Lifting limitations -- TVH vs. TAH

First I want to say that Hyster Sisters is wonderful! My (real) sister had a TAH in November and told me about this site. I am happy that I can read so much information prior to my surgery (scheduled for 4/12).

Here is my question.........Everything I have been reading on here says to be careful about lifting after surgery. I work part time (2 days a week, occasionally 3) at a large child day care center. My duties include lifting babies/toddlers many times a day for diaper changing, lifting them into high chairs or table chairs for meals, getting up and down from the floor to play, help them fall asleep at nap time, etc. I am having a TVH/BSO, so I will not have an abdominal incision. I understand there will be internal healing, but how cautious do I need to be? I read the advice "You only have one chance to heal correctly the first time" so I want to be careful. However, since there is no abdomial incision, will I have less to worry about? Any advice will be appreciated!

Hi! My dr. said no lifting for 2-3 weeks after my TVH on the 9th. I have a 20lb. 11 month old that I'm not allowed to carry until after the 2 week point! Remember that even though it's a TVH and not a TAH, you still have sutures and healing to do on the inside!! Best wishes to you!

I had TVH 3 weeks ago. Still NO lifting here! Dr. said nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for 4 weeks & nothing heavier than 10 lbs until my 6 week check up. Some of the other sisters who also work with kids I know have posted 6-8 weeks before being able to work & lift children. I hope this helps in post op recovery planning.

I had a TVH & A&P repairs last April - gee has it been that long? Any way, It was quite a while till I could lift more than 10 pounds or so - my Dr even advised to take it easy with the lifting forever - no need to have to redo the repairs, so you will definetly want to talk to your DR. Just for the TVH I would suspect at least 6 weeks, then see how you feel...

During my 6 week post-op I was not allowed to pick up or carry around my 20 pound grand daughter. Now I get a bonus 3 week healing time, and still no picking her up!

But, as others have said, ask you Dr. aobut your particular case.

I had a TVH-BSO on 12/13/03 and my weight limit was 15 lb. I was released from that limit at my 4 week check up on 1/13/04. Although I forgot to ask at the appointment and had to call back later that afternoon to check to make sure, as they released me to return to work on 1/20/04. Every DR is different, so it would be best to call your DR office to check to see. My DR office was wonderful on answering questions I had prior to my surgery, which were "plentiful". When I apologized to them for "bothering" them, they said no bother, that is what we are here for.
So don't hesitate to ask them....also be sure and ask on when you can return to your job and be sure they know what your job involves. As every DR is different about the dates on that as well with the TVH's. Just a suggestion.

Hi there, I had a TVH on 1/5/04.

Here's how my doctor put it to me when he said I would be able to have a TVH vs. a TAH. He said I would not be able to do a single thing more than if I'd had a TAH, however, I'd feel a lot better in the meantime. He also warned that I would have to be more careful being that I would "feel" like I could do things. My limits for now are 5 lbs. I understand that it will be that way until at least my 3 week checkup and then, it may get upped a little (maybe 10 lbs) until he sees me at 6weeks.

Maybe your doctor will tell you otherwise. Some doctors do seem to differ on this. At least you have plenty of time to find out and be able to plan accordingly. Good luck!

I had my TVH w/repairs for prolapse on 1/13 and my doctor didn't give me any specific restrictions...certainly no lifting my 45# DD, but everything else within reason. I can't go back to weight training until after my 6 weeks...and then he may have specific weight limits and restrictions on things like squats and lunges.

Since I don't have any REASON to be lifting heavy things right now, I didn't really ask for more specifics. So make sure you clarify with your MD...you don't want to undo all the good work!

Shel

TVH 12-31-03...Two week post op appt last Friday. Still on restriction from everything except driving. This will remain until I go back in three more weeks (2/6). As was mentioned I felt great and thought I could pick up things as easy at the stovetop grates out of the dishwasher......big mistake. Is anybody tired of hearing that story yet? Sorry, the pain will forever be embedded in my mind. Even though you don't have any outer stitches you must remember that you do on the inside. Also, your body parts will be getting used to the change that has been put before you. Don't pick things up....you will feel it, if not that day, the next. Then you will write about it over and over and these wonderful princesses will say.....ohmigosh, she is still talking about the stovetop grates!!!

Good luck to you, my recovery went great with the TVH, but even when you feel good, don't let a little excess energy cause you a set back!!!

Hugs,
Karyn

I was told that my bladder would not prolapse following my TVH as long as I followed instructions about not lifting. The lifting restriction is the same no matter what procedure you have, I will be off work for at least 12 weeks, then only work 4 hours a day for a while (Nurse, in UK). The doctors over here are more strict and I will be in hospital for at least 3-4 days and then have to be off work as long as I am told.