Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: stringstretcher on October 17, 2011, 07:43:00 AM
-
As we get older, or for many reasons, we sometimes find our selves with a handicap or dissability. I read a post on here the other day about the gentleman that was paralized from the waist down, and hunted from a ATV and harvested a deer. That, to me, is overwhelming and such a great attitude to have the desire to do what you love.
I to am having a lot of issues due to a dissability, and am learning to adjust to be able to do what I love.
I would love to hear from other people, that have found ways to hunt and shoot traditional archery with a handicap or dissability and share with others how you over come it. Maybe each one of us can learn from each other to make each of our lives a little better and allow us to get out into the great outdoors, safe, and have that rewarding accomplishment once again.
-
This is not a thread about being handicap or dissabled everyone, it is about suggestions to help others over come a handicap or disability. So please share your thoughts.
-
i'm sure there hasta be some folks here who've had to deal with physical ailments - some that required rehab or meds, some that needed a change of form or tackle, to keep on pulling string and hitting the woods.
i've been scared way more than a few times with a right frozen shoulder that at one time kept me away from bows for nearly 4 months. oooo, that's a scary feeling!
over a period of nearly a decade i had hand tendon issues and 6 operations later, i'm fortunate to still be able to pull string. if my string hand ever got so bad that it couldn't hold a bowstring at full draw, i'd look into a release aid!
-
I have told a few on this site about my handicap but I consider myself very blessed to be able to shoot a traditional bow ...Back on Dec.1st.in 1985 I was helping my soon to be brother in law split logs for my soon to be father inlaw who had a bad heart and I was 22 years of age..I was loading my 50th or so log on the logsplitter with my side turned from my brother in law who was working the hydrolic lever to push the log through the 14 inch wedge...Well as I was just lifting the log and setting it down on the "I" beam my brother in law hits the lever before I let go and Blood went everywhere....My right hand got severed right smack midpalm area through skin,veins bones and all...I never saw blood move so fast and within a few seconds I was stumbling trying to walk to the truck due to blood loss...He opened the truck door and I collapst on the seat and tried to stay focussed.....Two houre later I was driven to Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore Md. by ambulance with State Police escort...No chopper that day due to weather conditions...I had my hand reattached Praise God and after the operation the next day was Monday and my Dr. removed the gulls etc. and told me I may need to have it removed due to the time it took to get there if I couldn't move it just a little by that Wednesday...Wednesday came and the Dr. removed the gulls again and said let's see if you can move it any...Well they had 8 pins holding my finger bones on and shortened my hand about 1 inch to clean up the crushed/cut bones and I was able to move it a fraction...A few years and much therapy went by and guess what? I'll be 48 years old tomorrow and shoot mid 40's weight bow's with that hand today ....I have a little drag on my finger tips due to not opening fully but I can shoot as well as some here...The good thing about it is I tell people if I miss my mark on a target that it's due cause of my hand injury but My dear kind old buddy "Bruce Golt" will pipe up and say in front of a crowd "You shot bad before the hand injury"...Got to love friends like that... :knothead: ..I've been known to knock one fella in the head and even busted my own front tooth out and had to have it capped... :goldtooth:
-
Keefer, that is what I am talking about. The desire to not give up and finding ways to accomplish what you did. Great job on the rehab and the attitude to stay with it.
-
I have a friend whos father wanted hunt with us, but he had lost half an arm in a accident at work and had a prostetic arm with a hook that opened and closed. His son and I tried to design some sort of bracket to bolt to his arm using the stabilizer bushing. We never did figure it out. One day he walked over to where we were shooting. He picked uo the bow with his hook and commenced to shoot. We assumed that because of his arm he couldnt do it. You know twhat they say about assuming. I guess the moral of the story is - dont overthink the problem.
