singing etc post-op?

Hi everyone

First I have to say that this place is wonderful. It has been really helpful for me to read a lot of messages and wonderful to see how many people are generous and caring. Wow.

I'm scheduled to have a total abdominal hysterectomy on Dec. 14. I have many large fibroids (approx. 20 wks' size), am "fluffy" (to borrow someone else's term -- at 240), and have never had major surgery (although I had an endometrial ablation last year and that was my first experience with general surgery) and have never have been pregnant. A lot of this is going to be really new for me.

By profession I am a music professor, and spend lots of time on the piano bench, teaching singing (and therefore singing myself), using the computer, and conducting. I also teach in the classroom--lots of standing, but I could do some of this seated. Are there other singers or pianists or conductors out there? What impact has this surgery had on your ability to get back to these activities? How soon were you able to play, sing, and/or conduct? Did you give special instructions to the anesthesiologist about putting a tube through the vocal folds?

Advice and experience most welcome!

kirinphoebe

Hi, sister,
I sing only because I love to, and now only in groups, no solos, please. I had hoarseness for four weeks after the general anesthesia, which was of some concern to me. No pain, just sounded funny. It didn't impact my life much, and gave me a great excuse not to engage in long telephone conversations with well-wishers or people from work unless I wished to talk for a longer time. Take your time resuming your activities, and hopefully all will go wonderfully for you. Carol

First of all, I want to wish you well on your surgery. I can add a little on this topic as I am a worship leader at church, so I do my share of singing. I had my surgery 10/25 and didn't attempt singing until 1.5 weeks post op. I went to practice for an hour and sang most of that time. I must say I was pretty uncomfortable hitting those high notes and I did sit the entire time (which didn't help hitting those high notes either). If you do attempt to sing this soon, be sure and take a nice pillow to hold against the tummy - helps tremendously. I sang again 3 days later - stood up most of the time but was very happy for the break for the sermon so I could go sit and rest. Tonight I had practice again and felt great - stood the entire practice. I do still feel a little "pulling" when I try to sing very loud or high, but it is fine. As far as the hoarseness... I had a pretty sore throat the first day after surgery, and maybe 2 days of scratchy sounding throat. After that, my voice has sounded the same.

I hope this has helped a little! I wish you an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery! I know I couldn't wait to sing again! lol