Post stroke difficulties

[marksl12]

Jan 29, 2024 I had a brain tumor removed. Surgery took 12 hours, during which I had a stroke. My left side of my body was paralyzed from the neck down. I've had to relearn how to do everything from tie my shoes to eat.
I love to hunt, so I went to the range pre season and tried to sight in my rifles. At 50 yards I was dead on. At 100 I was all over the place. Anyone have any advice?

 

[Kernal1984]

Did you have help at the range? Even someone not facing your situation could benefit from another set of eyes to catch issues you may not be aware of when down on the rifle. Takes a tough cookie to carry on when life gives you lemons. God bless you, praying for you.

 

[MuzzleBreak]

I had friend several years back that was an engineer for ATCOM. He worked on Black Hawk Helicopters. He had a stroke and lost some function of his motor skills. He started playing video games.
Sounds crazy but that helped him tremendously to improve his eye hand coordination.

Hope all works out well for you. God bless.

 

[memtb]

marksl12, I wish that I had some kind of "earth shattering" revelation to offer, but, I got nothing! You've already come a long way!


However, I will say Welcome from North Central Wyoming. You're in pretty good company here……I'm certain that several will step-up to the plate with good advice!


Good Luck ……wishing You the Best! memtb

 

[LoneTraveler]

It may be the medicines they have you on now, May be the real problem. Many meds. like Blood thinners, And blood pressure medicines can wreck our body's wellbeing.
Since my heart attack and surgery in 2019, Seems my body changes hourly, By where I am in my medication schedule. Seems the affect my shooting ability.

 

[Sdvldog1371]

That really sucks! My grandpa went through the same thing when I was a teenager. not only did he lose motor function, he lost memory, short and long term. It took him about 15 years to get back to nearly completely normal. The things that helped him were dietary changes and book reading. Somehow or another, "exercising" the brain with Brain strengthening puzzles helps with the motor function side. He used Lumosity as well, I believe he had a book of brain puzzles meant for stroke sufferers. Don't lose hope, work on the grey matter and do any physical therapy you're told to do. You'll get there.

 

[waveslayer]

Dry fire, dry fire and dry fire. Most likely shooter induced, work on fine motor skills and see about further therapy. Do you have Medicare? If so, Part B, you can get on a good outpatient therapy plan

 

[marksl12]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm left handed but shoot right handed. I have been playing fortnights with my son in law and grand children. Just seems to be an eye sight issue… but I will dry fire till my finger bleeds. I did shoot a doe early in red tag season..107 yds, hit about 6" high left/right dead on. Just can't get it on.

 

[M1A1ABRAMS]

Perhaps using a tripod and some sort of support for the rear would also help. Just from reading another post on here about someone's FIL during deer season.

 

[Tiny Tim]

Welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear of your troubles. Others have made some great suggestions. What is your set-up? If the problem seems to be sight related, can your scope be adjusted? Is it a recoil management issue? Someone familiar with these things with you may be able to assist in rooting it out.

Keep doing the things you are and working on those fine motor skills. You've already come a long way. Will be praying for your continued healing.

 

[Warrenoliver]

It sounds like you have made great progress in a short time. My advice is to ask your physical therapist/occupational therapist if he/she knows of any colleagues in the department who hunts or shoots. You may be able to get some very focused training on some of the important mechanics that you need to work on. They may be able to help you by simulating your shooting technique or possibly refer you to someone who can help. When they observe your body position when shooting, they can provide pointers and suggest mechanical aids like cushions, wedges, braces, etc…. Don't give up on your passion. These professionals are dedicated to helping you.

Good luck and have fun.

Warren

 

[Rosebud]

Coming from a medical background here. You said that you were paralyzed, so how much mobility do you have now?
Do you hunt with a close friend or family who can aid you?
I'm hoping your rehab is going Well and that you will make a recovery to near if not full mobility!
Appears that you are going to need some sort of rifle stability device in the future. There are many, and probably few will meet your needs. As bad as this may gall you, it did me as well when I finally saw the light about my age and physical limits. You WILL need a friend!
A bog pod Death Grip may be of use. Once your rifle is locked in it's very easy to use, even one handed.
Best of luck and hope for a full recovery.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm left handed but shoot right handed. I have been playing fortnights with my son in law and grand children. Just seems to be an eye sight issue… but I will dry fire till my finger bleeds. I did shoot a doe early in red tag season..107 yds, hit about 6" high left/right dead on. Just can't get it on.

I don't think anyone has asked yet, but what are you shooting?

I would suggest stepping down to a .223 or one of the ARC/Grendel cartridges for a while. They will all kill deer very effectively out to most PA deer hunting yardages. And since they are very low recoil, it is easier to see any shooter induced movement during the firing process.
Plus, they are cheap to feed so it is much more economical to practice.

Keep at it. Just like everything else in life, the key to keep pushing yourself to get better and you will. Maybe not to the point you were pre surgery, but definitely better than you are now.

 

[skipglo]

Another vote for a bog pod death grip..
It's affordable...does your gun have a cheek riser? If not it would be super beneficial. Best of luck in your recovery Sir!