Backpack 1 week post-op?

[trojan213]

For doctors/people who have had surgery:

I'm in grad school in NYC and I walk about 15 minutes from my apartment to school everyday, wearing a backpack that contains a laptop and maybe a notepad and small book.

I am seriously considering surgery over spring break (almost 100% determined if I can swing the appointment) and I wonder whether it's reasonable to expect to carry that sort of load ~7-10 days post-op.

How have people dealt with carrying things shortly after surgery?

[shidu54]

J can only speak for myself, but I was in a similar situation and had to carry a backpack starting about 12days post op. My advise would be to take it easy and listen to your body... if you are feeling sore or it hurts to wear it, take it off! You wouldn't want to comprise the healing you'd done beforehand. I also think that spending the first week at home with nothing to do el greatly help your initial healing- at least it did for me! Good luck!

[Jan1010]

You should be fine with a back pack but if it bothers you just use a small duffel and hold it at your side.

[shirtshy]

Yes, or get a carry-on type with wheels... then return it
I'm actually 9 days past my operation and carried a rather heavy backpack with no problem.  Just conscious to use my back and relax my chest and shoulders.  15 minutes twice a day shouldn't be a problem. 
Of course I don't know kind or severity of your procedure, so it's a good question for your doctor.
My gyno was relatively big btw.