recovery question? how important was recliner?

How important was a recliner for recovery? I'm having TT and BA Jan 21, we don't have a recliner and our bed is very low. should I go buy one??

Thanks!

Lisa

I had a LBL/BL and didn't need one at all.  I slept in the bed as soon as I got out of the hospital.  I used pillows to prop up my legs and back.  And during the day I sat on the couch with a pillow behind my back and my feet on the coffee table.

Laura

Lisa I think its a personal preference. I have a recliner and that is what i have lived in since friday...only because i am too chicken to try the bed. Although tonight i really need to try it since hubby needs to go to work tomorrow and he can rest better if i am in there. Poor guy has slepted on the couch since friday and has waitied on me hand and foot, and I know hes tired. So i am going to try the bed today for a nap and see how i do.

The only difference I have noticed is it seems to be easier to get out of, than a bed. But you might get used to that at the hospital, so you won't know any different. So I think if you think you are doing well with the hospital bed then you will be fine when you get home.

Good luck!!
Tonya

Thanks Tonya!
Good luck in the bed and with your recovery!

Lisa

I actually had 2 different recliners I borrowed from friends. One was a lifting recliner. It was ok during the day but very uncomfortable to sleep in since it didn't recline very far. So I then borrowed a regular recliner and tried sleeping in that for a couple of nights and really didn't find it that comfortable. I usually woke up w/ a headache b/c my neck was at a bad angle while sleeping. I ended up sleeping on the couch for the first few weeks w/ pillows under my knees and back. I'm sure you'd probably be able to manage in a bed if it's low enough and you don't lay flat for the first couple of weeks. I wouldn't waste the money on buying a recliner unless you can find one that is very cheap from Goodwill or craigslist or something. However I'm always a little wary of buying furniture from there (kinda a germ-a-phobe). Maybe you could ask your friends and family if they have one you can borrow for a short time.

I do worry about the germ thing too! Glad I'm not the only one!
Maybe I'll rent one from a medical company.
Thanks!!! It's getting closer!

Lisa

I had an exTT and had bought a big 'ol lazyboy lift chair used on craigslist for $250.00.  It was barely used, and in excellent condition.  I have a high bed, so it would not have been hard for me to sit on it...but the thought of laying down was just crazy to me.  It was three weeks before I could, and even then I would only do it for a couple of hours just to be near my hubby, then go back in the living room to my faithful lift chair.  It was a lifesaver, and I'm letting it hang around to see if it is useful during my thigh lift next year.

I'm 17 days out from LBL and still in my recliner. Maybe for just a TT it's easier, but I still can't get out of bed without help. I got my recliner on Craigslist for $200 and I couldn't do without it.

You should be OK with the tt, but I regretted not renting a recliner for my last round of plastics. I had a lower body lift, with inner thigh lift, so had incisions all the way around me, and around my groin and down my thighs, so sort of needed to stay in a semi bent position to not stress the incisions in the groin.

You'll want to be slow and careful when you move or get up, but you should do fine.

I'm 9 days out from LBL--slept in a recliner the first 4 nights before trying the bed. I have no clue why I didn't try the bed sooner because it was HEAVEN. Pain hasn't been my issue but my tailbone is killing me and the bed simply rocks. And I've woke up several times lying flat with no issues.

Everyone's pain tolerances/experiences vary...good luck to you!