Surgical recovery, shooting and hunting. All experiences welcome

[RickyG]

As mentioned in a separate thread, i am recovering from major shoulder surgery, again.

Not sure if more than a few here are aware but I was injured pretty badly at work. Had a guy strike me with his vehicle while fleeing arrest. Did a number on my spine, just finished my 31st spine procedure 3 weeks ago. Anyhow as a result of the nerve damage sometimes my right leg just quits working and one day it did it coming down the stairs. I am now the proud owner of 2 artificial shoulders both now reversed due to destroying them when i fell. For those not familiar with reversal the ball of your shoulder which in an OEM shoulder is on the humerus, funny cause it's not humorous, and it fits into the shoulder socket. A reversal when needed is done when a shoulder cannot be repaired and then the humerus is cut off and a socket fashioned to attach where the ball was originally and a ball is then attached inside the socket. Photos of my left x ray are below.

Anyhow, lot of pain. Very bad. Hoping against reality to be able to hunt by Oct 26 when my deer tag opens.

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Current right

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[Culpeper]

Dear Lord! That is some major repair work. I don't know how old you are but what does the Doc tell you about the long term?

[MooseNugget]

Goodness gracious brother…you certainly have a story to tell! I know the desire is tremendous but try to get yourself all healed up before you venture into the wilderness hunting. Praying for a speedy recovery RickyG, however, me thinks it’s going to take some time to fully heal.

[butlersrangers]

RickyG - You're on the list .... my Prayer List!
I'm sorry for the pain and suffering you are experiencing.

I suggest you get some 110 grain .30 caliber bullets, intended for the M1 Carbine.
They can be loaded in the .30-40 case with a reduced charge of IMR-4198, to make a mild, but accurate, 'plinking' round.

Your Doctor may give you an earlier 'OK' to shoot a no-recoil load.

(The suggested load is fun at 50-yards, even though, the short cartridge length requires single-loading in the Krag).

[RickyG]

Thanks. If I can talk him into it I may "step down" to my krag carbine. I say step down because here in Arizona you can experience ranges of 0 to + effective range within half a klick and the krag will keep me honest, under 200yds.

Thanks for the prayers. I have to remind myself there are people worse off than me. Have undergone 31 spine procedures, from major surgeries to nerve blocks (anything I am sedated for I count so this doesn't count minor things) both shoulders now reversed, neck fusion c3-c7, fusions S1-L3/L2, spinal neurostimulator implant for pain and so on. My x ray is a myriad of medical technology. Cant do airport scan, mri and such... somerimes pisses tsa off. Have to use a cane when i walk long distance and am getting used to a new hunting life.

Hunting the high desert you want to be prepared. Way different out here. Many times you are far from help so water, 1st aid and, glass and such add weight quickly.

Always someone worse off

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[RickyG]

Just a couple shows difference in ranges here.

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[FredC]

Your story gets worse and worse. On the other thread it was just the shoulder. With the spinal involvement be extra careful. I like Br's suggestion on the reduced load in the 30/40. My dad was a fan of such things with his 1917 Enfield. 20 grains of Unique with a 100 grain plinker or 110 grain round nose with exposed lead. Rifle barely moved when fired.

He and his buddies told stories about having to quarter a large mule deer and pack it out. Got back to the car and the tires were flat and the others in the group had already left. So shooting the rifle without hurting yourself is only part of the preparation.

Be careful, and I wish you well my friend.

[RickyG]

308 is gentle enough it doesn't cause issues. I had to give up 300 due to the extreme recoil. My only thought of using the krag is I generally do not notice recoil from the krag and weight of the rifle. I am confident enough with standard irons out to 500 but generally accept under 200 as effective terminal on an animal for the 30 40. I know it will do it longer I just like to be near sure when hunting as I abhor leaving an injured animal. Past 200 I would likely use one of the peep sight sporters but doubt I would send anything over 300 even then.i don't want to reduce terminal energy when i am hunting animals, if I was just shooting paper, absolutely.

As far as the spine goes. I have had to make modifications on what I carry and such. I used to bedroll hunt a lot given decent weather but the biggest impact now is sleeping on the ground or flat on a mattress. In camp I have moved into using a zero gravity folding chair which works well. Prone sleep makes it very hard on me.

Im not terribly concerned about the injuries beyond getting my shoulder in shape so the dr will let me shoulder my rifle, IE: raise my arm with the weight of a gun in it and carry a pack etc.

I am used to pain. I live at a 7+ pain level and that is life now. I am of the opinion I have two options.... let the pain stop me and I'm done. Or accept it and keep doing the things that make me me albeit at a slower pace.

[butlersrangers]

My suggestion about 'plinking loads' was to keep you amused and to exercise shooting skills, while you are healing and gaining strength.

You are now The Bionic Man, packing lots of hardware!

I would not want to stand near you in a thunderstorm!

[RickyG]

I am stuck home right now. My amusement is irritating the wife