Folks, I was not expecting to have to write something like this for a long time. Before you go worrying, know that I’m okay. The way life goes, sometimes you just have to deal with adversity as it shows up on your doorstep, and that’s what I have to do right now. For the time being, I need to develop a circle of people that can help me through the road ahead, as it’s sure to be a long one. I need to lean on close friends, those who have been through this sort of thing themselves.

A couple of weeks ago when I was in the basement (oddly enough, oiling up the .22) I began to feel a bit weird. No, nothing to do with the scent of Hoppe’s in an inadequately ventilated space. I dismissed it, and just kind of went about my day as this happens to me once in awhile. My equilibrium was a little off and I basically forgot what I was doing as I was doing it. I generally don’t have that difficult a time focusing, but there it was.

Now, my entire family has a history of high blood pressure, so that was my immediate concern. I didn’t see a doctor, I decided to just take it easy for the rest of the day. No problem.

The feeling happened again - and again in the basement after my most recent range trip as I was unpacking. This time, it was a bit more significant. I had to close my eyes and just kind of concentrate on what I was doing simply to get through it. The ammo was heavy, I had just spent three hours outside in the hot sun on the range, and I hadn’t eaten well that morning. I thought for certain that physical endurance was to blame. But it wasn’t.

I’m an internet kind of person, so immediately I hopped online and started doing some research on my symptoms. Sure enough, there it was. My malady manifesting itself right before my eyes.

I did a lot of research and over this weekend I’ve come to grips with exactly what it is that’s afflicting me. I never thought it would happen to me, but, I guess I’m getting just a little bit older and I just can’t put up as much of a fight as I was able to in my 20s. My body is different. I’m wired differently. Diagnosis in hand, what I need to look into now is what form of treatment I need to procure in order to see myself through to full recovery.

I have EBR Syndrome.

For treatment, I’m currently looking into .223 or a .308 dosage. Likely, it will have to be administered through a stainless steel 18″ feeding tube. To make the process easier on my family during this difficult time, I’m going to invest in a free floating handguard with a rubber grip and a 2-stage match trigger. Don’t get me started on optics … this is all happening a bit too fast for me. I know I’ll need it to be collapsible. And probably, you know …

… I’m sorry … this is just so hard …

… a bipod. It’s … it’s the only way …

I don’t ask for your pity … only your prayers … for I have a wicked case of AR fever and I need to start the healing process.