What is the limit on how much one can lift with HCM?

[mimoo55]

Hello,

My husband and I are disagreeing on what we have been told as to how much weight (pounds) he can lift in everyday life. We know he cannot lift weights to exercise. I was thinking he had been told not to lift over 20 pounds. That could have been after the alcohol ablation or defib implantion. I cannot remember. Does anyone know? He has HOCM and has had septal alcohol ablation and a defib/pacer now.

Thanks,
Paula

[Reenie]

You've asked a very individual question. I think it's something you should ask your doctor. My husband has no limitations on how much weight he can lift, but he doesn't lift weights. He will occasionally lift one of our kids, though, and they aren't babies any more. After his defib implant they advised him to not lift too much until he healed and his job prohibited him from lifting for a while but since he no longer works for them, there aren't any limitations that I'm aware of. Please call your doctor and ask him.

Reenie

[michael obrien]

I also wonder about this I know I shouldnt lift weights,but I have a baby and I lift her tha doctor said that was ok.I sometimes lift 40lbs 50lbs bags and I usually dont have a problem,but I dont want to find out.Im very interested in anyones opinions on this topic thanks mike

[Tigger1]

You got my attention. I lift 50 lb bags of feed corn all the time and I haven't had any problems yet. I guess I never asked the Dr. because I didn't want to get the answer that I didn't want to hear. I guess I'll listen now...


Tigger1

[mtlieb]

Tigger, I'd be surprised if our good doctor would say 50 pounds is okay, unless I'm somehow an exception. He keeps telling me 10 pounds at the most... ever. Personally I think that's kinda low. I lift a lot more than 10 pounds at a time in groceries, school stuff, etc. so in a way I've ignored his advice. But then again, I've got a torn incision here too so perhaps I've not been too smart about this.

Jim

[Tigger1]

When will we ever learn...


Tigger

[Cynaburst]

I lift my 40 lb. child all of the time, and I am not going to stop. I won't carry him up stairs, and I try to watch it when I do it. If I feel symptoms, I would stop.

[mtlieb]

Cyn, I think special exceptions are made for mothers with young children. God would never let you be struck down while caring for your child.

[Lisa Inman]

For me I think there's also the sum total of current stresses on my heart too. Some days I can lift a big bag okay, same as some times I can walk a couple miles okay. Then get me tired and/or in the heat, digesting, dehydrated, sick, whatever and a way lighter load totally floors me--SOB, heart speeding up, feeling like a-fib triggers are being pushed. Seems like it doesn't feel good if it is the sort of lifting from a standstill that makes me strain and hold my breath in. Seems like with HCM there's never a simple straightforward answer, even for the same individual......
Lisa Inman