Nurses And Care Givers...please Help

[iggychic 1,405]

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!

[Need-a-Sleeve 211]

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!

[Izuri 428]

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 =\

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

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?

[iggychic 1,405]

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

[iggychic 1,405]

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.

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

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

You deserve a lazy boy chair for sure!!

Hope your feeling better soon!