Heavy lifting 8 weeks post-op?

Does anyone have thoughts on heavy lifting 8 weeks after a TAH/BSO? I am an emt and lift heavy patients and equipment. I carry and lift patients up to 250-300 pounds. Am I going to cause problems with my internal stitches by doing this at 8 weeks? Most women do not do this kind of work and I do not think my gyno has experience with this kind of lifting requirements. Anyone else out there with a heavy lifting job who has been through a hysterectomy?

I am a medic I would ask for a lift assist are they 11/2 or 2 man streachers.
even so I would say to get them out and down steps ect it would not be safe for you get a lift assist

You don't lift them by yourself do you? I am 8 weeks post op and this week I moved my fridge and stove so that I could clean behind them. I feel fine but I'm a little tired (I did a whole lot more than just clean behind the stove and fridge BTW) I spring cleaned my son's room and that means moving furniture etc. I go to the doctor on Monday so I will see what he has to say.

Liz

I lift stuff that is 40 lbs all day long and on my feet all day too. But nothing as heavy as you are lifting. I do hope someone else is helping you lift up people.My Dr. said i will be clear to lift whatever after 8 weeks. And i'm dreading that.

I'm 8 weeks, TVH, but doc said STILL no heavy lifting!! Those dang internal stitches haven't dissolved yet. Sept 1 is my date!!

Hi Ole'red
I don't have a job like yours, but heavy lifting that soon after your surgery would be a concern to me. Generally speaking drs recommend patients slowly work their way into their old routines a little at a time. I don't see any wisdom in being released and then immediately returning to a job where you have to lift this kind of weight. There is also the danger of causing a prolapse if you are straining beyond what you are comfortable lifting.

We are all different in what we have experienced. One factor is if you were not able to do your job for a time before your surgery. This was my situation and I found it difficult to return to lifting or doing much strenuous activity without causing myself some pretty bad pain. Even when the incisions are healed the tissue surrounding the wound is still tender for a time. You also need to consider the fact that you haven't been using your abdominal muscles for several weeks. They probably will need to be rebuilt so you don't strain them. This was the case for me anyway.

I hope you'll approach this with caution and won't put yourself at risk until you know for sure what your body can handle.
's, Rita

Sounds like a hernia waiting to happen to me. Which of course would mean more surgery. I would really make sure that this is ok to do. I think you need to slowly build yourself up. I would be really hesitant to start right back into this at 8 wks. IMHO

Take care of yourself.

Thank you all for this advice. I am feeling the same way, very hesitant about jumping back into it. Unfortunately, it is all or nothing but if my doc does not release me for the heavy lifting, I can take more time. I get short term disability and long term if I need it. My doc has probably never been asked this before but I think I will ask for physical therapy after 8 weeks so I can do it in a controlled environment with people trained to know how to best build the necessary muscles that have been affected. I am so lucky, for an old gal, to have great leg muscles and upper body strength from my job. We run anywhere from 3 to 9 calls in a 10 1/2 hour shift so even though it is tough to go back to, it has actually helped me be able to get around pretty darned good since my surgery.

I wish all of you well and hope you heal well and quickly.

I don't lift that much at work, up to 75 lbs is usually the max but lots of pulling and climbing. I talked to the dr during the pre-op process and then again at the 6 week mark where he cleared me for no more than 25 lbs for 4 months. He said that any upper body work would be fine (climbing and moderate pulling) but anything else always includes the ab muscles and could cause a hernia.

Good luck! Physical therapy is probably a really good idea...

I am a letter carrier, I have to lift and stand for 4 hours in the morning to sort and pick up mail. Then walk with a satchel on carrying up to 35 lbs and walking 7 to 10 kms a day. I am supposed to go back Sept 10th and I don't believe for one minute that I will be fine to do my regular work. I am still in pain when I even walk or bend. Dr said it was my muscles still mad from the retractors he used. If I thought for one minute it wouldn't cause damage I would go back regular duties but how do I know if it is just pain of bruising or I am causing problems for myself?
Thanks Guys... and thanks Red for letting me post on your thread
Donna