Hi. I'm 42 years old and quit dipping the afternoon of Jan 17th. The first words to my wife were "I think I'm getting a cold, I feel off"
It started snowing early and by lunchtime we had a good 2 inches on the driveway. I was also out of dip. I work from home and have a flexible schedule so I went out to clear the driveway and get some more. My average was 1 tin a day. On really bad days it was more. I couldn't get the darn snowblower to work - it was the first time I tried to use it this season and threw a MASSIVE FIT. I decided to get back to my desk and continue work. I'll get it later.
At the end of the day the cold hit me. I was really ill. Not a sinus problem. This feels like flu. :( No energy, even to get more precious dip. The next morning I felt worse. Fever. Body aches. A fantastic idea popped into my head " You've been meaning to quit and you feel so bad right now I bet you won't even notice the withdrawal."
And here I am!
I got some medicine from the doctor and am starting to feel better but am committed to quitting.
History:
Been hooked on nicotine since I was 14 or 15. It started with dip. Back in those days it was pretty easy to buy dip or cigarettes as a minor. The laws were introduced just about when I turned 18 :|
Around 17 years old a friend told me that dip is gross, girls won't like it, and that I should try cigarettes. So I did. It was more socially acceptable and I got my fix. So I smoked and I smoked and I smoked.
Over the years I quit a few times, sometimes a week, a month, once for two years (divorce got me going again)
I had sinus surgery when I was around 36 (maybe from all the smoking????) and the recovery was terrible. I decided to not smoke anymore and chose to dip again. How stupid. Did it slowly at first and it would take a week or so to get through a tin. But after a few months I got up to one tin/day.
I was seeing a dentist regularly until 38. (I always hated the dentist and still have childhood fears of them!) I've been too afraid because of the dipping. I know I have two bad cavities that need to be addressed and have known about them I knew about them since my last visit 4 years ago.
Today I got the courage to closely examine my lower teeth and gums. They are disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. I am filled with anxiety about returning to dentist.
Wish me luck. Since I'm still pretty ill I have no desire to dip and remain hopeful this disposition continues once I am back to normal.
