General Discussion - 2020

[chewie]

@NukeEngineer I am glad to hear you are getting your mouth taken care. I am also struggling with the anxiety part of the quit. My quit started when I had some tooth sensitivity and went to the dentist. Dentist said everything looked fine but I took that as time to quit. Since my quit I’ve dealt with jaw soreness, tingly sensation in jaw and cheek, and now I’ve had a slight ear ache off and on. It totally freaks me out and all I can think about is the worst outcome. You aren’t in this alone and aren’t the only one struggling with this. Stay strong.

@Cincibuck / @NukeEngineer - anxiety was TERRIBLE for me too. Took myself to the ER TWICE during the early days of my quit cause I thought I was having a heart attack. Had ALL the symptoms including tightness in chest, tingling left arm, etc. Diagnosis... anxiety.

I don't tell you this to scare you, just to inform... anxiety is real and it can lead your brain to some crazy places. For me I drank a lot of water, got exercising, etc.

Hang in there!

Chewie

[chewie]

How does one start a new topic here?

Topics can't be opened within general discussion but a mod / admin can start one for you. What are you looking to chat about?

I was just going to introduce myself.

Hi, I am new here. I am in my 28th day that I have quit after using for 35 years. I have been looking at your posts since about day 6. I am a got scared quitter. 27 Days ago I had a PE that could of cost me my life. So now I am quitting smoleless, caffeine, sugar and trying to get back in shape. The worst part of all of this is the anxiety of it all.

Good to meet you! You're in the right place to be a quitter!

Feel free to start an intro here: https://ktcforum.org/index.php?board=29.0

Many quitters use their intro as sort of a 'blog' of their progress, but feel free to post anywhere you'd like. Make sure you post roll daily... that's the price of admission around here. Everything else is gravy.

Damn glad to have you!

Chewie

[Cincibuck]

@NukeEngineer I am glad to hear you are getting your mouth taken care. I am also struggling with the anxiety part of the quit. My quit started when I had some tooth sensitivity and went to the dentist. Dentist said everything looked fine but I took that as time to quit. Since my quit I’ve dealt with jaw soreness, tingly sensation in jaw and cheek, and now I’ve had a slight ear ache off and on. It totally freaks me out and all I can think about is the worst outcome. You aren’t in this alone and aren’t the only one struggling with this. Stay strong.

[WishedIQuitSooner]

How does one start a new topic here?

Topics can't be opened within general discussion but a mod / admin can start one for you. What are you looking to chat about?

I was just going to introduce myself.

Hi, I am new here. I am in my 28th day that I have quit after using for 35 years. I have been looking at your posts since about day 6. I am a got scared quitter. 27 Days ago I had a PE that could of cost me my life. So now I am quitting smoleless, caffeine, sugar and trying to get back in shape. The worst part of all of this is the anxiety of it all.

[WishedIQuitSooner]

How does one start a new topic here?

Topics can't be opened within general discussion but a mod / admin can start one for you. What are you looking to chat about?

I was just going to introduce myself.

[WishedIQuitSooner]

I was just going to introduce myself.

So, i'm about to hit the 2 weeks quit mark after 5 years of off and on dipping and I just wanted to vent about my experiences so far. Btw. I'm 25 as of this coming Wednesday.

The biggest thing on my mind is that I've had a sore and slightly swollen throat for 2 weeks now, starting the day before my quit.  Went to the doctor to have it checked for strep. Negative. Also had my mom check it (she's a nurse) she also didn't think anything of it.  Between the two, and the fact that it doesn't look different than sore throats in the past, I'm a little more at ease that it isn't some type of throat cancer, but I'm setting up a dentist appointment and will have him do a formal check of my mouth.  I'm pretty sure it's caused by a bacterial infection due to one of my teeth being dead.(got the gray tongue with it, which is a sign of bacteria) In addition to all of this, I just sold $8000 worth of my stocks to hopefully fund the replacement of two teeth and many cavity fillings.  That one hurt like a bitch. A year and a half of saving gone.  But taking care of myself is worth it. Really hoping that they can get me in ASAP to sooth this anxiety.

