I am scheduled for a hydrocelectomy the day after tomorrow. I'm wondering how soon after the surgery I can be physically active without serious discomfort. Specifically, I am a drummer and have been asked to perform at a show just 2 weeks after the surgery.
If I accept this job, I will be required to load my equipment into my truck, then from the truck to the stage, set it up, play for up to 4 hours (with short breaks every hour) while sitting on a drum stool and leaning forward. Then load it back into the truck, then back into my house.
Right now, my hydrocele is about the size of a softball. Last weekend I played a 4 hour show and was fairly uncomfortable with the pressure, but it wasn't unbearable. I understand that there will be swelling after the surgery.
Those of you who have had this surgery, what do you think? Should I commit to this show?
Its going to be cutting it close I have had 2 hydrocelectomy's in 5 months and the first week of both was hell. They say no heavy lifting for a month but I am returning to the gym today which is 3 weeks after surgery there is still some swelling and a bit of pain from where they attach the testicle to the scrotum.
After 2 weeks, i was getting more comfortable, but saw my doctor before going back to work & he told me, i should only go back if i didn't lift anything & not to do a full day, The swelling was still pretty big, but discomfort rather than pain. I would suggest its prob a bit soon, but we are all different!, you will only really know after 10 days how you are doing. I'm 6 weeks on no real pain, but swelling is still like small orange!
Thanks for the responses. There's not a lot of heavy lifting involved, but I'm most concerned about the continuous pressure on the scrotum while playing. I guess I'll tell them to find someone else. I'm sure they'll call me for other shows in the future.
Even if you dont do the show I would suggest investing in some tighty whiteys or lycra briefs there will be plenty of swelling that can last months and the testicle will be heavy as well, good luck dude.