Working with your doctor to find a satisfactory treatment that would address medical issues while preserving the ability to safely handle firearms would seem to be a good solution.silvercorvette said:I don’t want to go into details but after numerous back and knee surgeries since I retired from the police department in 1990 I have been in constant pain since then. If I only carried when I wasn’t taking medication I would never carry. There was a time shortly after I retired when I would not allow myself to drive because I did not feel safe. I worked with my doctor and am taking medication that I feel safe and comfortable with. Some of us with health problems that will never go away have to make that decision. I go to the range and am able to shoot well while taking my medication. If I had problems keeping all my holes in the black I would have to reconsider carrying.
How many would give up carrying if they were forced to take some kind of meds for the rest of their life?
A few years ago when I was trying to find the right medication I got in the car to drive to a dentist appointment. When I got in the car I didn’t feel “RIGHT”. I turned the car around a few hundred feet from my house and went back home. I called up the dentist and canceled the appointment. When I was younger I was confident I could handle almost any situation with my bare hands. Now that I am older slower and more likely to be targeted as a victim I feel a greater need to carry. It’s kind of funny that when we get to a point in our lives where the need to carry is greater that it has ever been, the drugs we take may have a negative effect on the legal battle that follows.FortyFive said:The American male is tough old bird refusing to see a doctor unless death is near. At that point he is placed on some type of medication for which there is no alternative, take it or suffer bad results. Usually the medication comes with all types of warnings that various affects may be felt all bad for working around moving equipment, driving etc. But we have to take it or else. I would guess that most people over fifty will be faced with taking something for blood pressure to keep life in control. I suspose the warnings are on the label for good cause but not everyone feels their effect so carrying may be OK!
When I could carry it was more how did I feel that day. If I don't feel good I don't even drive regardless of medication and would not carry, I believe with most of us its good common sense as to drive or carry depending how we feel. Just my .02 worth.
You took the words right out of my mouth! I too feel the need to carry simply so my wife or I don't get beat to death by some tough guy that wants what I have. But this state makes it very difficult for us to carry.silvercorvette said:Now that I am older slower and more likely to be targeted as a victim I feel a greater need to carry. It’s kind of funny that when we get to a point in our lives where the need to carry is greater that it has ever been, the drugs we take may have a negative effect on the legal battle that follows.
I too have the big D. No meds just diet and exercise controlled right now. Like you said I can feel the low coming. Once I drop below a BG of 90 or so I can feel it and get a snack or something. Can't go anywhere without some sort of food. Nuts or chips work really well for me. As for other meds it depends. I know how most stuff affects me so I won't carry if I'm taking something that impairs me. Of course I don't leave the house then either, so it's not a problem.****** said:Like Bud White, I, too, am diabetic and use various medications necessary to help me sustain life. With proper control (most of the time)and constant monitoring of my blood sugar, I feel confident that I am 100% safe in both shooting at the range and carrying a firearm. Anyone that is diabetic and has experienced a hypoglycemic reaction knows it isn't difficult to tell when you're about ready to "do the chicken"...But, just in case it may happen (a low blood sugar reaction), I always carry fast acting glucose tablets in my range bag, in my truck, my desk at work, anywhere I am with regularity-just like a good Boy Scout, I do my best to always "Be Prepared".