Withdrawals:  So far, they haven't been horrible.  I've had occasional cravings, especially with my main trigger (sitting at my computer), but I've been doing my best to embrace the trigger for as long as I can and just drink water whenever I feel an urge.  It's really not something I'd like to avoid, so reprogramming my brain early on should help me stay quit.
The biggest withdrawal symptom so far though has been this incredibly overpowering emptiness followed by nostalgia.  I've found myself craving to do things that I did before dipping.  I used to be more organized and more proactive about daily chores and activities.  Recently, I've found myself having a strong urge to keep my room in perfect order, make my bed in the morning, clean and vacuum my car, go to the gym, make an actual dinner every night.  I honestly think my nicotine usage actually hindered my normal daily function without me really realizing it.  and now that my brain is normalizing, it feels nostalgic because its been 5 years since I really felt motivated to do these things.

If you all have any advice regarding my anxiety with my throat, while I wait for my appointment, I'd love to hear it.  And if anyone can relate to my withdrawal symptoms or has any advice on dealing with them, I'd love to hear your stories/advice.

I'm newer at this game than you so sadly, I don't have alot of advice. I'm somewhat expert at the withdrawal symptoms because sadly, I've tried and failed more than once, like most long time addicts. I've always been a ninja dipper and have been able to hide it for years; so my primary mistake before was not thinking I needed a support network. Interestingly enough, almost every quit program, blog, medicine, nrt label I've ever read mentions needing one. It dawned on me on friday that this may be what I've been missing. That and a true drive. Not sure how this will end, but I've never wanted anything more than I do this. This time, the desire to quit is stronger than the desire to cave if that makes sense. So my plan is to drive you all nuts with posts and support and questions as I go through this mess. Hopefully, we will go through it together.
I'll cover your back on this bro, please cover mine.

I can't tell you how awesome it is to see you guys in here, chatting it out, having each other's backs. You two have just stumbled upon the greatest asset of KTC - strength in numbers and the fact that you're not alone... EVER. 

Congrats on 2 weeks of freedom @NukeEngineer  - don't underestimate just how awesome that is!

Give this a read... https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/2-week-weakness/ The two week mark can be a rough spot. It's good to be prepared.

I too had throat issues when I quit. The good news is, they'll go away. You did what you needed to do by getting checked out and making an appointment to see your dentist. For me, my throat issues were brought on by allergies and acid reflux which got way WORSE when I quit but has now completely gone away.

As for the nostalgia... it's hard. It'll take quite some time for your brain to rewire. Fake dip (no nicotine / no tobacco) is great for this as it allows you to continue the ACT of dipping without feeding your addiction. Some people say this prolongs your addiction, but I was a HUGE fan (and chewed about a can / day for a good 220 days or so into my quit. https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/smokeless-alternatives/

Bottom line... you're healing. You fucked up your body for 5+ years... it's going to take some time.

Take it one day at a time. Drink water, get some exercise, get here and get involved. You're on your way.

Chewie

[chewie]

How does one start a new topic here?

Topics can't be opened within general discussion but a mod / admin can start one for you. What are you looking to chat about?

[chewie]

So, i'm about to hit the 2 weeks quit mark after 5 years of off and on dipping and I just wanted to vent about my experiences so far. Btw. I'm 25 as of this coming Wednesday.

The biggest thing on my mind is that I've had a sore and slightly swollen throat for 2 weeks now, starting the day before my quit.  Went to the doctor to have it checked for strep. Negative. Also had my mom check it (she's a nurse) she also didn't think anything of it.  Between the two, and the fact that it doesn't look different than sore throats in the past, I'm a little more at ease that it isn't some type of throat cancer, but I'm setting up a dentist appointment and will have him do a formal check of my mouth.  I'm pretty sure it's caused by a bacterial infection due to one of my teeth being dead.(got the gray tongue with it, which is a sign of bacteria) In addition to all of this, I just sold $8000 worth of my stocks to hopefully fund the replacement of two teeth and many cavity fillings.  That one hurt like a bitch. A year and a half of saving gone.  But taking care of myself is worth it. Really hoping that they can get me in ASAP to sooth this anxiety.

