Will my recliner be comfy enough?

This seems dumb to ask but I am preparing my "nest" for after my castle trip.

It would be ideal if I could spend my days in my livingroom recliner. TV is right there, windows, my special spot, laptop setup, etc.

I bet I am not going to be able to get in and out of it, huh? Anyone having success with that?

Another question, can't I cook at all during recovery? It's just DH and I as all the birds flew the coop years ago. I would like to try out new light recipes. Could I sit at the table and cut veggies and do prep if I want?

Is the entire 6 weeks going to be in bed? Is any "putzing" allowed? Can I putz around outside in my garden, poke in my closets?

thanks all!

Woodsie

I slept in my recliner when i got home some.. It was ok.. the bed was actually worse to me because I had to prop up on pillows .. It hurt to bad to lay flat.. I didnt have no problem getting in or out of my recliner.. As far as the cooking It seems like you would be able to as long as u didnt over do it.. I am just a week post op and I havent felt like doing much of nothing.. Dh has done all the cooking.. But then again I have a large family.. 4 kids and father inlaw living here..

Hi Woodsie,

The recliner worked for me. I spent my days lounging there with a book, and the tv remote. Easy to get in, a little harder to get out..not bad though, easier then getting out of bed. I don't see any reason why you couldn't do some light cooking/prep work. Although be careful with the pots and dishes. You don't realize how heavy a pot filled with water is. For the first two to three weeks the "putzing" should be just that. Walk around outside, look at the garden, but do not try to bend, weed etc. Don't even think about cleaning out your closets. You know how that can turn into a major project. You may feel well enough to start it, then 10 mins into you'll be sorry. Baby yourself as much as possible, it will be worth it in the long run.

We have a couch that makes into a bed in our living room that I thought would be ideal. But after about 30 minutes I went back to my reclining couch. I found it to be much more comfortable. During the day I would sometimes go back and lie on the bed but mostly I stayed on the recliner. I have a tray table that I can put over my lap and put my laptop on it to keep it up off my tummy. Can't help with the cooking, my DH has done all of our cooking for many years. I made a point to get up and walk around and do little things as much as I could every day.

I slept in the recliner the first week and then was able to sleep comfortably in the bed. The schedule I tried after about a week was 20 minutes activity followed by 40 minutes rest. The activity would be something like make a sandwich, go out for mail and newspaper, fold some laundry or just a walk around outside for fresh air. The rest would be sitting and reading, or working crosswords or making lists of things to-do for the rest of the family.

Just make sure you can get out of the recliner. You can roll out of bed (You'll learn real quick what I'm talking about!) and you need to be able to sort of roll out of the recliner, rather than sitting up and getting out of it.

Make sure it's easy to get out of, because, in my experience (on Friday I'll be two weeks post-op for a TAH/BSO) when I need to pee/poop I need to go THEN.

Otherwise, you should be good. Making a nest ahead of time is a great idea. Stock up on pillows and trashy novels. And chocolate.

My husband kept telling me he didn't think my recliner would work but I tried it and it was way better then laying in the bed. I have one that rocks so I could rock forward to get up and I also had my husband and step-daughter to help me. Getting into it was no problem for me. Keep a blanket handy if you get cold or to apply pressure to your stomach if you have to cough or laugh!
My nurse told me (and my husband) no cooking for 8 weeks! (I think she was just being "nice" to me, lol). I wrote down very simple receipies for my husband to make like, tuna cassarole, stuff to make in the crock pot like pot roast, spaghetti, stuff like that. I let him cook for about 2 weeks (and it was even yummy) then I sat on a stool and did fine with that.
You can "putz" after a few days if you feel up to it but, don't over do it!
Best wishes!

The nurse did tell me no cooking for 6 weeks. With my couch being the recliner I never had a problem getting out of it by myself. I was just very slow and deliberate in getting up.

I am so happy I asked because that is one less thing to worry about!

You dear ladies are the best!

thanks,

Woodsie

I am soooo happy to hear that the recliner is working out for you ladies!! I definatley want to do my NESTING in my recliner in the family room and wasn't sure if it would be possible to get in and out of the thing! Hubby's been saying he didn't think it would work, but I am going to give it a try now when I return from my castle visit. Thanks for the info!!!!