Question:
I am having open rny in 1 wk and noticed a lot of people sleep in a recliner

after surgery. Some people sleep in recliners because it helps with sleep apnea. My question is how does it help with sleep apnea? Also I am sure some of you do it because of soreness in the tummy. Any other ideas for me after surgery? Do you have trouble getting in the car after surgery? I have a Jeep Cherokee and my hubby says he will rent a car if I need it! (It is pretty far off the ground!) Thank you and please say a prayer for me next Monday! I am very excited! Come spring I will evolve from this cocoon like a butterfly. Every year on New Years' Eve I go on the DIET and say this, now for the first time it will be true! Yipee!!    — Marilyn C. (posted on November 20, 2000)

November 20, 2000
Being in a recliner helps with breathing because your head is elevated and your airway has access to the outside world!!! When you lay flat, everything is scrunched together. I would sit in the recliner when I was alone because I could rock it forward to get up. In the bed, I would have to have someone help me up. I didn't have any problems with my husbands truck, and it was harder to get down into the car. It isn't just a Happy New Year, it is a Happy New Life!!!! Good Luck, and God Bless You --
   — CohenHeart

November 20, 2000
Hello Marilyn. Well your big day is just around the corner! How exciting! First of all, as far as the car goes, I would suggest that your husband have a step stool for you to use when getting in and out. This way you won't stretch your tummy much. And a high riding car is better than a low one, because in low cars you feel every bump in the road! I would also recommend having a few pillows in the car. One to support your back if necessary and one to hold over your tummy when you hit the curves. For me, I just found it helpful. As far as the recliner goes, I don't think its really because of sleep apnea that people need it. People need it because it is difficult to sleep flat or even on your side with the incision, and a recliner chair can be the most comfortable position to sleep in. In my case, I had a water bed at the time which was out of the question. I had no recliner so through my insurance I rented a hospital bed. For me that worked like a charm. If you can't get a recliner, be sure to have LOTS of extra bed pillows to prop yourself up on. You'll need them for support. Good luck!
   — Paula G.

November 20, 2000
Marilyn: Congrats and best wishes on your surgery! You'll feel wonderful as you exit your "cocoon." I did not need a recliner, as I had no problems sleeping and laying on my back. With pillows, I could sleep on my side also (have husband tuck one behind your back to keep you from easily rolling backwards. When you get out of bed, roll onto your side first and push yourself to the sitting position with the hand that's closest to the bed.
   — Cindy H.

November 20, 2000
Marilyn, I am open RNY distal Nov 1, 00 I still can't sleep in my bed I would suggest a recliner with pillows to support your arms Its not the best sleep you will get Or a couch sleeping sort of propped up with pillows Myself I have taken over my sons waterbed I was desperately searching for someplace comfortable going from bed to bed and tried his waterbed ...ohhh my gosh it feels so good supports my stomach and is warm getting up isnt that hard I roll to the side and put one leg out of the bed first and then push up and stand.. You will find somewhere in Your house to sleep.. yes take pillows in the car... Don't waste your money renting a car.. good luck Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

November 20, 2000
I rented a recliner thinking I would need one because of what I had read here. Well I would try lying out flat in the hospital while you are there and if you feel that you might need one then go to a medical supply house and rent one. Once I did get home I had no problem sleeping in my own bed. sleeping in my own bed.
   — Dennis J. B.

November 20, 2000
I'm 3 weeks post op. I have been sleeping on a couch for years now and found that still works best for me. The staples really have not been a problem. Also I prefere a truck to a car, though I am 6' 2". Best of luck to you.
   — Eric R.

November 20, 2000
I wish you the best in regards to your surgery, I too have been contemplating the Recliner, I will have my surgery on 11/28/00, I cant afford one at this time so I plan to just make do with what I have and hope for the best. I made it through my c-section so hopefully I can do the same this time.
   — Tamaria W.

November 20, 2000
I didn't use, or need, a recliner to sleep in after surgery. I used a wedge pillow with a few additional pillows & was fine. The nurses at the hospital had me get used to getting in & out of a flat bed before I left the hospital by rolling the bed out flat. I did spend a fair amount of time in the recliner after surgery, but didn't sleep in it. However, I didn't have staples, so maybe that makes a difference. I never thought to ask if I'd have staples or whatever before my surgery & was surprised to find I only had a "steri-strip." Whatever, it seemed to work!
   — Kathy W.