You got lucky and its good to hear such an outcome.

the fake stuff is not that bad, it helps with cravings and to keep yourself from the actual stuff.

anything you need hit anyone up on here we are all here to help.
Anxiety is not an unusual symptom after quit. I encourage you to dive in and post roll (daily promise to use no nicotine), meet fellow quitters, and work through the anxiety with people who have been through it.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: copingwithoutcopen on September 02, 2016, 01:55:00 PM
Welcome nomo... Want to know a sure fired way to reduce anxiety? Remove the unknown... When we post roll, it's just not an option. You take control of your destiny for a day, insofar as nicotine's concerned, at least. Get on roll. Don't miss a day. Be calm. Quit on. No excuses.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Armydan13 on September 02, 2016, 02:44:00 PM
Welcome Brother!

Make sure you post in the October group with us...we would be glad to have you on our team! Look forward to seeing your first day posted!

PM me if you need anything

-Dan
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: CavMan83 on September 05, 2016, 11:50:00 AM
swishnomo,

Glad you found your way back to the site this morning and posted (sort of!) :D . KTC works (on a DAILY basis) by requiring active quitters to post their day's quit (you're at 62 today) and promise that they will not use nicotine in any form for that day. Then you honor your promise, and wake up tomorrow and repeat.

Simple, but highly effective. Glad you're quit; glad you're with us. Looking forward to hearing how the continued recovery from cancer works out and praying that it is all favorable.

Quit on, Brother!!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on September 06, 2016, 11:19:00 AM
swishnomo, welcome and glad to have you on the October team! PM me anytime.

Definitely feel your pain on the anxiety bit - been feeling more of it than usual myself lately.

Proud to be quit with you today.

-FLLip
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: copingwithoutcopen on September 09, 2016, 02:14:00 PM
Nomo, you have an opportunity here to make this the last time you ever quit. We're addicts. We'll always be addicts. Daily vigilance is the difference between failure and longterm success. Its the only difference. I know you're probably ok right now lallygaggin around but how long before the urges start making sense? Get in there. What do you have to lose?
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 05, 2016, 07:58:00 AM
Day 92 Quit, by the Grace of God. Dr. prescribed Lexapro for anxiety, but really don't want to trade one dependency for another....
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 08, 2016, 10:30:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
Day 92 Quit, by the Grace of God. Dr. prescribed Lexapro for anxiety, but really don't want to trade one dependency for another....
How's it going man? Lexipro to help is smart of your doc thinks it could help. You are winning at a tough battle. If you need a little backup from your doc, use it!

Honored to quit with you and hope to see your. Amebon roll. Thatbis the key to winning.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 11, 2016, 06:22:00 AM
Quit today, 98. started the Lexapro on day 95. I am told it takes 2 weeks to really notice a difference.
It increases serotonin, the hormone of 'well being'.
It just seems the last two weeks have be more anxious/stressful than the previous two months.
Might be seasonal affective disorder contributing as the days get shorter.
I am not an anxious person.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 11, 2016, 07:27:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
Quit today, 98. started the Lexapro on day 95. I am told it takes 2 weeks to really notice a difference.
It increases serotonin, the hormone of 'well being'.
It just seems the last two weeks have be more anxious/stressful than the previous two months.
Might be seasonal affective disorder contributing as the days get shorter.
I am not an anxious person.
I'm so glad that you started something that will help for the short term

Do something that will help long term... post roll. It works when nothing else does.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 12, 2016, 09:32:00 PM
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: swishnomo
Quit today, 98. started the Lexapro on day 95. I am told it takes 2 weeks to really notice a difference.
It increases serotonin, the hormone of 'well being'.
It just seems the last two weeks have be more anxious/stressful than the previous two months.
Might be seasonal affective disorder contributing as the days get shorter.
I am not an anxious person.
I'm so glad that you started something that will help for the short term

Do something that will help long term... post roll. It works when nothing else does.
Day 99! It would be awesome to post a day ? with your bad ass October team. If I sound like a broken record, it is because I've followed this free, 20second a day repetitive plan almost 1,400 days in a row. Winning is so great man... c'mon and join us!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 13, 2016, 07:49:00 AM
I watched the video and post roll today. Quit day 100. I don't understand why I am being chewed out for posting.
Frankly, with my current anxiety, I don't need the stress.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 13, 2016, 07:55:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
I watched the video and post roll today. Quit day 100. I don't understand why I am being chewed out for posting.
Frankly, with my current anxiety, I don't need the stress.
I'm really not chewing you out my friend. I'm really helping you.

Congratulations on day 100!!!! Please keep posting each day. Everything, I promise, will get better!

Enjoy this huge win!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Candoit on October 13, 2016, 08:27:00 AM
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: swishnomo
I watched the video and post roll today. Quit day 100. I don't understand why I am being chewed out for posting.
Frankly, with my current anxiety, I don't need the stress.
I'm really not chewing you out my friend. I'm really helping you.

Congratulations on day 100!!!! Please keep posting each day. Everything, I promise, will get better!

Enjoy this huge win!
You dont need this stress? You want to succeed?

The answer is simple.
1. Post roll.
2. Keep your word that you will not use nicotine in any form, today.
3. Repeat tomorrow.

The chewing out is coming from a point of protection. Roll is scared, it is not for those that are part time, or every month or so.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 13, 2016, 10:12:00 AM
Quote from: Candoit
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: swishnomo
I watched the video and post roll today. Quit day 100. I don't understand why I am being chewed out for posting.
Frankly, with my current anxiety, I don't need the stress.
I'm really not chewing you out my friend. I'm really helping you.

Congratulations on day 100!!!! Please keep posting each day. Everything, I promise, will get better!

Enjoy this huge win!
You dont need this stress? You want to succeed?

The answer is simple.
1. Post roll.
2. Keep your word that you will not use nicotine in any form, today.
3. Repeat tomorrow.

The chewing out is coming from a point of protection. Roll is scared, it is not for those that are part time, or every month or so.
100 days is bad ass.

