I say this not for pity but to share experience and to help keep people better prepared and informed.

Shortly before leaving the facility I started cramping. I have been exposed to teargas many times, it typically takes me two days before exposure begins having noticeable effects on my cycle. 24 hours on munition heavy nights a few times but it’s usually two days or so for me.

I knew something felt off. I typically listen to my gut but I ignored it. I was wearing a full face gas mask. During that last wave of teargas, I was really holding it together while filming. Mostly because my eyes were burning. I took off my mask to clear my eyes after the feds retreated and after inhaling one time I couldn’t breathe. I literally couldn’t breathe. I made it to the sidewalk and was on my knees when a medic came over to help. Drinking water helped the burning feeling a little bit, as it had felt like I swallowed fire. Teargas is uncomfortable obviously but not usually *that* bad and intense. For me anyways. I cleaned off and took a break and remained otg for a few hours. I felt better.

Idk if it’s the adrenaline wearing off or what but I have since felt a lot worse. My skin is decontaminated, but my head is pounding, my stomach is killing me and I feel extremely nauseous.

Turns out the feds deployed HC gas tonight. (Which is not green smoke that many think it is. I have another thread on this I will link in next post)

Luckily the wind was working in everyone’s favor tonight. But fuck.

#pdx #Portland #chemicalweapons #hc #teargas