Consistency after surgery

In June this year I underwent open heart surgery to repair my Mitral Valve. Prior to that I was shooting high expert class scores with occasional Master class scores. My rehab went well and I am feeling fine. However I am finding my scores are dropping with my targets being all over the map. It seems I am unable to maintain the strict focus required to shoot good scores. My shooting buddies tell me to give it time and not to worry about it. I am shooting several times a week, and dry fire daily. Has anyone else experienced this and how did you deal with it? Any advice?

I had shoulder surgery end of July this year, I just got into my 30s and my ortho was telling me about 1 year before I’m back to where I was.
A little bit of time in a sling caused a major loss of muscle and endurance. Just have to build it back up. Also set realistic expectations. Maybe start a fitness program to get you where you were or improved health

Greetings,

My friend has endured several surgeries in which anesthesia is used.

His memory is very "goofed" up as a result. Here, I would consult with your Doctor or Anesthesiologist to verity my statement.

You may just have to relearn the basics of shooting.

Good news, you probably have forgotten all your previous bad habits.

Cheers,

Dave

Dave, good point about the anesthesia.   For Open Heart they use the most powerful ones, smaller procedures these days leaves very little fogginess.   After leg surgery a few years ago, it took about a year to fully get a clear brain and be able to concentrate.  People would tell me what I had said and I had to trust them as I could not remember SH!T.   My most recent procedures were shorter and had none of the mental impact.

OP, just be kind with yourself and give it time.   Make smaller goals and realize it is your body dealing with the after-effects, not you losing focus.

I came back from heart issues myself. I was in better physical shape but realized my mental thoughts were holding me back because I was not shooting as well as I did previously. This made me press harder and made it worse. I made my self not overwork shooting and purposely try and end all live fire practice on a good target or string. I even ended some sessions early because I had a good target that made me feel good about myself. That positive mental impression carried over. I also learned I was able to more effectively self evaluate my shot process from a positive state of mind.

It worked for me and I am now shooting better than I did prior to surgery.  Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies. Farmboy hit the nail on the head. Even though physically I am better than before surgery, in my quest to "get back" I am perhaps trying too hard which in some ways may be counterproductive. It is a mental thing which is why I gave up golf! I have the utmost confidence in my equipment (Sams ,45 wad gun, Pardini SP). Anyone know a good sports psychologist? Lol

Glad your feeling better Ed see you next season. Just a thought Ed you could take some time off and allow me I mean the guys that just made expert a chance to catch up just sayin.

                                                                                                   Keith Skidmore

Thanks Keith. Happy to see you made Expert. Well done. I was hoping to make Master, but that may be delayed. If it doesn't work out I can always try scrapbooking .

hi,
Took me about a year to recuperate physically/mentally after aortic valve replacement. I understand what you are going through. Will the valve work or fail.? What if I do too much? I could of died? etc I sometimes think that the mental toll was worse than the operation. The operation recovery is rough.
All the best on your journey. My operation was 6 years ago and nothing but a memory now.
John