I can finally shoot again!!

oxnam · June 18, 2012, 02:16:00 PM

For over four months, I have been unable to draw my traditional bows. I jammed my finger playing basketball and the pain would not go away. So over the past several months I would occasionally pick up one of my bows and slowly start to draw. When the pain started, I let down and put the bow away.

To my surprise today, I kept pulling further and further back until I hit may anchor without any pain! I CAN SHOOT AGAIN! My knuckle is still a little tender but there was no pain. I immediately grabbed an extra bow and ran outside. I didn't want to push my luck so I started out with a light 35# Martin Rebel and set aside my 65# Centaur Chimera.

It felt so good to be shooting again. After about fifty shots, I decided to give the Centaur a try. In comparison to the Rebel, the Centaur is significantly heavier but it didn't cause any discomfort. It felt great to really sink the arrows into the target with the heavier bow. I alternated between bows until I was feeling a little fatigued and decided to call it a night. I had kept everything under twenty yards but when I was heading back to the house, the thirty yard mark just wouldn't let me pass without a few more shots. I didn't mind ending the evening on these last few shots. They were a little low but I was happy with overall group considering my lengthy downtime and the thirty yard shots. I can't wait to get back into the swing of things.

Brad Arnett · June 18, 2012, 02:25:00 PM

Nice! I had to take time off shooting here awhile back due to elbow issues. I know exactly what you're feeling cause it sure felt good when i was able to shoot again.

ChrisM · June 18, 2012, 02:51:00 PM

Did almost the same thing on my bow hand a few years ago. It sucks!! Glad to see you are at it again. Now you will have to get back to arial targets.

threeunder · June 18, 2012, 05:20:00 PM

I was out almost 14 months with a shoulder issue. You're right . Just great to be back to shooting.
Ken

oxnam · June 18, 2012, 07:42:00 PM

I don't know how you guys cope with the long term injuries. At least with finger injuries, there is the option of releases and bows with training wheels, not so lucky when it's a bum shoulder.

Richie · June 18, 2012, 08:40:00 PM

Glad to hear you are shooting again. I dont know what I would if I was unable to shoot.

YORNOC · June 18, 2012, 08:50:00 PM

I'm into my 7th month being injured. No shooting yet.
Great to hear someone is at the end of this miserable tunnel. I'm comin'!

rastaman · June 18, 2012, 09:25:00 PM

That's a good feeling being able to shoot again..
Good luck to you also David in your recovery!

Cwilder · June 18, 2012, 09:37:00 PM

I went through the same thing but only for about 2 months. It was killing me not being able to shoot.

iohkus · June 18, 2012, 09:41:00 PM

Wish I could shoot THAT well at 30 yds. with two good hands! Congratulations.

Cyclic-Rivers · June 18, 2012, 10:20:00 PM

I couldn't imagine not being able to shoot. Glad you can shoot again

JamesKerr · June 18, 2012, 10:40:00 PM

Glad you can shoot again. It looks like the time off hasn't affected your accuracy much.

WRV · June 19, 2012, 10:12:00 AM

Glad you are shooting again!

oxnam · June 19, 2012, 03:18:00 PM

Thanks everyone, David, how in the world are you coping? Is it a hand injury or something else? I tried a caliper release but it was very awkward for me. Good luck on your recovery David and anyone dealing with frustrating ailments.

YORNOC · June 19, 2012, 05:03:00 PM

Heh, started off...two herniated disks. Then pneumonia. Back started getting better, wham. Torn rotator cuff. This is all really freaking me out.
But whatever, I'm not dead or dying.
Just glad to hear you've healed up, I'm following you!

oxnam · June 20, 2012, 02:38:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by YORNOC:
Heh, started off...two herniated disks. Then pneumonia. Back started getting better, wham. Torn rotator cuff. This is all really freaking me out.

HOLY COW

makes me feel a little guilty about a little knuckle pain. Helps keep things in perspective.

GreyGoose · June 20, 2012, 06:45:00 AM

Congratulations on being back in the saddle!

Ninnescah Hog · June 20, 2012, 07:19:00 AM

I feel your pain. I ran a knife through my hand last week. Surgeon said I will be on the shelf for at least another 6 weeks. I have used the time to build a bunch of new arrows though.

reddogge · June 20, 2012, 12:09:00 PM

Not to whine but I took a bad fall Saturday and am having an MRI today on my right elbow. Probably tore something so I'll be out for a few months. Been down this road before.

Glad your finger is better though. You did right by not pushing it.

straitera · June 20, 2012, 02:07:00 PM

Good stuff Derrick. Much is fear of reinjury for awhile anyway. Welcome back!