Fighting Father Time

[Mike Bolin]

Not too long ago I posted that due to a good report from my (family) doctor, I had located (and purchased) my old Widow PLIII. Shot it all 3D season and hunted with it most of this past season. Started having some bow arm shoulder pain during extended shooting sessions, so I switched to my recurve that is 4# lighter. Pain started to increase, so on Monday, I met with the surgeon that did my bilateral knee replacement.

Results of the visit were not what I'd hoped for. To make a long story short, I have no cartilage left, bone on bone. We have discussed replacement and I am sure that it will happen, eventually. The land I hunt is in an invasive species removal program, with 2 years remaining and to meet the stipulations of the program, I still have some work to do. The work isn't particularly stressful on my shoulder, but I need two hands to do the work. The down time from the surgery just wouldn't leave enough time to accomplish the work in time to meet the deadline.

In the meantime, I am sending my takedown back to Widow for a reduction in weight and I borrowed a 40# recurve from a good friend and I can shoot it without any pain. Daily physical therapy and strengthening exercises will be the norm for a while, but they will help prepare me for the replacement. Main thing is doing whatever it takes to stay in the game!

[Wudstix]

Mike;


Listen to the Dr. and don't push it.  As long as the damage can be repaired, go for it.
 

[Deno]

Agree with Wudstix.  All the best Mike

[Roy from Pa]

Wishing you the best, Mike...

[Ronnie Newell]

In the same boat as you Mike. Physical therapy and strength training just 3 days a week has saved the day for me.

[larry f]

Hi Mike... I had both of my knees replaced, one I had done a while ago and the other one three years ago. The more recent one was almost pain free compared to the   one I had done 10 years ago. The recovery wasn't that bad and most of my PT was done before the surgery. I am the same age as you and hey as long as they can fix us we are lucky.

[cacciatore]

Good luck Mike keep us posted   

[Bisch]

Getting old ain’t for the faint of heart!!!!!!!

I can tell that someday I won’t be able to do this effectively anymore, and I’ll bet money I turn into one grumpy SOB if/when that day comes!!!! 

Mike, I hope you get it all back to good again as soon as possible!!!

Bisch

[Wudstix]

Mike;

Next time I'm in TH we'll have coffee again, and maybe shoot bow some.
 

[smokin joe]

Mike---- Do not worry too much. I have had both shoulders replaced. It is not a "piece of cake" but if you do the rehab and then concentrate on strength training, you will be fine. I can comfortably shoot a 50 pound bow now, but I limit myself to 45 pounds most of the time just to be safe. My point of view was this: The sooner I got the replacement done and over with, the sooner I could start rehab and get back to a better life. It worked for me.

[Mike Bolin]

Thanks to all for the replies and encouragement!

smokin joe-if I didn't have commitments that I need to meet, I'd have the surgery scheduled already. I take care of a property for my brother-in-law and in turn I pretty much have the run of the place during the hunting seasons. The property is enrolled in an invasives removal program, and I've spent the last 3 winters removing Asian Bush Honeysuckle. The work isn't that hard on my shoulder, but I definitely need two hands to get it done.

[Wheels2]

See if you can get some help for the property, but get the shoulder done.

[woodchucker]

I bought new limbs for my Bear T/Ds a couple years ago... Going from 52# down to 42#

Hopefully, dropping 10# will keep me in the game for a while...?? 

[electricstart]

Father time gets us all eventually . Good Luck

[huntingcop]

Hang in there and hopefully they can get you fixed up and back to shooting. Prayers for you if you do have surgery!