Keeping posting roll. The anxiety, the pain, everything... your whole life... will improve.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: MikeK on October 13, 2016, 12:43:00 PM
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: Candoit
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: swishnomo
I watched the video and post roll today. Quit day 100. I don't understand why I am being chewed out for posting.
Frankly, with my current anxiety, I don't need the stress.
I'm really not chewing you out my friend. I'm really helping you.

Congratulations on day 100!!!! Please keep posting each day. Everything, I promise, will get better!

Enjoy this huge win!
You dont need this stress? You want to succeed?

The answer is simple.
1. Post roll.
2. Keep your word that you will not use nicotine in any form, today.
3. Repeat tomorrow.

The chewing out is coming from a point of protection. Roll is scared, it is not for those that are part time, or every month or so.
100 days is bad ass.

Keeping posting roll. The anxiety, the pain, everything... your whole life... will improve.
Congratulations Swishnomo on making it to day 100, and welcome to October . Post your promise not to use nicotine every day and own your Quit
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on October 13, 2016, 04:52:00 PM
'party' WAY TO GO on 100 SWISHNOMO! 'party' Stick around with October for another 100 (one day at a time, of course)!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Mike1966 on October 13, 2016, 07:32:00 PM
Quote from: FLLipOut
'party' WAY TO GO on 100 SWISHNOMO! 'party' Stick around with October for another 100 (one day at a time, of course)!
Congrats on 100 dayÂ’s Quit brother!! Make this your 1st milestone of many here at KTC. You wonÂ’t regret it. IÂ’ve tried to quit many times in the past. I was afraid that at 50 it was too late to teach an old dog new tricks. I can truly say, after failing many times, this Quit is my quit to end all quits because of the support I get here.
Again congrats on quitting for 100 days! ThatÂ’s awesome. IÂ’m proud to Quit with you today brother!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: pab1964 on October 13, 2016, 10:10:00 PM
Quote from: Mike1966
Quote from: FLLipOut
'party' WAY TO GO on 100 SWISHNOMO! 'party' Stick around with October for another 100 (one day at a time, of course)!
Congrats on 100 dayÂ’s Quit brother!! Make this your 1st milestone of many here at KTC. You wonÂ’t regret it. IÂ’ve tried to quit many times in the past. I was afraid that at 50 it was too late to teach an old dog new tricks. I can truly say, after failing many times, this Quit is my quit to end all quits because of the support I get here.
Again congrats on quitting for 100 days! ThatÂ’s awesome. IÂ’m proud to Quit with you today brother!
Don't let anyone or anything discourage you on this quit journey! Be the boss, take what you need here and the hell with the garbage! This is life or death for most of us, not a game of, let's see whose got the biggest balls or let's see who we can piss off today! Damn proud of you, I made it to 60 day's by myself only a couple of times in 38 years now 656 days later I say this quit is mine, I own it thanks to ktc! Post roll edd, if your not welcome in your own group you're more than welcome to post above the line with April 15! Digits headed your way
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Mike from AB on October 13, 2016, 10:15:00 PM
Congrats on day 100!

Glad to hear your cancer wasn't any worse  the Good Lord has given you second chance at the rest of your life. Congrats on not wasting that opportunity  joining us here!

I'm sorry to hear you've had anxiety though. It's not uncommon,  what was for me one of the worst aspects of quitting. I never thought I was an anxious person either, but had to have worktowin talk me down one night a couple weeks into my quit for quitting for me surely would've ended right there that night otherwise. I didn't yet understand what was happening. I'm still not clear if tobacco is used to mask anxieties, or if the brain chemistry becomes so messed up from it that it takes awhile to mentally heal. Either way it's common enough to experience, even for guys who haven't had those symptoms before.

Lexapro is a wonderful drug though. I'd made it to about where you're at in my quit,  about broke down out of completely irrational anxiety. Thankfully I got a good doc who's helped me through it. I took ativan for the first couple weeks they say it takes the Lexapro to kick in. Low enough dosage to not be addicting. Lexapro though isn't really habit forming,  your doc will of course monitor you on it. From my experience, that's only a good thing. I still take it a couple years later, at a lower dose ( not every day) to keep general stress/anxiety in check, but don't have the panic attacks I once did. After a long regimen I can see my way off it.

Congrats again nomo! Your body has already been healing for a hundred days now  you're on the path to success. You'll notice the healing comes more  more each day. One day at a time. Also with daily posting, it helps everyone to know we're all sharing the same struggle. Posting is quick insurance that no matter what happens that day, you won't go back. Day 1,151  I know I'm not cured of the addiction. I probably never will be. But as long as I post, that option is off the table. For today. I could always choose not to post tomorrow, but eventually as you work your way through the site  get to know some good guys ( gals) that have your back, you won't want to let the down  will keep posting. Even when you don't feel like doing it for yourself. When I was dipping alone, tomorrow was always soon enough to think about quitting. With a group of brothers ( sisters) doing it together, quitting has to get done today.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 14, 2016, 09:25:00 AM
Quote from: Mike
Congrats on day 100!

Glad to hear your cancer wasn't any worse  the Good Lord has given you second chance at the rest of your life. Congrats on not wasting that opportunity  joining us here!

I'm sorry to hear you've had anxiety though. It's not uncommon,  what was for me one of the worst aspects of quitting. I never thought I was an anxious person either, but had to have worktowin talk me down one night a couple weeks into my quit for quitting for me surely would've ended right there that night otherwise. I didn't yet understand what was happening. I'm still not clear if tobacco is used to mask anxieties, or if the brain chemistry becomes so messed up from it that it takes awhile to mentally heal. Either way it's common enough to experience, even for guys who haven't had those symptoms before.

Lexapro is a wonderful drug though. I'd made it to about where you're at in my quit,  about broke down out of completely irrational anxiety. Thankfully I got a good doc who's helped me through it. I took ativan for the first couple weeks they say it takes the Lexapro to kick in. Low enough dosage to not be addicting. Lexapro though isn't really habit forming,  your doc will of course monitor you on it. From my experience, that's only a good thing. I still take it a couple years later, at a lower dose ( not every day) to keep general stress/anxiety in check, but don't have the panic attacks I once did. After a long regimen I can see my way off it.

