“Did You Use A Recliner After Heart Valve Surgery?” Asks Kevin
I just received an email from Kevin about the use of recliners after heart valve surgery.
Kevin writes, “Hi Adam - At 58 years of age, it’s finally time to get the valve fixed. My aortic stenosis is now severe so I’m preparing for the surgery - both mentally and physically. One quick question for you… Does it make sense to use a recliner instead of regular bed during the early part of the recovery? I hear it can be pretty painful getting out of a regular bed. Thanks, Kevin”
This is a fantastic question for patients and their caregivers to consider. Plus, I give Kevin alot of credit for proactively thinking about what happens when patients return home from the hospital.
So you know, I did not use a recliner, or La-Z-Boy chair, after my heart valve replacement surgery. However, if I ever needed another surgery, I might consider renting a recliner.
“Why?” you might be wondering.
Well, as Kevin alludes, getting in-and-out of a flat bed can be quite painful and somewhat dislocating immediately following open heart surgery. Remember… While you are in the hospital, your bed will be fully adjustable to accommodate every bend in your body. At home, no such luck.
Broken Sternum - Incision Diagram (Median Sternotomy)
That said, your broken sternum will feel new types of physical pressures as you enter and exit your bed. For me, I actually began to dread the process of getting-in and getting-out of bed because of the pain.
However, as I have stressed repeatedly throughout my book and this blog, every patient recovery is unique. You may not experience the pain described above. Then again, you may.
Quick question: For all of the former heart valve surgery patients reading this, I’m curious… Did you use a recliner after heart valve surgery? What was your experience? To leave a comment, simply click here.
In advance, thanks for your thoughts and ideas!
Keep on tickin!
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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September 19th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I personally would have been lost without a recliner following my surgery. I would call it a “must”. However make sure it has a handle or other means of reclining rather than have to shift the body.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Kevin,
From one Kevin to another I am 11 months out from aortic valve replacement and root valve repair. The recliner I used post-op was a life saver. Get (or borrow like I did) one for sure !
Best of luck to you,
Kevin from Michigan
September 19th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I too am interested in this question. I also have cats, one weighing 16 pounds, who pounce on me while sleeping. This is just another concern of mine– plus the fact that we are remodeling—dust, etc.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I have two recliners but do not remember using either during the first couple weeks. Mainly because of the force needed to work the control lever and get it back to the upright position. After a couple weeks I did start using the recliner from time to time. For me I found that about 6 to 8 pillows in bed gave me a nice incline to sleep on. Sometimes I was able to sleep in an overstuffed chair with an ottoman.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Adam,
I used a recliner however when I needed to get out of the recliner my feet seemed to be to short for comfort so I had a simple carpet covered platform made 4″ high covered with carpet which helped me so I had sure footing when I got out of the recliner.
I also had one made to put by my bed so it worked in the same manner to allow me to have a solid sure wieght distribution for my feet. Recliners are not good for extended hours when sleeping because of the vertical position. I have known friends who spent to much time in their recliners and had hip and spine problems which became very painful. My collar bone pain was severe when getting in and out of bed.
15 months since surgery (05/21/2008) and I am able to do most activity but heavy lifting still affects my heels and calves. I went to 57 Cardio-Rehab visits which helped me to regain strenght and reduce the amout of meds I was taking. I am 65 but feel great.
I test my INR with my own Hemosense, works good for me. I also take my medications twice a day and have proved to myself and my cariologist for example ( 5gm Norvasc a day- 2.5 AM then 2,5 PM) reduces side effects plus bolld pressure is better regulated. Coumadin 2.5 PM every night then 2.5 AM on Mon-Wed-Fri, (25 mg a week) the results. I have only had to adjust 3 times in 15 months by watching my Vit-K intake.
My last bloodwork and examine was excellent, I am now working on loosing some wieght. God Bless you and your book plus the e-mails. I hope my experience and sucess with working with my Dr. will make people understand a Dr. can only help those individuals who will help themselves!
I will semi-retire in Jan and will be able to draft information for you about what I have learned so we can help others.
