long guns after surgery

[longwalker]

About 4 weeks ago I had bypass surgery. The good news is I am movin, and groovin. My question is, has anyone here had this procedure and if so when did you return to shooting long guns?

When I ask the doctors and nurses they look at me like I've got three heads. You want to do what? Then I get this long explanation about healing and 12 months and and and.

Others I have asked are all twenty five years older than I am and don't hunt much anymore.

longwalker

[Dave in WV]

I can't answer your question but I hope you mend fully and as quickly as possible. One thing I can suggest is reduced recoil ammo may be of help to you for this season. Hodgdon has data and Remington and Federal have reduced recoil ammo. Get well soon. Dave

[jgalar]

Sorry to hear about the surgery, glad to hear you are up and about again. I can't answer your medical question, but maybe for awhile you should stick with rimfires.

[pinduck]

I had a quadruple bypass and carotid operation a year ago last Sept and my Doctor recommended I wait a year before shooting any heavy recoiling firearm, so I went out and bought me a nice 28 gauge English Double to hunt with and have no problem shooting it. I would recommended you check with the Surgeon that did the procedure. Never miss an opportunity to buy another gun. :grin:

[longwinters]

Maybe you could by a Thompson Center pistol and hunt that way.

Long

[jhm]

Longwalker:  Last Oct. I had a quad. 2 wks. later I was slightly pulling on my bow just a little preasure nothing like really drawing it, in Dec. went on a cruise with all the activities no problem, this spring worked with a friends son on a school science project he wanted to do on bullet BC 270 vs 30-06 150 gr. loads at 2800 fps and was shooting 2 identical rifles ruger old model 77s no problem, have been shooting since abt. 5mo. after sur. however I will say this do as your Dr. says as he is the only one who can tell you what he had to go thru during the opperation, their may have been some complication he had to overcome with your case, I was lucky as I had the BEST surgion (my oppinion of course) There was no pain, after and I mean none, it was a lot less tramadic than some of the other things I have bn thru.  Good luck on your recovery and talk to your Dr. after all thats what you paid him for also.    JIM

[McLernon]

I had quadruple by-pass surgery 2 years ago this month. I had allot of pain for five weeks and had some complications too so I wasn't keen about doing anything for about 6 months or more. The sternum takes 6 weeks to knit but for full healing and strength I was told it takes a full 18 months. Even then you may still feel some strange sensations. I wouldn't be shooting anything with any recoil until at least one year if I were you. You've been thru quite a big operation so it's best to play it safe as you wouldn't want to go thru it again.

Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

McL

[bbstacker]

August 25, 2004, I had a triple by-pass. I went deer hunting the following November used a 280 Remington in a Model 70 Fwt. I could shoot OK but I would not have tried to pick up a deer if I had shot one. Went back to work full duty the first of the year. Rehab people told me also it could take up to a year to completely heal. I think I have done well, but do as your doc says and definately don't over do it. I was only 45 when I had mine a good bit younger than most. Good luck. Bob

[crazyhorse]

i was wondering the same thing i just had surgery bout a month ago on my left shoulder.
here is the kicker im right handed but i shoot better left handed because of left eye dominance  im wondering would i be ok to shoot rimfire rifles on not.

[jhm]

Crazyhourse :  Again it would best to check with your Dr. since the rimfires dont have any recoil I dont believe the problem would come from there but from the lifting of the weight and the positioning of the rifle for the actual shot, good luck and go slow and enjoy the fact that you will be able to shoot again.    JIM

[ca dunn]

Im glad your doing ok and still have the need for the shooting sports. I had shoulder surgery a few years ago just before hunting season.  I went to the range with my 7mag while the stitches were still in .  With my recoil pad I still did damage and had to have another repair.  Cost me the hunting season and more Dr. bills not to mention the pain and suffering.  Not one of the more brilliant moments in my life. I would start with the smaller calibers for sure!  GOOD LUCK!

chris

[rockbilly]

I had a triple by-pass 14 years ago on 6 July.  Early September I was dove hunting with a 12 gauge, November I was deer hunting.  I just had a major surgery on 8 June, by-pass was a walk in the park compared to this one, I went back to work Monday,  I have been mowing the yard etc. for about three weeks now.

From my experience, the key to recovery is following the doc's orders, walking, getting yourself back in shape, and staying that way.  I don't need to tell you this, but get off the smokes AND STAY OFF.  According to what I have read/heard, the average person will require surgery again with-in 6-7 years because they don't change their habits.

If you want to read a good book about your experience pick up a copy of the book "They Ripped That Sucker Out and Stomped it Flat" by Lewis Gizzard.  You can relate to the book after surgery and will get a good laugh out of it.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

[crazyhorse]

Crazyhourse :  Again it would best to check with your Dr. since the rimfires dont have any recoil I dont believe the problem would come from there but from the lifting of the weight and the positioning of the rifle for the actual shot, good luck and go slow and enjoy the fact that you will be able to shoot again.    JIM

i see him the 24th of this month so i will ask if not i know how to wait lol

i plan on getting me a good red dot sight so i can go back to shooting right handed

which is better for red dots anyway
bushnell or aimpoint

for rimfire and .223 and .243

i know i am not going hunting this season but i make up for it next season.

[Buckfever]

I got a .17HMR in a Savage and put a Bushnell Legend $100.00 scope on it.   Got a gravel pit 1 mile from the cabin.  I credit this with getting my rifle shooting up a notch.  It has a pretty flat and accurate trajectory.  There is no recoil so this may work well to keep you in the game and you will even shoot better next year.  Also works great on Varmints under 200yds.  Go plinking and getem next year.   Buckfever