-
I had a hip replacment 4 years or so ago.I had complications and was in recovery 12 hours before i was stable enough to move to the ICU.Then when i was finally able to go home, i got a blood clot in my femeral artery and had to go back to the hospital for almost another month.I had been on a high dose of loritab for 3 years before i had my hip replced because i was so young and they wanted to put off doing it as long as possible.So with those 3 years and then all the delauded, morphine and demerol pluss more loritabs after i went home, i had a pretty bad addiction to pain meds.Well,i found out you couldnt get drug rehab where i lived unless you had a court order.And then, my doc was affraid of a law suit so he wouldnt help me out either.So i had to cut myself back gradually. Was the toughest thing i have ever been through.I had home health care and physical therapists and they were great, made it a lot easier in many ways.I had to learn to walk all over again.The pain was bad, pluss going through withdrawls so i went through a time of feeling like there was no reason for me to be alive.Today i get around pretty good,i dont even have a limp unless i am tired from walking too much.I also have some other problems and PTSD from the military.What it all comes down to is that disabilities are mostly in the mind.There are things you never get over but you can learn to live with them.If you cant walk normal,you find a way to get around anyway.If you lose a hand,,you can find a way to still do what you need to.You just have to get your head right.I have 7 kids and six grandkids that keep me inspired to try.Sure there are things that i cant do ut i always manage to work around them.
-
This topic hits home with me.I know many of you know my story but for those that dont.I have been involved in traditional archery the better part of my life.I worked as a Deputy Sheriff in California for 22 years.On April 6 2005 all that would change forever.While working that day i was hit head on by a drunk driver driving a stolen vehicle.The driver of that vehicle lost his life that day,for me i had to fight for mine.Among my many injuries i had both feet crushed.I would undergo many reconstrutive surgeries.I spent 13 months in a wheelchair and in out of that wheelchair for another 6 months as i learn to walk again.During that time is when i went to Tim Miegs shop and learned to build recurves.When i opened my shop in late 2005 i was building them from my wheelchair.I really think building and shooting bows saved my life.I may have had to retire from the life of a crime fighter but i found a job i enjoy every day.It was once said "You work at something you love and you will never work a day of your life."
I have always tried to be active with people of diabilitis.As we have this topic i am building a recurve for a man that lost most of his left bicep.Building a very high grip to assist him.Also check out my website,i have a youtub video on this subject.We all can overcome disabilities in one way or another.
-
I have a brother I wish I could get out fishing, he's paralyzed from the chest down. The days we'd spend on tire inner tubes floating around metro lakes in MN chasing walleyes before his accident I will not long forget. We couldnt afford float tubes so we made due. Its been years and to this day he hasnt gone out.
I know a fella (JLC, though I'm not sure he's on here much anymore) from Iowa i havent talked to in a long time now that has always in a way made me think about life in general. He's in a wheel chair but that man is on more deer and turkeys than I hope to get close to in my life time. Thanks Jack where ever you are!
I had the good fortune to meet John Rook this spring at the PY banquet in Mn. I've read about him for years, there isnt much I can say to a man who can't see but has that fire we all have. Its a down right privelage to be around people like John or Jack and hear their stories. Humbling beyond words! Or atleast any words I can give.......
As a charter boat captian up here I had a couple clients over the years that were also paralyzed. Those days were some of my best days on the water. I wish I wasnt at work...I have a good picture of a damn fine silver salmon fishing man with a monster halibut and the gang.
-
Okay, here I go....
I got a severe form of MS in 1997.... Got paralyzed and had to be in a wheelchair for many years. Lost my job and had to sell my house.
But instead of feeling sad and getting depressed, I counted my blessings every day and praised the Lord for all the good things He had left for me.
I decided not to give up and started to sport....
I fought my way out of my wheelchair. I gave up medicines, because there are nor real medicines for MS that help, they only made me more sick..
I lived strong and against all the advices the doctors gave me, I started to wheeler skate in order to force my body back in shape.. That was hard but I felt I was doing the right thing for me. I fell many times. I struggled and struggled and with the help of the Lord every day went better. It wasn't easy but I never gave up. When I mastered skating and became very good in it, I started bicycling in order to get some more condition. Sometimes I became so tired, I literally had to throw up, dead-sick on my bicycle. But again I never gave up and trained every day. And slightly I could make more miles every month... In the beginning just 5 kilometers, but I expanded my tours to 10, 15, 20 and even managed to ride two tours of 100 kilometers with a good friend. Men, I was proud...
But every now and then, I fell back for a few months...
Then, by coincidence I met Traditional Archery. From the moment I had a bow in my hands, I was sold....
That will be like three years ago. I bought a longbow (35 lbs) and started training and participated in some 3D tournaments. I was a fast learner, and soon I placed myself in the top 5 of The Netherlands...
