How soon after Hernia surgery?

[Jon B. Bop]

Just had surgery yesterday :roll: , (laproscopic), and I'm wondering if anyone has experience as to how soon it's OK to start playing again.

[Bari Gordon]

I had a hernia operation a couple of years ago. It was very minor -- got caught early. The worst part was recovering from the spinal!

Anyway, I don't remember what the doctor's orders were for when I could start playing, but I do remember putting my bari case on wheels and rolling it everywhere. Lifting it to play and the breathing was never a problem.

[Lowell]

This is one of those cases where you must stay down for the full count. Everyone heals at different rates so there is no set recovery time. Your hernia must have been minor to have it corrected via laparoscopic surgery but if you tear it loose again by straining yourself, the subsequent surgery will likely be much more invasive and require a much longer recovery time. Listen to your doctor and your body. Start excercising very slowly and lightly. No heavy lifting and no hard blowing for as long as it takes. Good luck and be gentle with yourself. Try swimming instead of running.

[WG]

I had a left inquinal hernia repaired with the open mesh technique. I didn't attempt to blow my alto until 6 months after surgery. I was afraid that I would rip open the internal sutures. You have to remember that although the external incision may appeared to be healed, you're still healing on the inside. It took my a full year before I was blowing at 100%. Good luck with your recovery.

[Gandalfe]

I'm in my late 40's, fairly active, and play sax. I asked my doctor how soon after my hernia operation I could play basketball and the sax (two thangs I really love to do). My doctor said to take it really easy up to a month after the surgery and then start to phase in my full exercise program.

It should be noted that this is a discussion that you should have with your physician. But for me, I was back at both those activities within 30 days of the surgery.

Good luck wit dat.

[altoman]

I had my right hand side operated 10 years ago and it took me 1 month to play again. Well, i have to do left side now and i am curious to see how long it is going to take me now. Will keep you posted. Whatever you do don't lift heavu stuff and twist your body at the same time.

[altoman]

It has been a month after the surgery now and i am still in pain from time to time. Had to go to softer set up so i can play. It will take at least 3 months to recover fully i think. It is terrible.

[pnuttbutta]

I know we haven't touched on this subject in awhile, but it's an issue for me now, and if anyone has any further input, I'd love to hear it! Yesterday, I went in for a triple inguinal hernia repair, done lapriscopically. Recovery time before playing? Anything else I should need to know?? I DO know I need stronger drugs! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! (I'm supposed to play this Saturday. eeekkk!) Thanks, folks.

[gary]

I've got no information to add, sorry, but I do wish you both well.

[Jon B. Bop]

Pnutt..
My best advice is don't push it. (no pun intended!) I couldn't wait to get back on the horn, and I paid for it with a longer more painful recovery.

Everybody's different, but I'd wait at least a couple of weeks, and then ease into it from there. Maybe play 15 minutes to 1/2 an hour, then see how you feel the next day, and gradually increase from there.

A gig on Saturday does not sound like a good idea to me.

Good luck in your recovery.

[pnuttbutta]

Thanks for the advice, Mr. B Bop. I played a little last night (thursday night, had surgery monday morning). I didn't hurt as much as coughing, sneezing, or laughing! I had been off pain medication for 24 hours at that point. I used a Meyer 5 with a Java 3 reed. It was managable. I normally play a Morgan Excaliber 9 with a Java 3.5. So, going to a much less resistant set-up definitely helps. It doesn't sound great, but it might get the job done tomorrow night. We'll see. I will donate my results to the SOTW upon return (that's if I do!)...

[pnuttbutta]

I made it through the gig Saturday night! It wasn't the most plesant playing experience ever, and I can say I've played better in my day, but it got the job done. I managed to use my Morgan 9EL with a Java 2.5, and 2 vicodin. That was MY recipe...everybody recovers different, so I don't recommend this for everybody. I went to see the surgeon today for my follow-up appointment and got a full bill of health. I'm amazed at what the medical field can do for people these days. What used to take weeks, even months to recover from can be possibly reduced to days. I still won't be doing any heavy lifting or running for a couple of weeks, but I can still make my living. :D

[Jon B. Bop]

I'm glad it worked out for you, but remember, take it easy!