Congrats again nomo! Your body has already been healing for a hundred days now  you're on the path to success. You'll notice the healing comes more  more each day. One day at a time. Also with daily posting, it helps everyone to know we're all sharing the same struggle. Posting is quick insurance that no matter what happens that day, you won't go back. Day 1,151  I know I'm not cured of the addiction. I probably never will be. But as long as I post, that option is off the table. For today. I could always choose not to post tomorrow, but eventually as you work your way through the site  get to know some good guys ( gals) that have your back, you won't want to let the down  will keep posting. Even when you don't feel like doing it for yourself. When I was dipping alone, tomorrow was always soon enough to think about quitting. With a group of brothers ( sisters) doing it together, quitting has to get done today.
Thank you Mike.
Sharing your experience of anxiety is helpful.
I just cannot understand why it came in so bad at 75- 80 days.
I would have expected it more so in the first 2 months.
I slept great the first month, now with the anxiety I am having trouble with insomnia.

I told worktowin that given a cancer diagnosis is a great motivator to never go back.
Having a surgeon take a hunk out of you, also doubles determination down.
I have a great accountability partner in my wife of 41 years, she is from The Lord.
I appreciate your support.
Bob
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: wildirish317 on October 14, 2016, 10:28:00 AM
Spend a lot of time on this site swishnomo. You will find a lot of support, everywhere you look. The only thing we all have in common is our quit.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: brettlees on October 14, 2016, 03:58:00 PM
Quote from: wildirish317
Spend a lot of time on this site swishnomo. You will find a lot of support, everywhere you look. The only thing we all have in common is our quit.
^^^^ yep. Glad to be quitting with you. Keep it up! keep posting in the intros here so we know how you are doing. Posting here lets more quitters, of all levels, see where you are (and how to help). keep it going strong!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 15, 2016, 09:06:00 AM
I am scheduled to go with my 36 year old son and 11 year old grandson on a Missions trip to Uganda for two weeks over Thanksgiving.
We need to finalize the purchase of tickets by 10/20.
With the anxiety, I cannot imagine going, but I also cannot imagine not going.
Praying the Lexapro kicks in soon and the Lord takes the anxiety away.

I also will not be able to post roll for those two weeks.
Thanks for caring and prayers,
Bob
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on October 15, 2016, 12:24:00 PM
Prayers going up!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 18, 2016, 08:16:00 AM
I went to the Dr. yesterday. He says the Lexapro should kick in the end of this week.
The insomnia contributes to the anxiety.
Thanks for all of the encouragement that it will get better.
Go Tribe!
Bob
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 20, 2016, 08:38:00 PM
One day at a time, Bob...

You are doing great!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 21, 2016, 01:35:00 PM
My Dr. encouraged me to go ahead and purchase the tickets for the Uganda Missions trip with my son.
The trip will be for 11 days, over Thanksgiving. My Dr. thought I should be much better by then.

Insomnia has been a problem, and all the Tylenol PM and melatonin just didn't help.
Dr. prescribed a mild sedative to help me sleep, as needed.
Used it a few times 10 days ago, when my wife was gone, and had to use it the past two nights to sleep.
But really didn't like it because it makes me groggy in the morning.
Hopefully the Lexapro will fully kick in now and I won't need that.
It will be 14 days today that I have been on the Lexapro.

I really don't crave a chew. Besides the anxiety, I have had a sour/metal taste in my mouth, like my tongue is coated.
Seeds / salt just cauterizes/ makes it loose more taste.
I had gained weight in the first 2 months, but lost 5 pounds in the past 3 weeks.
Just wish some of these withdrawing and re-wiring symptoms would go away soon.
At Day 108, I can say the past 4 weeks have been much tougher than the first 80 days.
Thanks for all of you that have 'been through the Valley' and continue to offer encouragement.
I hope to be able to do the same, further down the road...
Bob
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: AppleJack on October 21, 2016, 02:19:00 PM
Quote from: swishnomo
My Dr. encouraged me to go ahead and purchase the tickets for the Uganda Missions trip with my son.
The trip will be for 11 days, over Thanksgiving. My Dr. thought I should be much better by then.

Insomnia has been a problem, and all the Tylenol PM and melatonin just didn't help.
Dr. prescribed a mild sedative to help me sleep, as needed.
Used it a few times 10 days ago, when my wife was gone, and had to use it the past two nights to sleep.
But really didn't like it because it makes me groggy in the morning.
Hopefully the Lexapro will fully kick in now and I won't need that.
It will be 14 days today that I have been on the Lexapro.

I really don't crave a chew. Besides the anxiety, I have had a sour/metal taste in my mouth, like my tongue is coated.
Seeds / salt just cauterizes/ makes it loose more taste.
I had gained weight in the first 2 months, but lost 5 pounds in the past 3 weeks.
Just wish some of these withdrawing and re-wiring symptoms would go away soon.
At Day 108, I can say the past 4 weeks have been much tougher than the first 80 days.
Thanks for all of you that have 'been through the Valley' and continue to offer encouragement.
I hope to be able to do the same, further down the road...
Bob
Do you exercise bro?

Cuz, I'm tellin' ya, some purposeful concentrated physical activity can do sooo many things.

Burn off anxiety
Regulate stress
Ramp metabolism
Help sleep

I mean, the list goes on and each item is a benefit to you.

You're getting there man. Don't lose focus and lean on the quitters who have reached out to you. Freedom is worth it.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: pab1964 on October 21, 2016, 05:20:00 PM
Quote from: AppleJack
Quote from: swishnomo
My Dr. encouraged me to go ahead and purchase the tickets for the Uganda Missions trip with my son.
The trip will be for 11 days, over Thanksgiving. My Dr. thought I should be much better by then.

