Practical question - bending down after surgery

[heather316 72]

Hi!

I have a practical question. I live alone and I would like to estimate how long will I need help with some house chores.

Can anybody tell me when will I be able to bend down to pick up something from the floor? How many days after surgery?

Thanks!

[SageTracey 608]

I seem to remember being able to bend over and pick things up very early on, provided I used the other hand to sort of hold my stomach in place.

But then my situation is different to yours and I had my husband on hand to help out as needed.

Please accept as much help as you can get in the early days. It's much easier to say thanks, I'm feeling good enough to do this myself now, than to have to chase around for help when you are immediately post op.

[kll724 3,055]

I was told not to pick up anything heavier than a gallon jug of milk. Can not remember my bending restriction. Other surgeries it was 6 weeks for pushing a vacuum cleaner. Accept all the help offered. karen

[stept04 465]

I just had surgery 4 weeks ago, and my instructions that went home with me said no lifting anything over 10 pounds or bending or stooping for 6 weeks. I now have found myself in situations that I have had to bend over but I try not to. I still have avoided picking anything up over 10 pounds. I have help though. I guessed the bending had to do with the port, it is stitched in and bending over could pull on the stitches, and possibly pull out a stitch. Good luck. They should give you instructions when you leave the hospital I would guess.

~~~Stephanie

[Joy332 25]

Ok, wow! Thanks, Heather 316, for bringing this up! I had not thought about bending over and lifting and vacuuming. I too live alone and I have a dog that must be walked alot. At least, I have a light canister vac that does not take much effort to use. Vacuuming alot is a must with a long-haired dog!

[heather316 72]

Thank you for the responses!! Joy332, my issues are: cleaning the cat litter box and lifting up the pan after I sweep the floor can? I know that I cannot lift up anything >10 lbs for 6 weeks. I also have to make sure before surgery that I do not leave anything on the floor

[Joy332 25]

I am going to hire my nephew to assist me. I am so glad you brought this up heather 316...now I will be more prepared. I had not even thought of shopping for and carrying in groceries (think bags of dog food!) or walking my 35 lb dog who pulls on the leash. I will need more help than I realized.

[heather316 72]

JOy332, do all the shopping you need for the next 4 weeks, at least. Yesterday, I bought 2 buckets of cat litter, big bag of cat food, 3 24-packs of Water, ice and gatorade, 12 cartoons of Soups from Trader Joe (I sampled all of them!). Now, I have have random stuff piled up in my house. Almost looks like a store

[dawalsh 919]

I was able to do everything right away but it took me two weeks until a full recovery. I was just cautious bending over but every move I made was very helpful with my recovery.

[lilmispcl 298]

I remember very clearly that bending down was te worst part for me and it last 2 weeks.

[heather316 72]

Thank you for the responses!

[Joy332 25]

Wow, Heather 316, you are prepared!!! I bought only 1 week of groceries. I went to the local GNC for some of that Isopure clear liquid. I asked the sales guy which flavor was best as they only came in cases of 12. He said blue was the only one he could stand to drink and even that one was awful. They didn't have any blue so I didn't buy any. Guess I will have to mix my Protein Powder with water...lovely.

[heather316 72]

Unfortunately, I live in a 3rd floor apartment, and no way that i am going to carry groceries up there after the surgery

I have bought already 8 Lbs of Protein powders, chocolate, vanilla, banana flavors. Whatever i found on sale Maybe I overdid the preparation, who knows

I was thinking about the Isopure drink, but I bought a 3lbs unflavored powder instead from GNC. I am planning to add it to gatorade drinks.. We shall see how it will taste...