Need to lift 40# 10 weeks post hysterectomy ... is this a potential issue?

Hi all!

I have a question about how much everyone could lift after activity restrictions were lifted...I'm talking 10 weeks post surgery.

My very part time job requires me to lift two 40 lb batteries over a railing and down into a tub on the other side. I'm all by myself out in a remote field site when I do this. I think it's pretty heavy now, so I'm sure I'll have some problems after surgery.

My Dr was concerned with lifting so much 6 weeks post surgery. So I got an extension from work for 10 weeks. However, I'm not sure this will be enough time.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to when they could lift fairly heavy objects?

Thanks so much

I was cleared to lift 30 lbs after 2 weeks, after 6 weeks all limits were lifted. While you should be able to lift 40 lbs after that, you might not be able to do it all day, and will probably need to evade yourself back on doing it.

I was cleared to lift up to 30 lbs at four weeks. All restrictions were removed at six weeks, with instructions to start off cautiously and work up gradually. At eight weeks I rearranged the archives room at work, which had gotten messed up in my absence. This meant I spent an hour hauling 30-40 lb boxes off shelves, sorting them out and putting them back. About a quarter of the shelving space is over my head. I was fine.

Could I have spent *all day* throwing 30-40 lb boxes around? Uh, no. But I'd have a hard time doing that in any case. Also, due to wonky knees I wimp out entirely about 50 lbs.

What I'd suggest is that as soon as your lift restrictions start to be raised - for example, from 10 lbs to 30 lbs - start working on lifting exercises while staying within your weight limits. Start slow and work up gradually. For example, for me this would have meant working on lifting 10-30 lbs at four weeks, more than 30 lbs at six weeks.

You're definitely going to get into trouble if you don't lift anything at all for 10 weeks and then head out to your field site. Ten weeks should give you time both to recover and to get back into shape for the job.

Ok awesome! This is really great advice. Thanks so much.