For those who have had the surgical procedure, on a scale of 1-10 (1 being not worth the worry and 10 being couldn't have survived without it), what value do you place on the use of a recliner during the days immediately following your surgery?

I wouldn't say you need it

I would say a 9. I didn't have one. I so wished that I did. I had to sit up in bed and sleep for 5 weeks. It was torture. I had terrible nausea, reflux and vomiting and it would not let me lie flat. It would have been easier to get in and out of instead of a bed too. I had to get a step

I have one but never used it. As long as I turned in bed very carefully ,I was okay.

My surgery was 'open' which means I had a single incision from my sternum to my beltline. Some 35 or so staples held everything closed and throw in a drain for good measure. Every movement was a new exploration in pain.

I seriously considered a recliner, but decided to see where I was pain-wise post-op, and if it made sense I'd get it after. I did almost get it after, but I realized the recliner was lower, so getting in and out would be like doing squats which would be a lot of movement and a lot of pain. From the bed, it was more like just moving in / out of bed, at a comparable level in and out, no squats, and I think much less pain.

With the laparoscopic surgeries and their small incisions I would shop before hand, then once I know what I'd be dealing with, pull the trigger if I need to.

Good luck,

Tek

I didn't need one, but you can rent them from a medical supply if you want one and do not want to invest in one long-term. I give it 1.

When I was in the hospital they would not let me lay back past 30 degrees and I hated it, I was so uncomfortable. I did tolerate sitting up well, there was a recliner in my hospital room, that I only used to get out of bed and sit upright in.

Once home I was happy to be able to lay down.

Edited November 11, 20232 yr by New To This23

Didn’t have one & didn’t need one. Got in & out of bed & up & down from sitting (chairs, sofa, toilet) pretty easily. Sure a little discomfort the first couple of days but really less than having sore strained muscles after a strong workout. I just went slowly & carefully. So it’s a 1 for me.

I do like the suggestion to just hire one if you find you do need it.

For me, a recliner wouldn't have had much value. Although if someone has a hard time getting out of bed, then I can see the value.

I do love my large pillow wedge. I got it when I had gerd. But it was very helpful after surgery too.

1. I was fine with just a bunch of pillows on my bed.

My bed is on one of those platforms where you can raise the head or the feet---the head has been raised since I had surgery. It has helped me sleep much more comfortably on my back after surgery (I'm a week and a half post op). A pillow wedge would simulate that just fine without the added expense, I used one for years, which is why when we replaced our bed we got the adjustable platform.

I'm going to say a 5. I have a recliner and it has helped some, but pillow behind me on the couch is just as good. I wouldn't think it is necessary for this surgery unless you start to have reflux issues, in which case you should talk to your doctor about meds and get a wedge pillow, they *really* help with reflux.

Edited November 12, 20232 yr by ChunkCat

0/10 here, I know I might just have been lucky but I managed to roll/lever myself out of bed in the weeks after surgery without a major issue - painful but not a deal breaker.