Shooting after Neck Surgery

AR RidgeRunner · February 28, 2019, 01:47:35 PM

Just found out today I'm probably going to need neck surgery, problems with C6/C7. Just curious if anyone out there has had this type surgery, fusion, and and are still shooting. Doctor said it shouldn't be a problem after recovery, just hoping to hear from someone who's been there and done that.

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smokin joe · February 28, 2019, 02:19:44 PM

I have had several vertebrae in my neck fused together. It won't be a problem, but be patient and let your neck heal completely before you shoot. Then start back with a ridiculously light bow and work your way up slowly. You will be fine if you are patient.

AR RidgeRunner · February 28, 2019, 02:26:15 PM

Thanks, sounds like good advice

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Tedd · February 28, 2019, 03:00:31 PM

C4-C5 fusion here.
You'll be so glad you had it done. As far as recovery, that depends on how long you put up with it before having an operation. Before surgery buy an new bow with several sets of limbs to work back up.
In my case I let it go too long and lost almost all strength in my bow arm. I couldn't push a 35lb bow. The day I decided I needed surgery I could not brush my teeth with that arm. After surgery the pain was immediately gone. After 7 years it was amazing to feel so good.
The nerve healing took a while and starts from the fingers and moves upward over a period of months. It's quite a sensation! A lot of muscle tremors and sometimes I would get a bicep cramp. After a year, I felt ok but still had no strength in my left arm. So I started going to the gym.
My left arm was 1 1/2" smaller in diameter than the right. That was about 10 years ago. I now use a 61lb@30 bow. I lift every other day and never skip and usually can lift the same with both arms. My wife says she can still tell my left arm is smaller. All I see is a little void in the middle of the left bicep where some nerve connection never got healed.
The only remaining side effect is I can not stand hand shock, I shoot heavy arrows and a high wrist. If I try to shoot with the heel down or shoot a selfbow of D style bow, the shock will just about nock me senseless.
Good luck! You'll be fine. And you'll be able to shoot in 8-10 weeks.
Tedd

fisherick · February 28, 2019, 04:26:03 PM

ACDF surgery (fusion) on C3-4 in May 2017, by September I was on an elk hunt shooting my 55# bow. Before surgery both hands and arms were numb, weak, neck pain and balance issues. Started comeback with a 39# bow. Glad I did it.

May need fusion surgery on L3,4&5 in the near future.

AR RidgeRunner · February 28, 2019, 04:59:31 PM

Thanks guys, I'm feeling better already. It'll definitely be nice to be rid of the pain.

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Charlie Lamb · February 28, 2019, 06:36:20 PM

Broke my neck in an auto accident 40 years ago. Had fusion on C3-4-5 prognosis for ever shooting again was bleek. Basically had to learn to shoot again and started over with a 25# bow.
Within months of being cleared I was shooting 60#. I would never again be able to handle 80# like I had been but made it back up to 70. Killed my first antelope while still wearing a soft collar...I took it off. You'll be fine.

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Friend · February 28, 2019, 08:17:26 PM

Ken...Hoping and praying that you have most successful surgery and a brief recovery.

GCook · February 28, 2019, 10:47:44 PM

It was suggested for me but I just couldn't do it as young as I am with the research I've done. I got a third opinion and the surgeon sent me for injections that weren't a cure but improved things. I rely on meds and regular chiropractic manipulation to manage the symptoms.

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Wind D Ranch · March 01, 2019, 07:39:11 AM

Cervical fusion, rotator cuff x2, carpal tunnel x2. I've rebounded from it all and you can too. Follow doctor's orders and do your physical therapy properly. Surgical procedures are much less invasive then they were in the good ol' days.

Praying for you. Keep us updated on your progress.

wingnut · March 01, 2019, 11:43:54 AM

Had 3 fused and was back shooting light weight in 6 months. Went moose hunting at 8 months. Dr. put me on a max weight lifting and shooting at 50# the rest of my life but it's been good. Especially when you have a moose on the ground and someone grabs an 80# bag of meat to put in your pack. Dr.s orders 50 # max. LOL

bloodtrailin · March 01, 2019, 02:46:29 PM

AR you'll do well, just follow your Dr's advise, rehab as directed, and listen to your body. Last August I had a bilevel acdf of C3-C5. After couple months of rehab I was released to start practicing with 44# LB, and almost 3 mos to the day of the surg I had killed couple deer and drug both over 200 yards. Dragging the deer was prob overdoing it a little but....my neck was stiff and sore for several days afterwards. It scared me a bit. But all was good. My doc released me to practice and hunt but to be careful not to have any falls or any blunt force to the neck, of course. And yes as already said absence of pain is really nice. Now at little over 6 months still have "rebooting" of the nerves in the arm but that is to be expected. GOOD LUCK!

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Doug S · March 01, 2019, 04:45:50 PM

I read a book called "Miraculous results with high doses of Vitamin D3" Worked Great for me. I highly recommend it.

AR RidgeRunner · March 01, 2019, 08:12:04 PM

Thanks for all the responses guys. Great to hear all the success stories.
Gettin old ain't for sissies!

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Shooting after Neck Surgery

GCook