Charlie
September 19th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I am 68 years old and had severe aortic stenosis (crumbled valve). I had replacement surgery on May 27th, 09 and am doing very well. I credit my Lazy Boy recliner for much of my comfort!! I did not sleep in it at night. I slept in my own bed elevated by three pillows. The recliner provided so much comfort all day, and I found that frequent short walks ( at least every hour) were very helpful too!
The main thing that I would like to stress to Kevin is to really be patient and let the healing process take its own course. There is healing pain that is just part of the process. I only took motrin and tylenol—no heavy meds after three days. I think this regimen helped me to feel better faster!
Best of luck, Nancy
September 19th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I found a boomerang pillow on top of another regular pillow on a bed to be fantastic. To get in and out of bed I would hook my foot out under the mattress to help pull myself up. I found the recliner lever a challenge as well as shuffling to the front with the footrest up. I am 8 weeks post op (aortic valve replacement) and have returned to work part time (child care assistant), I am 39.
good luck, be sure to do your breathing excercises..
Nerida
September 19th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I didn’t use a recliner, but that may have been nice, though like Steve, I wonder about the arm strength needed to pull the lever.
I used a variety of different kinds of pillows, and jeez, let’s face it, nothing worked, or what worked for one night, didn’t work the next.
I did pick up at a bean-bag chair meant for kids and used that as a bed/recliner pillow, and that certainly worked much better than those bed pillows with the stubby arms that have been around forever and are just completely worthless.
Some nights, I found the living room futon in it’s couch mode easier to lie down in than the bed, other nights it was the bed, and some nights, I would just get drunk and drive around the city all night long blasting Doors music and going from dive to dive until I would collapse from exhaustion.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I did use a recliner in addition to my bed (propped with LOTS of pillows). I found having a change of position helpful. The discomfort in my shoulders, after surgery) made staying in one position for long periods quite uncomfortable.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I am 5 months post Aorta Valve Replacement and I did not use a recliner when I returned home. I read Adam’s book and how he said it was difficult getting in and out of bed and laying flat. So, prior to surgery, I bought a nice foam wedge pillow with a cotton cover (that can be washed) from the local Bed Bath and Beyond store. It worked out great!! I used my regular pillow on top of the wedge and I was fine. I still had a bit of pain the first week or two. I also bought a sturdy single step stool that we placed by the bed, because our bed is taller and I am shorter. I did sit in a recliner in the family room, but someone had to pull the lever for me the first couple of weeks. Prayers for your surgery Kevin!! Maureen
September 19th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Well I too would have been lost without a recliner and definitely a chair that has an arm which will make the pull/tug much easier on the incision site. My surgery incision is along the entire underneath of my right breast so the handle on the right side did me no good for several weeks since I truly could not pull or push - however I am sure if you are having a center incision the handle will be a huge help. The recliner sure did make getting up and down so much easier.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I had aortic valve replacement and double by pass on Sept 10. First night home I slept in my bed…went fairly well…yeah, hurts big time unless someone can support your shoulders up and down from a sideways position. ( I am a nurse and used that “trick” but still hurts). Second night was awful, couldn’t get comfy and didn’t take enough med. Third night in my recliner was great easy in and easy out but you need good neck support. last night, tried the couch…big mistake…Tonight back to the recliner with associated pillows, water, drugs, glasses and light waiting at my side. When I can easily get up and down alone I will “go back to bed”. By the way my surgery was complicated with lots of bleeding (7 units), an aorta out of “rock” and uncooperative BP although I had never had a problem. Happy to report I walked around the block today and am doing well. Be sure to take enough pain med…having pain does not make you a better person and will prevent you from breathing deeply, eating properly and walking enough. Not a fun time, but doable and I do breathe better already. Ya Gotta Have Heart!!!
September 19th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
After a 10 day hospital stay last January following AVR and a pacemaker inplant, I spent my days in the recliner and forced myself to go to bed at night. I didn’t think I could sleep in a chair all night so chose to fight the pain getting into and out of bed. No pain, no gain. right?
