Stairs

Help please,
My surgery is on July 25 and I keep wondering how I'm going to get up my steps when it's time for me to come home. We live on the top floor of my apartment building and that means I need to get up four flights. Some people suggested I walk up backwards and some people told me to have my DH to carry me. Anyone have any suggestions on what should I do?

I was able to manage the small amount I have leading up to my front door but four flights that is alot of steps....

Take your time and stop and rest if you need too.... be sure you take a pain pill before you leave the castle may help too.... and if necessary have DH carry you the last part ......... Once you make it to your apartment be sure and take a long rest you will need it....

Ces.

Hi Tyraine

Good luck with your surgery.
Four flight of stairs is a lot but don’t assume you won’t manage. Ask your husband to bring a folding chair and have a rest in between floors. I did not have a difficulty walking up the stairs (48 hrs after the op) so I can’t see why you should not be the same. Just make sure that nothing feels uncomfortable.
I know some ladies were given advice that they should not do stairs more often than once a day but my gyn did not mention stairs at all, and since I did not know anything about that possible restriction at first, I was walking up and down stairs in my house with no ill effect. So I think the views vary and you need to check with your gyn and listen to your body.

If you opt for the carrying option use two people. They can make a seat out of their arms. And don’t forget you won’t be able to laugh. I am just thinking what my teenage treasures would make out of that situation.

Take care Iva

Hi Tyraine,

Taking the stairs backwards prevents you from using your abdominal muscles. This is what my Dr recommended for me and it worked well. The biggest danger from stairs comes from falling down them. Falling after an abdominal surgery can cause serious injury. Being carried up the stairs increases your risk of falling. You should also make sure that someone is walking right below you on the stairs in case you lose your balance. Resting between flights is a good suggestion, it will make you tired. Just be careful and take it slowly. Does your Dr know you have to walk up that many stairs? He may choose to keep you in the Castle an extra day. I would recommend you let your Dr know.

s,
Kay

Hi Tyraine,

Your best bet is to discuss this with your doctor, both before your surgery and again in the hospital before being discharged. The advice needs to be specific to you and your surgery.

I agree with Kay about not having your husband carry you up the stairs. It's not an easy thing to do and the risk of falling is high.

I'm one of those who was advised by my doc not to climb the stairs to my bedroom more than once up and once down per day for the first week. At two weeks post-op I did climb 4 flights of stairs to attend my daughter's graduation...it took me awhile but I did it...

If your doctor truly doesn't want you climbing that many flights of stairs, you could maybe arrange to be taken home by a medical transport or ambulance company...they have both stretchers and 'stair-chairs' that can be used to get you up the stairs, plus they use two people who are trained to get folks up and down stairs. Another option might be to stay somewhere else for a few days. Maybe your doctor will say it's fine to go up to your apt. Again, Kays advice to have someone behind you when going up (and in front of you when going down) is excellent. Take your time and stop when needed. I'd suggest that your husband make two trips, the first one to get you up and into the apartment, and the second trip to carry anything else (like your overnight bag or purse).

My best wishes to you!

Thank you all so much. I have my pre-op appointment on July 11th and I will discuss with my Dr about my step issue. I have so much going through my head at this time and I couldn't come up with any logical conclusion concerning these steps. Thank you to all my sisters here. I can always feel the love when I come onto this sight. Right now that is exactly what I need.

Hi Tyraine,
I raised this same issue with my dr even though I only have one flight. My husband is very strong and I know he would gladly carry me up, but the doctor said no. He said there is too much risk of something getting torn if he carries me (presumably if we bump into the wall or something). He said just to take them slowly and carefully.

Wishing you smooth sailing and an easy recovery!

OK, I'm sitting here trying to imagine how much damage I could do when I fall down because I am not NEARLY coordinated enough to go up stairs backwards.....

Just kidding, ladies! Seriously -- I would just echo that whichever approach you take (forward or backward) be prepared to rest frequently. You don't have to do all four flights in one effort. Remember -- just because an activity doesn't hurt while you do it doesn't mean it doesn't do any damage!

Take your time and make sure DH brings along a chair or stool for you to rest on as you're going up.