Withdrawals:  So far, they haven't been horrible.  I've had occasional cravings, especially with my main trigger (sitting at my computer), but I've been doing my best to embrace the trigger for as long as I can and just drink water whenever I feel an urge.  It's really not something I'd like to avoid, so reprogramming my brain early on should help me stay quit.
The biggest withdrawal symptom so far though has been this incredibly overpowering emptiness followed by nostalgia.  I've found myself craving to do things that I did before dipping.  I used to be more organized and more proactive about daily chores and activities.  Recently, I've found myself having a strong urge to keep my room in perfect order, make my bed in the morning, clean and vacuum my car, go to the gym, make an actual dinner every night.  I honestly think my nicotine usage actually hindered my normal daily function without me really realizing it.  and now that my brain is normalizing, it feels nostalgic because its been 5 years since I really felt motivated to do these things.

If you all have any advice regarding my anxiety with my throat, while I wait for my appointment, I'd love to hear it.  And if anyone can relate to my withdrawal symptoms or has any advice on dealing with them, I'd love to hear your stories/advice.

I'm newer at this game than you so sadly, I don't have alot of advice. I'm somewhat expert at the withdrawal symptoms because sadly, I've tried and failed more than once, like most long time addicts. I've always been a ninja dipper and have been able to hide it for years; so my primary mistake before was not thinking I needed a support network. Interestingly enough, almost every quit program, blog, medicine, nrt label I've ever read mentions needing one. It dawned on me on friday that this may be what I've been missing. That and a true drive. Not sure how this will end, but I've never wanted anything more than I do this. This time, the desire to quit is stronger than the desire to cave if that makes sense. So my plan is to drive you all nuts with posts and support and questions as I go through this mess. Hopefully, we will go through it together.
I'll cover your back on this bro, please cover mine.

I can't tell you how awesome it is to see you guys in here, chatting it out, having each other's backs. You two have just stumbled upon the greatest asset of KTC - strength in numbers and the fact that you're not alone... EVER. 

Congrats on 2 weeks of freedom @NukeEngineer  - don't underestimate just how awesome that is!

Give this a read... https://www.killthecan.org/facts-figures/2-week-weakness/ The two week mark can be a rough spot. It's good to be prepared.

I too had throat issues when I quit. The good news is, they'll go away. You did what you needed to do by getting checked out and making an appointment to see your dentist. For me, my throat issues were brought on by allergies and acid reflux which got way WORSE when I quit but has now completely gone away.

As for the nostalgia... it's hard. It'll take quite some time for your brain to rewire. Fake dip (no nicotine / no tobacco) is great for this as it allows you to continue the ACT of dipping without feeding your addiction. Some people say this prolongs your addiction, but I was a HUGE fan (and chewed about a can / day for a good 220 days or so into my quit. https://www.killthecan.org/your-quit/smokeless-alternatives/

Bottom line... you're healing. You fucked up your body for 5+ years... it's going to take some time.

Take it one day at a time. Drink water, get some exercise, get here and get involved. You're on your way.

Chewie

[HR Guy]

So, i'm about to hit the 2 weeks quit mark after 5 years of off and on dipping and I just wanted to vent about my experiences so far. Btw. I'm 25 as of this coming Wednesday.

