Post-op lifting...myself???

I know most of us received post-op instruction to lift nothing heavier than a gallon of milk. Well, I just noticed that I've been using my arms a lot to haul myself around in bed, getting up and down, etc. I know I weigh A LOT more than a gallon of milk. Any input on whether I'm causing problems using my arms too much? I think I should probably be trying to use my legs as much as possible.

I know, that is hard. With my TAH and NO pain medicine I was not even able to help myself for days! My hubby would pick me up to my feet from my chair where I spent most of my time.

Also, in and out of bed was horrible. I finally got so tired from holding on to him that he used a towel and then a sheet around me! He would put it around my back and hold the front. This was WONDERFUL, no arms needed.

Then when I was stronger, I put the sheet around the foot of my bed. I would raise and lower myself. That was what I did for several weeks.

I was VERY VERY ill with a cold for two weeks and I can't take pain meds so this all made healing slow. I also had to wake my hubby up three times a night to help me to the bathroom! He is not used to waking up at night, that was hard for him, ha. Finally I could do it myself.

Just be slow when you do it. Do don't want to pull a shoulder or something. Then it would be hard for you. For a while, you just can't do anything but use your arms, they work so hard!

Try not to use your core muscles when you move. Think of using your arms and stronger leg muscles to help you swing into position when getting up and around. I had a TVH on June 30th and it's hard to not use your abs when you move. Just try to be mindful and remember to rest and take it easy. I know it's difficult to just sit/lay around....believe me, I know it! I'm still being a couch potato, but it's getting better. Time will heal. Good luck. J