Reload risk following kidney donation?

RugerSAfan · January 9, 2015, 11:31 PM

Howdy -

I donated a kidney earlier this week for my sister. Surgeons and transplant coordinators at Mayo say I can't lift more than 10lbs for next 6 weeks.

Since most activities are limited, seems like a perfect time to reload (45 colt & 38 spl). Any motions on press exceed 10 lbs of force? Any other concerns?

Thanks.

JR

jwrowland77 · January 9, 2015, 11:34 PM

Picking up a box of bullet to load. A bulk box of bullets get pretty heavy.

Hammerhead · January 9, 2015, 11:54 PM

Thank you for donating. I'm going to need a kidney in a few years, so thank you to anyone who even considers donating.

Pulling down on the press probably takes more that 10lbs of force for resizing rifle cases. That could pull on your lat's & ab's. Even 357 cases can take some effort to resize. When I had wrist/hand trouble I found lubing revolver cases greatly reduced the effort required.

I bought some poly coated cast bullets from SNS casting, very good prices for 100 round sample packs, which are light.

higgite · January 10, 2015, 12:00 AM

A stuck or almost stuck case in a sizing die can be a pretty good load when pulling up on the press handle. Be sure to adequately lube bottle neck cases.

sawdustdad · January 10, 2015, 12:11 AM

You will probably be limited in what you can do while healing. Take it easy. I've had surgeries where they said not to lift anything (hernias) but found those restrictions overly conservative. Everyone is different.

Most motions on a loading press are more than 10 lbs so I'd say you are not loading for a few weeks at least.

Spend a few days with a couple good books--any of the Peter Hathaway Capstick books are great if you haven't read them. Death in the Long Grass is my favorite. Elmer Keith's Hell I was There is another.

You could probably hand prime brass, drop powder charges and seat bullets. Sizing cases over 9mm probably not.

Wishing you a speedy recovery-that was a very good thing you did.

Nick_C_S · January 10, 2015, 12:15 AM

Thank you for your donation.

I'm not a doctor. But from personal experience (just minor surgeries), if you go slow, your body will usually give you a reminder in the form of "negative feedback" (pain) before anything bad happens.

Pond, James Pond · January 10, 2015, 01:13 AM

Given the risks of trying to reload compared to the benefits of succeeding, I'd say relax, choose a dozen books you've had on your "to read " list, put your feet up and resist the urge to reload!
You'll need more than a roll-crimp if you pop your stitches!

hartcreek · January 10, 2015, 01:31 AM

I would rig up a cheater handle and load away.

balderclev · January 10, 2015, 02:07 AM

I would think that pulling down using a press would not be using the same muscles as lifting if it is only lifting that is the concern.

Panfisher · January 10, 2015, 09:37 AM

I would think the motions and muscles are completely different. I would sit down at the press a gently pull the press handle down with no case in it, just to see what moves. Honestly I would think you are more likely to hurt something when twisting back and forth to get stuff on the bench. All that aside, don't rush it, give your body time to heal up.

BarryLee · January 10, 2015, 10:16 AM

One thing to consider is the repetitive nature of a task. While lifting, pulling, pressing something fairly lightweight one time might not be an issue doing it several times could be.

RC20 · January 10, 2015, 12:26 PM

Keep in mind, the 10 lbs is close to your body. Anything other than along the trunk the leverage turns that 10 lbs quickly into 20 or 30

I would not do on any re-sizing.

. Short term gain is not worth long term consequences.

Some years back I had miner surgery with the caveat not to do anything strenuous (take full weekend not doing anything and careful for 2 weeks)

We had a motor failure at work and while I did not work, I was up and down a ladder (carefully) and I paid with a flare up right after and that would knock me down for a day randomly for years. It still flares up at times.

Doctors may be conservative because they know from time to time you will exceed that either via a miscalculating or getting macho.

So, follow the advice. If allowed to walk then do that as much as allowed or within any guidelines (i.e. if it start to feel bad then stop asap)

Explore any limits carefully. I.e. do not go full gun, try a bit, see how it goes, extend that a bit, see how it goes etc.

Each of us has a unique physical profile and don't push the limits because one guy want you go jump over the cliff. He is not the one that will pay.

lamarw · January 10, 2015, 01:05 PM

I am sure you will have follow-ups with your physician. You should pose this question to him or her.

There could be concerns about not only physical activities but exposure to various minor toxins from reloading. The medical professionals will know best.

I keep my reloading room well ventilated but there is the potential presence of lead/powder dust and the chemicals I use in my ultrasonic.

mikld · January 10, 2015, 01:40 PM

I think I'd limit my reloading to brass preparation or other light work for a couple weeks. No problems lifting a couple hundred rifle cases or the other "hand work" (deburring/chamfering) and priming them shouldn't be too stressful, as far as I could see. I know I'd be doing a lot of research/reading and copying down data for loads I'd wanna try...