The biggest thing on my mind is that I've had a sore and slightly swollen throat for 2 weeks now, starting the day before my quit.  Went to the doctor to have it checked for strep. Negative. Also had my mom check it (she's a nurse) she also didn't think anything of it.  Between the two, and the fact that it doesn't look different than sore throats in the past, I'm a little more at ease that it isn't some type of throat cancer, but I'm setting up a dentist appointment and will have him do a formal check of my mouth.  I'm pretty sure it's caused by a bacterial infection due to one of my teeth being dead.(got the gray tongue with it, which is a sign of bacteria) In addition to all of this, I just sold $8000 worth of my stocks to hopefully fund the replacement of two teeth and many cavity fillings.  That one hurt like a bitch. A year and a half of saving gone.  But taking care of myself is worth it. Really hoping that they can get me in ASAP to sooth this anxiety.

Withdrawals:  So far, they haven't been horrible.  I've had occasional cravings, especially with my main trigger (sitting at my computer), but I've been doing my best to embrace the trigger for as long as I can and just drink water whenever I feel an urge.  It's really not something I'd like to avoid, so reprogramming my brain early on should help me stay quit.
The biggest withdrawal symptom so far though has been this incredibly overpowering emptiness followed by nostalgia.  I've found myself craving to do things that I did before dipping.  I used to be more organized and more proactive about daily chores and activities.  Recently, I've found myself having a strong urge to keep my room in perfect order, make my bed in the morning, clean and vacuum my car, go to the gym, make an actual dinner every night.  I honestly think my nicotine usage actually hindered my normal daily function without me really realizing it.  and now that my brain is normalizing, it feels nostalgic because its been 5 years since I really felt motivated to do these things.

If you all have any advice regarding my anxiety with my throat, while I wait for my appointment, I'd love to hear it.  And if anyone can relate to my withdrawal symptoms or has any advice on dealing with them, I'd love to hear your stories/advice.

I'm newer at this game than you so sadly, I don't have alot of advice. I'm somewhat expert at the withdrawal symptoms because sadly, I've tried and failed more than once, like most long time addicts. I've always been a ninja dipper and have been able to hide it for years; so my primary mistake before was not thinking I needed a support network. Interestingly enough, almost every quit program, blog, medicine, nrt label I've ever read mentions needing one. It dawned on me on friday that this may be what I've been missing. That and a true drive. Not sure how this will end, but I've never wanted anything more than I do this. This time, the desire to quit is stronger than the desire to cave if that makes sense. So my plan is to drive you all nuts with posts and support and questions as I go through this mess. Hopefully, we will go through it together.
I'll cover your back on this bro, please cover mine.

[NukeEngineer]

So, i'm about to hit the 2 weeks quit mark after 5 years of off and on dipping and I just wanted to vent about my experiences so far. Btw. I'm 25 as of this coming Wednesday.

The biggest thing on my mind is that I've had a sore and slightly swollen throat for 2 weeks now, starting the day before my quit.  Went to the doctor to have it checked for strep. Negative. Also had my mom check it (she's a nurse) she also didn't think anything of it.  Between the two, and the fact that it doesn't look different than sore throats in the past, I'm a little more at ease that it isn't some type of throat cancer, but I'm setting up a dentist appointment and will have him do a formal check of my mouth.  I'm pretty sure it's caused by a bacterial infection due to one of my teeth being dead.(got the gray tongue with it, which is a sign of bacteria) In addition to all of this, I just sold $8000 worth of my stocks to hopefully fund the replacement of two teeth and many cavity fillings.  That one hurt like a bitch. A year and a half of saving gone.  But taking care of myself is worth it. Really hoping that they can get me in ASAP to sooth this anxiety.

Withdrawals:  So far, they haven't been horrible.  I've had occasional cravings, especially with my main trigger (sitting at my computer), but I've been doing my best to embrace the trigger for as long as I can and just drink water whenever I feel an urge.  It's really not something I'd like to avoid, so reprogramming my brain early on should help me stay quit.
The biggest withdrawal symptom so far though has been this incredibly overpowering emptiness followed by nostalgia.  I've found myself craving to do things that I did before dipping.  I used to be more organized and more proactive about daily chores and activities.  Recently, I've found myself having a strong urge to keep my room in perfect order, make my bed in the morning, clean and vacuum my car, go to the gym, make an actual dinner every night.  I honestly think my nicotine usage actually hindered my normal daily function without me really realizing it.  and now that my brain is normalizing, it feels nostalgic because its been 5 years since I really felt motivated to do these things.

