Question:
Do we need to have a recliner or hospital bed at home post-op?

This is the first I've heard about needing a recliner/hospital bed at home after surgery. I am scheduled for RNY on 3/30. Will my bed with lots of pillows not be acceptable? If not, why not? and for how long? Thanks, Jill    — R. Jill K. (posted on March 20, 2000)

March 19, 2000
I thought I would be able to sleep in my bed using pillows, but after I got home I was a mess. The first night I slept sitting up in a chair because i could not lay down. My incision ran frim my breastbone to my pubic bone due to hernia repair with the RNY. I got a hospital bed the 2nd day and slept much better, although the first week I only slept for a couple of hours at a time. Found all kinds of strange tv shows on at 3am....Good luck
   — Judy C.

March 19, 2000
Whether you need a recliner/hospital bed depends on your size, length of incision, and type of surgery. I could not lay down and breathe comfortably with any amount of pillows. My physician called my local medical supply house and ordered an electronic hospital bed with a "trapeze" (the triangle over your bed that you can grab onto). It allowed me to sleep with my head and knees up. I used it for a week. That, for me, was difficult enough. I could not have managed without it. If you body morphology suggests that your breasts and abdomen will smother you when you lie down, look into renting a hospital bed. My insurance covered it. HDMatthias, M.D.
   — Heddy-Dale M.

March 19, 2000
I traveled a fair amount of distance to get to my selection of surgeon. (Dr. Husted Nashville, Tenn.) Directly after release from the hospital he did not want me traveling back by car or even plane (fear of blood clots greater in long distance travel) So, I had to stay in Nashville for 10 days post-op.. I stayed in a motel, no special bed just lots of pillows..I got in and out of bed myself (it's no biggy you can do it) Sure you will be sore and staples restrict the movements but you can get through this without breaking the pocket book..
   — Victoria B.

March 20, 2000
I was very grateful for the electric hospital bed while I was in the hospital. By raising up the head of the bed I put a lot less strain on my abdominal muscles. Even though I had a laparoscopic operation, I was still quite sore. I was going to stay with a sister post op and she had a sofa sleeper. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get up or down, so went to another sister's instead where she had bunk beds and the lower bed was quite high. My 4 year old nephew slept on the top bunk and old Auntie Frannie was the new neighbor on the bottom bunk! I would knock on his bunk and use the supporting slats to life me up!!! By using my arms, I spared myself undue pain and strain. This was a lifesaver to me!!! Who would have thought!!! (But a hospital bed with a triangle lift which was suggested by another lady is much more traditional.) Another thing which may help is one of those easy chairs where the seat rises and lifts you up. When I got back home to Florida after my surgery (I had surgery in New York City) I couldn't wait to get in my La-Z-Boy recliner but at 3 1/2 weeks post op, I really could sleep in a regular bed, though.
   — Fran B.

March 20, 2000
Jill, This is the start of my 3rd post op week. I'm still sleeping in the recliner. The incision pulls uncomfortably if I try to lie flat or propped up on big pillows. Its too had to get up from the bed -- there is nothing to grab on and I can't lift myuself using my abs yet. I did build up my arm strength pre-sugery with weights, but there's nothing I can figure out to put near the bed to help pull myself up with. A recliner will also help to keep your legs elevated during your recovery. I was looking at resale shops for a used recliner before surgery (I figured I'd only use if for a few weeks) when a family member donated one! Maybe put the word out amng your friends and relatives. It would not be impossible for me to sleep in a bed - just pretty uncomfortable.
   — Toni B.

March 20, 2000
Jill, I had a recliner. It was impossible for me to sleep in bed until abouta week post op. You might see if you can borrow one from a family member, or rent one for a month, or go to yard sale if you don't want to invest in buying one. Good luck. Lou Ann
   — Lou Ann J.

March 20, 2000
HI! I had my RNY October 14th, 1999... I didn't think I would need a recliner... and I was SOO VERY WRONG!! Just imagine trying to do a sit-up when your belly was just cut wide open... it's not a great thought right? believe me it's even more painful then that thought! If you have the resources please do yourself a favor and buy, rent borrow or look into your insurance assisting regarding this matter. I myself rented a recliner from one of those Rental furniture places that do not check for references of any kind and the rent was less then 20 bucks... I think it was "CENTRAL" rent. I started off with a regular chair with a foot stool... and I could barely get up... as long as I was sitting I was fine, but the minute I got up... OUCH! Recliner's definitly sit you up much higher and amake it easier on your entire body... and makes the healing much faster! There is a lady in my support group that was three days after my surgery and she had the dr. write her a note and she had her insurance pay for her a medical bed... that could keep her lifted up... laying down for those first few weeks was very painful, and this is a very major surgery... be kind to yourselves and try really hard to get you something to make this transition from the hospital to home as easy as possible, make sure your significant others also understand you can't sleep with them for a while they may not completely understand why. Best wishes to you all! I welcome any and all emails!
   — Jamie T.