If you're a stay-at-home-parent, or were when you had your surgery, how long did you recover before returning to "work"? My partner will be able to take a medical leave for my post-op recovery, but I have no idea how long it should be. I have one child -- a very active two year old, 33 pounds -- and it will be very hard to get through the day without lifting him if I'm the only one home. How long was it before you could lift your kids? I know I'm going to need help after the surgery, but for how long?

Thanks!

Caroline

i was told to not lift anything heavier than a full gallon of milk for 6wks. i have a 4 and 7 yr old and they dont need to be picked up like a 2yr old would. good luck

You need to follow whatever your surgeon tells you, but it will probably be nothing over 10-15 lbs for at LEAST 4 weeks. If I am not mistaken, your port is stitched in place and you need to let that heal. You may have to listen to whining and let him climb up on chairs and just give a hand when he gets down until you are cleared to lift him. Practice this with him now, so he can get used to it. Let him know what a big boy he is when he is able to get up by himself. Lifting him early could possibly do damage. Just discuss it with your surgeon and see what guidelines he/she gives you to follow. Good luck!

I have 5 kids (ages 7,6,5,3,3). I had my surgery last Monday, and I haven't been able to lift anything at all, not if I wanted to. My husband was home most of last week to help me, but he's going out of town all this week, and I'm not quite sure how I'll handle it. I can't chase my 3yr olds, I can't lift them, I'm not even sure I'll be able to buckle them into their carseats! I can't bend over to unload the dishwasher, and I can't lift or reach to wash clothes.

I'm not really sure I have any advice, but I'll be going through this this week alone, and I'll let you know how it goes! Right this moment my husband is doing dishes and laundry to get me through this week!!

I'm in the same boat, I have a 17 month old who refuses to walk and my surgery is scheduled for this tuesday. I won't be able to get him in or out of his crib, carry him to the car, ect. I am really nervous. DH will be there to help, but may not always be there...<crossing fingers>

I would say about 2 weeks before I was able to go back to work as a nanny for twin 2 year olds. After we did modifications for about the first 3-4 weeks. Their mom and dad taught them to climb up on the ottoman so I could just grab them, instead of bending and lifting 28 lbs....twice!! When they got hurt, or was crying I just gently grabbed their hand and walked them to the couch, where I sat down and they climbed up to cuddle. I couldn't lift them into their high chairs, but their dad brought in their little tykes picnic table so I just feed them there. Mind you, I am obviously really good friends with them, so they helped me out a lot. They also did a lot of pre-planning and thinking of what would help me which helped out A LOT!!!! Mind you it was in January so I didn't have to worry about taking them outside....and we eliminated all extra activities....like library and play group for about a month. But never during that time, did I feel I couldn't take care of them...so I know you can do it. Just takes planning and innovation! Good Luck!:thumbup:

I have twin 2 year old daughters that were in the process of potty training (tons of lifting for potty training) right before I had surgery. I lifted them into the car seats upon leaving the hospital from surgery. I lifted them throughout the day when I was home as well. I told my doctor my situation and he just told me to be careful. Not saying this is the right thing to do, but it is what I did. HTH

I had my surgery on 4/27 and was picking my 15mo (28 lbs) old up about 1 week after. My Dr was firm about the 1 week, but pretty much told me to progress as tolerated after that. If your partner is going to be there to help, you should be totally fine =)

Thanks for sharing your experiences, everyone. It's so helpful to get information from people who are already further down the path!