Shoulder
 

I am in a quandry, When I first joined this forum, I told you all that I was getting into ML because I could not shoot my bow as I have a bad shoulder. Now that the snow has melted and the conditions are right for shooting my Gp Ml, I found out the other day that the shoulder will need a complete replacement. I have no cushing between ball and socket.So what do I do, wait until after hunting season in the fall, or get it over with now? the recruperation time is six weeks in a sling, and than lots of physical therapy. Which leads to the question will I be able to shoot and hunt in the fall if I have it done now? The second question is if I don't have it done now It is so sore at times that will I be able to shoot anyway? Have any of you had this procedure done? I rely on your expert advice on Ml questions that I decited to ask you all for an opinion.
Of course the better half has a little say in this too, but she is really letting me make the call. I respect all your opinions. DCH

RE: Shoulder
 

Sometimes the longer you put off a problem the worse it gets and the recovery time is much longer. Only you can be the judge of how much pain you can tolerate. I had a knee replacement when I could not stand it but long before surrounding muscles were affected so my recovery time was relativly short and did real well. My dad had shoulder surgery on both arms and full recoevery was six months.. That is about what I can do to help> If you have not done so get a second opinion from a good MD that specialized in shoulders. Then ask them how many they have done and what is the outcome. Every thing should be explained to you before you have any procedure.

RE: Shoulder
 

First off, I am not a doctor. I am not familiar with your condition.

But IMHO: I would do what is necessary to take care of and repair your body first. You can't hunt or shoot if your body is not in the physical condition for it.

I have a heart murmur-mitral valve prolapse. On occasion my heart will remind me that if I don't take care of it, it won't take care of me. And that will pretty much take care of any future hunting! So I do what is necessary to keep the heart happy.

Again, I am not a doc; but if I were in your shoes, I would get your shoulder taken care of now. The range will be there waiting for you in the fall.

Best of luck with your decision.
~Robert

RE: Shoulder
 

Besides, think of all the posts you will be able to put up telling us how and when you are able to shoot higher loads...

"...this week my shoulder was able to take a 50grn load..."

:)

RE: Shoulder
 

Absolutely get the shoulder fixed. You only have two of those and both are pretty important. There will be lots of hunting seasons - I hope.

RE: Shoulder
 

I have to join in with all the others so far.Do your homework on this procedure. Look for a good experienced Doc.Not one who does two shoulders a year,but one who has several of these under his belt. Also look for a less invasive procedure,those tend to heal quicker.
and when all is said and done ,follow the doctors orders on your recovery.make sure you
get enough physical therapy. I had a total hip replacement in 04. Im sure you'll do great!
We will all be pulling for you(read that praying for you). Take care of your body and you'll have many more seasons to hunt.

RE: Shoulder
 

You can always shoot a muzzleloader down the road. Nothing is worth your health. In your case get er done... Like mentioned get a good surgeon and make sure they are experienced in your area. Ask them questions like, how long will it be before I can shoot a rifle or pull a bow. But I would not wait around. I'd get it done.

RE: Shoulder
 

Do what's best for you. Just get it done right by a competent surgeon. Anyway, you can always shoot a ML with the opposite shoulder - right?

RE: Shoulder
 

I have a good family friend who has been putting off shoulder surgery for 5 or 6 years. Now he can't lift his right arm above mid-chest level and the doctors don't want to operate. Get it done.

RE: Shoulder
 

Get the shoulder done, but I'm thinking some enterprising soul could figure a way to use a Lead Sled for target shooting and possibly hunting if they put their minds to it!
Now if you like to fish as much as hunt the casting could be construed as Phys Therapy? Of course swimming is physical therapy and by September you might not need that lead sled and could sell it on this site! Then again you could lay around all summer in pain and miss hunting?? I dunno.............

RE: Shoulder
 

I go with the others. Plenty of time to shoot after you recoup. Never know you may be shooting some light loads later in the fall. Everyone heals different, some faster some slower. Good Luck with what ever ya decide.

RE: Shoulder
 

DCH,

If you haven't tried it yet, seriously try Glucosamine with Chondroitin (triple strength) supplements while you are waiting to have your surgery. This combination works great (sometimes miraculously) for many people who have joint problems. Cheapest place to get them is Sam's Club or Costco for ~$23.00 for a 3 month supply. About 8 years ago I had a shoulder injury that ached like an bad toothache. 600mg ibuprofen 5-6 times a day and even the narcotic Darvocet didn't touch the pain. I took 2 tabs the 1st evening, 2 next am, 2 in the evening, 2 again the next am and 48 hours from starting, the ache was gone. Still a little sore with movement but much better. I cut back to 1 pill twice a day and the shoulder was pretty much pain free after about a month. But it doesn't work for everybody! Also, 3 years ago, my father who has suffered from arthritis for the past 40 some years, had hand surgery to replace the cartilege in his thumb joints with a piece of one of his tendons. I spent the week after surgery to help him and got him started on this supplement. My dad was going to have the same surgery done on his other hand, but after a week the pain was significantly better. He cancelled the 2nd surgery. But again, it doesn't work for everybody. But it might help you while you are waiting for your surgery. And No, I don't have stock in this supplement. BTW, if you are diabetic, check with your MD 1st.
Good luck and may our father in heaven put his healing hand on your aching bones and restore you to full function and health, we ask in Jesus' name.

James

RE: Shoulder
 

Hey guy's thanks for all of your input on the shoulder.I do have a lot of things in my favor reguarding surgery, I have one of the best orthorpedic surgens in Utah and he is not pushing me, he says that it is a must that I have it done but whenever I am ready. I have been taken Glucosamine for several years and it has helped in areas that are not deterioated like the shoulder. I lead a very active life so physical therapy don't bother me. To make a long story short I am heeding all your advice and called the Doctor yesterday for a schedule for the surgery. Thanks again to all of you as Iknew all along that I should have it done now, and not procrastinate, all I needed was a little push from friends and you guy's were there. Thanks again DCH

RE: Shoulder
 

The upside is six months of no yardwork:D

RE: Shoulder
 

Buy a left handed gun and learn to shoot left handed, for this year. You can buy an air rifle andget a lot of handling practice. Shoot real light loads, like 60g and don't take shots over 75 yards. Best wishes with the shoulder, sounds like it would be wise to get it done now and not hinder hunting in 2009 and beyond. Chap Gleason