Lifting things after surgery

[AverageBloke]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

[stmfttr]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

One word, Liability.
If you follow the doctor's instructions and something goes amiss, You can sue the doctor.
If you DON'T follow the instructions...you bought it, you got it!!

Give your body a chance to heal. Implant is classed as major surgery.
Sorry if I'm the only dick on FT but if you want the best results, just do what you were told. AND...If you have questions, call the doctor!!!
stmfttr

[Time2Change]

I 100% agree with stmfttr. Follow the doctor's instructions if you want the best outcome possible. The 6 weeks will pass quickly enough.

My doctor's directions were don't lift anything over 5 pounds for 2 weeks. Then I was allowed to work gradually back to full activity after that.

[Lost Sheep]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

Ripping out your sutures and opening the surgical incisions.

When you lift things, you generally tighten and compress your core muscles. This increases the pressure in your abdomen. That is where the reservoir was placed. It would be very easy to herniate your innards and repairing the hernia would be complicated because of the presence of the reservoir.

[Gt1956]

Hey guys,
I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

Ripping out your sutures and opening the surgical incisions.
When you lift things, you generally tighten and compress your core muscles. This increases the pressure in your abdomen. That is where the reservoir was placed. It would be very easy to herniate your innards and repairing the hernia would be complicated because of the presence of the reservoir.

I have to agree with Lost sheep. I suspect that in a worse case hernia that moving or removal of the reservoir could be required. So another chance for infection.
FWIW, doctors don't stand around throwing darts to make a list of rules to inconvenience you with.

[MK1965]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

Because, you don’t want ti dislodge your reservoir with putting additional pressure on your abdominal muscles.
MK

[Old Guy]

My doc told me nothing heavy for 6 months! Have to agree with all the other answers here, hernia, dislodge the reservoir, tear out stitches, etc. Don't risk the surgery by doing something you aren't supposed to do.

[frank66665]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

Ripping out your sutures and opening the surgical incisions.

When you lift things, you generally tighten and compress your core muscles. This increases the pressure in your abdomen. That is where the reservoir was placed. It would be very easy to herniate your innards and repairing the hernia would be complicated because of the presence of the reservoir.

I'm sorry for this question, I suffer from allergies and I often have 5/6 consecutive strong sneezing, would this be a serious problem?

[Lost Sheep]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

Ripping out your sutures and opening the surgical incisions.

When you lift things, you generally tighten and compress your core muscles. This increases the pressure in your abdomen. That is where the reservoir was placed. It would be very easy to herniate your innards and repairing the hernia would be complicated because of the presence of the reservoir.

I'm sorry for this question, I suffer from allergies and I often have 5/6 consecutive strong sneezing, would this be a serious problem?

I don't know how serious it COULD be, but I would definitely not try to stifle a sneeze by restricting it. I would definitely just let it fly if it were inevitable.

I would try non-pressurized preventative measures.

Nasal spray to keep tissues moist and cleaned of allergens.

Learn to sneeze with the least amount of or no back pressure.

No one knows why, but pressing directly in on the tip of ones nose sometimes relieves the urge to sneeze. In the case of rhinovirus or allergies, this may be only a delaying tactic, though.

Talk to your surgeon.

[newbie443]

Hey guys,

I’m one week out of surgery and I would like to know why do surgeons tell you not to lift anything heavy over 20 pounds for 6 weeks? What are the risks?

The doctor makes a hole to place the reservoir. That hole needs to close and heal or as was posted stuff could come through it that shouldn't. This is also the reason after surgery many doctors instruct use of stool softeners to prevent straining as pain meds can cause constipation.

Take it easy and rest and heal. That is your job now. Best of luck to you with this.