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Broken neck had to be fused, not sure how soon, IF, I'll be able to shoot again...

Discussion in 'The Water Cooler' started by OHbowhntr, Aug 5, 2011.

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  1. OHbowhntr

    OHbowhntr Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Broke my neck July 15th diving into the pool on vacation. The rope had been repaired and tied back a few feet to where the depth of the water was only about 4.5' deep, and it had been tied off to a ladder in the deep end where it was 6.5' of maybe deeper. I went soft diving into the pool and "CRACK" hit my head on the bottom, and instantly had buring and numbness in my thumb and for finger of my Left arm. CT showed a small Facet Fracture, and I was put in a C-Collar to stabilize it and be followed up in 3 weeks. Well after about 10 days, I was having very severe muscle spasms in my shoulder and upper back on the Left side, and I noticed I was loosing function (had to help my had to my mouth to brush my teeth). Called the surgeon and he said it was ok to increase the muscle relaxers, and to call him back it things got worse. By Monday, I could hardly use my Left arm. I called him and he was in surgery, and he called me back around noon. He said he wanted to seem me early in the morning the next day (Tuesday). He did a quick battery of tests, and quickly called and interrupted a Neuro Surgeon during a case to discuss what he was seeing and to make arrangements for me to see the more specialized neuro surgeion. A CT and MRI later, I find that the fracture has become unstable and the only way to salvage the use of my arm and prevent probable further problems is a fusion. So Wednesday around noon, I went to the OR and had my C6 and C7 fused together. Almost immediately the use was back to about 75% in my Left arm, but at the swelling in my neck has re-impenged on the nerve bundles, I'm probably back to around 50% function. I've already lost my Elk hunt for the year and now am not sure I'll even be able to chase whitetails at this point. Very frustrating and irritating, yet it could have been much worse so I should be thankful for what I DO HAVE.
     
    OHbowhntr, Aug 5, 2011
    #1
  3. bz_711

    bz_711 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Sorry to hear it Doug...Good luck on the recovery!

    Stay positive - whether it's this year or next...that next arrow you launch will be a sweet moment!
     
    bz_711, Aug 5, 2011
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  4. MGH_PA

    MGH_PA Moderator

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    While I can't even imagine what you're going through, it's a good thing it wasn't worse. One of my biggest fears is losing all mobility due to paralysis. Very scary, bud, and I hope you make a full recovery. One season missed is a small price to pay for a healthy and solid recovery.
     
    MGH_PA, Aug 5, 2011
    #3
  5. Siman/OH

    Siman/OH Legendary Woodsman

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    Doug, prayers are with you buddy
     
    Siman/OH, Aug 5, 2011
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  6. iHunt

    iHunt Grizzled Veteran

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    Sorry to hear about that, hope you get better soon
     
    iHunt, Aug 5, 2011
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  7. Rory/MO

    Rory/MO Die Hard Bowhunter

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    That's TERRIBLE news!! But things could have been a lot worse too! Keep a strong attitude and do what the docs say and I'm sure you'll be shooting asap
     
    Rory/MO, Aug 5, 2011
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  8. rickmur

    rickmur Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Wow man, I'll say a prayer for you for certain and hope all turns out well.
     
    rickmur, Aug 5, 2011
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  9. Fitz

    Fitz Legendary Woodsman

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    Here's to a speedy and full recovery! Prayers sent!
     
    Fitz, Aug 5, 2011
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  10. bloodcrick

    bloodcrick Moderator/BHOD Prostaff

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    Oh man, I hate hearing that happened. best of luck to you and prayers sent for ya!
     
    bloodcrick, Aug 5, 2011
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  11. fletch920

    fletch920 Grizzled Veteran

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    So sorry to hear. Best of luck with a quick and full recovery. The deer and elk will only get bigger if you have to wait a year. Focus on the positives and get well.
     
    fletch920, Aug 5, 2011
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  12. BJE80

    BJE80 Legendary Woodsman

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    Wow terrible news. Good luck with everything. Get well soon. Prayers sent.
     
    BJE80, Aug 5, 2011
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  13. Germ

    Germ Legendary Woodsman

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    Man hope you get well(back to 100%) soon!!!!
     
    Germ, Aug 5, 2011
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  14. Finch

    Finch Grizzled Veteran

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    Wow...I hope everything works out for you! Prayers on the way for a full recovery.

    Did this occur at a hotel or resort? Are they liable?
     
    Finch, Aug 5, 2011
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  15. rybo

    rybo Grizzled Veteran

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    Hoping for a full & speedy recovery!
     
    rybo, Aug 5, 2011
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  16. indynotch50

    indynotch50 Grizzled Veteran

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    Holy crap man, I couldn't even finish reading that!
    Best of luck. I woudln't worry one bit about hunting or shooting. That time will come again. Until then, they'll just be getting bigger for you.
    Good luck on your recovery.
     
    indynotch50, Aug 5, 2011
    #15
  17. rednas5

    rednas5 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Wow, glad it wasn't too much worse. The deer and elk will always be there so do your best to get back to 100%.
     
    rednas5, Aug 5, 2011
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  18. Tony

    Tony Legendary Woodsman

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    Still praying for you, Doug ... I am so sorry this happened to you .... :(
     
    Tony, Aug 5, 2011
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  19. virginiashadow

    virginiashadow Legendary Woodsman

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    Doug, I wish you the very best. I know you will make a great recovery. I am very sorry that this happened to not only you, but your family.

    Brett
     
    virginiashadow, Aug 5, 2011
    #18
  20. ttraveler

    ttraveler Weekend Warrior

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    Stay Positive....and work hard at the recovery. Good Luck.

    Prayers sent.

    Ttraveler
     
    ttraveler, Aug 5, 2011
    #19
  21. Iowa Veteran

    Iowa Veteran Grizzled Veteran

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    Keep your head up, a positive attitude, follow the DR/Therapists instructions, and have faith. You'll be out there shooting in no time. In the meantime, check with your home state's laws, you might be eligible for a temporary crossbow license.
     
    Iowa Veteran, Aug 5, 2011
    #20
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