Insomnia has been a problem, and all the Tylenol PM and melatonin just didn't help.
Dr. prescribed a mild sedative to help me sleep, as needed.
Used it a few times 10 days ago, when my wife was gone, and had to use it the past two nights to sleep.
But really didn't like it because it makes me groggy in the morning.
Hopefully the Lexapro will fully kick in now and I won't need that.
It will be 14 days today that I have been on the Lexapro.

I really don't crave a chew. Besides the anxiety, I have had a sour/metal taste in my mouth, like my tongue is coated.
Seeds / salt just cauterizes/ makes it loose more taste.
I had gained weight in the first 2 months, but lost 5 pounds in the past 3 weeks.
Just wish some of these withdrawing and re-wiring symptoms would go away soon.
At Day 108, I can say the past 4 weeks have been much tougher than the first 80 days.
Thanks for all of you that have 'been through the Valley' and continue to offer encouragement.
I hope to be able to do the same, further down the road...
Bob
Do you exercise bro?

Cuz, I'm tellin' ya, some purposeful concentrated physical activity can do sooo many things.

Burn off anxiety
Regulate stress
Ramp metabolism
Help sleep

I mean, the list goes on and each item is a benefit to you.

You're getting there man. Don't lose focus and lean on the quitters who have reached out to you. Freedom is worth it.
Water and exercise are huge. Damn proud of you! Every damn second your quit you should be excited. This addiction is extremely hard to drop but definitely not impossible, I'm living proof. Keep doing what your doing and by the way your helping all of us letting us help you and you sharing your experiences with us, it strengthens our qiits! Quit on badass!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on October 21, 2016, 06:33:00 PM
We are all pulling for you, Bob! Exercise is a good idea. I also recently started cutting back on caffeine because it contributes to anxiety. Hopefully the Lexapro will kick in soon - those kinds of meds usually take awhile.

I hope you are getting excited for your trip!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 24, 2016, 08:22:00 AM
There are times that I think the anxiety is getting better.
And there are times, like last night that the insomnia/anxiety is worse.
4 good hours sleep = headache this morning.
I have tried the Natural Calm that was suggested.
The downside is, on a 61 year old guy, it makes you have to get up and pee in the night.

Praying constantly and thankful for a wonderful wife...
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 24, 2016, 10:36:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
There are times that I think the anxiety is getting better.
And there are times, like last night that the insomnia/anxiety is worse.
4 good hours sleep = headache this morning.
I have tried the Natural Calm that was suggested.
The downside is, on a 61 year old guy, it makes you have to get up and pee in the night.

Praying constantly and thankful for a wonderful wife...
There is a guy named SamueL that hits his first year around the sun today. I would strongly suggest that you read his intro.

It will get better.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 27, 2016, 07:44:00 AM
Got the most amount of sleep that I have had for awhile last night.
Woke up three times, and took a melatonin each time.
Doing better this morning
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: wildirish317 on October 27, 2016, 07:50:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
Got the most amount of sleep that I have had for awhile last night.
Woke up three times, and took a melatonin each time.
Doing better this morning
That's good. It gets better. Just take it one day at a time. Today is all that matters. Don't worry about tomorrow.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on October 27, 2016, 09:22:00 AM
Quote from: wildirish317
Quote from: swishnomo
Got the most amount of sleep that I have had for awhile last night.
Woke up three times, and took a melatonin each time.
Doing better this morning
That's good. It gets better. Just take it one day at a time. Today is all that matters. Don't worry about tomorrow.
Keep the faith bud. You've got this.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: AppleJack on October 27, 2016, 10:42:00 AM
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: wildirish317
Quote from: swishnomo
Got the most amount of sleep that I have had for awhile last night.
Woke up three times, and took a melatonin each time.
Doing better this morning
That's good. It gets better. Just take it one day at a time. Today is all that matters. Don't worry about tomorrow.
Keep the faith bud. You've got this.
Beginning to see the light is a beautiful thing, man. Healing is worth the pain of its process. Rock on!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on October 30, 2016, 08:58:00 AM
For me, the past 117 days have been a spiritual journey, not just a physical one.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God;
have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. Psalms 86: 1-6
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Backwoods901 on October 30, 2016, 08:59:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
For me, the past 117 days have been a spiritual journey, not just a physical one.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God;
have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. Psalms 86: 1-6
Thank you.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on October 30, 2016, 11:04:00 PM
Quote from: backwoods901
Quote from: swishnomo
For me, the past 117 days have been a spiritual journey, not just a physical one.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God;
have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. Psalms 86: 1-6
Thank you.
Agree - thank you. A psalm so many of us can relate to.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on November 03, 2016, 08:42:00 AM
tough night, with the Indians loss and little sleep.
Went to the Dr. on Tuesday, increased the Lexapro by 50%, supposed to help with sleep.
The anxiety as a whole is better, just difficult to function with limited sleep.
Praying this pattern ends soon....
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: Steakbomb18 on November 03, 2016, 10:06:00 AM
I'm sorry, but the price of admission here is to post roll every day. I just read this thread, a pretty inspiring quit and lots we can learn from it, but I can't see any reason to jump on this quit train unless you're willing to post your promise. It's the foundation of what upholds our quits; that being accountability which we signify by posting roll. Without it, your quit is more likely to fail and you've already been down that road. So why not do something for yourself and make that promise, (i.e. that roll post) every day. Why risk it? I don't get it.

I hope you stay quit for your own sake, but someone who is not willing to post roll every day breaks every foundation of what I believe this site was built upon and frankly, that is a cancer in and of itself. Typically we shun the notion of "luck" because you either quit or you don't. But since you're basically doing this your way...good luck with that.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on November 03, 2016, 03:45:00 PM
Swishnomo has posted roll in October every day for the past 22 days.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on November 21, 2016, 08:31:00 AM
Continue to see some improvement over the late symptoms of the 80-90 day funk. 139 days today.
I still have no desire to go back to chewing.
Losing half your toe to cancer and the looming possibility of it returning, is a bigger deterrent than most quitters are blessed with.

The Dr. had increased the Lexapro to 15 mg. the first of the month, but after a week I cut back to the 10 mg. again. Hope to be off of that soon.
Anxiety is better. Insomnia is still somewhat of a problem.

