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Feb 7th, 2025
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 Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
#420467
09/02/08 11:38 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
Hey fellas. Its been a longtime since I posted on this site, but a few of you I got to know fairly well and even did some business with a few more. Well, 8/14/08 I had a spinal fusion of my T2 through L2 vertebrae. Needless to say I am so dang sore and my muscles just don't know which way to flex. Before this surgery, (which was inevitable) I could bow hunt, with tremendous pain might I add, but is there a bow hunting life after all this? If any of y'all know of anyone that has been down this road with a similar surgery/injury, please let me know. Thanks a lot 
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420468
09/03/08 12:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
Glad to see you back on here, wondered what had happened to you.
Sorry to hear of your problem, hopefully someone will be able to give you some useable info about your dilema.
Your other option, and even though TP&W does not make allowances for it for Archery season, might be takinfg up the crossbow.
I know that would not be the same, maybe since they have done away with the minimum pull weight on the bows you can work something out with a lighter bow.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#420469
09/03/08 01:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,282
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,282 |
The stronger you build those muscles the less pain you will have. Mom has had two back surgeries one fusion and the other redoing the fusion. Take your time and build up those muscles and you will be bowhunting again in no time.
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#420470
09/03/08 05:55 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,558
BowHuntinTX
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,558 |
I had anterior spinal fusion (due to severe scoliosis) back in 2000. They put in two titanium rods. It took me about 9-10 months before I could start pulling my bow back, and that was with the weight dropped from 70 lbs to 45 lbs and slowly worked my way back up...
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: BowHuntinTX]
#420471
09/03/08 06:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,558
BowHuntinTX
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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but by the way, the doctor recommended waiting 12 months, but i couldn't take it any more... I had to start working on it...
Another option is to get a draw-lock installed on your bow until you are able to pull it back yourself... I definitely considered it, but didn't get to hunt that year anyways...
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: BowHuntinTX]
#420472
09/03/08 08:34 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,840
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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Posts: 110,840 |
Quote:
but by the way, the doctor recommended waiting 12 months, but i couldn't take it any more... I had to start working on it...
Another option is to get a draw-lock installed on your bow until you are able to pull it back yourself... I definitely considered it, but didn't get to hunt that year anyways...
This I don't agree with, I have had several back surgeries, do what the Doctor says. Never jump the gun and try to get ahead on the rehab. One thing I found out if you screw up while the spine is trying to get back in shape you can prolong recovery or even get to see the surgeon when he gets to do it again.
Treat the physical therapist like they own you. They are the ones that know what your capabilities are and how to increase them. If you think they are total masochistic butt holes then they are doing a good job. I used to cuss my therapist under my breath as she made me do more and more, Now I thank her for getting me far enough along that I no longer need the wheelchair. I called her my personal Drill Sargent, she thought it was funny, but I was ready to almost kill her.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2018/09/full-3152-162968-charge_air_assault.jpg)
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#420473
09/03/08 09:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,558
BowHuntinTX
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,558 |
Quote:
Quote:
but by the way, the doctor recommended waiting 12 months, but i couldn't take it any more... I had to start working on it...
Another option is to get a draw-lock installed on your bow until you are able to pull it back yourself... I definitely considered it, but didn't get to hunt that year anyways...
This I don't agree with, I have had several back surgeries, do what the Doctor says. Never jump the gun and try to get ahead on the rehab. One thing I found out if you screw up while the spine is trying to get back in shape you can prolong recovery or even get to see the surgeon when he gets to do it again.
Treat the physical therapist like they own you. They are the ones that know what your capabilities are and how to increase them. If you think they are total masochistic butt holes then they are doing a good job. I used to cuss my therapist under my breath as she made me do more and more, Now I thank her for getting me far enough along that I no longer need the wheelchair. I called her my personal Drill Sargent, she thought it was funny, but I was ready to almost kill her.
NO, I was not in any way trying to tell him to go against what your doctors tell you. I was a dumb 18 year old kid, and I thank God everyday that I didn't do something during my recovery to injure my back... Do exactly as your doctor and physical therapist tell you.
I was simply trying to tell him that there is a bowhunting life after spinal fusion. Keep your head up and you will be back at it in no time...
![[Linked Image]](http://www.allseasonssports.net/picts/logos/archery/mathews.gif)
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#420474
09/04/08 05:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,631
sig226fan (Rguns.com)
duck & cover
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duck & cover
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,631 |
Quote:
...and even though TP&W does not make allowances for it for Archery season, might be takinfg up the crossbow.
......
Hey CH is this new? I know my father in law had a letter from a doctor after his shoulder reconstruction and got a letter from TPWD that allowed him to use a crossbow. I think he had to get the letter every year, but there was a way.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: sig226fan (Rguns.com)]
#420475
09/04/08 10:58 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
thanks for the encouragement. My doctor said he could give me a letter for a crossbow since I can't use my shoulder or back muscles to pull the bow.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: sig226fan (Rguns.com)]
#420476
09/05/08 12:06 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474
Crazyhorse
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,474 |
No, I was just going with the wording in the Outdoor Annual about an upper limb disability.
If a person can get a Drs. statement on either a shoulder or a back injury, then by all means do so.
