Question:
Automatic recliners

Has anyone purchased or rented an AUTOMATIC recliner for post op? I've seen some that run by remote and automatically lift the feet and recline back at different settings. Most also seem to have a massage feature that I'm thinking might be helpful for possible post-op back pain. I slept in a recliner twice: once before and after my youngest child was born because I had bronchitis and couldn't sleep lying flat and then after my gallbladder was removed. But I don't like the idea of having to fumble for the handle to lift and lower my feet after having open RNY.    — antiques55 (posted on May 23, 2003)

May 23, 2003
I had an automatic recliner after surgery. I didn't buy it, I borrowed it from my husband's grandmother. It was nice but I wouldn't go spending that much money on one, as it wasn't that big a deal.
   — Monica H.

May 23, 2003
If I had only been as smart to think about having an automatic recline. That first week or two post op is the killer. I couldn't lay flat and then to prop up hurt and to turn over to log roll off the bed .... to say the least, getting comfortable is no easy matter. If you are able to and can afford that luxury, go for it. It will only make recovery easier. If you are having open surgery, the incision is big and the muscles will go through quite an ordeal. Good luck and God Bless.
   — Brooke B.

May 23, 2003
I rented a regular recliner after my lap RNY, and I really did need it. Unfortunately, the rented recliner was VERY low quality, and I wished that I could have had a better one. If I could have found an automatic one for rental, I certainly would have rented it. I wouldn't have bought one, though. For me, the recliner really helped, but even the junky one I rented was adequate.
   — Kathy J.

May 23, 2003
I have a lazy boy with the long handle on the side. I think I'll be OK with that handle as I am short waisted so I don't have to reach too far to reach it. Now my dual loveseat recliner is one where you push the button on the side to open it and you have to push down with your feet to close it. This one may be more difficult with pushing with your legs may cause abdominal pain. I did sit in a really, really comfy one at a place called Magic Rest here in Utah. I was having my electric wheelchair repaired there and I sat in it as I waited. I was in it for 2 hours and it was way cool. I wish I would have found this one before I got my lazy boy. I'm not sure if they rent them or just sell them. But it was really comfy. Try them and see.
   — RoxanneF

May 23, 2003
I rented a power recliner after surgery from a company called Rent A Way. I loved it. I needed it for weeks. I took great naps in it and rested comfortably. I was able to sleep for the night in my own bed. One day the connection under the recliner came loose and I got stuck in the up position and couldn't get out of the chair! It struck me so funny! My husband had to rescue me from my feeble attempts to climb out of the chair....You won't regret getting one.
   — Leslie E.

May 24, 2003
I enjoyed sleeping in a rocker-recliner, but I didn't put the foot up on it. I used a foot stool with it so I could keep using the rocking feature. Heaven!`
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 29, 2003
They can be expensive to rent, and the only ones that are usually rented are the plastic coated ones. Unfortunately, as a nurse, I've seen many of these in home and they are for the elderly and oftentimes incontinent patients....I wouldn't rent one because you just don't know how clean they are. The good news is that you can buy them pretty cheap....in fact, cheaper than a really good regular recliner. I bought mine 3 years ago before my surgery from a sight on the interet and only paid $368 and it was free shipping. If you do a google.com search for *lift chair* it will bring up many sights. Look for one with free shipping. And very importantly, most of them will have the dimensions of the chair. Be SURE to look for the one with a wider seat width since we are rather fluffly people! Good luck!
   — Lynette B.