Throwing pottery on a wheel after surgery?

[Katrinakit 139]

So I had thought I wasn't having surgery for months and so I signed up for a pottery class that starts the week of my surgery. Now I can't really get out of it. So obviously that first week I can't do it but do you think four days after surgery I would be up to going to the pottery studio and just listening to the demo? And then the next week do you think I would be able to sit down and lean over a potter's wheel? I won't throw anything too big that required strength or anything.

[James Marusek 5,244]

There is some recovery time after surgery. I suspect that if you went to class 4 days after surgery, you would probably regret it and not get much out of the class. But at 4 days + 1 week, you might fair much better provide it was't an all day thing.

[Katrinakit 139]

Yeah it is just a one hour demo with 2 hours of practice after I think

[crazygoose 190]

Hmm maybe you should ask your doctor about this. You're not supposed to really be bending over after surgery or lift anything over 15 pounds so I'd be careful and if you're still on pain meds I just wouldn't do it. Maybe you can go there and explain to your instructor you just had surgery and you are limited on what you can do but you know the first few times sit and observe or do some light work.

Edited April 13, 2016 by crazygoose

[Katrinakit 139]

I will. I won't be on pain meds because I am allergic but AM worried about the discomfort of bending over. I think I meet with surgeon on Friday and will ask his opinion

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I don't remember my lifting restrictions - I think it was 8-10 pounds for SIX weeks! i was a band to sleeve revision and they were super conservative on everything due to the scar tissue etc on my stomach from the band, but i think most surgeons have lifting restrictions. i didn't do ANYTHING with horses during those six weeks because it wouldn't take much to be over 10# of torque.

My understanding is you can form interanl adhesions, but I would place a call to your surgeon's office.

[Sajijoma 1,324]

It depends. I could have spun my wheel easily at 4 days out except for the drain hanging out. The biggest concern I would think would be the risk of mud leaking through your clothes and causing a place for infection. If you do throw, definitely wear a waterproof apron to protect your still healing body. The other hard part might be the dredging the clay before you actually start throwing. It takes a bit of effort to work it to get the air out and make it spin able. Maybe you could talk to the teacher of the class and explain you are having/have had surgery and see if they have a suggestion. If nothing else, listen in to the first lesson and gauge from there if it's something you can handle. Remember you are in control of the speed of the wheel in most cases and wetter clay is easier to spin, but harder to maintain shape so it's a balancing act. I personally fine red clay easier to spin than grey, so maybe if there is a choice, stick with the red until you are stronger.

[Katrinakit 139]

Thanks!