Still can't shoot my bow
 

I haven't been able to shoot my bow since June 27th. I got up early that day and shot as soon as it was light enough to see because I was scheduled for shoulder surgery early that morning and wanted to shoot right up to the last minute.

The surgeon repaired a badly torn labrum, sewed it back onto the bone, cut off 5mm of bone from my clavicle and 2-3mm more bone from my acromium, removed a bunch of damaged cartilage, discovered an irrepairable hole in my cartilage and found out that shoulder is also arthritic!

I haven't shot since . . . :(

I've been going to physical therapy ever since and am progressing normally, but my pain is worse than it should be . . . and bow season opens Sept 15th here.[X(]

The physical therapist I'm seeing is one of the best around and he gave me permission to shoot a light weight bow (the surgeon said no shooting for 2 months). I tried pulling my son's bow turned all the way down - about 40- 45 lbs and spent the last 3 days in pain from that. I'm a bit skittish now from trying again, but with bow season so close, I'm about willing to try anything. His bow won't fit me, I can't afford a new one for just a few weeks, and mine's too heavy . . .

I just needed to vent.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

Im sorry to hear about the bad luck, I wouldnt wish that on anyone. Is it legal for you to use a crossbow in Maryland? I know in Wi yo ucan not use one untill your 63 or 65 or somn like that unless the doc tells you, you will never be able to pull a bow back again and are legally declared disabled. I know it sounds cruel but laws are laws. If youre not sure what the crossbow laws are in your state check with your local DNR office and see what they may be able to assist you wiht. I know when I had my surgery about 8 years ago right in the middle of bow season in Wi i was depressed but made a fast recovery, alothough i couldnt climb and was supposed to pull my boack for at least a month i started out little by little. When i coudl draw back full draw with out too much pain, which was a week after my surgery i headed for the woods and hunted ground blinds. This may be another option to look into if you dont think your shoulder will be able to hold the weight of your body while climbing. If I can help in any way which isnt much but i knwo it helped me when a few good friends and hunters helped me out by giving me the support I was really looking for. It helps. Good luck to you and ease your way back into it. Best of wishes to you and to your family and God Bless.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

DaveH,

Maybe you could pickup some of those rubber stretch cords from a sporting goods store. They usually come in different strengths. Start with a really light weight and work your way up. Or maybe even pickup something simple like a sling shot to have fun with. Also, don't forget to stretch!

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

I've got a bad left shoulder from lifting weights in high school. I trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I've never heard of anyone coming out of shoulder surgery good as new. Good luck with the recovery.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

DaveH,
My advice is to do exactly what the surgeon tells you to do. Period!
I had rotator cuff surgery 2 years ago. Six weeks in a sling and then did the whole PT thing for about 4 months before even trying to pull my bow back. I'm good as new and pulling 67# comfortably. If you try to rush it and screw something up, he will just have to go back in to fix it. Then you will have a pi$$ed off doctor and a lot more recovery time. It's not worth it in the long run.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

Why not buy one of those things(forgive me I dont know the name) that you use your feet to draw the bow back? You just hook it into the string and pull the bow back using 1 arm and your feet.With the problem you re having now I doubt anyone would say anything about you using it.Or just get a crossbow and get the paper from your Doctor saying you cant draw a regular bow so legally you can shoot a crossbow.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

Dave,

Sorry to hear that you are in that situation. I cannot imagine the frustration you must be feeling. I think the advice about following the doctor's advice is very good as you could potentially screw up more than just this hunting season.

As the other gentleman mentioned, is a crossbow a possibility?

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

I have nerve damage in my neck and almost got a disabled permit to use a crossbow. Is that an option in MD ? In Jersey you can download the form online and have your Doc fill it out. It is an option if you can't draw a bow back. I was luckily able to draw my bow back after a yr.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

Put your recovery in God,s hands and mind your Doctor. You have years left to hunt. At my age 72 I only have a few left, but the 44 yrs I,ve spent in the woods make up for it.
3 weeks ago a friend of mine discovered the his dominant eye had switched from left to right. He sold all of his left handed stuff and bought all right handed stuff and will be able to hunt opening day Sept. 10th. because we all rallied around him and helped him make the switch. Its easy for me to say be patient but You will be glad you were in the long run, Good luck and May God Bless you and heal you. GGBH
All of us should be thankful for the health and stength in all that we do, its a gift fromGOD.

RE: Still can't shoot my bow
 

Do what all of the others have said, and listen to your Dr. I know it would not be the same as taking your bow with you, but have you thought about just spending this season with a camera, instead of a bow? I know its easy for me to say, (not being in your shoes) but if I was not able to shoot my bow, at least it would make me feel better just being out there enjoying the outdoors. Besides, think of all of the awesome pictures you could get. Its just a thought. Good luck in your recovery.