Shotgun Shooting

It's been three weeks and recovery seems to be progressing fine.  Question about when I can resume shotgun shooting. Note: the pacemaker is not on the side that I mount the gun on.  My doctor says I can resume after 12 weeks. I've read through many comments on this forum and the resumption of activity (swimming, golf) seems all over the board, with the average being between 6 and 8 weeks.  I did see a few members state 12 weeks but not many.  Why the significant recovery time differences?

4 Comments

difference

by Cabg Patch - 2016-06-27 14:53:06

Believe or not, not all implants are equal. We tend to talk like one size fits all in this but that's just not reality. There are differences in the device size and weight, differences in the lead attachment methods, the length of your leads, and most importantly differences in our individual needs and heart conditions. Having your device extracted because you were impatient may set you back even further. Personally I would listen to the guy you paid big $$$ to implant that thing and has a vested interest in your well being. But that's just me.

Totally agree

by green18 - 2016-06-27 15:26:12

As the previous comment stated, I think there are just too many variables to ever know when the right time is.  That said, I understand the frustration that comes with all the "unknown".

I am 5 days post-implant and I am already chomping at the bit to get back to being active and at least jogging.  They advised me to wait a week so I am.  With activity that requires the upper body like shooting a gun, paddling a kayak, etc...I am going to take it very slow.  I just don't think anyone can give good guidelines because of everything already stated.  I mean even something like golf could be drastically different depending on which side the pacemaker is on.  The stress doesn't hit the body equally.  

Sorry, I am no help...I just know I am going to be really careful, go slow, and use common sense where possible....but wow it is hard to be patient.

I agree

by Good Dog - 2016-06-27 15:46:57

I am with the previous posters. I, for one, hate to wait! As Cabg Patch said, you have to listen to the guy to whom you paid the big bucks. However, the good news is that when they turn you loose, the sky is the limit. Life will be good again.......................

another shooter here

by techiej - 2016-06-27 17:51:51

I like to shoot - for fun & competition - and while I don't do a lot of shotgun I was told to not do anything with heavy recoil until my 10 week checkup.

So, from week 3 until then I just shot handguns, mostly 22lr & 9mm.

Since then all is/has been well with regard to shooting.

You may want to ease into the shotgun by using light/target loads for a while to see how you feel before going to full power loads.

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