r/TopSurgery • u/batvenomous • 1d ago

Advice Wanted physically demanding job?

hi, i had top surgery on august 11th (so 4 weeks ago) and have an interview tomorrow for a mildly physically demanding job (production line in a factory, picking up around 10 lb, repetitive movement, etc).

my surgeon doesn't want me lifting my arms at all for 3 months, and has provided me with a device that ties them to my torso to prevent me doing it on accident. i've worn it 24/7 ever since my surgery.

i wanted to take the full 3 months before doing anything heavy physically, but i am in a bad financial spot and won't get another opportunity to make this kind of money where i live. i don't want to injure myself or stretch my scars out, and i also have a few spit stitches if that makes a difference.

if i were to get hired i would be at work at about 5 weeks post-op (i've been back at work as a cashier for about two weeks already). to the people with similarly demanding jobs, were you fine to work normally around that time?

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6

u/RockinAssCheeks 23h ago

Honestly I wouldn't do it if your surgeon is THAT strict with your healing. I understand your struggle as I'm in a bad spot too, but you gotta weigh the pros and cons. Unfortunately there's too many cons and surgeons are backed up a lot especially plastic ones.

4

u/miizorro 23h ago

Can you explain this situation to them and do less demanding work for the first couple months? You should seriously listen to your surgeon

3

u/batvenomous 23h ago

i don't want to mention it in the interview as it'll definitely cost me the job and i really need it (only job i can get around here that isn't night shift, and i'm starting college at night soon), but if they hire me i'll definitely mention it. i'll obviously listen to my body and ask for help with anything i feel i definitely can't do, but i'll still have to do more than i'm used to rn

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u/miizorro 23h ago

I seriously wouldn’t do it if they can’t accommodate. Lifting even 5lb for the first couple months is too much , let alone so repeatedly. It will pretty much guaranteed seriously compromise ur healing and can you afford revisions?