T. O'Heir · January 10, 2015, 05:04 PM

I was told that after a quad by-pass 2 years ago. I laughed at 'em and said I could pick up 10 pounds with my tongue. I think they were worried I'd bust open my sternum and telling 'em they should have thought about that before they did it only amused me. That being my plan all along. Doctors really hate being laughed at.
The resident was flabbergasted when he found out there was nobody going to be helping me do anything.
Anyway, I'd be surprised if there was any 10 pound plus force involved with reloading. You won't be doing anything for a week or so anyway though. However, as mentioned, if it hurts to do, stop. No box of bullets weighs anywhere near 10 pounds.
"...miner surgery..." They find any ore?

bedbugbilly · January 10, 2015, 06:26 PM

Thank you for your donation and hope all is going well with both you and your sister and continues to get better.

Your body will tell you what you can and can't do - but pay attention to what the doctors told you and just use common sense. Lots of other tasks you can do while mending . . . sort head stamps, prime, etc. All depends on what you're loading as far as how hard the press lever will be on you.

T. O'Heir . . . hmmm . . . you sound like a lot of fellows I know who are members of the "zipper club". Some recover fast . .. others don't. I had triple by-pass 19 years ago and for me, it took a long time to recover and I don't feel pain as much as some folks do. I honestly didn't have the strength to hardly walk afterwards let alone do any lifting or work. I also know a fellow who had his done at Mayo's . . he too thought he didn't have to follow doctor's orders and thought he "knew better" than those taking care of him. Unfortunately, he developed a staph infection in the sternum incision as a result of not "following instructions" and he died several weeks after the surgery. It's one thing to be "macho" . . quite another to use common sense. With major surgery (and heart by-pass or kidney transplant or removal is MAJOR surgery), a "small issue" can quickly turn in to a life-threatening issue.

Do what they tell you to do and allow yourself time to heal . . . reloading, sports, whatever . . will be still be there for you to enjoy once your've healed up.

William T. Watts · January 10, 2015, 07:02 PM

I'd say your paying your Doctor for his skill and knowledge, he's going to give you the best advice to help speed your recovery. With that said I'm recovering from a torn rotator cuff that's been surgically repaired, it has been hell!! Obviously not the same thing, I haven't considered not complying with his instructions, it's too painful.. William

Mike / Tx · January 11, 2015, 11:09 AM

Like mentioned I would give it a couple to three weeks just because. That said however, I am hard headed as well and was up in my attic shooting rat shot at squirrels two days after knee surgery.

But this will give you time to sort and clean brass, address minor little things like getting everything READY to load and EASE into it.

My feelings are if I don't notice any pain or pull in the effected area when I initially gently try to do something I usually go ahead and do it. Not saying I am superman by any stretch, but having had both elbows and knees worked on multiple times as well as a few other items I learned real quick that things which sit too long unused are more uncomfortable when you start back up.

When I herniated two disc in my lower back the Dr had to call my work and tell them I was not to come back. I did it one weekend before Christmas one year and he called on the 13th of Feb and effectively shut me down for 8 weeks. I HAD to go to physical therapy three times a week and to a chiropractor twice on each of those days. I was ready to go back to work in two weeks but he made me do the full 8 weeks. To be honest it saved me from a LOT worse condition than I could have gotten into but I didn't like it any more than I had to.

Just take it easy and don't rip anything loose. The deep tissue surgery like you had WILL take some time to fully heal and while you might not notice ALL of the smaller indications you could extend the down time or end up with some scar tissues that you wouldn't have had if you had simply not done this or that.

Longshot4 · January 11, 2015, 06:46 PM

To me personally I would not take any chances for 6 weeks. Your health needs your cooperation. Relax and let your body heal. Now is not the time to gamble. Do some research on loads and before you know it you can load for a long time. Take a chance and you can bleed to death.

RugerSAfan · January 11, 2015, 06:49 PM

Folks-

THANK YOU for taking the time to post on my initial question. I will follow the majority's recommendation and use some restraint for at least six weeks. I'm not a big fan of discomfort (aka pain), and willing to "suffer" with boredom if it forestalls future, long-term discomfort.

begbugbilly - I read your post to my wife. Her respone was "He sounds really smart. I like him." That's quite a compliment coming from her.

Thanks again, folks.

J.R.

