Sometimes Ya Gotta Have a Sense of Humor

[S/W - Lifer]

I got out my wipe-down cloth and G-96 gun treatment and went over my guns. Had not done this in a long time. It dawned on me that this is a pretty nice collection of stuff and I've got all I want. Retirement is almost here and shooting on my home range is going to be a lot of fun. Been looking forward to it for years.

A few days after oiling the guns arthritus set in my right hand and it is a bear. I can't button my shirt or even start my truck. This has been going on for 4 or 5 weeks and I see a couple of my fingers are taking on a twist. The way my hand feels makes me wonder if I'll be doing much shooting after all.

I've been thinking about retirement maybe 40 years. Now it's almost here. These guns may not be as enjoyable as I thought.

Sometimes in life ya just gotta have a sense of humor.

 

[S/W - Lifer]

I got out my wipe-down cloth and G-96 gun treatment and went over my guns. Had not done this in a long time. It dawned on me that this is a pretty nice collection of stuff and I've got all I want. Retirement is almost here and shooting on my home range is going to be a lot of fun. Been looking forward to it for years.

A few days after oiling the guns arthritus set in my right hand and it is a bear. I can't button my shirt or even start my truck. This has been going on for 4 or 5 weeks and I see a couple of my fingers are taking on a twist. The way my hand feels makes me wonder if I'll be doing much shooting after all.

I've been thinking about retirement maybe 40 years. Now it's almost here. These guns may not be as enjoyable as I thought.

Sometimes in life ya just gotta have a sense of humor.

 

[Rancher]

Ouch! I hope you can get some medical help to slow the process and can continue to enjoy your life.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

S/W-Lifer,

I have arthritis in both hands, but there are different types of arthritis and will affect your hands in different ways. Rancher is correct, you need to seek medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment. A Rheumatologist is a doctor that specializes in the study and treatment of arthritis. I'd suggest starting there and seeing where the road will take you. You will have to make some changes. For instance, my EDC is a Model 432 in .32 H&R Magnum. This is the largest caliber that I can consistently handle with my hands. Oddly, I find that larger caliber handguns such as .45ACP and .44 Special work better for me as the big fat rounds are easier to handle, and the N frames really help soak up recoil. You'll want to use "softball" loads - big fat slugs moving slowly with little recoil.

Best of luck to you.

Regards,

Dave

 

[ParadiseRoad]

I've been thinking about retirement maybe 40 years. Now it's almost here. These guns may not be as enjoyable as I thought.

...neither my dad nor my father-in-law lived to retirement...so that persuaded me to experience things I was going to save for retirement while I was still young enough to enjoy them. We were on vacation in Georgia at the Tibey Island Lighthouse...there was an old couple there that had saved their trip there for retirement...neither were in good enough shape to climb the 157 steps to the top...and were VERY disappointed...

...I've learned to eat my dessert first...I may not be around after the main course...



.

 

[S/W - Lifer]

Good advice, all.

I'm working on getting hooked up with a Rheumatologist now and we'll see what the future holds. I'm not surprised this has developed as I remember my grandmothers twisted knuckles. I also had rheumatic fever twice as a kid and anticipated rheumatic problems later in life. Plan A was "I don't get it" and plan B was "I get it" and deal with it. Now to execute the plan.

I've got some things I can shoot as the condition permits but I have (temporarly) lost interest in anything with hefty recoil. Might be a good time to energize my Model 53 Jet - all flash and bang with no recoil.

Nope, didn't wait until retirement for the good stuff. Had a dream job and saw the world while I carried a gun and shot until I was sick of it. Had the toys along the way. If I fell over dead tomorrow I would have had more than my share.

I can afford to have that sense of humor I mentioned. And I think I'll need it. Couldn't believe I couldn't zip up my pants after draining off a pint. I ended up having to change hands in the manuever. I think there are going to be some moments ahead, not all of which are going to be good.

 

[Spotteddog]

Words of wisdom from Paradise Road.
BTW, YES! Arthritis SUCKS! And mine is the worst at this time of year, just to add to the fun?

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Yeah Lifer; I can relate about the arthritis. Been retired almost 21 years now. Thought I'd do more shooting now. But with bad, crooked fingers it's difficult. I reloaded 250 .32 S&W Longs for my granddaughter 2 weeks ago. Took me a week to get over the stiff fingers & hands. Get to a doctor or specialist soon. Aleave doesn't do the trick anymore.

 

[RonJ]

Yep, a good rheumatologist is a must. I have rheumatoid arthritis that was caught in it's early stages. The Doc promised I'd never have the twisted, gnarled finger joints as long as I stayed on proper meds. My biggest problem is after stress on the joints. Carrying moderately heavy things, like a range bag loaded with sand bags and ammo, is a near guarantee of pain the next day. Usually it only lasts for a day though.
Once you get on the proper anti-inflammatories you should see significant relief. If you don't have any heart problems you can try Aleve until you get to a doctor. Best Luck!

 

[S/W - Lifer]

Got some good dope on a rheumatologist today and will try to get an appointment this week. I've been taking Aleve and it works well for the pain. I can see I need more than Aleve to deal with this.

I've been thinking about a new .45 auto but I think I'm going to stick with revolvers. No slide to deal with.

Thanks, guys.