My uncle had the surgery done on both of his wrists. They did them seperately a few months apart. He was able to play lightly on a pad within a month. His doctor told him it would be good therapy as long as he didnt over play and not to continue if he felt pain. Good luck with your surgery and I hope for a speedy recovery.

I have stage three arthritus in my right wrist, happened 10 years ago in the gym (I believe) injured it and went to the ER, they didnt find anything on the Xray, so they said it was just a sprain. I lived with the pain, always thinking it would go away some time. years later I just cound not take it anymore, went and got an MRI, they doctor he never saw such a messed up wrist. Turns out it was fractured way back when I got the xray, and it healed all messed up, no cartalidge at all. If I got the operation now I have a 50/50 chance it could be worse, so I opted to go with daily pain meds. when I play I have to tape up my wrsit tight, I lost much of my quickness, since I have no flexability anymore. I'm almost 60, I'm riding this till I can't play anymore, if I stop now and chance the operation, I'm done gigging. IN fact the doctor says he is amazed I can play at all. wrist injury;s and drumming are a bad combo.

hi mme i just had THE surgery on march 26 missed 3 weeks of work and no playing .Realistically plan on 4 weeks before you can play and see how it feels.Iam just going to start playing on my pad maybe today.so cancel any gigs you have coming up for at least 6 weeks im thinking.Keep on Pl

Just came across your post. How did the surgery go? Doing any PT?

Hey, Vati.

Very sorry to hear of your trouble. I have not had the surgery but, my ex-wife who is now the keyboardist in my band ( long story, happy ending) has had both wrists done. I'm not sure how long it took her to recover but, she can play and keep up with the best of 'em! Be positive, my friend! You'll be playing in no time!

Brian

>when I play I have to tape up my wrsit tight, I lost much of my quickness, since I have no flexability anymore. I'm almost 60, I'm riding this till I can't play anymore, if I stop now and chance the operation, I'm done gigging. IN fact the doctor says he is amazed I can play at all. wrist injury;s and drumming are a bad combo.

Two words... 'Finger technique!'

When I go for speed, I go to fingers. Much less wrist/arm action involved. Jo Jo Mayers has an excellent video called; Secrets Of The Modern Drummer. It covers off finger technique beautifully. Master it and you won't have to work so hard during fills and such.

Hope this helps... I'm 63, I can identify with how your body starts to fight you as you age a bit. There are work-around's, look for them.

John

I have a set of nerve and tendon gliding exercises that help with carpal tunnel symptoms if you're interested.

I had Lincoln Tunnel surgery once, but that's a whole different subject... DOH