Question:
Any suggestions or hints to reduce pain getting in and out of bed after open RNY ?
Is recliner a must? My cushy recliner is hard to get out of now! — Michael K. (posted on December 28, 2002)
December 27, 2002
Don't sleep in the bed.
I couldnt get into bed for two weeks. I think when my fat moved it almost
killed me.
or you could use lots and lots of pillows.
if your recliner is too soft put pillows behind your back before you sit
down. I even put them under my butt.
— Shannon R.
December 27, 2002
A recliner helps but I wanted to be in my own bed. Several pillows are a
must. I used them behind my back for about 3 wks. I also tucked my sheets
in real tight at the bottom of the bed and used it to pull myself up so I
didn't have to wake my husband everytime I needed to get up.
— Tawnda C.
December 27, 2002
A recliner!! I slept in my bed but like the others I had lots of pillows
but I could rest so much better in my recliner..Hang in there, it gets
better and the weight loss is worth every pain!!
— Sharon1964
December 27, 2002
Remember the old 3 Stooges routine . . . "SLowly we walk, inch by inch
. . ." Well, that was me, but applied to getting out of bed, SLOWLY I
ROLLED . . . I'd have lots of pillows between my legs, sloooooowwwly roll
to the side, come up on one arm and then kind of inch my way up until I was
i a sort of sitting position. I had to do this for my big hernia repair
too. Slowly got faster and faster until I could sit up and then stand.
Good luck and GO SLOW! Marla
— Marla H.
December 27, 2002
After my discharge from the hospital, I slept in a recliner for 5 days,
thena couch for a day or two before graduating to a bed and then I moved
very very slow getting in and out- My MD gave us abdominal binders, which
helped alot (and 9 mo out- no hernia!!)-
— ~~Stacie~~
December 28, 2002
A recliner is recommended because in getting out of bed you use your
abdominal mucsles and the abdomin is where it hurts the most. When I did
switch to my bed I slept on top of a sea of pillows. I have a metal frame
headboard--I'd grap hold of that for assistance in getting out of bed.
— Wanda R.
December 28, 2002
Sweetie--Use a firm chair-like a dining room chair or even a folding chair,
and position it so it is backed up against your bed. This really helps in
reaching and pulling yourself around. Bring two of them in the room and
one can be used for sitting. I know the recliner doesn't work for everyone
and some of us needed a firmer base of support. Good Luck!!! I t gets
better--my poor husband was my side rail for three weeks I would have to
push off him in the bed to get out!!
— Wannabe A.
December 28, 2002
All of the suggestions are good. I unfortunately did not have a recliner
at home. I did the sea of pillows and always kept one extra beside me to
splint w/ as I was rolling over or scooting up to a sitting position and
kept it there until I was out of bed completely. You'll find a way. Good
luck and God bless.
Leigh
— Leigh S.
December 28, 2002
If you don't have a recliner and your find the bed is just not going to
work for you (it didn't for me)...you can use the couch or an easy chair.
Use a foot stool or even a box with a pillow on it to prop your feet and
kick your head back and sleep. If you get some liquid codeine, this will
help you relax enough to nod off. I didn't take pain killers for pain, I
took it to sleep haha. As a previous poster stated, you'll find a way...we
all did and do.
— [Deactivated Member]
December 29, 2002
I FOUND A RECLINER EXCELLENT MY HUSBAND WENT OUT AND BOUGHT ME ONE BECAUSE
I WAS HAVING SO MUCH PROMBLEMS WITH THE BED AND IT WAS VERY HELPFULL
— ROSEMARY A.
December 29, 2002
heya hun.. just thought id add my 2cents.. my first nite home i slept on
the couch all proped up with the cushions.. but i just couldnt bear the
thought of not being in bed with my hubby.. so the next nite he kinda made
me a "nest" on the bed..so my top half would be very supported..
also as far as how to get up.. you will learn to use your legs..and not
your stomach.. but..in the end..it will all be ok.. *huggles and bb*
— johanna F.
December 29, 2002
You can also get a wedge from a medical store Home Health for example.
— Tammy .
December 30, 2002
I have found if you wear some stretchy somewhat tight fitting underwear or
pants like work out material...it supports your stomach a lot and you can
really move with more comfort too!
— Diane M.
December 30, 2002
<p>This might sound silly but I crawled in & out of bed -
literally. My recliner wasn't so comfy and my bed is pretty high. So I had
a small stool on the egde of the bed and I crawled in on all fours and
rolled into my moutain of pillows :) Worked for me!! </p><p>
03/05/02 Open RNY -107 pounds</p>
— lilmskitty
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