Need advice on supportive device for getting out of bed/chairs

this is such great advice! Cr8tivokie, thanks so much for all the tips on fiber and risers... unfortunately I'm in Indiana so I guess I'll have to buy my own! And thanks, dottiemo, for the great encouragement. Most appreciated!
thanks again!

If possible I would ask your doctor why s/he recomended a hospital bed. Do you have particularly weak abdominal muscles to begin with? Trouble getting out of bed now? Previous surgeries? C-sections, large babies? many pregnancies? Blessings for an easy surgery and recovery.

$100.00 that's not bad at all, if you feel you need it why not get it for your comfort! We spend more money on less things in our life time!

Some ladies have said they needed help getting out of bed. I never did have a problem with this despite having a TAH/BSO.

In the hospital, I rolled over on my side, pushed the button to lift the head of the bed a bit, then held onto the railing as I pushed myself up. The first few days at home, I rolled over on my side, pushed up until I was on my elbow and as I hung my legs off the edge of the bed I pushed myself the rest of the way up. Later, I found I could hold onto the side of the bottom sheet and use it to pull myself up.

My surgery was 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have no problem getting in or out of bed now.

ElksSue-

What kind of surgery are you having? What kind of incision? I can't imagine you would need a hospital bed unless you have some serious complications from your surgery.

I, personally, would put that $100 into a swelly belly band, a chillow, maybe a raised toilet seat (they are cheap and easy to get - I had one leftover from a former surgery and it is helpful!). I didn't find this site until 6 weeks post-op and wish I had know about the belly band! I did just order a chillow and think I am going to really like it.

Read all the posts on this thread. I think you will find ways to get in and out of bed without spending a bunch of money to do so. Pillows for propping are easy and cheap and the bedsheet is a great idea if your bed has legs.

Alwyasgrateful - Attitude is everything! Go into your recovery knowing that you will do fine and it will all be OK. I didn't have any problems with depression or moodiness. I'm sure you will be fine. And if you have a bad day now and then and become a "crazywoman" so be it. Everyone around you will be able to survive it! LOL

Good luck sisters. Be glad you found this site BEFORE your surgery! It is loaded with tons of good advice that will definitely make your recovery go smoothly.

I am having tah/bso. I am 47 and overweight, I guess my husband is trying to make me as comfortable as possible.

Sounds like you have a wonderful husband! I am almost 52 and also overweight. I really had very little trouble getting in and out of bed. And then it only lasted a couple of days. But everyone is different. I'd hate to tell you not to do it then have you need it. But I also know that most women don't need it and there might be better places to spend $100.

Good luck to you on your surgery and recovery!

I just held a pillow across my belly ! & hubby tugged on my hand....was almost 4 weeks before i could do it myself !