At 55 it wasn’t always an easy task, but after I got a system down, laying down at night and sitting up in the morning (very carefully) I got through it OK. Over time, I could tell how well my recovery was going by the size of grimmace on my face getting in and out of bed! (As silly as that sounds, it’s actually true.)
As Adam always emphasizes, each person’s individual recovery and pain level is different. Just experiment to see what works. Good luck, Kevin - you’ll do fine!
Joe
September 19th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I think surgeons should have to write a prescription for one. My wife and I went to look for one a couple days out of the hospital. I tried reaching for the handle and it caused some serious discomfort. The salesman then showed us an electric chair he had in the showroom and after trying it, I had to have it. It was delivered the next day. It’s not one of those catipult chairs, just a regular recliner with an electric motor to let it up and down by pushing a button. I slept in it for a couple months prior to being brave enough to getting into and out of bed. (of course I had two surgerys within two weeks which prolonged my recovery) To this day (a year later), my chair is my sanctuary. It was the best $500 I ever spent.
September 19th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I rented a power recliner for a month from a hospital supply company and was glad I did! It made it easy getting into the sleeping position and also helped “push” me out of it. I had it delivered BEFORE my surgery so it was there when I came home. I put a TV tray right next to it to hold all my necessities (TV remote, pills, drink etc)
You will really appreciate it when you can finally go back to bed and can lay on your stomach!
Tim
September 19th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
YES, I USED THE RECLINER ON MY COUCH TO SLEEP FOR THE FIRST WEEK. THEN I TRANSFERRED TO THE BED. ALTHOUGH A WORD OF CAUTION, BE SURE THAT YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE RECLINER EASILY. THE RECLINER CAN BE DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF AND CAN CAUSE A LITTLE PAIN AND STRAIN.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
hi all,
The last group I though I would be involved in, but here I am. Got the word that I have servere aortic stenosis. Just waiting for a call from Mayo to set up my appointments and etc. As the doctors up here in Duluth do not want to do the operation because they think the damage maybe a result of radiation I had in 72 for Hodgkins, and the operation maybe more complicated. That being said, how long before you can sleep on your side? I hate sleeping on my back. And also did anyone here have the operation because of radiation damage? How was the operation? Were you longer in the hospital? I’am 56 and leaning toward the cow valve, heard you can get 20 years on one and I don’t want to be on blood thinners, any comments? Probly the end of Oct. for surgery, any pre op suggestions? Looking forward to getting the book next week, I’m sure there will be enough info in there for me to consider.
later,
Mac, Superior Wi.
September 19th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I used one of those chairs that help you to get almost to your feet. I also slept in bed on occasion. I am 3 months out from Aortic valve replacement and one bypass.
September 20th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Simply put, the recliner and the wedge pillows for the bed were “my new best friends” when I had my AVR in June 2008. Be sure that you have your phone, TV remote, reading material, etc. within easy reach. There’s nothing worse then having the phone ring & it’s across the room.
You will find yourself easily dozing off in that recliner. Be sure to get out of the chair for frequent scheduled walks,…….even if it’s just around the house for the first few days. Each day gets better & in the end,……..it’s all worth it!
September 20th, 2009 at 6:17 am
I used a recliner after surgery at the hospital and at home….
I used my recliner at home around 10 days before I could use the bed.
September 20th, 2009 at 8:17 am
No, I never needed to use my recliner, (except for watching television). My mattress is very high off the ground. I am short, and was concerned that I usually used my arms to pull me up into the bed. I did not want to put pressure on the muscles involved in that maneuver,
My husband had a great idea. He bought one of those plastic one step stools that you can get in a home improvement store. It worked beautifully. In fact, I plan on using it all the time.
September 20th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I actually used the recliner as my bed for the first week after returning home from AVR surgery. I did not use it during the day as I wanted to be moving as much as possible, but the recliner was great for sleeping & napping. I tried laying flat in bed, but there was too much discomfort. A recliner was very helpful for me during this period.