I have a very supportive, loving wife. She had mentioned early on that I 'smell different'. That is a good thing....
Kind of like your grandfather that smoked a pipe... evoking memories of that person.
But I do not smell like chew anymore...

I leave for Uganda tomorrow on a Missions trip.
I will not be posting roll as of tomorrow.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on April 03, 2017, 09:27:00 AM
Tried Smokey Mountain Straight, tasted like crap.
Ordered some Bac Off to try.
Wish I could get off this oral fixation of having something in my mouth all the time. That is worse than when I chewed.
Unsalted seeds and chewing on coffee beans have been my substitute of choice.
Off Lexapro for two months.
Anxiety comes in waves at times.
Does not help that a large part of my business career came to an end.

A lot say it gets better. Some days it does. Some days it sucks.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: AppleJack on April 03, 2017, 09:48:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
Tried Smokey Mountain Straight, tasted like crap.
Ordered some Bac Off to try.
Wish I could get off this oral fixation of having something in my mouth all the time. That is worse than when I chewed.
Unsalted seeds and chewing on coffee beans have been my substitute of choice.
Off Lexapro for two months.
Anxiety comes in waves at times.
Does not help that a large part of my business career came to an end.

A lot say it gets better. Some days it does. Some days it sucks.
Well, I see you've started to post roll again.

That's a start...

Look, man... you're 250+ days quit and you have 63 posts here. You're still white knuckling this and essentially doing it on your own. I read through this thread again and the best piece of advice has been thrown at you over and over... Post. Roll. Daily.

It's not hard, dude.

If you want this to work... you have GOT to work it. There is no substitute.

None.

I'm glad you're still quit but at this point... it shouldn't be this hard. Step it up or all this whining will be accompanied by another "Day 1" post.

Or not.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: DonkeyMN on April 03, 2017, 10:27:00 AM
Hey Swish,

How was your Uganda trip? Since you posted here last, there have been many quitters to join this site like myself (and a lot to leave), but I just wanted to personally give you a word of encouragement. I am in no way going through what you are but we do have two things in common.

1. We quit nicotine

2. We are going around the sun together, the universe is not revolving around us. I know I need help to keep my focus, and it appears you do too. Theoretically you need less help than I do because you are not here as much as I to get the help.

If you want more discussion, more help, then post more often. Come and play around in May 17 to give you a distraction from life if you want.

I quit with you today, come find me somewhere in here man 'archer'
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on April 03, 2017, 10:36:00 AM
Quote from: DonkeyMN
Hey Swish,

How was your Uganda trip? Since you posted here last, there have been many quitters to join this site like myself (and a lot to leave), but I just wanted to personally give you a word of encouragement. I am in no way going through what you are but we do have two things in common.

1. We quit nicotine

2. We are going around the sun together, the universe is not revolving around us. I know I need help to keep my focus, and it appears you do too. Theoretically you need less help than I do because you are not here as much as I to get the help.

If you want more discussion, more help, then post more often. Come and play around in May 17 to give you a distraction from life if you want.

I quit with you today, come find me somewhere in here man 'archer'
This is a great post from a guy that gets it.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on April 04, 2017, 07:12:00 AM
Everyone's quit is different.

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html (http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html)

This is the BEST info that I have found regarding why nic is so hard to quit. It refers to smoking, but other articles this site has state that oral is much more difficult.
It has a lot to do with the thought of 'well being'.
Much like losing your life's work....
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: ChristopherJ on April 04, 2017, 07:21:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
Everyone's quit is different.

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html (http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html)

This is the BEST info that I have found regarding why nic is so hard to quit. It refers to smoking, but other articles this site has state that oral is much more difficult.
It has a lot to do with the thought of 'well being'.
Much like losing your life's work....
Yes Swish everyone is different, but as the article states, everyone is subject to the same on rule: "Once we're free, just one, using just once and we have to go back."

Keep posting roll and posting here. Win today. You are not alone, don't be afraid.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: AppleJack on April 04, 2017, 10:29:00 AM
Quote from: ChristopherJ
Quote from: swishnomo
Everyone's quit is different.

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html (http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html)

This is the BEST info that I have found regarding why nic is so hard to quit. It refers to smoking, but other articles this site has state that oral is much more difficult.
It has a lot to do with the thought of 'well being'.
Much like losing your life's work....
Yes Swish everyone is different, but as the article states, everyone is subject to the same on rule: "Once we're free, just one, using just once and we have to go back."

Keep posting roll and posting here. Win today. You are not alone, don't be afraid.
Dude, no question about it... life can/will kick you in the nuts sometimes. Hard.

Since I quit 4 years ago... I've lost a massive chunk of income from a life's work/passion... my mom has almost died, twice, because of her addiction to nicotine... we've had some MAJOR house issues arise... I lost my grandad, who was one of the most pivotal people in my life...

The list goes on with varying degrees of impact.

It's life, man.

What happens doesn't define you but what you DO about it sure as hell does.

"Everyone's quit is different"
Well... why not MAKE yours different/better?
All the tools are here... the method has been explained to you time and time again.

Get involved and stay involved....heavily.

You're still owned by nicotine... time for YOU to own it.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on April 04, 2017, 05:10:00 PM
We were target for higher amounts of nicotine than smokers from the start:

Comments due for smokeless tobacco July 10
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced the comment period for a proposed federal regulation on smokeless tobacco products has
been extended from April 10 to July 10, according to a report in The Daily Independent of Ashland, Ky.
“This proposed rule would have a devastating economic impact on dark tobacco growers and businesses in Kentucky,” Quarles said. “If enacted, it would have the
effect of banning the sale of smokeless tobacco in the United States. I urge anyone who has an interest to send your comments to Washington and let your voice
be heard.”
In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price earlier this month, he asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw the proposal. Quarles said the FDA did not accurately estimate the economic impact of the proposed rule. The proposal would limit the N-Nitrosonornicotine level in finished smokeless tobacco products to 1 part per million.
Quarles suggested stakeholders be brought together to create a new standard that is realistic and achievable and would not create a devastating economic impact.