Even then, it will or could come down to a case of the written word of the law versus the intent of the law. JMO.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: Crazyhorse]
#420477
09/05/08 01:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,075
dav42070
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,075 |
With proper therapy and the right frame of mind you should be ok. I had my neck fused in 93'94 at c2-c3 that has given me problems shooting a bow. Had L-1 L-2 fused 2 years ago, I think anyfusion in the upper part of your body my make you have to re position the way you draw a bow.Being healthy and exercising is going to be the main thing you should concentrsate on. Good luck with your recovery. Darren
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: dav42070]
#420478
09/05/08 10:51 AM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420479
09/05/08 02:19 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,049
bayourat
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I have 2 fusions and a total disc replacement. Have fusions at C 1-2 and had to have a total disc replacement with a cage at C 5-6 along with a fusion. Had an MRI wednesday that showed C 3-4 is herniated also. Anytime you have spinal surgery of anykind its a year before the nerves regenerate themselves and you feel as normal as your ever gonna feel. Its a change of life surgery, it makes you leran to slow down and realize what even the simpleist of task you took for granted. Like Marvin said take your doctors advice don't be hard headed, theres life on the other side of this its different but it beats the alternative. Good Luck Bro.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: bayourat]
#420480
09/05/08 06:53 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420481
09/06/08 02:04 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,840
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,840 |
Positive attitude works better than a negative outlook. Feeling sorry for yourself is a waste of time and causes pain for everyone that is close to you. Like I said in the earlier post, follow the Doctors and the physical therapist's orders to the letter. If they tell you not to pick up anything over a pound, you better not.
Screw up and you will pay for it for the rest of your life. I was told I would never walk again, I now have to use a cane for short trips and walker for the long hauls, but it beats the wheelchair.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#420482
09/06/08 12:04 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420483
09/10/08 01:10 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,710
Nathan at Fork
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,710 |
It does not help when you are hard headed...like me. I was one of those who tried to do a bit more than what I was told to do. It just gets so frustrating not being able to do anything and the pain and soreness get so old. I wish someone had slapped me though as I am worse off now than before surgery. Follow Dr and PT instructions to a T. A swiveling hunting chair or seat will be very useful to you to help with loss of flexation in your back. Good luck with your recovery and hang in there.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: Nathan at Fork]
#420484
09/10/08 04:23 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410
father of 4
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410 |
I had a 360 fusion (they went all the way thru me) of my L4/L5, L5/S1 discs and now have metal plates, lots of screws and wire mesh. I still hunt and love it. Dont like to get too cold because of the metal so I take coleman heaters
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: father of 4]
#420485
09/10/08 08:38 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
Nathan; I needed that brother. I am that "hardheaded" guy you speak of. It just sucks feeling like you can't even help the wife with 3 kids and getting groceries.
FO4, I was lucky that they didn't have to go through my chest. I feel for ya buddy and thank you for the encouragement.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420486
09/10/08 11:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410
father of 4
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410 |
gmherps I also had 3 kids at home when I had it done. Still have 2 home. I am just 38 now and the VA made me 100% Service Connected Disabled. I told them I was going to do what I wanted. They did make me quit my job at the Prison though
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420487
09/11/08 05:36 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,251
cibolo
Veteran Tracker
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i'm in the same boat right now. i'm actually going to meet with another ortho next week for another opinion. i've been reading this post every time there is a new response. this has been very helpfull. i know how it fills not being able to help with grocery's,or being able to do anything for that matter,my biggest deal is not knowing when the killer pains are going to hit,and of course the constant pains that go along with it. i don't have children yet,but i can only imagine. the surgeon i'm going to right now recomends surgery in my neck for the c5-c6. but there are seven more and my thorasic one i ain't sure about them taking out a rib to get to to the disc's they need to. when they start putting those word's out there like paralysis and such it does get a little stressfull to say the least. good luck with yours and just don't let it get to you.
what are they telling you as far as avg. rehab time for yours?
"Error of Opinion may be tolerated where Reason is left free to combat it." - Thomas Jefferson
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: cibolo]
#420488
09/11/08 12:04 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
he said about 1 year until a full recovery is achieved.
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420489
09/11/08 12:05 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320
gmherps
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 320 |
father,
i work for va and have NEVER ever heard of va "making" someone quit their job. are you IU or straight up 100%?
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: gmherps]
#420490
09/11/08 01:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410
father of 4
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410 |
I have other problems gmherps. Had 500 lbs of pipe dropped on me and it messed up a lot of things. Spent a while in the hospital
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Re: Spinal fusion-Is there hunting after this?
[Re: father of 4]
#420491
09/12/08 05:06 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9,051
MaggieMTx
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 9,051 |
I've been with b-rat for the surgery that replaced the disk. It was some tough stuff to see him like that after surgery. What bothered me was they went thru the FRONT of his neck to replace the disk w/ a titanium spring thingy. I stayed in the hospital with him the entire time.
When our now 5 yr old was just a baby, my oldest daughter was playing & jumped oh my back & herniated 2 disks in my lower back. This was before b-rat had his neck done. Now after seeing what he has gone thru with his neck, I am EXTREMELY appreciative that my back healed itself. I have minor pain here & there but nothing a tylenol cant help. Granted that the surgery b-rat had (in my eyes) was extreme, Im glad he didnt let it get him down & stop him from still going on with life.
Keep your head up, it WILL get better, be determined to get better/stronger but DONT mess it up & take it in stride. It takes time but it will be ok. As you see, your not alone & just keep POSITIVE!
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