Longbows & Pacemakers?

[highnoonhunter]

Hi everyone.
I hope this is an appropriate post. It ultimately has everything to do about hunting for me.
I've had trouble for several years now being short of breath, but I've been really sick for a couple weeks now and couldn't figure out what was wrong.
I finally had to go to the ER and they transported me to a bigger hospital, and they found that part of my heart wasn't functioning correctly, and my heart rate was staying between 35-55 BPM.
No wonder I have been so sleepy!
Anyway, to make a long story short, I had to get a pacemaker to keep my heart rate up.

So I'm wondering today, if I'll be able to shoot my longbows again?

The doctor has me on some serious restrictions for the next 4 weeks. But I forgot to ask him if I would eventually be able to shoot my longbow????

Do any of you have pacemakers and still hunt/shoot traditional bows?

[BWD]

I'd be getting that doctor on the horn for the answer to that question.

[bolong]

I think you will be good to go.

[highnoonhunter]

Originally posted by BWD:
I'd be getting that doctor on the horn for the answer to that question.

Yep BWD, I have an appointment for a checkup next week.

Planning on asking him then. Just wondering if any of ya'll shoot tradbows that have pacemakers?

[cbCrow]

I've been on a pacemaker since 2003. After 6 months of restrictions I asked my cardiologist about shooting my bows and was told to take it easy but it was ok. I've found that I had to drop down in weight to upper 30's to low 40"s but enjoy archery so much that was not a problem. I still hunt but you have to know as Eastwood said your limitations. Wish you the best in everything you attempt.......Crow

[Friend]

"Do any of you have pacemakers and still hunt/shoot traditional bows?"

Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! and thank goodness -Yes!!!!

[OP-archer]

I have had a defibilliator/pacemaker since 1990 and it has not affected my shooting one iota.  I do shoot a lesser weight, but that's because I am a weakling.  You limitations would be in shotgun/long gun shooting (cann't put the butt of the gun against your pacemaker site).  Other than that, you can do alot - you're not disabled because this device; but, lister to your Doctor.

Rick

[DannyBows]

I have no input as to your question, though it sounds like you'll be fine, possibly with some modifications in what you shoot. I just wanted to say I'm glad you were able to get medical attention before anything bad happened to you. It's also great to hear you will be able to continue enjoying Archery. I hate hearing about medical conditions that force people to give-up a much loved activity. I'd be devastated to have to give-up Trad Archery. I'd still hang around the campfire though, too many fine folks here to leave.

Prayers out for a quick recovery. God Bless.

[fz4vgq]

Highnoonhunter, I had a pacemaker implanted 4.5 years ago in Oct. 2006 at the age of 34. I was always active and healthy but heart problems can get anyone. At the time I was scared it would affect all my outdoor hobbies. It hasn't though. Some days while wrestling my young boys I forget about it till they get a little too aggressive  :D   shooting my bow has not been a problem at all.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

defibrillator/pacemaker since 2002. I have had it gone off twice because I pushed Myself, and Once because it needed to be reset.. I'm on My 3rd one since My first in May of 2002. I also have a Mechanical Heart Valve

I still hunt but don't do the long, up - Hill hunts.. Treestands and ground blinds.

[K.S.TRAPPER]

You will be fine just do what the doctors tell you to do and follow your rehab.

I just had open heart a week ago to replace a leaky valve, I hoped for repair but it wasn't possible so they put it a mechanical that should last me the rest of my life.

Planning on hunting Mule deer in Utah this fall and putting some Antelope, Whitetails and turkeys on the ground. I'm 48 and do Triathlons and lots of running so I'm sure it will be a little easier for me but you can do it, Hang in there and let us know what they say.

Tracy  

[kawika b]

Dang Bobby I'm truly sorry to hear this... I'm hoping everything works out for you bro. Get your doc's opinion on it like the others said. I have a friend who have a friend who had to have a ICD implanted... he's in great shape and in his mid 20's so his needing one was a real headscratcher when we found out... guess ailments like these have no prejudice.

This makes me want to go get a check up now... last few doctor visits have shown a drop in heart rate for me too... 50bps and under... used to be in the 80's... an EKG showed nothing to worry about though... my doctor asked me if I worked out a lot... I told him yeah... 3 times a day at breakfast, lunch and dinner... sometimes I'll sneak in a few extra workouts.  :D  

Take care and god bless,
Kawika

[fz4vgq]

Highnoonhunter,  just to add....... the reason for the 4-6 week recovery and not doing anything strenuous is for the lead that gets inserted into one of the walls/chambers of the heart is like an arrow with a barbed head so it stays secured. That lead needs scar tissue to form around it to keep it anchored well and transmit the electrical pulse to efficiently. My doctor told me not to raise my arms above my head for those 6 weeks nor to pickup anything heavier than a half gallon of milk.

Follow your Docs orders precisely for those recovery weeks and you'll be good to go.

[2wfstlhunting]

All correct advise.  Unless there is physical pain in your shoulder and you wait long enough to heal the leads in, it should not prevent you from shooting.  

I hope that this is not bowhunting equivalent of the old joke: A guy went to the doctor with a broken hand and after the doctor set it, the man asked: Doc when it heals will I be able to play the piano? The doctor replied " sure you will".  The man the replied" funny, I couldn't play before".

I do this cardiology stuff for a living, but you guys with the pacemakers are the real authorities.

steve

Steve

[highnoonhunter]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

I would hate to think I would have to quit shooting. It really encourages me to hear that so many of you still shoot after getting one.

I guess I'll find out in a few weeks.