How to KILL a Bowhunt and Maybe a Fall…UPDATE!
A few weeks ago I posted on this forum about how I injured my right knee while bowhunting in Montana.
Link: http://www.kifaruforums.net/showthre...d-Maybe-a-Fall!
That injury killed that Montana bowhunt for antelope deader than a door nail. And then, based on initial doctor evaluations, it also threatened to scuttle every hunting plan I had for this fall.
The emergency-room doc diagnosed the injury as a torn tendon. A week later and back in Colorado where I live, an orthopedic specialist called it a probable torn meniscus (cartridge). He ordered an MRI.
Last Friday the swelling was finally down enough for me to have that MRI, and this morning I met with the specialist to hear his evaluation of that test. It’s been a long three weeks, marked by crutches, lots of Motrin and ice, and a truck load of uncertainty.
This morning’s conversation went something like this.
“Well, the MRI clearly shows some serious bruising of the ligaments, some fluid on the knee and residual inflammation, but no tears at all in either the ligaments, tendons or the meniscus. Your knee is pretty beat up, but there’s no need for surgery. It will heal but you will need to take it easy, and I’ll prescript a course of escalating physical therapy to regain range of motion and build the strength back up.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding since Montana.
“Can you walk on it,” the doctor asked?
“Yes,” I replied. “I’ve been gingerly walking on it for about a week now. I hate those crutches.”
“Good. At this point mild exercise is probably good for it.”
“Define ‘mild exercise’ Doc. And specifically, does that including hunting?”
“I certainly can’t recommend climbing mountains. You’ve probably already discovered that simple stairs are tough enough on that knee. Mountains would not be good.”
“What about flat antelope country,” I asked sheepishly?
The doctor eyed me with suspicion. “Didn’t you sustain this injury while antelope hunting?”
“Yes, but that was in Montana. Montana’s antelope country is rugged, nasty stuff. I was thinking about Wyoming. Wyoming is flat as a pancake. And I’d go slow and be real careful.”
He squinted his eyes. “I’m going to set up your first physical therapy appointment for next Monday. Don’t miss that appointment and don’t show up with your knee all swollen again. You better go really slow.”
Back in my office now, I feel a bit like a convict who has just received a pardon.
And I'm already planning to leave Wednesday for Wyoming.
I may be the SLOWEST antelope hunter in Wyoming this coming week, but at least I’ll be hunting! A knee brace, some tape, about two miles of Ace bandage, three bottle of Motrin, a cooler full of ice, two walking sticks (so I don’t fall in a badger hole) and a .280 Remington will round out the keys elements of my gear.
Wish me luck. My recovery is underway.
Last edited by Timberline; 09-13-2010 at 02:23 PM.
"Don't let the things you can't do, stop you from doing the things you can do."
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