I just ordered a new Bow ( a Cari-Bow Peregrine, 45 lbs, I had to save money a looong time for that) when I got blind on one eye, due to the MS. The doctors gave my eye up, because the big eye-nerve was dead due to an MS inflammation. If that wasn't enough, one night when I was walking my dog, I didn't see a big branch on the ground. I fell badly and thought I broke my shoulder, the pain was terrible. There was nobody around, so I had a hard time getting up and getting home again.
After some x-rays, the doctors told me, my shoulder wasn't broken, but dislocated and all the muscles were badly hurt.
My first question was: "Am I allowed to shoot the bow?" The answer was yes, if it wouldn't hurt too much...
So I pressed my teeth together and went on with my training sessions as much as I could. With a dislocated shoulder, much pain and one eye...
All this made me a better person. I take each day as it comes, learned to be humble and appreciate the small things of life which might ne more important as we think. But we forget that and tend to take them for granted.... I count my blessings every day and this year I ended inthe top three of quite a lot of tournaments, even in Belgium...I even won the Dutch 3D Challenge, two first prices: one for the highest score and one for the best distance shot (65 yards)
Only thing is I ask always if some archery fellows will drive me to the tournaments if the distance is over the 50 kilometers, because I never know in what shape I am when the tournament is done. They know my story and are glad to help me in this way. Besides of that: it is more fun, driving together.
Each tournament is a challenge for me and I really feel proud and strong when I shot one with good results.
Bottom line is: never give up, and don’t look what you don’t have anymore, but look at what you still have! Fight! This might sound strange to you, but I consider myself a warrrior. Tell yoyr friends, without complaining, about your disabilities, so they have a better understanding. And believe it or not: my eye-sight came back for 70% and is still improving. . The doctors never understood that!
I would like to end my story with the following:
“……and the LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you……”
And a pic ofcourse, of one of the golden pages of my book of life:
(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/5046/dscn0078small.jpg)
-
Ad, what an amazing story! It should inspire each and every one of us! Thank you for sharing that with us.
I don't consider it a disablitiy but I am a woman trying to do what mostly men do, and I'm doing it mostly by myself. I'm also in my mid fifties and I wonder sometimes how much longer I have to continue enjoying traditional bowhunting.
I have some arthritis already so I hunt on the ground alot cause hanging stands is too much for me anymore.
I'm not complaining, just say'n. :) I'll just keep adjusting.
Dr. Ashby has back problems and there's something about his string hand that forces him to have to shoot a high lb. bow to have a decent release.
-
If you got a mind to do it you will find a way.
-
My inspiration. Darwin contracted MS late in life but looks at each day as one with opportunity. I've hunted annually with him for 25 years and watched this terrible disease take its toll on him. He put his compound up and hunted with his old recurve on a recent hunt. This 185# boar is the result. A wild, Savannah River Swamp rooter.
(http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh338/spikeknife/darwin.jpg)
-
For years b4 my hip replacement I had to control how far I could walk into the woods for fear that I would never make it out due to the pain. Finally after retirement I got the hip replaced and thought my worries were over. Well, due to nerve damage to my peroneal nerve I now have foot drop and must use a brace to walk with any sort of control. The uneven ground presents problem, but wanting to see what is over the next hill drives me on.
I was bummed out when I first heard the words palsey and foot drop. Then I got home and watched some old Fred Bear dvd's and in one of them there was a guy with only one leg. He walked with a crutch and held his longbow in the other hand. He not only hunted but did all the camp chores.
With this I realized how lucky I am to be pain free and be able to get to where I want to go, albeit a little slower than others.
-
My best friend was in a wheel chair. He was paralyzed from an accident. We hunted everthing ducks, geese , predators. I finally got him started bowhunting and he wouldnt shoot anthing but a recurve or longbow.He shot his first buck fall before last,a good buck one that would make pope and young, but it was his last as the following spring he was killed in a car accident. 34 years in a chair and have it end like that.. very sad.
-
Nubby Pate was the archer with one leg in Bear video. He hosted the "Tin Can" shoot in [I believe] Barstow, Cal.
