25 pound limitation after surgery

When I was released from the hospital, I was given a sheet, "No lifting arm over shoulder for 6 weeks" and "No lifting over 25 pounds for 2 weeks".

Today is 3 weeks, and when I spoke to the nurse, she said that she doesn't think I should lift over 25 pounds. My son is about 40 pounds, and I need to lift him sometimes.

Anyone been given this statement, I am going to reach to the doctor tomorrow, but I was wondering if there is any sage advise out there

6 Comments

No consistent instructions

by ElectricFrank - 2010-04-14 01:04:06

I actually have 2 instruction sheets, one from the hospital and the other from the cardiologist. They are quite different.

The arm over shoulder is to prevent pulling on the lead wires that go from the pacer to your heart. After some period of time they scar into the vein wall which keeps them from being pulled out of the heart wall.

The weight limit is more like any surgery where there are sutured areas that need time to heal. Lifting heavy objects could pull stitches loose. It depends on where they implanted your pacer and how near the surgery is to major muscles of lifting as far as how the weight would affect it. In any case be careful of lifting your son past shoulder height. It is easy to forget when you are having a good time.

My problem was stretching. My wife used to throw a plastic ball at me when I started to stretch.

frank

Different For Everybody ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-04-14 02:04:15

I was told not to lift over 5 pounds for my duration and not to raise the involved arm over my heart. 25 pounds would be heavy for me. I am short & sassy.

Check with your Dr. or call your PM rep. and listen to your own body.

Thank goodness for all your great, educated PM friends in your club here.

Best Wishes,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Take Time To Smell the Roses

better safe than sorry

by Tracey_E - 2010-04-14 06:04:53

I was told no lifting over 5 lbs for 2 weeks, nothing over 20 lbs for 6 weeks. Every doctor is different but most have some weight restriction for 4-6 weeks. It's hard when you can't lift your kids!!! Been there, done that. Getting them out of the crib and changing diapers become challenges. The restrictions are for the side with your pm. Can you do most of the lifting with your other side? That's how I got by- lifting with the right arm and just using the left for balance. That, and my mom!

weight

by LS - 2010-04-14 08:04:08

I was told 25 pounds for 8 weeks. LOL
I did lift my grandaughter (23 pounds) at about 6 weeks & sure could feel it by the incision site. Nothing horrible, but enough to let me know there was a bit of strain over there.
Amazing how even the littles things give us a "do not do" signal. LOL

I was told...

by JessiWay - 2010-04-14 10:04:31

I was told 5 lbs. for 2 weeks, 10 lbs. for 2 weeks, 15 for the next 2 weeks. I also have children & understand the struggle with the weight restrictions. When I was in a situation where I had to life I used my right arm, but I avoided it as much as possible.

Different

by Beckes76 - 2010-04-16 03:04:57

I was told no raing my arm for a month and 10 lbs for two months. When I was near my two months I lifted lighter things to get use to the tension and to get the muscles back in shape. I was fine after a few weeks of doing this. Good luck.

Becky

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

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