Shaking so bad (vent)

[Akcowboy]

I know most of you know that I live in Alaska and a part of that is living off of the land here with both fish and game for are food, but I went out today to sight in my rifle for the up coming moose season this month (granted it is a large bore rifle with a heck of a kick to it) but as I was trying to sight it in, for the life of me I could not hold the rifle steady for the first time in my life even with the bench rest

  I know I had a hard weekend doing hay for the horses and I'm hoping that this is the reason why, as I'm still so worn out from it, but lately I have been having the shakes and have been put back on valium for them (10mgs) 3 times a day as we need the meat to get us though the year. So I guess I maybe between a rock and a hard spot as I have all ready had to change the way I hunt as it is.

  I allway's new that at some point in time that I would have to give up hunting but not at 46 years old I'm just hoping that this is just from being over tired and will past, as I will not shot some thing without a good shot so I guess I'm just bumming about this and don't wish for this this part of my life to end as so many other things have

  Cowboy

[AmishErin]

Tremors were one of my first symptoms.  I was working at the time and had to do alot of writing.  I worked second shift and mine got way worse soon as I started writing so that I had to go home a couple hours into my shift.  I have way ****** handwritting now but I don't have tremors.  They will go away.  
my doctor put me on klonopin to help control them when they were bad.  No one told me that all of my bad symptoms would go away.  I wish they had.  I am not what I was pre MS but I was walking around thinking I was going to be the hunchback of notre dame.  and that wasn't the case.  It just takes time.  More time than you want it to take.

  Erin

[Fluffysmom]

I grew up on venison and trout, salmon, and crab, clams; you name it, if my Dad could shoot or catch it, we ate it.  I didn't appreciate it all that much when I was younger, but looking back, I ate some of the best, freshest, healthiest food when I was growing up.  Dad would make back-strap jerky for a real treat, and if the clams were tough, he would grind them up, battter and deep-fry them, and they were sooooooo good.

My dad is gone now, so I can't tell him how much I appreciate all he did.  So, let me tell you how much I appreciate all you do for your family.  My dad loved it, too; even with arthritis he was out there in the cold and damp dawn hours, aching but so alive (with his thermos of coffee!)

I hope a nice rest does you good, and/or some thinking and help from family and friends help you adapt to a new style of hunting.  Shelly's got it right; you can git r' done!

Kathy

[sllowe]

Oh, this absolutely calls for some sort of new construction!

An invention!

One that will allow you to maneuver that big bore rifle with ease!

One that requires you to still have both arms and hands in place but takes the weight off! It should toggle or something!

Modify that bench rest Cowboy!  Git R' Done

-Shelly

[Deb61]

I get tremors from time to time.  The first time I got them, I was having a relapse.  The second time I got it, it wasn't quite as bad.  Sometimes now and then, I'll get it when I'm overheated or overdo things, but they haven't been as bad as the first time.  

I bet they'll eventually dimenish for you, too.  I think Rena has some excellent suggestions and comments.  I know it's a matter of survival in Alaska to hunt, but you may need to rest a bit your arms and build up your strength.  Getting a little help and/or companionship with the hunting is a great idea.

Deb

[jensequitur]

Bummer!  That makes it tough when you have problems with both arms!  

There are some options for tremor, but they really aren't all that successful.  I've heard of people being prescribed Metoprolol for tremor.

I think Rena is right, and this will pass.  Give yourself time to rest up, and try it again.  If that doesn't help, there's devices that will help you aim and sight your rifle, but it involves a lot of setting up time, and reduces your mobility.

[Akcowboy]

  Thank's Rena I really needed that, as this is one part of my life I really don't wish to give up on right now

  Cowboy

[Akcowboy]

I have done it in the past when I had broken my right wrist and was in a cast and nailed a easy shot on a black bear in the heart but I had to rest my gun on a tree to do this but changing hands is really hard to do as I tend to get most of my pain in my left arm

Cowboy

[Rena705]

I really think you should give yourself a few days rest and then try sighting your rifle again after your body has had sometime to catch up again.  You know very well that our bodies can't keep up like they used to and like me, you have to give it a break ok?

You read my post about being so fatigued so you know that I understand how frustrated you are.  It is a real kick in the pants to not be able to do things the way we used to but I think it's the luck of the draw and if we learn to deal with our inabilities, we will succeed!

My hubby was just telling me that my fatigue will work well for him...he said that when I catch that monster trout and I have fallen asleep with my rod in my hand that he won't mind reaching over and slipping it out of my hand and reeling it in for me!!!!  Needless to say, he didn't get away with saying something like that!  I have to get rid of this horrible feeling before next Tuesday and hubby has yet again given me a reminder why I have to do this.  You have something to work towards honey...you need to rebuild your strength for the moose hunting season in order that you will be able to provide for your family.  So if you try to do something around the ranch that really can be done by someone else...ask that someone else to either help you with it or do it themselves.  We need to learn that we simply can't do it ourselves and in order for us to be able to do some things we may have to give up others.  I know that you said that you had a lot of help to put up the hay for the winter but I am sure in a week or so if you need help with something else, some of those same neighbors will be right there to help.

I really hope that your hunting days are not over as I know they are an important part of a man's life such as yourself.  I have a friend that hunt's in the foothills of Alberta (where we are going next week) and although I personally couldn't kill an animal I realize that he uses every part of that animal to survive himself.  Please give yourself a break and try to rest and build up your strength again and in another week or two try sighting the rifle again.  At least then you know you have given it a good try and if you have to ask someone to hunt with you so be it...at least you can still get out there and enjoy the hunting if not the act of shooting right?

Take Care honey and Lots of Hugs,

Rena

[jensequitur]

Cowboy, are both hands equally shaky?  I mean, can you use the other hand to aim the rifle, and get it a little more steady?  Just curious - my tremors are mainly in my right hand.  I know your prognosis is different.