How long did you wait to play golf again after surgery?

[GolfingPastor]

Had my appendix removed last week. It was keyhole surgery thankfully so I was hoping to be back swinging a club soon but a local pro suggested waiting at least 3 months as the risk of hernias is so high. Medical advice was not to lift anything over 5kg for at least 6 weeks.

I realize everyone is different and healing times vary but has anyone been in a similar situation? What are your experiences and advice?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Bratty]

When I had my appendix out some 20 years ago, I was told to wait 5 months!
Went out and bought graphite shafted irons and played after 3 months!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Listen to the experts and get medical advice before actually restarting. No point rushing and doing more damage and delaying playing even longer

 

[Junior]

Not sure of the difference between appendix and gall bladder , but I had the latter removed in 2019 and was golfing just over 2 weeks later. Keyhole surgery is amazing.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I had my appendix out with keyhole surgery about 20 odd years ago. The thing that stuck with me at the time was the warning that you can not see the damage you are doing internally so be careful. The external wound is just a snip and repairs in no time but inside? You just don't know, you can't see it. Scared me enough to listen to the timescales advised. Sadly, I can't remember those timescales but whatever they say, don't try to beat it. I'd ring the ward, ask someone to speak to the consultant and get their advice. (I'm sorry that's boring and doesn't really help answer the question) The good news is keyhole is brilliant and recovery times are much quicker than they used to be.

 

[Swango1980]

I'm not sure the advice of a local golf professional should be considered the most reliable. Many of them struggle to give good advice on the Rules of Golf, let alone offer any reliable medical advice

 

[Slab]

Stay off the course for the (medically) recommend time... but maybe hit the putting green when able so at least there's a part of your game not getting rusty

 

[jim8flog]

When I have keyhole (or other surgery) I followed the doctors advice.

With key hole you cannot see the damage and when the stitches have healed the wound.

 

[Hobbit]

I had keyhole for my appendix. Told to wait 6 weeks. Didn’t…tried at about 2.5 weeks. Not quite sure what part of the healing wound I pulled but, a) it hurt like hell, and b) antibiotics were needed for the infection I developed. OMG, was I ill.

If they tell you x weeks, do x weeks.

 

[Singlefiguregokfer]

Had my appendix removed last week. It was keyhole surgery thankfully so I was hoping to be back swinging a club soon but a local pro suggested waiting at least 3 months as the risk of hernias is so high. Medical advice was not to lift anything over 5kg for at least 6 weeks.

I realize everyone is different and healing times vary but has anyone been in a similar situation? What are your experiences and advice?
Thanks in advance.

I was told 6 weeks after my appendix was removed.
I had a hernia fixed at the same time.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

I’ve got incisional hernias , not giving me any trouble, they just look horrible, I’m sure I went back too early.

I’d give it 3 months , do some very gentle chipping and putting before that, but keep away from the full swing stuff

 

[KenL]

Had my appendix removed last week. It was keyhole surgery thankfully so I was hoping to be back swinging a club soon but a local pro suggested waiting at least 3 months as the risk of hernias is so high. Medical advice was not to lift anything over 5kg for at least 6 weeks.

I realize everyone is different and healing times vary but has anyone been in a similar situation? What are your experiences and advice?
Thanks in advance.

Only a fool would go against the advice of their specialist.
"Hell mend ye" is a phrase that springs to mind if you ignore them.
So, do as you are told!

 

[chrisd]

I've had some surgery over the years, and almost always stuck to the instructions from the medics as to time frames needed to heal properly

 

[IanM]

I've had some surgery over the years, and almost always stuck to the instructions from the medics as to time frames needed to heal properly

....but a plumber on the Internet reckons....

 

[imonika]

Healing times can definitely vary, but it's smart to listen to both your doctor and the local pro's advice. I haven't been through exactly the same thing, but I've heard similar stories from friends who've had surgeries.