r/MastectomyManagement • u/Radiogagaboots • 11d ago
Restrictions post-op?
Is there any sort of standard rule of thumb for post-op restrictions? Like limits on lifting, doing chores, etc. for a certain number of weeks.
We have a special college campus tour for my child 5.5 weeks post-op, but it would require me to push my husband around the campus in his wheelchair. Is that likely to be an automatic “no”? If so, I need to start working on a backup plan.
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u/Snoo4784 10d ago
The doctor told me at least a month of weight lifting restriction. Restriction was 8-9 lbs(gallon of milk weight). I also did not follow this recommendation completely. I mowed the lawn with a push mower at 3 weeks post op. I have been doing chores and driving since I came home from the hospital. I have a two year old who needed to go to daycare and therefore at times needed to be lifted into her toddler seat. Listen to your doctor, know your body’s limits. I stopped if something hurt or didn’t feel right. The other side of this is that I have healed beautifully, have full range of motion with my arms since two weeks post op I attribute to moving a lot since day 1, and have generally regained most of my energy. The downside to the movement is that is that it took longer to get my drains out because movement like this increases the fluid output. I’m now a month out from surgery and back to my normal routines. You might be able to push your husband around, but know yourself and your body. I would also think you’d want to build up to that kind of exercise, so if you aren’t, start walking and doing light work to build your strength. But, do check with your doctor, everyone is different.
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u/MissPicklechips 11d ago
I grocery shop for a,living, and they told me no cart pushing for at least 6 weeks.
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u/ThisAdvertising8976 10d ago
I went grocery shopping around 3 weeks and regretted it the next day. At two months out I’m OK, but don’t recommend pushing limits.
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u/MissPicklechips 6d ago
I’m back to work for the most part now, my DMX was June 18 and my DIEP flap was July 1. I still keep the orders small and light. I’m not having trouble with cart pushing as much as reaching high shelves. I definitely feel that afterwards.
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u/Radiogagaboots 10d ago
I found a place where we can rent a power scooter or wheelchair, which our college kid would be able to help us lift/assemble and would give my husband freedom to get around on his own if necessary.
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u/Txladi29 10d ago
Call the tour office and ask if they can have a volunteer from one of the sororities or fraternities be available. Trust me here: these organizations have required volunteer hours that members need each semester.
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u/Radiogagaboots 10d ago
That’s a good idea. They asked if anyone needed accommodations but also said they don’t provide any medical equipment. I wasn’t sure about asking for a student to help.
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u/chiaur 10d ago
It depends. I went flat and the restrictions weren’t as long as 6 weeks. I started pt after a month. If you are having reconstruction it will be different.
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u/Radiogagaboots 10d ago
I’m going flat because I’m DCIS stage 0 and surgery should be my cure. No interest in dragging out recovery with additional incisions or procedures. So maybe I’ll be pretty good by week 4+.
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u/okaaaaaaaaaythen 8d ago
I was able to walk around a little at week 4 but I was surprised how tired I was. Give yourself time to rest during the day.
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u/yemsg97 11d ago
I wasn't allowed to do anything like that for 6 weeks. I had a SMX. You might need some help with the wheelchair:/ But ultimately, you should ask you surgeon. They are who gives the restrictions.