Saturday, January 7, 2012

Quit Chewing (Dipping) Not a how to but a personal log

Todays Date: January 7th, 2012
I was looking through iTunes when an app caught my eye. It was an app to quit smoking. It seems that are a bunch of things out there that give smokers the ability to quit but not smokeless tobacco users. It seems funny that with chew which is more addictive that there should be more programs out there than just a few. I looked through the apps and found one that had a web site TobaccoQuitter.com. I went to the website put in my state (Montana) and it came up with the 1-800-QUIT-NOW. I have seen the ads on TV and all around the hospital where I work and as well as the Dr's office. I have decided this is going to be the first step in my life to change me and to try and quit for good. This blog or personal log (POET) will help me and for if you are reading this a personal glimpse into my addiction with tobacco. Quick background for those who do not know me. I have chewed off and on since I was 8 years old. And probably started smoking off and on when I was around 12. Both my parent smoked. My dad quit when I was young, but my maternal mother smoked to the (pardon the pun) dying end. Neither died of cancer. Mother had heart problems and my dad had diabetes.

Time:0730 Called 1 800-Quit-Now and set up a profile. Set up first time with coach to Monday in the morning around 0700. Was given the option to talk to someone now but have to get ready to go to hospital since I am on call. Case at 1000 but will go in early. Might call later when I return. I have to say when I was talking with the person at the other end I took a chew.

Date: 1/8/2012
Will finish my last can of chew today or tomorrow. Told my wife that it will be kept as a reminder of what I left behind. A symbol of what I have been doing for the past 30 plus years. I could not believe I have been doing this for that long. My biggest fears are as follows:
1. My mood. Hopefully I will stay on a narrow line where I am now. Meaning that I will not be BIPOLAR. Happy and sad that is my number one fear.
2. Eating to replace my habit. I am already over weight and plan to loose some weight but with this I hope it does not plunge me into a big weight gain. My aunt Hazel when she quit smoking, always had licorice Nibs laying around the house. I think I will have to find something like that. Gum chewing is a go to thing but I do not see that happening. My jaw gets tired after a while.
3. Stress is a big thing. Like a cig, I will chew when the stress level gets high.
4. Water will have to be my friend so I can flush the nicotine out of my system. 30 plus years of chewing I'm sure there is a bunch of chemicals left in my body. Maybe my body will help itself to the feast and get rid of it I said sarcastically. Soda/Pop will have to slide away to moderated levels. I weigh enough those will kill me. Coffee on the other hand will give me energy. Vitamins will have to help as well.
A short list but a BIG list that will help me out I guess. If you are following this, please feel free to leave comments below.
I was sent through my Gmail account a PDF file of a work book through the Quit Line. It is funny, that even though I read through this, Most of what is listed is in my list up top. ie 1-4. I already have told a couple people wife and boss will have to let a few more people in on the "Event". Today or tomorrow, Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The future of this endeavor will depend on me and me only. I want this to happen.

Wow been almost 2 years since I posted

On this day I took a step to change my life and others around me. So many things happened in the last few months. New job, cancer in friends, family, and co-workers. School, dance, and other for my children. So many things to write but never the time to do so. Lets change that and maybe turn to a new chapter shall we. Remember my song "Turn the Page".