2nd back surgery ....how long must I wait?

[BigJohn]

I just had my 2nd back surgery in 2 1/2 years. lower back disc L51 . They shaved the disc to relieve a pinched nerve. Now I'm wondering how long  it will be before I can shoot again? Is anyone familar with this. I shoot nearly every day and would appreciate any advise on this. By the way i shoot 62# @ 31".

Thanks BigJohn

[Dave Earley]

Hey John - hope it works out well for you.  As a back surgery survivor myself, the doc told me bow wieght was to be treated like the lifting restrictions.  Thus, after surgery with a 15 lb wieght limitation, I did not shoot at all.  When it got raised to 30 lb 6 weeks later, I shot my daughters recurve.  Good luck !

[cyred4d]

Recover soon. I would say wait till your doctor says it is ok to start again. That is what you are paying him for.

[Easykeeper]

I had a couple of herniated discs repaired a few years ago and was told to leave the bows alone for quite a while.  The instruction from the surgeon seemed a little excessive (proud of my athleticism at the time), but the surgery was harder to recover from than I expected.  I started shooting sooner than recommended, but I was very careful and didn't do anything that caused pain.  I had the incentive that hunting season was right around the corner.  Did a little hunting that fall, good thing I got skunked, I would have had to find help to do any dragging.  

It was still several weeks after the surgery though.  It's surprising, and a bit humbling to find out how a surgery like that can knock a pretty athletic person on their butt.  Bottom line is it's only a short time, focus on a good recovery.  It's possible to do yourself harm and getting back in the game too soon can compromise the surgeons work.  Good luck in your recovery.

[charlie phillips]

I feel for you I have back problems.NEVER HAD SURGERY.


   HOPE YOU DO WELL TXCP.

[Terry Green]

This question is best asked to your doctor.