-
I got Hit by a pick up truck while Riding my Harley to Work. Sept. 25 1987 (I Think) :rolleyes: , Left Turned in Front of me, as I am told because I cannot remember that day at ALL . Strange, its a very strange Thing not to remember a Day that Changed your Whole Life. :confused:
That was 24 years ago. I am on Disability Now after working almost 12 Years on the Torn up Knee, and a Fuzed left wrist. Oh, and the hole in my Mellon where they got the Blood Clot offa' the Grey Matter.
I realized just This Year, after passing up the Offer for the Oct 7,8,9 Hunt in Indiana, because My Bones cant hack the Temp. Changes and the Moisture from Camping. Broke My Heart too, but I have Learned My Limits, within Reason, and I try not to push too much. I am down for Several Days After I overdo. :thumbsup: I do what I can, and I push myself to do More! I have NOT given Up!! I have some Land, Family Owned that is GODS' COUNTRY to Me!! Havent Killed anything yet, but have only been "Hunting" 4 years or so. Great White Hunter I am Not, and I am anything But Ashamed of the fact. I realize one of these days, the "Art Huritis" :rolleyes: wont let me do a lot that I do now, but being 46, I will fight it Tooth & Nail!! I Truely Love Archery, and the Outdoors!! And I AM going to teach My now 3 Year old Granddaughter How to Shoot, Hunt...If She Wants, and pass on what Woodsmanship I have!! God is watching Over Me Now, and I Truely Thank God Everyday for being able to do what I Can do!! :archer:
-
Two years ago, when the swine flu thing was going around, I got sick, really sick. Did not go to the doctor, just took some over the counter medicine and stayed in bed a couple of days and went back to work.
About 4 months later, I and others noticed that I was doing everything but falling over when I walked around in corner, or down between isles, and when a large group of people would gather in the store, the movement would drive me crazy with dizziness.
After going to work for a couple of months more, it got worst, to the point that they had to bring me home, an hour away from where I worked.
After a year of testing, medications, MRI and MRI, they finally found that my left side vistibular function on that side had been partially destroyed by the virus,,or so they thing. I went death in that ear and really had to struggle to stand up. Could not, and still can not walk in a straight line.
They have done 2 (can only have one more) injections of gentimicin in my left inner ear to completely kill that sides function, and hopefully my right side will pick up and read what is necessary to maintain my balance
Well it is not working. I am trying different things now, to get me back in the woods but really having a bad time before light and after light. I left this morning after going up yesterday and putting trail markers out, to try and get to my stand before light (ground only hunting not), and had to turn around and go back to the truck, only about 50 away at time. I had fallen twice, hurt my ankle and my wrist, and got sick from the motion of the light going around in the wood. I just can not find my feet.
But as many of you have said, I will find a way, and not give up. I may become a 9 to 5 hunter, but I will find a way to get out.
Thanks for sharing everyone. It is great to hear the accomplishments of those that has the desire to not give up.
-
After rehabitation from a car accident, I convinced that we are capable of achieving just about anything we want.
I know there are some very good organizations that are experienced in helping individuals with disabilities get involved wiht bowhunting, and other activities. The Physically Challanged Bowhunters of America is one. If you know someone that needs help, give them a call.
http://www.pcba-inc.org/
-
Charles I am the guy on the ATV I realy do not like it but that is the only way.
When a siezure auto accident put me in my current condition about ten years ago it took me two years to dig myself out of the dumps and get back into life.
I came back to archery fully into traditional giving up the wheels and enjoying much much more. I had always been a right handed shooter and continued as such until I came up with diabetes which shortly after took the sight away from my right eye. I then took on a left handed bow then shooting with two fingers now scince I am missing the first digit of my middle finger.
Things have had to be adjusted in my hunting and shooting techniques but I have been succesfull a couple times.
I now have adjusted my equipment and hunting areas to suit what is now manditory.It took some time but as I have said "If You Got a Mind To Do It You Will"
Sometimes it is very hard to get motivated so you take a couple days off but I always seem to get back into the flight of things. Can not see ever giving this wonderfull sport up. :thumbsup:
I must also give a great Thank You to all of my old friends and new buddies that have helped me thru my lousy times and I know will always be here to continue keeping me going. :campfire:
I will pray for your success in your struggle.
