Had my right side and last wisdom tooth extracted about 80 hours ago. It's still pretty swollen and tender w/the stitches in there. Darn tooth was impacted just like my right one which was extracted in Nov 2015. I surfed about 3 days afterwards w/both extractions even though I was reluctant to jump in w/that post operative condition. Luckily I did well all these sessions so the dice roll paid off. I can remember a coupla other times when I surfed after injuries.
1- Next day after getting a few stitches in a finger.
2- About three weeks after fracturing a rib. That sesh I wore a big stretchy ace bandage w/velcro.
3- About 4 days after throwing out my back. The chiro said it was a slipped/herniated disk and gave me a week med leave from work.
4- Summer 2014 I jumped in 14 days after an ear operation.

It's definitely a risk w/re-injury but it was a beautiful day here w/some light winds. My brother called me and said get on it! What's it take to get you in the water too soon after injury?

I can definitely relate. I've been off the water since late October of 2016. I've been twice this year and both times it felt very good to be back on the water.

youre a trooper cookieman

tough year for you, but you shrug it off---dats good!

wisdoms can be a nightmare--had mine yanked when i was 12-nbd, except that my dad let me, when i insisted on playing in a doubles tennis tournament with him, day after the yank procedure--vomited blood all over the court saturday, was fine sundaY, only to be wiped in the semifinals---

my daughters have had theirs yanked in early 20's---scary the swelling and recovery time--they are both fine, but aint no joke

 I surfed 6 weeks to the day after a hip replacement.

One of the most terrifying experiences ever in my life yesterday. It's been three weeks since my lower left wisdom tooth extraction and I was just finishing my sandwich when I felt what I thought was my jaw breaking! The cracking/breaking sound was so loud and now I can't chew at all because the pain is quite severe! Went to the hospital and they took four x-rays and said nothing's broken but it sure feels like it. Seeing my oral surgeon on Wed. Chewing is pretty much out of the question at this point. Seems the jaw dislocated from TMJ disorder, where the discs between the upper and lower jaw slip.  I'm not optimistic about jumping into the surf anytime soon. 
 From what I've read this condition isn't really treatable and will just take some time to heal. My guess is that there was swelling from the recent wisdom tooth being yanked out. The pressure was put on the TMJ, which may have caused the disc in the TMJ to slip. I was in pain still 10 days after the procedure which seemed odd. Thought maybe it was the jaw right under the wisdom tooth where it was sore. Wish I'd had been forewarned about the  temporomandibular joint. I would have gone way easier on trying to chew.
Been icing quite a bit lately.
TMJ disorders
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941

that's really encouraging sw'ly--theyve wanted my hip for a while now--not quite there, but will get it chopped some day

Probably post operative muscle spasm, causing the TMJ lockup, Cookie.  The older you are, the worse the recovery in terms of pain, dsyfunction and longer healing/complications from wisdom teeth.  Should all resolve with time if x-rays are negative.

I would not take out impacted wisdom teeth on people over 45 unless there was a very strong indication to do so.  I would let them know they were there, and possible but low risk of harm for keeping them.  I always let them know they were in for post operative misery for a good spell if they wanted them out or there was a good reason for taking them out. 

missed your post, cookie--sorry youre dealing with this

cheat knows--youll be fine, charging again soon enough--your patience will be tested, but youll be back full on