If you all have any advice regarding my anxiety with my throat, while I wait for my appointment, I'd love to hear it.  And if anyone can relate to my withdrawal symptoms or has any advice on dealing with them, I'd love to hear your stories/advice. 

[WishedIQuitSooner]

How does one start a new topic here?

[chewie]

So, I picked a Sunday on a holiday weekend to quit because we’re in church on Sunday until about 1:30, then I can nap. Then I just have to get through the evening routine. Tomorrow being Labor Day, my wife will keep me busy all day so I’m hoping these two days will give me some momentum.
As far as what I’m feeling right now is so far I’ve had 3 bigger nicotine attacks (at wake up, around 10 and right after lunch). After lunch was the hardest but I knew it would be. So I ate light, and went for a long walk right after. So far, so good. I’m not sure what tomorrow will do but I definitely got today. ODAAT

Sounds like you've got a solid plan for your first couple of days... the fact that you're here is a tremendous step as well. Get involved, get to know folks, get phone numbers and get to quittin!

Chewie

[HR Guy]

So, I picked a Sunday on a holiday weekend to quit because we’re in church on Sunday until about 1:30, then I can nap. Then I just have to get through the evening routine. Tomorrow being Labor Day, my wife will keep me busy all day so I’m hoping these two days will give me some momentum.
As far as what I’m feeling right now is so far I’ve had 3 bigger nicotine attacks (at wake up, around 10 and right after lunch). After lunch was the hardest but I knew it would be. So I ate light, and went for a long walk right after. So far, so good. I’m not sure what tomorrow will do but I definitely got today. ODAAT

[GS9502]

Got to share a bit of good news that I know y'all will appreciate...

As many of you know, Tuesday 8/25 marked my 180th day of quit. I went to the dentist two days before I quit for a cleaning. My dentist is actually the one who pointed me to KTC. Anyway, today was my regularly scheduled 6 month checkup, and let me tell you...

IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!! Now, let's get this straight. I fucking HATE going to the dentist. I never have liked it - before, during, or after dipping. Today, though, my hygienist and my dentist both complimented my gums and teeth, telling me how healthy looking my mouth was. My hygienist did a thorough once-over of my mouth, throat, and tongue, too. NO CANCEROUS LOOKING TISSUE!!  It was without a doubt the best dentist appointment I've had in almost three decades. It was certainly the most guilt-free cleaning I've had in a very long time.

My old dentist died last year. He was a good guy who never fussed too much about my dipping; his disapproving looks said enough. I hope he was watching today and heard what my new dentist said about my oral health. He'd be proud.

I'm proud of me, and dammit, I'm proud to be quit with all of you! To any new quitters reading this, don't give in to the nicodemon. There are good things on the horizon for you if you'll just stick with your quit. Quitting is a good thing. Staying quit is an even better thing. Long term, I have no idea what I may have done to myself by using tobacco. I can't worry about that, though. The Good Book says to take care of today. Tomorrow has its own troubles. So that's what I'm doing, and today I had a good dentist appointment. Y'all have one coming, too!

GS9502 - 182 days of quit power!!!

@RonnieAdams  @CaptainVlach  @Bigquita  @ForChad @Rexmanning You guys hang in there. Your day is coming.

[Bobby24365]

I used Copenhagen southern blend for about 6 years- few breaks in between. I am 40 yrs old now. I quit forever 3 weeks ago - cold turkey. I have strong will, not to use it again. There was some minor headache,  gone now. I have neck stiffness a bit, when i move the neck.. i would not call it pain. Has anyone experienced similar situation?

just to add...i started taking Ginger shots and turmeric shots, every day. It makes the neck normal