how long should I take off of a job with lifting??

I am a pediatric nurse...and though you might think that working with kids means less lifting, it doesn't. I lift a ton....all day long and work 10 hour shifts. Ive also been told I have a pretty low pain tolerance (lol)

So, what do you think would be a good amount of time to request off of work??

Have you talked to your surgeon?  I would think 4 weeks...
Jen

I went to a seminar and talked to *A* surgeon (not the one I decided to go with) and he said 2 weeks but then on a 50lb weight restriction...so I know that much, I just wonder if I will be READY to go back that soon........I dont know how bad it is...... :/

My surgeon advised me not to lift anything over 10 lbs. for one month. Hope this helps.

I work in physical therapy and i took 3 weeks off. i was fine and i tend to lift folks that are at least 100lbs+

i was good to go, but everyone is different

I work in veterinary medicine and have to lift also- the minimum for heavier weight bearing is 6 weeks. I initially took 8 weeks, went back in for a month, and had to go back out. Not worth the rush back.

If you dont wait long enough you can develop a hernia and can also develop adhesions.

If it is possible for you to stay out then do it and dont feel bad about it. Definitely talk to your surgeon but make sure you tell them what YOU need.

I work in the ICU so tons of lifting and was told no lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks.

thanks for the answers ladies..helps a ton! :) 

I am a nurse..I took almost 5 weeks off then when I went back everyone was good about giving me an extra 2 weeks of not lifiting..by that I mean, the nurses I worked with helped me so I wasn't doing any lifiting..this was a med surg/oncology unit..

Shannon