Kentucky led the nation in production of dark firecured and dark air-cured tobacco in 2015 at 31.7 million pounds and 13.75 million pounds, respectively. To read
the rule and comment, visit www.bit.ly/2n4J6BF (http://www.bit.ly/2n4J6BF)
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: rdad on April 04, 2017, 09:21:00 PM
Fuck those assholes. We ain't supporting them anymore. I hope they have to find another line of work. Dicks.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on April 05, 2017, 09:02:00 AM
Oral nic spikes 3-16 times higher in blood levels of nicotine than smoking:

http://whyquit.com/smokeless/smokeless_ ... _tips.html (http://whyquit.com/smokeless/smokeless_quitting_tips.html)
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: pab1964 on April 06, 2017, 12:32:00 PM
Quote from: swishnomo
Oral nic spikes 3-16 times higher in blood levels of nicotine than smoking:

http://whyquit.com/smokeless/smokeless_ ... _tips.html (http://whyquit.com/smokeless/smokeless_quitting_tips.html)
Definitely creates havoc for anyone that already has issues with high blood pressure.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on April 07, 2017, 09:10:00 AM
Comments due for smokeless tobacco July 10

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced the comment period for a proposed federal regulation on smokeless tobacco products has
been extended from April 10 to July 10, according to a report in The Daily Independent of Ashland, Ky.

“This proposed rule would have a devastating economic impact on dark tobacco growers and businesses in Kentucky,” Quarles said. “If enacted, it would have the
effect of banning the sale of smokeless tobacco in the United States. I urge anyone who has an interest to send your comments to Washington and let your voice
be heard.”

In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price earlier this month, he asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withdraw the proposal. Quarles said the FDA did not accurately estimate the economic impact of the proposed rule. The proposal would limit the N-Nitrosonornicotine level in finished smokeless tobacco products to 1 part per million.

Quarles suggested stakeholders be brought together to create a new standard that is realistic and achievable and would not create a devastating economic impact.
Kentucky led the nation in production of dark firecured and dark air-cured tobacco in 2015 at 31.7 million pounds and 13.75 million pounds, respectively. To read
the rule and comment, visit www.bit.ly/2n4J6BF (http://www.bit.ly/2n4J6BF)
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on April 09, 2017, 07:32:00 AM
Quote from: DonkeyMN
Hey Swish,

How was your Uganda trip? Since you posted here last, there have been many quitters to join this site like myself (and a lot to leave), but I just wanted to personally give you a word of encouragement. I am in no way going through what you are but we do have two things in common.

1. We quit nicotine

2. We are going around the sun together, the universe is not revolving around us. I know I need help to keep my focus, and it appears you do too. Theoretically you need less help than I do because you are not here as much as I to get the help.

If you want more discussion, more help, then post more often. Come and play around in May 17 to give you a distraction from life if you want.

I quit with you today, come find me somewhere in here man 'archer'
If you ever have opportunity to travel to a Third World country, do it.
You will never look at people the same again.

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/04/ ... cnnphotos/ (http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/04/health/hydrocephalus-uganda-cnnphotos/)

This is an article about the hospital we served at in Uganda.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: DonkeyMN on April 10, 2017, 11:41:00 PM
Damn, I've never heard of such a virus/disease. There is alot of issues in this world, and I wish we could fix them all, especially for kids.

For inspiration, think of the fact that the addiction to nicotine is a voluntary, 1st world type problem... we choose to use tobacco. Those 3rd world residents dont have a choice to what inflicts them.

We can choose to live...
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on May 10, 2017, 09:39:00 AM
October 2016 had a good question yesterday: "What was (is?) the hardest part of the quit for you?"

I found the responses helpful.
With over 300 days Quit in, many of us still struggle with the same withdrawl symptoms of nicotine.
Probably always will, to some degree.

For me, the worst time was in the 50-100 day time frame.
Hyper anxiety, insomnia, could not sleep/could not eat.
I gained about 15 pounds since then, but there was a stretch in October that I lost 5 pounds in a week.
Depression...I gave my son my guns, because I didn't want to think what I MIGHT do if left alone.

My advice when you hit bottom?
Ask for help.
Here in this Forum, spouse, Doctor, Pastor...someone.
Nic has been your Best Bud for a long time.
You are gonna need a new one.

For me, I was on prescription Lexapro for 4 months to help with the intense anxiety.
Every time you 'medicate' with Nicotine, you are creating that 'feel good feeling' that mimics serotonin creates.
Those receptors in your brain that Nic created will SCREAM if not fed more of the drug.

Lexapro, and other serotonin uptake inhibitors increase the amount of serotonin your body retains, so your brain does not feel so 'deprived'.
I suppose it was necessary and helpful for me to be on it for a time.
But I did not like the side effects of always feeling in a 'fog' and the weight gain, so I stopped in February.

My answer to yesterday's October 2016 question, that I still struggle with?
Anxiety and oral fixation.
I have not found that Posting Role directly helps these symptoms.
It helps to have the support and identify with others that are still struggling also. ( I found that especially true, reading thru yesterday's responses)

But with anxiety, it is necessary to find coping mechanisms that combat it head on.
Being thankful for what I DO HAVE. Recognizing that most all of the anxieties are not based on what is real.
I also bought an elliptical, that I try to burn at least 200 calories a day on.
Why 200 calories / day? Because that is the amount that Nicotine used to burn up due to increase metabolism of the drug.
That, along with trying to watch diet, has helped me lose 6# in the last 6 weeks of the 15 pounds I had gained October - Feb.

For oral fixation, as many have mentioned, is finding a substitute until hopefully at some point, the desire to have something in my mouth goes away.
I have found :
Unsalted sunflower seeds, @ Pipingrock.com
Expresso Coffee beans and, most recently
Peppermint tea bags.
Now you may scoff at the tea bag thing, but it is a good economical substitute to Fake Chew/Dip.
If you used Wintergreen dip, you can also get wintergreen tea bags.
Wet the tea bags, or take a swig of water after you put it in your cheek.
Besides having a similar feel, the mint has a bit of 'bite' to it that other substitutes do not.

