Ok, the long and short of it is that I have had substantial complications since surgery a week ago and I am only able to get out of my very comfy (ok it used to be) bed a couple of times daily. I sit, lay, incline frankly squirm like an inch worm on my mound of pillows and MY ASS HURTS! I never thought I'd miss my hospital bed (which self adjusted every few seconds) but I'm miserable and likely to be stuck here for a few more weeks. What do you do for patients who can't move much? Air doughnuts? Wrap around pillows? Help me with ideas please. I'm so uncomfortable!

It is vital that you get out of bed & move as much as possible. You are setting yourself up for worse complications like pneumonia, clots & venous stasis ulcers. Walk around your house every hour & deep breathe, go to the bathroom furthest from you, fill up your water bottle in different places. You MUST move!

You can get bed sores from laying on one spot too much. So when you do sit/lay put pillows to prop you to one side, changing sides are least every couple hours, and make sure you're shifting your weight. A loved one can help you get the pillows down under you better. I agree with Need-a-Sleeve though. I know you have a lot of trouble right now, but moving will help decrease your risk of more complications. Pre-medicating before movement can be helpful. Do you still have your incentive spirometer? Use that and cough/deep breathe too. I know that's not what your post was about though. Switching from one side to another at a certain interval of time might be helpful. Use pillows galore, everywhere that you feel like it could help with comfort. You could see if different kinds of pillows help - maybe memory foam? roll up a blanket and see if that's more comfortable for some of the areas. Use pillows to move yourself up into a sitting/reclining position in bed. When you get up maybe spend more time in a chair if possible.

I hope some of that helps - I can imagine it's miserable to have to lay in bed for so long =\

Hey Iggychic,

Hope your feeling some what better as the days go by but I was wondering why you can't get out of bed? I just worry this may cause much more suffering for you. Is it a medical condition besides the blood loss during surgery?

I was able to walk five times today and tried a chair but that didn't help. Dh is going to drag up a big rocker I have always been comfy in so I can try it tomorrow.

Who knew...in a house full of beautiful Victorian furniture all I want is a lazy boy lol

Hey Iggychic' date='

Hope your feeling some what better as the days go by but I was wondering why you can't get out of bed? I just worry this may cause much more suffering for you. Is it a medical condition besides the blood loss during surgery?[/quote']

My blood pressure is low and we are still trying to get the Valium dose correct. I nearly fell over the railing yesterday without the Valium I can't move....constant spasms.

Oh no!!! Ok, definitely walk with a buddy!!!

You deserve a lazy boy chair for sure!!

Hope your feeling better soon!