Bill
On-X AVR 1/09
September 20th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I had my mitral valve replaced 2 years ago and can vividly remember using my recliner for quite some time after I came home. The lever is a definite challenge but I had my husband put it up or down for me. With my chair, you can also not secure it open or closed so I could stretch out on my own if needed. It took a while to get back into my bed and when i did, I used one of those college dorm type pillows (that you lean against - it’s got a sturdy back with arm rests). To this day, it is sometimes challenging to sleep facing left cause of odd sensations but…(I was 43 when I had my surgery).
September 20th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I, actually my husband, took a different route after my surgery. The day before I came home he rented a hospital bed. He did this for three reasons; one it would be easier to get up and down, two he was worried about the strain of pulling the lever on the recliner, and three he was terrified to sleep with me. He was afraid he would forget and hug me in his sleep and cause me pain. The doctor wouldn’t write a script for it, so it was self pay. But at $100 a month it was a bargain. We converted my home office into my temporary bedroom. We have 5 cats and a very active toddler as part of our household. As an added bonus it was a great place for me to hide when I needed some down time. After a few weeks I moved back into our bedroom and by that time getting up and down was a breeze.
September 20th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I did not use a recliner. My wife set me up with pillows to prop me up a bit so that I could swing my legs around and sit up. I could see the problem with a recliner would be that you have to lie on your back. Really, after a few days you do get stronger and the issues of in and out of bed decline so the recliner would cost a lot of money for relatively short term use.
Robin
September 20th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
The day after I got home I had my husband go the the Home Health Supply store and purchase the foam wedge pillow. That and a couple more pillows did the trick, also a small step stool beside the bed works great. I would have my ever present ‘huggie pillow’ and when I wanted to sleep my husband would put a pillow behind my back so I wouldn’t roll over. It was months before I wanted to give up the wedge.
Another ’secret’ is having a warm blanket at night (or anytime for that matter). Get a large flannel blanket and put it in the dryer to warm it up. Also put your towel and terry robe in the dry to warm them up at shower time.
Good luck.
Joan
September 20th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
My husband did not use a recliner after his heart surgery (age 40 y.o.), but did sleep at a decent incline for quite a while after surgery (by utilizing pillows). The pressure was too great when laying flat.
September 20th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I used the recliner during the day after aortic valve replacement….although my doctor told me I could not use my arms to get up out of the chair or the bed. My husband was great to go under my arms and just give me a little assist so I was not putting pressure on my arms and thus on my incision and ribs. At night I would sleep in bed with lots of pillows and find a comfortable place. Hope that helps. It is helpful and secure to have someone there with you for a couple of weeks for help and encouragement.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:46 am
I did not use a recliner. I used lots of pillows and propped feet under mattress for leverage when getting out of bed. My back hurt horribly in hospital and for awhile after getting home. A recliner would not have been comfortable. The best thing I did before surgery was buy myself a memory foam mattress topper and pillow. I took the pillow to the hospital. I put an extra large cushion on the end of my coach and that was a life saver for getting up from sitting on the coach. Made a huge difference. In answer to one of the questions in the string of answers-I sleep with my small (20 lb) dog and that scared me to death right after surgery. She had to be banned from the bedroom for awhile. I was just too afraid she would walk on me trying to play.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:00 am
Yes the recliner is the only way to go I tried bed but it was very uncomfortable
September 21st, 2009 at 8:45 am
I actually slept in my recliner for about 2 weeks after I got home. I just couldn’t get comfortable in bed…tried a wedge, a stack of pillows. Nothing…but my recliner was great. I didn’t have any issues getting out of the recliner either…just lean forward and use your legs to stand up.
Best of luck!