Some may say I should not be realizing these symptoms this far into my quit. (309 days)
But I do believe that the older you are (almost 62) and the longer you have used Nicotine (better part of 40 years), the more difficult it will be to break OLD HABITS!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on May 11, 2017, 06:51:00 AM
Quote from: swishnomo
October 2016 had a good question yesterday: "What was (is?) the hardest part of the quit for you?"

I found the responses helpful.
With over 300 days Quit in, many of us still struggle with the same withdrawl symptoms of nicotine.
Probably always will, to some degree.

For me, the worst time was in the 50-100 day time frame.
Hyper anxiety, insomnia, could not sleep/could not eat.
I gained about 15 pounds since then, but there was a stretch in October that I lost 5 pounds in a week.
Depression...I gave my son my guns, because I didn't want to think what I MIGHT do if left alone.

My advice when you hit bottom?
Ask for help.
Here in this Forum, spouse, Doctor, Pastor...someone.
Nic has been your Best Bud for a long time.
You are gonna need a new one.

For me, I was on prescription Lexapro for 4 months to help with the intense anxiety.
Every time you 'medicate' with Nicotine, you are creating that 'feel good feeling' that mimics serotonin creates.
Those receptors in your brain that Nic created will SCREAM if not fed more of the drug.

Lexapro, and other serotonin uptake inhibitors increase the amount of serotonin your body retains, so your brain does not feel so 'deprived'.
I suppose it was necessary and helpful for me to be on it for a time.
But I did not like the side effects of always feeling in a 'fog' and the weight gain, so I stopped in February.

My answer to yesterday's October 2016 question, that I still struggle with?
Anxiety and oral fixation.
I have not found that Posting Role directly helps these symptoms.
It helps to have the support and identify with others that are still struggling also. ( I found that especially true, reading thru yesterday's responses)

But with anxiety, it is necessary to find coping mechanisms that combat it head on.
Being thankful for what I DO HAVE. Recognizing that most all of the anxieties are not based on what is real.
I also bought an elliptical, that I try to burn at least 200 calories a day on.
Why 200 calories / day? Because that is the amount that Nicotine used to burn up due to increase metabolism of the drug.
That, along with trying to watch diet, has helped me lose 6# in the last 6 weeks of the 15 pounds I had gained October - Feb.

For oral fixation, as many have mentioned, is finding a substitute until hopefully at some point, the desire to have something in my mouth goes away.
I have found :
Unsalted sunflower seeds, @ Pipingrock.com
Expresso Coffee beans and, most recently
Peppermint tea bags.
Now you may scoff at the tea bag thing, but it is a good economical substitute to Fake Chew/Dip.
If you used Wintergreen dip, you can also get wintergreen tea bags.
Wet the tea bags, or take a swig of water after you put it in your cheek.
Besides having a similar feel, the mint has a bit of 'bite' to it that other substitutes do not.

Some may say I should not be realizing these symptoms this far into my quit. (309 days)
But I do believe that the older you are (almost 62) and the longer you have used Nicotine (better part of 40 years), the more difficult it will be to break OLD HABITS!
Nice post Bob. It gets better. I promise.
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on May 15, 2017, 06:19:00 PM
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: swishnomo
October 2016 had a good question yesterday: "What was (is?) the hardest part of the quit for you?"

I found the responses helpful.
With over 300 days Quit in, many of us still struggle with the same withdrawl symptoms of nicotine.
Probably always will, to some degree.

For me, the worst time was in the 50-100 day time frame.
Hyper anxiety, insomnia, could not sleep/could not eat.
I gained about 15 pounds since then, but there was a stretch in October that I lost 5 pounds in a week.
Depression...I gave my son my guns, because I didn't want to think what I MIGHT do if left alone.

My advice when you hit bottom?
Ask for help.
Here in this Forum, spouse, Doctor, Pastor...someone.
Nic has been your Best Bud for a long time.
You are gonna need a new one.

For me, I was on prescription Lexapro for 4 months to help with the intense anxiety.
Every time you 'medicate' with Nicotine, you are creating that 'feel good feeling' that mimics serotonin creates.
Those receptors in your brain that Nic created will SCREAM if not fed more of the drug.

Lexapro, and other serotonin uptake inhibitors increase the amount of serotonin your body retains, so your brain does not feel so 'deprived'.
I suppose it was necessary and helpful for me to be on it for a time.
But I did not like the side effects of always feeling in a 'fog' and the weight gain, so I stopped in February.

My answer to yesterday's October 2016 question, that I still struggle with?
Anxiety and oral fixation.
I have not found that Posting Role directly helps these symptoms.
It helps to have the support and identify with others that are still struggling also. ( I found that especially true, reading thru yesterday's responses)

But with anxiety, it is necessary to find coping mechanisms that combat it head on.
Being thankful for what I DO HAVE. Recognizing that most all of the anxieties are not based on what is real.
I also bought an elliptical, that I try to burn at least 200 calories a day on.
Why 200 calories / day? Because that is the amount that Nicotine used to burn up due to increase metabolism of the drug.
That, along with trying to watch diet, has helped me lose 6# in the last 6 weeks of the 15 pounds I had gained October - Feb.

For oral fixation, as many have mentioned, is finding a substitute until hopefully at some point, the desire to have something in my mouth goes away.
I have found :
Unsalted sunflower seeds, @ Pipingrock.com
Expresso Coffee beans and, most recently
Peppermint tea bags.
Now you may scoff at the tea bag thing, but it is a good economical substitute to Fake Chew/Dip.
If you used Wintergreen dip, you can also get wintergreen tea bags.
Wet the tea bags, or take a swig of water after you put it in your cheek.
Besides having a similar feel, the mint has a bit of 'bite' to it that other substitutes do not.

