ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: wendysig on September 11, 2008, 07:51:47 am
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Hi all,
During my first post operative visit my doc gave me all the usual restrictions, no bendiing over, no lifting anything over 10 pounds, etc. He told me I would be able to start bending over again after four weeks or so, I assumed all the other restrictions would be over at the same time. A friend told me about a local gym that is having a great promotion sale and decided I wanted to join. Just to be on the safe side, I asked my doc in an e-mail about the lifting restriction and the advisability of joining the gym. He told me it was okay to lift a maximum of 25 pounds as long as I lifted with my legs and didn't hold my breath. I'm not sure what he thought about the gym idea -- he didn't answer that question and I've noticed that sometimes if he thinks the answer is a common sense answer he doesn't. So I actually have two questions -- when were your lifting restrictions over and what do you think about the idea of my joining the gym? As I told him, I don't plan to do anything too strenuous. I'd appreciate any opinion you have..
Wendy
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hi wendy,
i talked to my docs about getting to thegym again when i was 2 months post op. they told me that exercises should be very very light and short at the beginning since through exercise i raise up blood pressure and the circulation gets more intense.
As far as lifting things they did not allow me to lift up anything during the first months either. I myself felt anything heavy, even the chairs at home, so i had to ask for someone to carry it for me. This was the time i learned myselfhow to carry my purse on the other shoulder since i felt it heavy. It is no longer of course but please wait till you feel you can do it. I think it is better not to fall in any time frames but rather feel it for yourself.
Hrissy
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Wendy~
If it is a GREAT deal, you better do it!! Can you tell I love a good deal?? Chances are, it is a year membership and so you would definitely benefit over the long haul. There are LOTS of things that you can do at a gym besides all weights. Is there a pool? Just a reason to get out of the house (not that you seem to have that problem) and have something to go & do would be reason enough!
It's been too long for me to remember about weight restrictions!! LOL!!
K
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I'm post op 8 months now, and they still don't want me to lift over 50# yet. They say lifting causes your blood preasure to rise to your brain, putting it under stress.
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Would you believe they didn't tell me anything like this Canada! I wasn't really given any specific restrictions, but i kind went with much of what i heard here... no heavy lifting, no blowing the nose.
I have an 18mo old and it was hard to not be able to pick her up (the first week was easy as i was in the hospital). I started lifting her at 3 weeks (sounds a little crazy after reading some of the replies here!), but i tried to so smartly and carefully for what that's worth. I had a good recovery (except for face/vision) and was feeling up to running in 2 months.
Keeping fit is good for mind and body. Take care and enjoy.
Trish
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Hi Hrissy, K, Zeek and Trish,
Thanks to all of you for your input. Since Dr. Choe didn' t answer this question the first time around, I sent it to him again. His answer is no - no gym for the same reason as Zeek's doc. He just want me to stick to physical therapy and walking -- at least I have that.
Hrissy - I have had an amazing recovery so far and I am at the point where I am getting impatient.. So much happened at first and now I have hit a plateau. Nothing has improved physically in at least a week. I actually feel pretty good and have always been physically strong. Having to follow these restrictions, while I understand they are necessary, is a difficult thing to do.
K - It really is a good deal and no long term obligation. One offer is a pay as you go thing for only $16 a month. That doesn't include any classes, just using whatever machines and weights they have on your own, treadmill, eliptical, stationary bikes,free weights, Nautilus machines, etc. and no,unfortunately there is no pool. I'm sure once your hooked they try to reel you in.
Trish - I am amazed your doc didn't give you a list of things not to do. I thought these restrictions were the norm. I guess things are different in Canada, but am glad to hear you tried to follow them anyway. Callie is adorable, but I'm sure she can be demanding as all babies are, I know mine were. I'm so sorry you've had all the problems you have. How are you feeling?
Zeek - I have a feeling I won't be lifting anything heavier than 25 pounds for a long time but I guess it's all for my own good.
Thanks again,
Wendy
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Wendy~
I never got a "list" either...of course, I was so bad off that maybe they gave my family one and we just never had to worry about it since I couldn't do any of that stuff anyway!
K
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Windysig: I know about the impatient part. Same thing here. I got a lecture or two on that over time. ha! I won't bore everyone here with my story again, but you can look back at my posts to see what I went thru, and how far I've come. So, there is hope. I wanted so badly to walk as soon as I could. The weather was so fowl that even if I could- I couldn't. But, as soon as I could I walked alittle, then a little more, ect. Now since July or Aug, I've been walking 1-2 miles every evening. Also, this summer I spent as much time in the hot sun as I could to sweat the drugs out of my system. I spent alot of time fishing in the sun and drinking so I would sweat profusely. It felt great!
Then on vacation this summer I spent alot of time in the hotub and pool. I just feel so much better in the heat, and low humidity. To each his own!
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Docs didn't give me any restrictions. I haven't been lifting anything, but I have been running almost every day for the past 4 weeks or so, though not very far or fast. With green light from docs. I guess it's completely idiosyncratic.
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My doctor said it would be over after 3 months after surgery.
Hope this helps.
Lacey
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Hi Zeek,
I don't have a problem walking, just a medium problem with balance. I usually walk about 2 miles a day (I use a cane). My doc didn't give me a list either but I saw a lot of things posted here and asked him about them before my surgery. That was what led to the restrictions, or maybe he would have given me a list of things not to do even if I hadn't asked. It seems to me the docs should let us know what we should and should not be doing so we don't hurt ourselves inadvertently.
Wendy
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A few months is the normal guide line .. the key is not the weight but straining ....from lifting a big bag of top soil , a sneeze, to a BM :o .. take it easy and slow at first...
if your skinny 90 pounds .. 10 pounds could be a lot .. if your 250 pound weight lifter.. 10 pounds is nothing....
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Even without restrictions I have been reluctant to lift anything heavy yet. Or perhaps I never wanted to lift anything heavy. : ;D