Help! Was Just Denied a Job for Lifting Restrictions

lioness doe is a disability expert. She's been going through a lot, but you could pm her. This seems so wrong to me too. They won' t accommodate you?? Also, the state department of labor?



Show the person who can carry 50 lb five times???

It doesn't seem right.  However, if you have to work with the dodo who turned you down because you couldn't lift 50 lbs and carry it across the room 5 times, you may be better off with a different job anyway.  He sounds like a complete jerk.

On a totally (but not really) different subject...  I wasn't aware that lifting could cause lymphedema.  I have very very slight lymphedema on my MX side (I'm the only one who notices).  I have not restricted my lifting at all, but if that is something that can cause lymphedema, then I may need to rethink.....  Are there any resources you (or anyone) is aware of that can provide information about what to avoid to reduce the risk of LE (other than no shots, no bp, etc)?

What did the ad say that you applied to?



Would I hire someone who wouldn't (say they can't) do the Job they were applying for -NO.

Lifting something heavy signals the lymphatic system to respond to 'stress,' which can trigger added lymph fluid and overwhelm lymph processing capacity (in a manner of speaking) when our nodes are removed, there is extensive scar tissue, or other reasons that lymph does not flow freely. 

Researchers believe that it is possible to condition the arm(s) and upper body to accept heavy loads while minimizing the likelihood of signaling 'stress' to the lymphatic system, but the trick is to find a way to condition yourself for heavy lifting, without the conditioning (i.e. weight training/resistance training) itself signaling 'stress' and triggering the problem. 

So, that is why you may have read about doing weight training that starts with very light weights (one pound weights) and works up very, very gradually to heavier weights; and to use measurable weights precisely so you can move up in small, measurable increments (which means that early in your conditioning program, no push-ups, no 'planks,' no resistance/stretchy bands--because it's not possible to measure the resistance).  Also, while working out with weights, wear a compression sleeve and hand protection if you already have an LE diagnosis. 

The PAL Trial researchers worked out some comprehensive guidelines along these lines, and they believe there is not an upper limit on weight you can eventually lift safely, but again, the trick is getting there without your weight-lifting program causing LE problems.  I've been following the PAL guidelines for months and am lifting 30 pounds (15 per arm) now in a chest press, and a little less in a biceps curl. So far, so good, no LE troubles, and I expect to continue to build from here. There are no guarantees that weight lifting will prevent LE or prevent LE flares, but at least in my experience, following a cautious program has made me stronger for daily-life lifting.

Having said ALL THAT, of course a weight-lifting program is not going to get you to 50 lbs for quite a while, so while you can condition yourself to lift some pretty heavy items, it's a longer-term goal that's not going to help you in your current dilemma.  I think you're on the right track to discuss accommodations--have they really thought through the lifting requirement?

If you decide to embark on weight training--good for general health, in addition to being helpful for jobs like the one you describe--try to find a qualified physical therapist or personal trainer who can get you started and ideally, work with you at least periodically to make sure you have good form, so you do not injure yourself. Someone who is familiar with the PAL Trial would be a very good resource, although that's hard to find. A PT or personal trainer can get access to printed materials from the research trial, and if you're interested, let us know and I'll post the appropriate links to request that information.

Carol

Who are they looking for that can carry 50 lbs 5 x across a room--The Hulk---even in my best days that would not be so easy to do. Anyway like it was said I've never seen a librarian without a cart walking around. It sounds like someone is really tryin to limit who is being hired.  But if tat was a requirement from the get o--it might be legal, but stupid. Persnally I would go at this another way---I would find out who the very top person is in this place and CC to 3 other tp people and express u'r feelings about what has happened. Since u have the commonsense in how to manuver 50lbs in other ways u feel like it was discrimination for certain otherwise qualified people.

As a librarian, with mild LE, I have to say, I have occasionally lifted 50 lbs, and more at work.  We drag stacks of chairs and other furniture and computers around sometimes as well.  But what causes me much more trouble than lifting 50 lbs, once or even 5 times, are the times when I need to move 100s (even thousands) of 1 to 3 pound books, one or two at a time.  It's not the big loads that get me, it's the repetitive motion.  I simply can't work in the stacks all day anymore, moving shelf after shelf of books, especially when they need to go from the bottom shelf to the top shelf, and if I still had to work the circ. desk, checking out 1500 books a day?  No way could I do it.  I'm fortunate that my work is mainly supervisory these days and when I do physical work it's on a computer or involves scanning photos and documents. 

Good luck with your job search!

This may answer some of your questions http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html