Singing after hysterectomy

I read and really appreciated the posts about singing after surgery. I believe I'm having non-laproscopic oophorectomy and partial hysterectomy in May. Any more tips about when I can plan to sing again would be helpful. Thanks to all.

This is a wonderful question.

I am not a professional singer. I can only tell you about my personal experience as an amateur. I like to sing every day. I didn't sing for the first 2 weeks because I wasn't well enough. I was too exhausted. At about 2 1/2 weeks, I could sing a couple of songs before feeling too tired. I didn't have the energy to sing all the songs at church until about 4 weeks. We have a one-hour service with about 8 songs and usually stand to sing, if that helps.

Blessings to you!

Thank you, DaisyDreamer, for the info. Yes, your post does help me in figuring out what to expect and trying not to worry! Thanks again.

Not a singer, but i play flute. I was practicing after just a couple weeks, but what got me was deep breathing and breath control. I just got wore out way fast! My husbandis a music teacher, so from his talking it seems that may be a problem for you as well. I was just tired. I think my swelly belly is what made breathing tough. But it passed fairly quickly.

Good to know...I am having my hysterectomy June 3rd 2015...I go to different churches and sing, and sing solos at my church frequently...I never would have thought of this question.

Hi Jeannie77 -

You may wish to discuss this with your doctor. You need lots of abdominal muscles to support your notes when you sing. We have had other singers come through here, and from what I remember of the posts, they were on rest for 6 or 8 weeks. But, everyone is different, so please talk to your doctor about when you would be released.

Thanks, Marestail! I'm honing in on the time frame. It is so nice of you all to reply.

Hi! I had some issues with this, beyond just the tummy muscles. Apparently, the intubation can affect your vocal chords. I found that it took about 5 weeks to completely get my voice back. I could sing but it would come out very small and slight, and not my normal. But, I wasn't up for it for at least 3 weeks anyway, and then, at rehearsal I just sang quietly until my voice came back. Good luck!

Thanks for the info, Smile&Sing. I asked the surgical coordinator if the surgeon could use a different anesthesia that doesn't involve intubation. She didn't think he would be willing but I haven't heard back definitely. I noticed you're in MD also... Small world!
Thanks again.

Small world indeed!!! Best wishes to you.