any musicians here?

Hi ladies,

I really appreciate this website and this forum has been so helpful.

Do any of you play a musical instrument- wind instruments in particular? I am a clarinetist - not professionally, but a very active amateur. Having a TAH in April and wondering when I'll be able to play again.

Thanks for your advice.

ceri27
I don't play, but DH does a bit and DD plays the bari sax.
I wouldn't think you would be away from the clarinet for too long, but hopefully one of the sisters that actually plays will be along soon to help.
Maybe it would be a good idea to put this on your list of pre op questions for the Dr.
Hope everything goes well!
Hugs,
Suzanne

Hi ceri27,

I'm a professional clarinetist who had a TAH. I didn't feel like playing for at least 4 weeks...not because I actually tried to play sooner, but because overall, I was still feeling sore and proper breathing from the diaphragm was something I didn't even want to think about then. So, I pretty much eased back into it after about 4 weeks. Small sessions at first, and no big concerts right away.

You will want to spend a fair amount of time off your feet in those early weeks so that you'll heal properly. You might not feel like sitting for a prolonged amount of time with "proper posture", etc.

The main thing is to listen to your body in those early weeks, so that you'll recover well and be back to playing as soon as possible. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions!

My very best to you,

I am 2 1/2 weeks out from TAH. I played my flute for a few minutes yesterday. I don't play seriously, so I don't know what it would be like to play for a long time. Try a short session when you feel like it. You will know right away if you are not ready.

Good luck.

Having played the clarinet years ago (and the trombone), I would think it would be when your abdominal muscles are up to blowing the clarinet. It takes some muscles to play, and you will be sore for a few weeks. Everyone heals differently, so like one post said, try and then you'll know.

Thanks, ladies! I appreciate your advice. =)

It depends on how you will feel. I guess you know what I play. I was able to play again after a few of weeks. Didn't really feel like it at first. I had a TAH, so I was too sore to play.