Some may say I should not be realizing these symptoms this far into my quit. (309 days)
But I do believe that the older you are (almost 62) and the longer you have used Nicotine (better part of 40 years), the more difficult it will be to break OLD HABITS!
Nice post Bob. It gets better. I promise.
Really good post, Bob. I was really taken in by the responses to that question too. Every single answer I read I found myself shaking my head in agreement. I've no doubt that the longer you are on this poison, the harder and longer it takes to extract yourself from it. As I am at a woman "of a certain age" I can relate 100%. But we are free now, friend, and we have to hold on to our quit every single day. As you said, maybe forever.

So glad you are still posting with the Dumpster Fire.

dumpster_fire
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: swishnomo on May 27, 2017, 09:54:00 AM
Proposed FDA rule worries Kentucky tobacco growers


By JORDAN STRICKLER

Kentucky Correspondent
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The attempts of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to limit N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in smokeless tobacco products is causing concern to the tobacco industry.
NNN, a class of carcinogens known as tobacco-specified nitrosamines, is labeled as a harmful or potentially harmful constituent in tobacco products by the FDA. Proposed guidelines would limit the levels of NNN to 1 microgram per gram, or one part per million (ppm) at any point through the productÂ’s labeled expiration date.
This would be especially harmful to those growers who raise dark fire-cured tobacco, the primary type used for smokeless tobacco in the United States, as that crop tends to have more NNN by way of the crop itself and the way in which it is processed.
With most smokeless tobacco products containing NNN of between 1.5-5 ppm, and with the majority of products around 3 ppm or higher, the proposed limit of 1 ppm is concerning especially producers in Kentucky,
where 90 percent of the tobacco grown is dark fire-cured. The state led the nation in production of dark fire-cured and dark air-cured tobacco in 2015, at 31.7 million and 13.75 million pounds, respectively.
According to the USDA, dark tobacco production in the U.S. totals approximately 24,000 acres, with a cash value of $173 million per year

Originally, the FDA planned to accept public comments on the proposed standard until April 10; however, that was extended for an additional 90 days, to July 10, to allow more time to compile comments from the public.
“Hopefully this legislation doesn’t pass, because this will have an immediate effect on growers,” said University of Kentucky dark tobacco extension specialist Andy Bailey. “As it stands, it would have an enormous effect on dark-cured tobacco.” Changes in NNN can be caused by a number of different factors and they can vary significantly from year to year. Although tobacco plants produce a small amount of NNN, a wide variety of factors can affect the final levels of NNN found in finished tobacco products.

These factors, which can either increase or decrease NNN levels, include the tobacco type, growing conditions (e.g. geographic region, climate, rainfall), curing techniques (e.g. fire, flue, air, sun), production processes and storage conditions.
“We’re growing about 16,000 acres of dark cured tobacco and about 8,000 acres of air-cured,” said Bailey. “It’s about a $190 million crop. If this legislation went through, in the worst case, we wouldn’t have a market for 90 percent of our dark fire-cured tobacco.
“It would have a major, major impact. We have about 1,800 tobacco growers; probably 1,400 are growing dark-fire cured tobacco.”
The standard stems from the Swedish Snus, which is able to achieve the limit. The problem with that, Bailey explained, is that it is comparing apples to oranges.
“The Swedish Snus products don’t contain the same type of tobacco. Of the 15 or so products which the FDA reviewed, two were Swedish Snus and one was a loose-leaf tobacco product, which is different than the type used in most snuff in the U.S.
“Those three had less than 1 part per million,” he said. The FDA expects the rule to generate anywhere from $228.6 million-$2.46 billion in benefits by preventing an estimated 12,7000 new cases of oral cancer and approximately 2,2000 oral cancer deaths. It is also expected to cost the tobacco industry anywhere from $17.91 million-$42.72 million a year over the next 20 years to comply with the rule.
“The whole idea with the FDA is they wanted the NNN levels to be 1 part per million in the finished product, and with the current technology and the current recipes with these moist smokeless products, there is no way to meet them,” said Joe Cain, director, Commodity Division, Kentucky Farm Bureau. “There is no way to meet those levels right now without changing the formulation.

“Right now, it’s about 70 percent fire cured and about 30 percent air-cured. You would have to reverse those formulations and most likely, it would be a product that people wouldn’t buy; it wouldn’t be a commercially accepted product.”
U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), former agriculture commissioner of the Bluegrass State, urged the new presidential administration to withdraw the rule. “If finalized, (the rule) will have a devastating economic impact to the farmers and communities in my district,” he said in a letter to President Trump. “FDA’s proposed rule would require a standard … that is technically unachievable.
“Under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, any tobacco product standard established by the FDA must be technically achievable and consider the economic impact to domestic tobacco farmers and tobacco manufacturers.
Agronomic variability, including relative humidity during curing, is the largest contributor to tobacco-specific nitrosamines, including NNN, in tobacco on the farm.
“Because tobacco farmers cannot control changes in the weather, it is not achievable to meet the 1 ppm standard on an annual basis,” he added. “It would be almost impossible for them to continue that if this rule goes into effect,” noted Cain. “This is a really, really devastating standard they would have to meet. Producing tobacco more than just a recipe. This is a tradition that has been handed down for decades.

5/25/2017
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: FLLipOut on July 06, 2017, 09:44:00 AM
'party' CONGRATULATIONS 'party' on a FULL YEAR without nicotine!!!! Proud to be quit with you!!!

'party2' 'party2' 'party2'
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: worktowin on July 06, 2017, 10:31:00 PM
Quote from: FLLipOut
'party' CONGRATULATIONS 'party' on a FULL YEAR without nicotine!!!! Proud to be quit with you!!!

'party2' 'party2' 'party2'
Congratulations sir!
Title: Re: 40+ combined years
Post by: DonkeyMN on July 07, 2017, 10:29:00 AM
Quote from: worktowin
Quote from: FLLipOut
'party' CONGRATULATIONS 'party' on a FULL YEAR without nicotine!!!! Proud to be quit with you!!!

'party2' 'party2' 'party2'
Congratulations sir!
Way to go swishnomo, congratulations on your 1st year nic free!