Having once been a smoker working construction. The laws changed in the late 90’s. You couldn’t smoke on site anymore. I switched to chew.
Wake up, sit in traffic on my way to work, I had one in. Arrive on site, had one in throughout the day. At almost all points throughout the day, I chewed.
These last couple days have been stressful. I woke up with a lesion under my tongue. I threw my last three rolls in the trash and, quit that same morning. The first 24 hours sucked. Since nicotine is only in your system for 24 hours I knew after that, it was mental. It wasn’t/isn’t a big deal to go without it. I haven’t given it a second thought. Other than the pain under my tongue. I finally set up an appointment that was two days out, got tested for everything. HSV (since I was a slut before getting married) and, everything in between including cancer. Waited three more days for the results while just keeping my fingers crossed.
Negative… It turned out to be an ulcer caused from stress.
I used to think that it could never happen to me but, these last few days proved, if you fuck around, you can in fact be next in line to find out. I’m done with that shit.
I figured I would do my part and say, if you chew. Quit.
Thinking, how the fuck is my wife going to get by financially since she has had her fair share of health issues over the years. A kid who’s deployed. He doesn’t need think about anything outside of his duties. Thinking, if it’s really bad, getting a piece of my tongue cut out. All the shit that comes to mind being irresponsible from a position of health. I work hard, play hard, exercise 6 days a week, don’t drink but, half ass’d it by chewing.
Anyways, that’s been the last week for me. I’m just thankful the news was good. I guess it was the scare I needed.
Like I said, if you chew, quit.
That's nasty stuff. And from what I read it's not just mental. Very challenging, you need to get off that shit. Don't a lot of people get throat cancer from chew? We'll have to check in on you brother to keep you on track!
I’m not sure if it’s just mental or, not. Once I make my mind up, that’s it for me. It’s been a week so far and, I haven’t given it a second thought.
A lot of people I know, can’t seem to quit. They’ll go a few hours then, it’s the only thing they think of and, end up having to run to the store to grab a can. I’ve heard it’s harder to quit than amphetamines but, I quit that when I was 19. I just decided one day I’ve had enough. Stopped cold turkey and, never looked back. I’m guessing it’ll be same thing for chew.
As far a throat cancer, yes. Also other various types.
What were you dipping?
Not to hijack your thread but I recently went through something similar. Back in November I felt a lump in my throat ,like below my ear near my jaw bone . I had quit smoking 10 year prior but you cant help but go into panic mode ,especially with young kids at home. Turns out it was bronchial cleft cyst . They actually just removed it this past friday and left me with an almost 5 inch incision on my neck.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
Not sure if it works the same or not but the nicotine patches made quit smoking very achievable for me after failing numerous times .
Grizzly Fine Cut Natural
I actually feel pretty good without anything at day six.
Strong work my dude. Glad it wasn't something more. Its great that you've turned a scary situation into a moment of reflection and are making very positive (and difficult) changes from this. We all have our vices.
The majority of people live their lives in a constant state of stress, it's great for business - whether social media, tobacco/cigarettes/alcohol/junk food, you feeling like you need to work more to keep up with the constantly rising cost of living, the medical interventions as a result of all of the aforementioned, etc.
I think one of the most important things we all could benefit from is figuring out how to balance our nervous systems in a healthy and sustainable way, whatever that is for you the individual.
Thanks for sharing this, it certainly made me pause and reflect a bit.
Try Grizzly pouches if you want to gradually cut down and ween yourself off of it.
Good job man, you're not a slave to that shit
I’m good. I’m not having any issues going without it. No nervousness, irritability. Nothing.
I’ll know for sure come October. Coho fishing on those cool crisp mornings. Cup of coffee while sitting on the river bank before getting started with a chew in. Those were always my zen moments that went hand in hand with one another.
Glad everything checked out for you Chance . Great decision to put that stuff down . When I was in the trades , I would always tell the apprentices if they chewed or smoked, to stop. I’d tell them you’re working establishing a great career, great benefits , great money and retirement. Don’t ruin your health for the days when you are retired…… Mostly fell on deaf ears , but it never stopped me from giving my shpeel.
My friend, Chance.
The King of Fuck It!
Always making me smile.
Life is pretty fucking good.
🐿
Most of the apprentices I’ve seen end up chewing. They see some of us older guys doing it and, I feel like they follow the example trying to fit in. Most would ask me, hey. Can I try one of those?. I’d always refuse and, tell them you don’t want to start. Couple days later they’d show up with a can.
One kid that I really liked years ago asked for some. Knowing he was naive, I told him sure but, you have to swallow the juice. He took it. About ten minutes later he was throwing up all over the place. Dizzy as fuck. I couldn’t help but to laugh. I just asked. Are you willing to go through all that to pick up a bad habit?
15 years later, he still hasn’t picked up a can.
Don't forget about after riding, mtb or anything physical, that was the toughest for me. There are a couple of older threads on vital about dipping and quitting, might want to check them out. Good luck!!!
Dang, sorry to hear about that.
Yeah, the tobacco industry are a bunch of criminals in my opinion.
Does anyone remember when it was proven they put stuff in the tobacco to make it more addictive? Looking at pictures from the fifties and sixties, the majority of people smoked.I wonder how many of them died from cancer?
My lifelong friend i've known for 60 years, has smoked for at least 55 of them. When we're about twelve, we were riding tandem on the local trails on his taco lawn mower powered minibike AFTER eating a bowl of chili. Then, we went to his house to smoke some cigarettes.I turned green and vomited like I had never done before! 🤢
It was the best thing that ever happened to me because I never smoked a cigarette again. He still does and his teeth are brown and his skin is very dry and wrinkly. I can only imagine what his lungs must look like.
Post a reply to: Wake up call