how do you get up stairs?

I live in a split level & will have to go upstairs after my TAH. My husband & son are willing to do anything they can to help, but when we practiced them carrying me up in a chair I fell out every time. The only thing I could sleep on without going upstairs is a cot on the floor. I really want to use my own bed. Do any of you know of a trick for how you can get up two flights of stairs when you come home from the hospital? My doctor said no climbing stairs but I didn't think to ask him how you get around it. Our stairs are too narrow for 3 people side by side. Any hints???

You won't want to make it a habit of going up and down, but I'm sure that going up once and staying up for a week or so would be fine. I think the doctors for the most part say to avoid stairs is because of the narcotics. I was able to handle ours by doing one step at a time like a toddler jusy learning how to climb them would. Coming down was the same way except I made sure to hang onto the bannister tightly.

Make sure to get your room set up beforehand with activities to keep you occupied when you're not sleeping and a way to let your DH and son know when you need something. If they will need to leave you alone at all, they could stock a cooler with food and drinks and bring it up to you before they go.

Good luck!

I will let you know how when I get back on to post. There will time enough between our surgerys.
I too live on a split level or raised rancher. I am planning on holding a pillow and doing one step at a time. I have had bad back pains this week and going up the stairs I would lead with the same leg only. I have a half hour trip in the car home and I hope that it doesn't tire me out too much. One plan is to rest a futon for a bit before going up the stairs.

Thank you! I would appreciate that. I live 2 hours from my hospital.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by designergal I live in a split level & will have to go upstairs after my TAH. My husband & son are willing to do anything they can to help, but when we practiced them carrying me up in a chair I fell out every time. The only thing I could sleep on without going upstairs is a cot on the floor. I really want to use my own bed. Do any of you know of a trick for how you can get up two flights of stairs when you come home from the hospital? My doctor said no climbing stairs but I didn't think to ask him how you get around it. Our stairs are too narrow for 3 people side by side. Any hints???

Dear designergal,
Try walking backwards slowly and stop to rest if you need to. It helped me on my first and second week post-op. I had TAH also.

If I lived in a two story home, I would ask the local fire department to put me in a bucket and lift me up to my bedroom window. It'd be hard to climb in the window without using my stomach muscles. But it might be worth it because I'm single and the men in the fire department are usually very cute. But since you have a hubby, I won't suggest that.

If you must sleep upstairs, going backwards like RoseTulip said is probably the best idea.
You might want to try going up backwards while sitting, using your arms to push you up to the next step. Concentrate on not using your stomach muscles . I think this is the reason the doctors say no stairs. There shouldn't be any strain on your abdominals at all. Coming down backwards, while standing of course, might also take the strain off your abs.

Just remember that you will be weak for a while. You may have a boost of adrenalin because you'll be so happy to be home again. But, I wouldn't make a habit of climbing the stairs everyday. If you overdue it, you will pay the price. You don't want to extend your recovery process.

Most gyms have stair climbers. Thats because it's an exercise, something that requires strength and stamina. These are two things that you won't have for a few weeks after coming home from the castle . So, just take it slow and easy. Practice now when you are feeling fine, see which way seems easier. Also, practice getting in and out of bed without using your stomach muscles. This was one of the hardest things for me to do. You don't realize how much you use those muscles until you don't have them.

When you are getting your room ready, consider having a bell that you can ring in case you need something and your family is downstairs. You won't always have the strength to call for them.

I hope your recovery goes smoothly!
REST REST REST when you get home, even when you start to feel better.

I asked Dougie (the doctor) and he thought it sounded funny. All he told me was that he didn't want me doing stairs often.

If your bathroom is on the same level as your bedroom and dh can bring you food (somebody's dh left her a stocked cooler next to the bed) let them escort you up there and then STAY, Lassie, STAY. Good girl.

I asked about stair climbing when I was discharged from the hospital and was told to limit stair climbing to a couple of times a day. Trying to have others carry you or walking backwards could prove hazardous, especially if you are on pain meds. I stayed upstairs the first couple of days at home because I slept a lot. After that, I came downstairs in the morning and went upstairs only to use the bathroom and to go to bed at night. During the day I stayed downstairs. If I felt like taking a nap I used the couch.

you might want to stay upstairs the first few days. set your bedroom up before you leave with everything you will need. once you are up and walking comfortably, the stairs should be no problem.

Do you know anyone with an extra twin bed that you could borrow and set up downstairs? If the stairs are really going to be a problem that would be one solution. Whether you stay upstairs or down, if that leaves you isolated from the rest of the family be sure to keep your cell phone with you. That way, if you need someone and they can't hear you, use your cell phone to call them on the house phone.