Question about lifting post op

One thing I don't get is if you're not supposed to lift anything post op, then how are you able to help yourself up out of a chair or out of bed without having the same problems? Do you use different muscles to support yourself or something?
Fro-yo

I think it is using the different muscles. When you lift anything you definitely use your belly muscles. When you are trying to get yourselp up you will know what you are doing/how to do it.

shelly

Hi, my dr put me on a 5# lifting limit for the first week after my hyst - then a 10# limit for a few more weeks. He explained that lifting puts a tremendous strain on the abdomin and after a hyst the abdomin ( especially with an abdominal cut ) needs time to heal. There are lots and lots of internal stitches as well as any external.

I learned to get up and down from bed or sitting using my elbows and arms to avoid any strain on my poor sore tummy

BTW, the Hystersisters store here sells a thing called the Abnostrain that is very useful in helping to get out of bed without hurting yourself.

Best wishes.

s

I think the lifting muscles are different from the muscles you use to get in and out of a chair. The first week or so you have to be very careful getting in and out of a chair or bed. I was sitting in a recliner and had to have my husband or daughter put the recliner up and down for me.

The lifting thing is very important to pay attention to. When I went to my post-op appointment my doctor told me that 3-4 weeks was critical in the healing process. You start feeling better at that point but that's when most of the healing internally takes place. The tissue takes over from the stitches and you need to be very careful to let this healing happen.

I am 3 weeks post-up tomorrow from my TAH. I'm healing very well but I'm being very careful. I'm not pushing myself at all and I'm letting my body have the time it needs to heal.

Good luck!