I wasn't sure if I had earned the priviledge to post here or not so I am taking a chance. I just recently happened on your site, but I am 70 days into my quit and reading many of your stories i have further inspiration. I've got it on cruise control and feel lucky to feel this good this time. Previous quits have not been as successful, but I hit my rock bottom and knew I was ready. Im 37, 2 little girls, great wife, great job, plenty of good things in my life, and I still couldn't think of a time i liked more than just working a chew.
I came to realize that except for an hour of the day when I was eating and the 7 i was asleep, I had a pinch of Wintergreen Skoal Long Cut in at all times. I am to the point where the smell makes me gag and I hope I have made the great decision to quit in time. Started chewing as a hockey and football player at about the age of 20. 17 years with the last good number of years being about 2 cans a day. I have had many changes in the tissue in my mouth since my quit which I read here is common, but I have a rough patch on the inside of my lower lip where I'd put it most times. Ive got an appointment with the dentist next week so I'm lighting candles and changing underpants frequently. Didnt know til last year that cancer ran in my family. God, help me!
If I were to offer advice to anyone who was looking to quit, its to get all of your firsts out of the way fast and learn what they feel like to do without that crap in your lip. My first Eagles game on a Sunday afternoon was tough. Getting a breath of air after finishing fighting my first fire as a quitter was tough. The ride to work chew, the cut the grass dip, we all know those tender moments we were sure we needed that poison in our face. Those moments are more amazing without it, we just forgot for a while.
I gained some weight, and Ill lose it. To be honest, quitting the dip and keeping off of it translates into amazing confidence in yourself and I know the discipline I have will lead me to get into some great shape.
I sincerely hope I havent overstepped my bounds and intruded into the site wothout permission. I just wanted to thank those of you who have made the resources available, and tell the rest of you that I stand with you and wish you all nothing but good fortune and success.
Be well all
irishjohnson
Quitter 11/15/2010
