I think I may have to stop carrying for a while

Big_Red

Big_Red

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I am not sure what's up but I am not feeling well and over the past few weeks I have had a couple of close calls where I almost passed out on my way to work (commuter rail). I take blood pressure meds so there is a chance that my BP dipped too low but in all honesty I think that it is just stress. I am stressed out to the max over bills, work, commute etc. and that's how it manifests itself.

These close calls got me thinking...what would happened if I indeed passed out while carrying a gun? I have a feeling that things could get awkward and unpleasant rather quickly. As much as I don't like the idea, I am considering not carrying for a while until I figure out what's up.
 
Big_Red, I think that is a smart move. I went through a similar problem a while back as I lost weight until my meds got adjusted. I stopped carrying until things got squared away. Like you, I never actually passed out, but a couple of episodes left me feeling a little shaky. Since I knew I had a problem I made the decision not to carry. I didn't want to wind up explaining in court that I had a known problem and kept carrying anyway. I wasn't worried about what I would do with the gun, but rather what would happen if the gun fell into the wrong hands because I couldn't control it.

I realize the same thing could happen if I had a car accident or a heart attack, but those events are unanticipated and largely beyond my control. With a problem that was known to me I felt it would be irresponsible to continue carrying. I will have to make a similar decision in the future as I age. Hopefully, that won't be for a long, long time. [grin]

I hope your medical problems get resolved soon. Best of luck to you.
 
Big Red, Make sure that the pharmacy has given you the correct dosage and the correct medicine. Also double check with your doctor about your medication options.
Another thing to do is to eat potassium rich foods and to try to reduce your stress as much as possible. Exercise can help just make sure you don't overdue it especially at first. Also some meditation can help and relaxation music etc.
I know it is easier said than done but if possible give it a try. Good luck.
 
Go see the doc, Big Red. That is what they are there for.

Also heed the advice "potassium rich foods"...

Some blood pressure meds flush potassium from your system. Years ago my Dad ended up in the ER with similar symptoms and was admitted. They found he had almost no potassium in his system. The remedy... some bananas and orange juice.

Take care of yourself!
 
Sounds like you may be having a panic/anxiety attack. If that's the case, you will never physically be able to pass out from it.

Go to the doctor though.
 
First, don't drive car until you feel better.
Second, try to go for a mini vacation, like a weekend in NH or Maine mountains.
It is very important to move out of you house for a at least 1-2 nights.
 
Big_Red said:
I am not sure what's up but I am not feeling well and over the past few weeks I have had a couple of close calls where I almost passed out on my way to work (commuter rail). I take blood pressure meds so there is a chance that my BP dipped too low but in all honesty I think that it is just stress. I am stressed out to the max over bills, work, commute etc. and that's how it manifests itself.

These close calls got me thinking...what would happened if I indeed passed out while carrying a gun? I have a feeling that things could get awkward and unpleasant rather quickly. As much as I don't like the idea, I am considering not carrying for a while until I figure out what's up.
Click to expand...

Are you having dizzy or lightheaded spells? Did it come on slowly or did it hit you like a ton of bricks? It could be your blood pressure but stress and anxiety is a real killer. Even if you've never experienced stress or anxiety before you could be. I hope you can figure it out soon and hope you can find some relaxing activities to do even if you don't want to.

I've lived a pretty carefree life and never experienced stress or anxiety. But one day I got up from the couch and experienced a sensation I've never felt before. It was lightheadedness. I did a litany of test and went to specialists all over MA to find out what was wrong. The conclusion from all 5 specialists was anxiety. I even had a spinal tap/lumbar puncture to make sure the fluids were flowing correctly to my brain along with CT scans and ENT experiments.

Not to go to deeply into this, stress and anxiety can cause acute symptoms that are waaay out of the norm. Try to slow down, eat healthy, drink lots of water and push back as much stress as you can. I don't know that this is what you have, but it must be on your mind enough to ask advise about it. Good luck and let us know how you make out. I didn't kick the lightheadedness for 45-60 days. It stayed with me for a while.
 
I used to have mild anxiety attacks when I was younger. This was a time when my job sucked, school was taking up a lot of my time, my grandfather died, my girlfriend dumped me...

All that stuff came to a head and I had those feelings of dizzyness/ nausea/ shakyness etc... I never actually passed out from those isolated episodes but it got me into meditation, better diet, more excersize and adopting the mentality that life is too short to stress about everything all the time. Figure that more than half the people in this world are much worse off than you will ever be in their general quality of life. I have to remind myself once in a while to slow down, take one thing at a time, clear my head and try to keep a positive outlook. While your problem sounds more physical health-related, don't forget that the mind and body work together and you can worry yourself into sickness.

If you feel the absolute need to carry in certain situations, maybe get a holster with a snap retention devise, so that if you actually pass out, the chances that your pistol will fall out of it's holster should you be loaded onto a stretcher will be eliminated.
 
If your are feeling stressed and under a lot of personal and professional pressure, get some help quickly. I would suggest a trip to your doctor for a physical exam, then talk to him about the stress you are feeling and ask for a referral a good psychologist - one who is familiar with stress and panic attacks.

There is no shame in seeking out help for this type of thing. Stress can manifest itself in many different ways in the body. You may also want to talk to your doc about exercise - as that is very helpful to relieve stress

Hope you get this sorted.

Dr. Steve
 
All good advice here, and I think not carrying until you figure out what's going on is a good idea. Hope you find out soon what's up and get back to normal ASAP!
 
Watch you salt intake. Eat healthy sh1t like fruits and veggies. Get the BP cuff and don't sweat the small stuff. The minute you stop carrying you'll wish you hadn't stopped.
 
I'd definitely go see a doc. I used to feel lightheaded every once in a while and assumed that I wouldn't actually pass out. It wasn't until I went to pee in the middle of the night and found myself sitting on the floor with my junk hanging out that I was convinced.
 
richc said:
Go see the doc, Big Red. That is what they are there for.

Also heed the advice "potassium rich foods"...

Some blood pressure meds flush potassium from your system. Years ago my Dad ended up in the ER with similar symptoms and was admitted. They found he had almost no potassium in his system. The remedy... some bananas and orange juice.

Take care of yourself!
Click to expand...
My mother has problems with blood pressure and finds that potassium rich foods is a real must. She finds eating large green salads makes a big difference.
 
+1 on calling the doctor. Don't do the guy thing and wait it out. Nothing good can come of it. See the doc, now. That should be the first decision. Deciding whether to carry is secondary. I had the same problem when I started my BP meds and went to the gym. +1 on the potassium-rich foods and also be sure to drink enough fluids (water).
 
get well BR...My Tennant was face planting this winter and found out it was his prostate meds. Could very well be a med thing. Take care
 
yes see a doc - don't be like me. I was going to describe it all, and in fact typed it all out, but its too personal so i just deleted it.

the short version is i was getting dizzy, then passing out and finally got a pacemaker all because of bp dropping like a rock.

so yes see your doc.
 
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