-
Charles,
I read your story and I'm not one to go to Dr's but try over the counter meds first when I'm feeling sick etc.I was supposed to go have a Balance test tomorrow morning cause I have had several dizzy spells and Not doing a thing about it...This past July I got sick and had a head cold that just wouldn't go away and I took over the counter cougth syrup to try and clear it up...I had a problem with back pain and thought it was due to surgery from back problems and hardware in my L-5 S-1 so I went to see a Dr. and she gave me a Antibiotic pill to kill the infection so that's why I didn't go back to the Dr. for my Head cold...Finally after some ear bleeds that weren't to bad my wife said let's go see a Dr, and I did...I told them I didn't want another Antibiotic but she insisted I get another to get rid of some infection in my ear and she wanted me to see an Ear,Nose,Throat Dr.I went about 3 weeks ago and he did a quick balance test where I put one foot forward and one back staring at a wall and then closing my eyes..Well I managed to stay upright but it was difficult to do with some weaving..He then made me stand on a thick rectangler pillow with both feet together and hands to my side and closed my eyes..Well I just about fell off and began to laugth and he made me do it again and same results....He scheduled me for some more tests tomorrow but like I said I cancelled out due to feeling much better but after reading your post I'm resheduling for another date...He mentioned to me I may have something going on behind my left year throwing me off balance and getting on ladders looking up makes me a little dizzy...Your post hit home to me and mine is no where near your condition but it got me concerned to have myself go ahead and to have this test done...Thanks for posting that ...I pray you get better Charles! God Bless, Keefer's <><
-
I have a wife that doesn't hunt,does that count as a dissability?...LOL
But on a serious note I do recall a few years ago a member who lost three fingers on his drawing hand in an accident. He was looking for ideas for a release. A ton of guys through ideas out, dont know what ever happened to him.
-
Originally posted by stringstretcher:
... it is about suggestions to help others over come a handicap or disability. So please share your thoughts.
My sister, who was an incredible athlete and pianist, is paralized from the neck down. She lives her life fully as she can and sometimes through my physical adventures. Anyway, what I have learned after a lifetime of being around her and others like her is this-
To those who have some physical hurdles:
-------Do not be afraid to ask for help.-------
A lot of us out there understand. You do not have anything to prove, especially to us. Allowing others to help you will deepen the experience and in no way diminishes your accomplishments.
Joshua
-
I'm a polio survivor, since age 4. I'll be 63 next month. I have about one fourth of normal leg muscles, and use two walking sticks (or a walking stick and a bow) to get around while hunting. Good friends help me get ladder stands up, and deer out of the woods. Treasure your friends! I've been hunting for the last two weeks with my best hunting buddies, and we're having a ball! Had a heavy P&Y buck within 15 yards a couple of days ago, but he was moving too fast. Half drew on a nice nine point just before he showed up. The next few days could be great! A cold front, and pre-rut activity. I grunted in the nine.
-
Seems like always somethin'.....I used to be a concrete finisher. I used to hard work and in the heat. If I didn't work, I didn't get paid so I was used to keep going no matter how I felt.
Well back in '87 I started hurtin', a different type of hurt. When I'd say something about it to someone they'd just say something like "what do you expect, you're gettin' old". Well I could tell it wasn't normal but when talked to Docs they acted like I was just tryin' to get out of work. Finally I just couldn't stand it anymore and quit doin' concrete. That gave some relief but it wasn't till one of the Docs sent me to a Rheumatologist that I started gettin' some help.
The Rheumatologist ended up sayin' I had Rheumatard Arthritis. Then she found the Fybromyalgia, along with the Restless Leg Syndrome, then Neuropathy, and Degenerative Bone Disease in my spine. She used to say I had the "Trifecta of Joint Pain". Well with the meds I am able to cope with it all most of the time. When there's a weather change I'm in bad pain. If it's gonna rain, or a cold front goes through or whatever it affects me. Somedays I wake up and just can't stand it, but not that many choices.
I wear Fentanyl patches, synthetic morphine, and change them every 3 days. Plus I take pain pills too, just to try and take the "edge off" the pain when it gets alot worst. At first they didn't want me to take all the drugs I'm on cause I'd get hooked on them. Well they can't do anything to stop the pain, or the diseases so I said who cares, finally they agreed. I've been in pain most of the time since '87. That's 24 yrs. now and pain really wears your body down after a few years.
