Post op weight lifting

[rosebine]

I am 14 weeks post op now and have been very careful about lifting things. Ihave just changed my car and the boot is higher than the last one, consequently dog cant jump in ! Tried a ramp,. she wont use it, and I have been wheelbarrowing her in by putting front legs up on bumper then shoving her in by holding back legs. Im convincing myself that shes not so heavy this way ! She actually weighs 12 kg.and I put her in three or four times a day. Am I inviting a hernia ? Cant see a way round this at the mo

[Realistic]

Please take care, you never know with the body it can take awhile too heal properly. Your little dogs just being a little apprehensive with it being a new car might be a bit far for her to jump, lm sure she will get used to it. Put a goodie on the seat that may help her jump in, or in the boot when she smells her treat and perhaps one of her toys. You can tell lve had to so this in the past cant you. 😅🤣🤞🙏good luck. SheilaFxxx

[Lyndy]

Yes I would be careful…even if you escape the hernia you might put your back out! I also think the dog needs to help you out here. Perhaps a series of boxes rather than a ramp? Or could he get into the body of the car while it’s not too muddy? xx

[fair-rosamund]

Suggest you ask to see a physio about exercises to help strengthen the healing abdominal muscles and increase your confidence in moving around. Otherwise, we found a dog harness that a seat belt could go through so kept the dog secure on a car seat. Also leaves the boorcempty for shopping etc - but appreciate muddy dog in new car not always great combo. Good luck with your ongoing recovery.

[Ruebacelle]

Well...my onc said 6 months post op before you should lift more than 5 kgs...just be super careful no neighbor to help?

[Tillymint61]

Food in the boot might entice her to jump up!! I was told it can take upto 12 months to completely heal so I would say you still need to be vigilant. However if you have managed pushing her in a wheelbarrow 3 times a day your core muscles must be getting a good work out and strengthening. Don't think it's a case of after so many weeks you are OK to go back to normal lifting. Building up would be preferable. X

[rosebine]

No I dont use a wheelbarrow, its a method of getting her in, Put front paws up on bumper take hold of back legs and push her in !

[Cropcrop]

If I remember rightly my surgeon suggested that lifting anything really heavy was to be avoided as we’re at a greater risk of hernia and/or prolapse following our type of surgery. I took that to mean going forwards generally as a timeframe wasn’t given to me and, in fairness, I didn’t ask as I didn’t anticipate needing to do any weightlifting. I’d suggest that you contact your surgical team and ask this question, I think it’s still really early days for you and you should definitely err on the side of caution. Could you take your pup out for a walk without the need to use the car? Maybe our lovely admin team could give some advice here too? Take care ❤️xx Jane

[testarossa71]

Can you put treats on the ramp to encourage her to climb it? More treats at the top, and even more in the back so she is encouraged and rewarded for using the ramp? Wishing you luck x

[KH59]

It seems like you are getting stronger so that is great. Maybe put a cover on the back seat of your car for now and let your dog travel that way. I'd be a bit careful still. I'm about 7 months down the road from my operation. Yesterday I had to carry a large heavy tv down my steps to the car to dispose of it. I felt okay and no strain on my abdomen. Where as earlier in my recovery I could feel the strain. I would ask your consultant to be on the safe side. All of our operations are no doubt slightly different. I think the way you are lifting your dog up is probably okay. Just be mindful.

[rosebine]

Dog cant get in the back seat either. Ive measured the heights and its a good 5" taller than the last car! On the plus side I can get in and out a lot easier. I need a bigger dog with a better jump! I actually feel very fit but mustnt let this give me a false sense of security. Hopefully it wont be for much longer, I think Im nearly 4 months from Op now.

[KH59]

You are doing really well! 🌸