January 9, 2015, 11:31 PM	#1
RugerSAfan Member Join Date: April 21, 2001 Location: Barry County, Michigan Posts: 39	Reload risk following kidney donation? Howdy - I donated a kidney earlier this week for my sister. Surgeons and transplant coordinators at Mayo say I can't lift more than 10lbs for next 6 weeks. Since most activities are limited, seems like a perfect time to reload (45 colt & 38 spl). Any motions on press exceed 10 lbs of force? Any other concerns? Thanks. JR

January 10, 2015, 12:15 AM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,522	Thank you for your donation. I'm not a doctor. But from personal experience (just minor surgeries), if you go slow, your body will usually give you a reminder in the form of "negative feedback" (pain) before anything bad happens. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

January 10, 2015, 01:13 AM	#7
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Given the risks of trying to reload compared to the benefits of succeeding, I'd say relax, choose a dozen books you've had on your "to read " list, put your feet up and resist the urge to reload! You'll need more than a roll-crimp if you pop your stitches! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

January 10, 2015, 10:16 AM	#11
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	One thing to consider is the repetitive nature of a task. While lifting, pulling, pressing something fairly lightweight one time might not be an issue doing it several times could be. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman Last edited by BarryLee; January 10, 2015 at 11:43 AM.

January 10, 2015, 01:40 PM	#14
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	I think I'd limit my reloading to brass preparation or other light work for a couple weeks. No problems lifting a couple hundred rifle cases or the other "hand work" (deburring/chamfering) and priming them shouldn't be too stressful, as far as I could see. I know I'd be doing a lot of research/reading and copying down data for loads I'd wanna try... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

January 9, 2015, 11:34 PM	#2
jwrowland77 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2012 Location: Conway, Arkansas Posts: 1,398	Picking up a box of bullet to load. A bulk box of bullets get pretty heavy.

January 9, 2015, 11:54 PM	#3
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	Thank you for donating. I'm going to need a kidney in a few years, so thank you to anyone who even considers donating. Pulling down on the press probably takes more that 10lbs of force for resizing rifle cases. That could pull on your lat's & ab's. Even 357 cases can take some effort to resize. When I had wrist/hand trouble I found lubing revolver cases greatly reduced the effort required. I bought some poly coated cast bullets from SNS casting, very good prices for 100 round sample packs, which are light.

January 10, 2015, 12:00 AM	#4
higgite Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2010 Posts: 1,025	A stuck or almost stuck case in a sizing die can be a pretty good load when pulling up on the press handle. Be sure to adequately lube bottle neck cases.

January 10, 2015, 12:11 AM	#5
sawdustdad Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 484	You will probably be limited in what you can do while healing. Take it easy. I've had surgeries where they said not to lift anything (hernias) but found those restrictions overly conservative. Everyone is different. Most motions on a loading press are more than 10 lbs so I'd say you are not loading for a few weeks at least. Spend a few days with a couple good books--any of the Peter Hathaway Capstick books are great if you haven't read them. Death in the Long Grass is my favorite. Elmer Keith's Hell I was There is another. You could probably hand prime brass, drop powder charges and seat bullets. Sizing cases over 9mm probably not. Wishing you a speedy recovery-that was a very good thing you did.

January 10, 2015, 01:31 AM	#8
hartcreek Junior member Join Date: April 22, 2014 Location: Washington Posts: 1,549	I would rig up a cheater handle and load away.

January 10, 2015, 02:07 AM	#9
balderclev Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2013 Location: Benton, Arkansas Posts: 120	I would think that pulling down using a press would not be using the same muscles as lifting if it is only lifting that is the concern.

January 10, 2015, 09:37 AM	#10
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	I would think the motions and muscles are completely different. I would sit down at the press a gently pull the press handle down with no case in it, just to see what moves. Honestly I would think you are more likely to hurt something when twisting back and forth to get stuff on the bench. All that aside, don't rush it, give your body time to heal up.

January 10, 2015, 12:26 PM	#12
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	Keep in mind, the 10 lbs is close to your body. Anything other than along the trunk the leverage turns that 10 lbs quickly into 20 or 30 I would not do on any re-sizing. . Short term gain is not worth long term consequences. Some years back I had miner surgery with the caveat not to do anything strenuous (take full weekend not doing anything and careful for 2 weeks) We had a motor failure at work and while I did not work, I was up and down a ladder (carefully) and I paid with a flare up right after and that would knock me down for a day randomly for years. It still flares up at times. Doctors may be conservative because they know from time to time you will exceed that either via a miscalculating or getting macho. So, follow the advice. If allowed to walk then do that as much as allowed or within any guidelines (i.e. if it start to feel bad then stop asap) Explore any limits carefully. I.e. do not go full gun, try a bit, see how it goes, extend that a bit, see how it goes etc. Each of us has a unique physical profile and don't push the limits because one guy want you go jump over the cliff. He is not the one that will pay.

