physical restrictions and PD

[justme15]

What are you guys experiences with lifting restrictions and PD? The PD nurse told me that there is a 30lb limit to lifting for as long as I'm on PD.  My job at times requires lifting people.  She also indirectly said that some people don't go by the restrictions, as if to say it's really up to me.  Have any of you continued with a physically demanding job after PD? Have any of you had any problems with too much actiivty while on PD.

I'm going to have to make a decision about my job in the next few weeks.

[Lillupie]

Well every person is different. Lets put it this way. If you had problems in any way before dialysis, the problems get enhanced, worse after dialysis. It is up to you. You may not have a problem. For me, I ended up with two hernias. Many people on PD do continue to lift heavy things like they did before.

Your nurse probably doesnt want to tell you not to lift anything, you might be one of those people who will be alright if you do. She doesnt want to tell you to go ahead and keep lifting, just to find out you have a hernia.

Just be careful. IF you ever do get a hernia, do not, do not let them take your catheter out, unless they have to because it is infected. I have had two hernia repair surgeries and I strictly told them if they had to take the cath out to stop the surgery immedately. It worked, because after two hernia surgeries, I still have the same cathater.

Lisa

[kporter85db]

I don't follow any specific restrictions. I just use common sense. If it doesn't feel right, I don't do it.

[Whamo]

I wouldn't train heavy (darn), but if you have to work, go easy.

[Grumpy-1]

I was never given any restrictions, but just common sense.  I did notice that I lost some physical strength after starting on D.  Mostly in my legs.  After 3 years on D, I find that my overall physical strength had decrease quite a bit.   Grumpy

[Joe]

My Neph told me not to lift anything really heavy while carrying fluid. I'm dry for part of the day, so that is when I do my workouts and heavy work around the house.

[smcd23]

Hubby used to do a very physical job (HVAC) and his neph said he had no restrictions in lifting as long as he was dry or mostly dry. I think he used to carry 500 or 1000ml during the day. He used to lift heavy stuff all the time, and only problem he had was he once sliced his PD tube and had to have the end replaced.

The risk of lifting while real full is hernia, so just be careful. As others said, if it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

[jeannea]

I was told nothing over 20 pounds. Even that was often too much.

[Ricksters]

I was told not to lift more than 15 pounds.


Ricki

[Joe]

I had those kinds of weight restrictions as my catheter was healing. But after 6 weeks, my VS told me I was clear to do just about anything. At the gym I'm routinely lifting 75 pounds on all the upper body machines and 150 on the leg press. Those weights are good for me now.

[blondie1746]

I agree with Joe.  No restrictions.  I do have a small umbilical hernia, and I am careful while working out doing abs.  But other than that, I feel as good now (1 year later) as I did when I was diagnosed and went on PD.  Unless you have other physical issues that would prevent normal activities, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to get back to normal!