Question:
Having surgery soon. Wondering how uncomfortable is getting in & out of bed.

Any hints on getting in and out of bed, it's got to hurt! Probably could get a hospital bed but would rather not. Seems like turning in bed or laying on side would be difficult. Maybe one of those wedges to lean back on?    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 8, 1999)

September 8, 1999
In speaking with others who have had this type of surgery, they have actually suggested either sleeping in your recliner, or if you don't have one, renting one from someplace like Rent-a-center or Rent-town USA for a few weeks. It only ends up costing about $30-$40 if you do need to rent it, and according to them it works much better. Good luck to you on your surgery.
   — Molly S.

September 8, 1999
For about the first week, I slept in a recliner. After that, I was most comfortable either on the coach, using the back of the couch for back support, or in bed with pillows behind me.
   — Tammy S.

September 8, 1999
I used a full length body pillow for the first three days or so after I got home. After that it got a little easier each day. It was wonderful the first time I actually slept through the night after coming home. The first couple of nights I was in every bed in and out of every bed in the house trying to get comfortable.
   — dboat

September 8, 1999
Lots & Lots of pillows !! Pillows along your side to lean on, between your knees for comfort .... pillows pillows everywhere! One other trick I learned is that if I was lying down and needed to sit up, I would bend my right arm so that my elbow was resting on the mattress ... I would use this arm to hold on to (or an anchor) using the other arm to pull myself up ... I know its hard to explain! OK, lets try this... you are lying in bed, leaning toward your right side, you bend your right arm, bracing it ... you grab your right fist with your left hand and pull yourself up that way. But take heart, you will not need these tactics long ... soon you will be hopping out of bed ... and running around the block! Good luck!
   — Mary Anne M.

September 9, 1999
What was most helpful for me and it still hurts but not as much, is to sleep with several pillows and have something close to the bed you can support on and slowly get up ... You'll be uncomfortable for a week or so ... but after that you should notice that diminishing. Best of Luck! My thoughts and prayers will be with you!
   — Sherrie G.

September 9, 1999
Hi, I had my surgery almosrt two years ago. And yes it was very difficult getting in and out of bed. I slept on my lazy-boy chair for a few nights. But when I finally started to sleep in my own bed again I found it easier to sleep on my side with a pillow pushed up against my stomach for support. I prefer to sleep on my side and that was the only way I could do it comfortably. The left side was to tender with the drainage tube still in there. Even after it was removed it was just to uncomfortable to lay on that side for months and months.
   — Ellen M.

September 9, 1999
I am pre-op but I had major back surgery in 98, cut from the front, and it was very difficult to get in and out of bed. I would roll to the edge and swing my legs over the side and then rise up on an elbow to a sitting position. Then you should be able to get up easier. The pillows are a great idea for comfort while in the bed also. Lying down is also the same, just in reverse. Sit, lean on elbow, pull up legs and roll carefully into bed. And one more thing, if you aren't living alone, don't hesitate to ask for help from your family. I hope this helps! Good luck!
   — Sarah D.

February 2, 2000
Getting out of bed for the first week was painful, largely because it is a major incision. The pain, I am told, is similar to that that women experience in a Caesarian. My sisters were on hand in the hospital post-op and taught me various tricks on how to avoid the pain (holding a pillow, etc.). You should not be put off the operation by the pain, I experienced much less than I had anticipated.
   — Peter W.