January 10, 2015, 01:05 PM	#13
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	I am sure you will have follow-ups with your physician. You should pose this question to him or her. There could be concerns about not only physical activities but exposure to various minor toxins from reloading. The medical professionals will know best. I keep my reloading room well ventilated but there is the potential presence of lead/powder dust and the chemicals I use in my ultrasonic.

January 10, 2015, 05:04 PM	#15
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	I was told that after a quad by-pass 2 years ago. I laughed at 'em and said I could pick up 10 pounds with my tongue. I think they were worried I'd bust open my sternum and telling 'em they should have thought about that before they did it only amused me. That being my plan all along. Doctors really hate being laughed at. The resident was flabbergasted when he found out there was nobody going to be helping me do anything. Anyway, I'd be surprised if there was any 10 pound plus force involved with reloading. You won't be doing anything for a week or so anyway though. However, as mentioned, if it hurts to do, stop. No box of bullets weighs anywhere near 10 pounds. "...miner surgery..." They find any ore? __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 10, 2015, 06:26 PM	#16
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	Thank you for your donation and hope all is going well with both you and your sister and continues to get better. Your body will tell you what you can and can't do - but pay attention to what the doctors told you and just use common sense. Lots of other tasks you can do while mending . . . sort head stamps, prime, etc. All depends on what you're loading as far as how hard the press lever will be on you. T. O'Heir . . . hmmm . . . you sound like a lot of fellows I know who are members of the "zipper club". Some recover fast . .. others don't. I had triple by-pass 19 years ago and for me, it took a long time to recover and I don't feel pain as much as some folks do. I honestly didn't have the strength to hardly walk afterwards let alone do any lifting or work. I also know a fellow who had his done at Mayo's . . he too thought he didn't have to follow doctor's orders and thought he "knew better" than those taking care of him. Unfortunately, he developed a staph infection in the sternum incision as a result of not "following instructions" and he died several weeks after the surgery. It's one thing to be "macho" . . quite another to use common sense. With major surgery (and heart by-pass or kidney transplant or removal is MAJOR surgery), a "small issue" can quickly turn in to a life-threatening issue. Do what they tell you to do and allow yourself time to heal . . . reloading, sports, whatever . . will be still be there for you to enjoy once your've healed up. __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

January 10, 2015, 07:02 PM	#17
William T. Watts Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1,074	I'd say your paying your Doctor for his skill and knowledge, he's going to give you the best advice to help speed your recovery. With that said I'm recovering from a torn rotator cuff that's been surgically repaired, it has been hell!! Obviously not the same thing, I haven't considered not complying with his instructions, it's too painful.. William Last edited by William T. Watts; January 10, 2015 at 11:31 PM.

January 11, 2015, 11:09 AM	#18
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Posts: 2,101	Like mentioned I would give it a couple to three weeks just because. That said however, I am hard headed as well and was up in my attic shooting rat shot at squirrels two days after knee surgery. But this will give you time to sort and clean brass, address minor little things like getting everything READY to load and EASE into it. My feelings are if I don't notice any pain or pull in the effected area when I initially gently try to do something I usually go ahead and do it. Not saying I am superman by any stretch, but having had both elbows and knees worked on multiple times as well as a few other items I learned real quick that things which sit too long unused are more uncomfortable when you start back up. When I herniated two disc in my lower back the Dr had to call my work and tell them I was not to come back. I did it one weekend before Christmas one year and he called on the 13th of Feb and effectively shut me down for 8 weeks. I HAD to go to physical therapy three times a week and to a chiropractor twice on each of those days. I was ready to go back to work in two weeks but he made me do the full 8 weeks. To be honest it saved me from a LOT worse condition than I could have gotten into but I didn't like it any more than I had to. Just take it easy and don't rip anything loose. The deep tissue surgery like you had WILL take some time to fully heal and while you might not notice ALL of the smaller indications you could extend the down time or end up with some scar tissues that you wouldn't have had if you had simply not done this or that. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

January 11, 2015, 06:46 PM	#19
Longshot4 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2014 Posts: 868	To me personally I would not take any chances for 6 weeks. Your health needs your cooperation. Relax and let your body heal. Now is not the time to gamble. Do some research on loads and before you know it you can load for a long time. Take a chance and you can bleed to death.

January 11, 2015, 06:49 PM	#20
RugerSAfan Member Join Date: April 21, 2001 Location: Barry County, Michigan Posts: 39	Folks- THANK YOU for taking the time to post on my initial question. I will follow the majority's recommendation and use some restraint for at least six weeks. I'm not a big fan of discomfort (aka pain), and willing to "suffer" with boredom if it forestalls future, long-term discomfort. begbugbilly - I read your post to my wife. Her respone was "He sounds really smart. I like him." That's quite a compliment coming from her. Thanks again, folks. J.R.