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    Cataract Surgery

    Medical Concerns
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    • GeorgeB
      GeorgeB last edited by

      Anyone here with cataract surgery experience and when to resume playing the trumpet ?

      I had surgery this past Tuesday. The surgeon requested that I put down the horn for at least a week to 10 days, but admitted that although she had performed cataract surgery on many musicians she couldn't recall doing one on a trumpet player per se and suggested I talk to other players who have had cataract surgery for a more precise time frame.

      George

      1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

      oldpete 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • oldpete
        oldpete @GeorgeB last edited by

        @georgeb I have had that. Buzzed my mouthpiece some for a few days. No problems. I dozed a lot 🙂

        GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
        • GeorgeB
          GeorgeB @oldpete last edited by GeorgeB

          @oldpete

          Yeah, seems the operation does tire you out a bit. I sometime doze off in the afternoon, probably normal for most 86 year olds, other than myself. I could never nap during the day before I had cataract surgery.
          How long before you actually played the trumpet again ?
          George

          1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • T
            Trumpetb last edited by

            Not all trumpet playing is the same.

            I would be inclined to begin with gentle playing in the lower register at first so internal pressures do not build.

            Then gradually lift the playing to the upper register.

            Driving out high notes has been suggested as a contributing factor to eye problems in some players when taken to excess so some care in this area may be wise.

            Trumpets
            Besson New creation 1924
            Besson New Creation Large Bore 1948
            Besson New Creation Medium Bore Modele Francaise 1948
            Olds Ambassador LA model 1948
            Selmer Invicta with french rim
            Cornets
            Conn 80A 1953
            Conn 80A 1965
            Yamaha 2330

            GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • GeorgeB
              GeorgeB @Trumpetb last edited by

              @trumpetb

              I fully intend to do what you suggest, but when should I start playing again. Did you have cataract surgery ?
              George

              1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • T
                Trumpetb last edited by

                No I havent had cataract surgery, I am not qualified to comment of the time you should wait before returning after this procedure.

                I posted my comments to suggest that you allow yourself the best chance of a swift and issue free recovery.

                The doc suggested 10 days, enough said, we are talking health here. Trumpet playing can be stressful on the body as we all know.

                I would add the following anecdotal comment, some years ago a severe motorbike accident left me with spinal injuries several fractured vertebra punctured lung and several major broken bones, the neuro surgeon in charge of my case said that a significant number of patients have been discovered to be very slow to recover while others are swift.

                We cannot know in advance which group we are in.

                I would therefore for safety sake assume myself to be in the very slow to recover group and allow longer than the doctor recommends for recovery unless I have definite evidence to the contrary.

                In my opinion it just is not worth gambling my prospects of recovery for the sake of saving a day or two in the recovery.

                Just my 2 cents.

                Good luck.

                Trumpets
                Besson New creation 1924
                Besson New Creation Large Bore 1948
                Besson New Creation Medium Bore Modele Francaise 1948
                Olds Ambassador LA model 1948
                Selmer Invicta with french rim
                Cornets
                Conn 80A 1953
                Conn 80A 1965
                Yamaha 2330

                GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • GeorgeB
                  GeorgeB @Trumpetb last edited by

                  @trumpetb

                  And a sensible 2 cents it is.
                  George

                  1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • J. Jericho
                    J. Jericho Global Moderator last edited by

                    Interesting timing, GeorgeB. I had my first cataract surgery a week before yours, and my next one is set for next Tuesday. My post-op instructions say normal activity is OK after a week. My experience with surgery in general is that full recovery takes a lot longer than predicted by my doctors, so I take a conservative approach. I may try to play this weekend to get a feel for what it's like, and Easy Does It is my plan. I registered for Taps Across America https://www.tapsacrossamerica.org/ today for Memorial Day 2023, but it remains to be seen If I'll be able to participate.

                    I wish you a remarkably good recovery and the best of health!

                    '62 Olds Studio Trumpet
                    '67 Olds Special Trumpet
                    2013 Dillon Pocket Trumpet
                    '83 Yamaha YFH-731 Flugelhorn
                    1919 York Perfec-Tone Cornet
                    '50 Olds Studio Trombone
                    Shofar

                    "If it was just up to me, I'd only have trumpet players on my show." - Jackie Gleason

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                    • SSmith1226
                      SSmith1226 last edited by

                      George,
                      My first recommendation is that you listen to the advice of your operating surgeon. He knows what he did, how securely the lens is seated, etc. I have had Cataract Surgery. My surgeon was and is the Chairman of the Opthalmology Department of an internationally respected University and Eye Institute. His recommendation to me was not to play trumpet for at least one week. After a week, I started slowly with prolonged whisper tones, Clarke’s One at pp or softer and didn’t push to force anything that was not coming easily.
                      I slowly advanced to Clarke’s two over a few days gradually increased the range when it was easy and kept it pianissimo.
                      I hope that this helps.

