Can big game rifles be shot after open heart surgery? I have heard no because the sternum never completely heals.

[Okwaho]

I don't know about the "never completely heals" part. My brother had full bypass surgery in December and had the green light from his doctor to hunt deer the following November. His dragging days are over (he's lucky to have a fit little brother), but I don't believe his doctors ever said anything about shooting.

LOL, but God's honest truth, fellas: I never even asked what the doc said about dragging, I just told my brother that he needn't worry about it. For a while there, I wasn't sure if he'd ever be back in the woods again at all.

[STO Colorado]

As many have said I'd talk to your doctor. If you're concerned with recoil then remember there are plenty of recoil reduction options out there. It will cost some money but I'm a firm believer in muzzle-breaks. I even put them on my smaller center-fire rifles such as my 22-250. You need to protect your ears more but your shoulder reaps the benefits.

[huntfishtrap]

That's a question to pose to your doctor, not a outdoors forum. I wouldn't ask myself for medical advice...

[huntfishtrap]

Only one way to find out... just kidding. I know several fellows who have had open heart surgery and still shoot dangerous game rifles. I think the best bet would be talking timelines with your doctor. Wish you well and hope you are fully recovered soon.

Hey Captain, welcome back!

[Bo]

Only one way to find out... just kidding. I know several fellows who have had open heart surgery and still shoot dangerous game rifles. I think the best bet would be talking timelines with your doctor. Wish you well and hope you are fully recovered soon.

Captain! It is good to see you back. I have been wondering how you were doing. A hearty north of the Red River welcome back.

[Kody]

Only one way to find out... just kidding. I know several fellows who have had open heart surgery and still shoot dangerous game rifles. I think the best bet would be talking timelines with your doctor. Wish you well and hope you are fully recovered soon.

Hey, new guy you have been missing in action for so long I was ready to demote you. Welcome back
Kody

[Kody]

Dr. Kody here, WSU
My prescription for you is to start with smaller caliber centerfire rifles and work yourway up. This treatment is akin to slowly increasing your dosage with the added advantage of building one heck of a rifle collection. Look at the positive side of your situation. It is great excuse for sampling some great firearms, after all it's for your health. I recommend a .223, followed by a .243, a .257 Roberts, a .260, a 6.5 X 55, a .270, a 7mm Mauser, a 30-06, a 300 Win Mag, a .338 Win Mag and with a completer recovery a .375 H & H. I hope this will prove a healthy course of treatment. I can assure you it would cure what ails most of the contributors to this forum.

[charlie elk]

The timeline for healing would be best discussed with his doctor.

[charlie elk]

I don't know about the "never completely heals" part. My brother had full bypass surgery in December and had the green light from his doctor to hunt deer the following November. His dragging days are over (he's lucky to have a fit little brother), but I don't believe his doctors ever said anything about shooting.

Oh come on guys let the big brother enjoy little brother dragging the deer. Wise older gents always hunt big game with a younger feller.

[4everAutumn]

I don't know about the "never completely heals" part. My brother had full bypass surgery in December and had the green light from his doctor to hunt deer the following November. His dragging days are over (he's lucky to have a fit little brother), but I don't believe his doctors ever said anything about shooting.

I was just going to ask the same question, JM! Sounds like a phone call to the doctor might be in order, Tioughnioga...

[JM]

I don't know about the "never completely heals" part. My brother had full bypass surgery in December and had the green light from his doctor to hunt deer the following November. His dragging days are over (he's lucky to have a fit little brother), but I don't believe his doctors ever said anything about shooting.

Are you sure he didn't just tell you the doctor told him to stop dragging? Wouldn't be a bad idea on your brothers part!

[JM]

Everything should heal up, but the time for healing is different for every person(just like all other injuries). This is definitely a question for a qualified doctor though.

[4everAutumn]

This is an oddly timed question, as my father-in-law just had open heart surgery. The doctors told him that his sternum would completely heal in 6-8 weeks, just like any other bone. The time table he was told was to wait 6 weeks for driving and 3 months for activities like starting mowers, splitting wood, shooting bows and rifles, etc.

[woodcockpro]

how many of you guys have a field and stream account, NM asked the same question on FxS and I do the same all the time.

[the captain]

Only one way to find out... just kidding. I know several fellows who have had open heart surgery and still shoot dangerous game rifles. I think the best bet would be talking timelines with your doctor. Wish you well and hope you are fully recovered soon.