When will I play my saxophone again?

This isn't a joke. Our dear band leader visited me today with a card from my fellow community band members and I realized that I have no idea when I'll be able to lift my alto sax (from its case to rest on a chair) or blow into it again. I think the lifting and blowing are two different issues. Holding it isn't an issue; it can sit on my chair while I play.

How heavy is a saxaphone? And how hard do you have to blow? (Sorry if that sounds ignorant, but I've never even touched one, let alone played one, though they do sound awesome). The whole weight you can lift thing still confuses me. It seems everyone gets told different things, from a gallon of milk to 5lb to 10lb.

I think I'd give it a couple of weeks, at least. If you're anything like most of us, you will find you can't do anything much for any length of time for the first couple of weeks, even if it's just due to fatigue rather than pain. Check out the checkpoints under the articles tab at the top of the page. That gives some pretty good guide lines on what you can and can't do.

I would be most concerned about the work your abs have to do to keep your posture during a rehearsal. You could always get help lifting it out of the case. I'd say try after a week or two, when you start being more active, and see how it feels.

Hi Wind1!

I'm a wind player (clarinet) who faced these issues. I agree that there are separate issues at work here: Lifting your sax, sitting for a stretch at a time while playing, and necessary breath support all tax the delicate healing tissues in your abdomen. Though you can't see them, there can be more than a hundred stitches inside you, reattaching and supporting your internal structures.

From my experience, I'd wait at least 3-4 weeks, and then play for short periods of time, gradually increasing the time of your practice sessions. You will find out how important it is to listen to your body. If you overdo it, you will feel the results, so be patient with your recovery. It's so much better to heal properly and not set yourself back!

I'm a trombone player, don't play very often now as conducting taken over, but I'm now 16 weeks after surgery and STILL dreading trying! No physical issues, just all in the mind for me now!

Thank you Kay, LD, Music Lover and Stretty, just for being here and replying so quickly. I like your suggestions and referral to checkpoints (just copied some prune recipes; I don't like the Colase). I also had an offer to play the kettle drum. Hmm.