How Do I Get Out of Bed After Hysterectomy? |
From the Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles List |
Related Titles
Childcare After Surgery Resources for Family Members? Still Fatigued at 3+ Months Fatigue - at 8 Weeks? Seroma? What Is It and How Is It Treated?
HysterSisters Articles
Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
Are there any tricks or hints for getting in and out of bed? I’m having a hard time getting up by myself. Do you have any ideas for me?
There are several ideas we can share with you that might be of help:- Use a recliner as a bed. It can be set to lay back enough to let you sleep and yet easy enough to get out.
- Use pillows to prop yourself up and make yourself comfortable in your bed.
- Use a pillow wedge to prop yourself in a semi-reclining position in your bed.
- Prop up the head of your bed using bricks. Elevating your head can help you to get up from this position.
- Sleep on the couch. The reach to get off the couch isn’t as far as a bed.
- From bed or couch, roll to your side and push up your arms.
- Put a sturdy kitchen chair next to your bed, with the back facing the bed, to use as a rail, giving yourself a grip.
- Purchase an “Abnostrain” from the HysterSisters Store. It’s a helpful device created just for this purpose.
Instructions “How to get out of bed?”
First: Turn over to the side you are getting up from. Do not try to sit bolt upright. By turning to your side you are using less front abdominal muscles and using more of the side muscles and your arms.
Second:As you are all the way over on your side, with the elbow on the down side of you, start to push up and at the same time put your other arm in front of you to help push you up to a sitting position. (This is kind of like walking your arms along until you are upright). It helps to have your feet just about hanging over the edge also, but not too much or that stretches in a way that hurts. As you push yourself up you need to drop your feet down.
Reverse: To get back down you should do just the reverse. Do not let yourself flop back down straight. It really hurts and you have no control over how fast you are going and you will tighten up those abdominal muscles in a very jerky way to try to slow yourself down.
Instead, lower yourself onto your elbow, using the opposite arm in front of you to brace yourself going down on your side. Do not turn until you are all the way down and your knees are up on the bed. Once you are totally down and on your side, then turn over. To adjust yourself bring your knees up a bit and dig your heels in and lift your bottom or hips to adjust yourself - use your legs, not your stomach muscles if possible. Prop yourself up with pillows behind you, pillows under your knees to take the strain off your abdominal muscles.
Good body mechanics for any abdominal or back surgery is what is important. Try this some before you have surgery for practice.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Related Titles
Childcare After Surgery Resources for Family Members? Still Fatigued at 3+ Months Fatigue - at 8 Weeks? Seroma? What Is It and How Is It Treated?
Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery
The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:
- The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
- Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
- Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
- Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
- HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
- Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy.
"Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."
Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573 |
John Lenihan, M.D. 314 ML King Jr. Way Suite 104 Tacoma WA 98465 253-403-5432 |
Steven McCarus, M.D. 400 Celebration Place Suite310 Celebration FL 34747 4073034190 |
Jonathan Y Song, M.D. 2455 Dean St. Suite A St. Charles IL 60175 (630) 513-9160 |
Francisco Garcini, M.D. 1870 Silver Cross Blvd Suite 210 New Lenox IL 60451 815-463-3000 |
Sean Kossari, M.D. 14901 Rinaldi Street Suite 320 Mission Hills CA 91345 818-365-1616 |
James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074 |
Jack Ayoub, M.D. 44035 Riverside Parkway Suite 435 Leesburg VA 20176 703.858.5599 |
Sherry L Neyman, M.D. Renaissance Women's Group 12201 Renfert Way Ste 200 Austin TX 78758 512-425-3875 |
|
|
|
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
|