                      Steve Smith

                      GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • GeorgeB
                        GeorgeB @SSmith1226 last edited by

                        @ssmith1226
                        Hi, Steve, I fully intend to listen to her. She was particularly happy with the surgery and though she said a week to ten days, but she did add she felt a week would be fine if I did exactly what you suggested in taking things slow and easy. Look, I am two months away from turning 87 and I hope to be playing the trumpet when I am 100 😁 so I am not a man who takes foolish chances. Thanks so much for your expert input, Steve. And thank you, too, Jericho
                        And, BTW, the eye is coming along just great with no pain and no discomfort.
                        George

                        1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                        • barliman2001
                          barliman2001 Global Moderator last edited by

                          I can't recall whether I answered this question or not; so I'll retry. I had cataract operations in both eyes in 2014, done by a rather eminent surgeon who is a trumpet player himself. He suggested that I continue with exercises like "pencil between the lips" right after the operation, but re-start gentle practicing about a fortnight later.

                          Courtois Balanced
                          Courtois D
                          Olds Recording
                          Buescher Aristocrat
                          Gaudet C
                          Selmer G
                          Courtois 154 Flugelhorn
                          Besson International Bb cornet
                          Courtois Bb cornet
                          B&H Sovereign Soprano Cornet
                          B&H Sovereign trombone
                          Willy Garreis trombone
                          Weltklang Euph

                          GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • GeorgeB
                            GeorgeB @barliman2001 last edited by

                            @barliman2001

                            Thanks for the reply. The surgeons seem to vary in their instructions and I do believe that has a lot to do about how well the surgery went. BTW, I own a P.E.T.E. that I do a daily exercise with the chops. The Doc had no problem with that.
                            So I stopped playing on Wednesday and after 7 days I will start up in a very gentle soft and easy manner, and sticking to the staff. After that I'll see how things are going and act accordingly.

                            Thanks everyone for your excellent help and advice.

                            George

                            1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                            • ROWUK
                              ROWUK Veterans & Military Musicians Western Europe Group Monette Club last edited by

                              Let us not forget that for a good doctor, there is no difference between a 1week, 10 day or 2 week break. That is simply their way of saying that we have had a significant medical intrusion and a "little time" is required for our bodies to recuperate.

                              They want to see us again before we "strain" anyway and it is to our benefit to let it heal a "bit" longer than to risk chapter 2 of the same issue. The pencil trick is a great way to maintain muscle tone without any additional air pressure.

                              GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • GeorgeB
                                GeorgeB @ROWUK last edited by

                                @rowuk

                                As usual, Robin, all good advice and I will definitely keep your words in mind.

                                George

                                1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • Dr GO
                                  Dr GO last edited by Dr GO

                                  Intraocular pressure does increase significantly, as much as 9 - 10 mm Hg pressure in high resistance wind instruments (i.e. trumpets). In one particular trumpet player the intraocular pressure increase by 27 mm Hg! See below:

                                  e73b40fb-1691-44ca-af00-26879ec420ac-image.png
                                  29168d2c-9eac-4efb-a819-b79aec6aa073-image.png

                                  So yes, it is best to rest until healing of the tissue has been achieved (approximately 4 weeks). Good luck and when playing again, my I suggest starting back with "I Only Have Eyes for You". However if you ignore doctor's advice, perhaps playing "Under Pressure" may be more apropos.

                                  Allora Pocket Trumpet 2014
                                  Harrelson Summit 2017
                                  Kanstul 1526 2012
                                  Getzen Power Bore 1961
                                  Getzen Eterna 4-Valve Fulgelhorn 1974
                                  Martin Committee 1946
                                  Olds Super Recording 1940
                                  Olds Recording (LA) 1953
                                  Olds Recording (Fullerton) 1967
                                  Olds Ambassador 1965

                                  GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                  • GeorgeB
                                    GeorgeB @Dr GO last edited by

                                    @dr-go

                                    I Only Have Eyes For You ...😄
                                    Good one, Doc. It will likely be 4 weeks by the time I am able to play the way I usually do.
                                    George

                                    1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • BigDub
                                      BigDub last edited by

                                      I would say, ( hope I'm not repeating anyone else here…) different players, different set of precautions.
                                      Some guys and girls look like their head is going to explode. Then there are others who you almost can’t distinguish the difference between them playing and just placing the horn on their chops.
                                      So, depending where you fall into that group, judge accordingly.

                                      GETZEN Eterna 900, S.E. Shires C Trumpet, Custom Shires 3c MP, Shires 1 1/2 C MP
                                      Assorted other mp's not used
                                      ( not very unusual….right? )

                                      GeorgeB 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • GeorgeB
                                        GeorgeB @BigDub last edited by

                                        @bigdub
                                        I get what you are saying, Wayne. I am one of those players who don't look like they are playing. I use only the tension necessary to get the job done. And if I can't hit a high note easily, I drop an octave.
                                        George

                                        1960s King Super 20 Silversonic, 1940 Olds Recording, 1942 Buescher True Tone 400 ,1999 Conn Vintage One Bb trumpet, A 1952 Selmer Paris, A 2020 Getzen 400 and a Manchester Brass ACB custom pro Bb trumpet, a 1962 Conn Victor 5A Cornet.

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