Between the pain, and the side effects from the drugs I end up doin' very little of anything. The patches I wear are heat activated, by that I mean the hotter I get, or the patch gets, the more morphine it kicks out. That helps on the pain, but before ya know it you're kinda buzzin'. Enough that I no longer can ride my motorcycle safely, or even just wear warm clothing that I can't take off or open my shirt up to cool my patch down. I'm like a old lady now and get these heat rushes which makes the patch kick in, which means the morphine will end up makin' me nod out for an hour or two. Like it or not.......Plus that morpine messes with me. like my memory, and just ramblin' on like I just noticed I'm doin'. Sorry for ramblin'. I'll quit. Things could be alot worst, except for the times the pain is so bad I'm ready to give up. Then I just take more drugs till they knock me out and try it all again when I wake up. It's hell, but what are the choices? Tomorrow I go in for more shots in my back for that nerve pain. It's just a vicous cycle. What's so depressing is that they don't even try to say they can cure any of it. They just say deal with it.....and here's more drugs.
-
Everyone that has shared so far in this thread, is an inspiration to those of us who do not struggle with a disability. My hat is off to those of you that have shared in this post and I hope that you can all find a way to enjoy this sport that we all love! :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
-
joekeith reading your story is exactly the shape I am in. I just take one day at a time. I pay for it when I push a hard hunt. It used to bother me cause I was a workaholic for 30 years but I have learned to accecpt it and do the best I can and try and enjoy life. We are not drug addicted we are drug dependent. Its a big difference. I have an epidural in my back sceduled in two weeks. I also get a nerve burn or RFL 3 times a year. GOD bless you all...Dave
-
Keefer, what you are describing is how mine started. I hope you do not have what I do for your sake. After a year of trying rehab, and doing the pillow thing you are talking about, they decided to do the injections. And by the way, I fell completely each time they put me on the pillow, could not walk a straight line, could not stand up with my eyes closed and hand straight out in front of me. I know the feeling. Now, all I have is my right side to read all my balance, and it is not easy. I hope and pray they do not find this with you. And to share how bad this is, I applied or was told to for SS disability last year in June, was approved in September without any questions and never seen one of the SS doctors. That just shows how bad this stuff is, if SS will give you money with no questions ask. Hang in there brother, and if you ever want to talk or ask question, please get in touch with me.
-
PCBA ! They have so much to offer to the Physically Challenged Bowhunter !
http://www.pcba-inc.org/
-
All I can say is WOW!
I will never again bitch about the coyote that runs off the deer, the rain that catches me without my coat, the kid on the four wheeler, the wind that switches direction, the arrow I dropped or the cows that just won't leave because it IS NOT bad luck or a serious problem.
I applaud you guys with real issues and your drive to overcome not just in our chosen sport but in everyday life.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
-
This may not qualify as a disability, but I became a severe diabetic out of the blue 2 years ago. Insulin, an emergency sugar source, and a cell phone are now my lifelines when I am in the woods!
It affects my shooting and my independence.
But I'm still going hunting!
Archie
-
I had chronic shoulder dislocations for ten years and could not draw a bow. Through physical therapy and maintaining a strength training routine I am able to shoot again.
Now, however, I have developed a rare condition known as mastrocating vascular disease. My body doesnt retain any sodium, which is needed to constrict veins and keep the blood in my head and feeding oxygen to my brain. Certain things can set me off and make me woozy and sometimes I faint and lose consciousness and wake up in weird places. Heights is one of those things. It would be pretty bad to faint in a tree stand so needless to say, I hunt from the ground, and I have a heck of a good time with it. God Bless.
-
Im really proud of everyone of you! I just told my wife I need to read this thread everytime i get down about somthing stupid. Thanks to all of you.
-
Kentucky TJ, you said it all. We that have no serious health issues should never complain. These folks are an inspiration. I have a good friend, John Rook, from Ohio that has killed more big game animals with stickbows than most of us and John is totally blind. He and others that have severe problems and continue hunting and shooting should be applauded.
-
Oh boy, don't know how to respond since some people I know read this. Broken neck in 1980, cervical spine fusions in 96 and 99 then found out I had rheumatoid arthritis several years ago. I take monthly infusions and painkillers, but I still get out in the woods and even go up in trees still. I have a hard time with the recurve but do a league each year and want to do more hunting with it if I can get good enough to feel confident. My best bet is to go out in the morning, skip the evening, and try not to hunt two days in a row. People ask how I deal being in pain all the time and I say give me a choice. Some of the most fun I get is indoors in the off season shooting targets, having a beer and shooting the **** with the guys in a mixed league where anybody can shoot any style they like so long as it is a hunting rig and not a target bow.
Just getting out there is an accomplishment for me and the fall woods here always lift my spirits.
Maybe someday I will be able to practice enough to get better, but untill then I'll have fun working on it.
-
I have a good friend who doesn't come on here, but he is a trad shooter.
6 years ago he was hit head on in his pickup truck. Both ankles were crushed, onbe arm broken and I don't remember all the other injuries. His good ankle ended up with 19 pins and screws in it. They kept him in a drug induced coma at the hospital for 3 weeks to allow his body to heal somewhat. He just kept working at it and now gets around pretty well but uses a golf cart for any long walks.
He is now building bows part time for friends, helps out at our organization when we do kid events and he went bear hunting for the first time this fall.
Your mind is the strongest weapon you have when you can remain positive.
-
10 years ago I was injured at work, had both legs crushed from my femur to mid tibia and fibula. A 6800lb object fell on me and trapped me for over an hour. Had both tibia plateaus pulverized so much so that prosthetics were not possible at the time. Plan was to rebuild and later replace. Spent 11 weeks with external fixators (brutal) from my hips to my ankles, a year in a wheel chair and seven months learning how to walk. The first bow season after I began to learn to walk I figured out I could shoot off of my four wheeler and reluctantly convinced my wife I would be ok close to the house. With in two weeks my best friend received 2 phone calls after work where he had to come drag out 2 deer for me. All the time I had spent before getting as high in a tree as I could or selecting the perfect camouflage and now I had taken 2 deer from less than 20 yards setting on my four wheeler. The next year after I was told crutches or a walker was the best I could ever expect, I harvested both my deer and drug them out myself. Since then I have had one knee replaced chipped it in a fall on some cypress knees which caused it to lock up. But I am still walking on the other which was never meant to be walked on. Every year I walk a little better a little further, the pain has also increased but as I learn to depend more than ever On Christ for my wholeness I still take nothing more than over the counter pain killers (asprin). My doctor told me two years ago that he was done with me, from his personal expert opinion I should not be walking now and when my current physician (Christ) decided I needed his talent again he would be there but for now my progress was beyond his comprehension or explanation.
I have found I cant do everything like every one else does, but I can do everything I want, I just do it a little different. In the midst of a life altering accident I found the abundant life I have always wanted. Bow hunting is more than a passion it is part of who I am. A bow is more than a weapon it is a piece of art I created that is as much a part of me as my arm. My goldwing is more than a form of transportation it is a journey to reveal Gods great wonders. My wife is more than my partner she is the completing part of me.
I lost a piece of me but what I lost was only what was holding me back.
-
Just reading some of these post, gives me even more determination to be able to do things again. I am pleased to read about all the things that each of you have accomplished and wish you well in all your adventures. For me, it is rebuilding not only my body to adjust, but my mind to settle in and not give in to this dreadful problem. I again, applaud each of your for your wisdom, your strength, and you attitude to continue. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
-
This thread becomes better and better each day! Head off to you all!
-
It makes you wonder how some people get by every day with what ails them. No matter how bad you are/feel their are others who are a lot worst off and don't complain. Good for them.
-
I have been hunting with a bad back and arthritis for years and this year I have added a ruptured disc and dislocated ribs to the mix. I am avoiding surgery by using an inversion tables and seeing a good chiropractor, I am feeling quite a bit better than a couple of months back. I cannot hike like I used to and a comfortable chair is essential. I still cover more ground and get farther back than most of the tree sitting compounds kids do. i have passed on taking shots at a good ten pointer twice this year, slowing down has a way of giving me more opportunities, but I need to also take extra planning to take advantage of those chances. The next time the big boy comes around I am going to shoot, I have hunted enough for deer this year, it is time to chase the turkeys.