Doug
September 21st, 2009 at 9:01 am
My husband underwent mitral valve replacement in May. I had rented a hospital bed and set it up right on our living room! It comes in pieces so don’t worry about how they will get it in the house. It only cost $250.00 for a whole month and believe me we renewed for an additional month and it was a LIFE saver. The nurses had taught me in the hospital how to get him in and out of bed with the least amount of pain and I continued at home. We had a recliner but he only used it once. Check out your area for hospital bed rentals with the controls. Who cares what your home looks like for the first two months - you are healing and on your way to a better life! Take care, Ginger & Danny
September 21st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I arrived home yesrterday Sep 20 after surgery Sep 14. This afternoon I had a nap using a recliner, but I intend to continue using regular bed for overnignt rest. I have not had any adverse pain using either the recliner or the bed.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I shipped my zero gravity patio chair from Big 5 sports to NY (fr. CA) I had to remain in NY for 16 days post op … the chair was a life saver! I used it at home for several weeks as well. It is an inexpensive way to have a GREAT chair. It very easily goes from sitting to bach & coming up is easy too. If you don’t know what it is just google zero gravity chairs. Some are really pricey … my was not & now I use it on my patio to read.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Adam - I LIVED in my recliner for weeks after my aortic valve. It wasn’t that I had a hard time getting up out of my bed - I sleep on my side and the pain was excruciating. After several weeks in the recliner I tried the bed and went back to the recliner for a few more weeks - even postponed the start of my rehab after that experience. Eventually I made my way back to the bed but even now, 16 months later, every once in awhile laying on my side is uncomfortable.
Regards,
Pat Toner
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I did not use a recliner but bought a wonderful memory foam wedge pillow from the Relax The Back Store. It was a life-saver. The first night I tried to get in bed without the wedge I was shocked at how painful it was. The pillow made it so much easier to get in and out of bed and was really comfortable for sleeping too. I thought the price ($139) was a little expensive at first, but after using it for the first three weeks that I was home I probably would have paid double for it.
Good luck with your surgery and recovery.
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I had surgery mid May and a friend who had had heart surgery suggested the recliner idea. While in the hospital, I did not lie in the bed except for a few minutes while the doctor did something just before I went home (I don’t remember what it was). There was a recliner in my room, and I rested quite well the 4 days I was there.
My husband moved a recliner into our bedroom beside the bed before surgery. I slept, rested, etc., in the recliner until 6 weeks after surgery. I took no chance that getting in or out of the bed would hurt me. I had a yard stick to poke him if I needed up to go to the bathroom at night. My husband had to help me up from the recliner the first 3 weeks, but after that I could get up with no problem. My recuperation went well. I am 125+% better now than before surgery!
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Recliner Question: YES, have a recliner available! After my Ross Procedure I lived in my recliner for about a month before transitioning to bed. In fact, I tried transitioning a week early and was happy to have my recliner available for that last transition. Renting or buying may not be necessary if you already own one. However, you may not be able to use yours post op. I have a test you can use in to try to predict if your present recliner will work. As Adam wrote in his book (my prep course) even opening a slider or fridge my not be possible and this includes some recliners. The Test Before Surgery: First, your recliner will work best if it has the long pull lever. Next, while sitting, reach down to the lever while bracing your arm against the armrest. Now try pulling the lever using ONLY your fingers (like squeezing bicycle brakes) without using your arm/chest muscles. If you can squeeze through the initial resistance you should be ok since you are not using the affected muscles. However, this will depend on the design of both your chair and your anatomy and could vary so I recommend having plan B (an rented/purchased lift chair) arranged if your initial post op experience is uncomfortable. Having worked in healthcare, I understand lift chair rentals may be difficult to find but check with your local oxygen, medical equipment and home health agencies. I recently saw them for sale at my local “big box members club” for a fraction of the usual cost. It also makes a great donation to an aging friend, relative or church once you no longer need it. I have had some people ask me for recommendations prior to their own surgery and I always recommend the following 3 essential pre-op must-haves…#1 Adam’s Book (one copy for each immediate family member or caretaker), #2 The Incision Shield (Adam so graciously gifted to me), #3 A Recliner. I hope my thoughts help and remember what Adam says about everyone’s recovery being unique. My prayers will be with you and your family. - John
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I stayed at my sister’s home where she had rented a hospital bed and it was sooo worth it. The man came to the house and actually assembled the thing right there for us during the week I was in hospital. (My awesome sister had cleared-out her spare room.) Also, be sure to ask the physical therapist who will visit you post-op “Exactly what is the best way for me to get out of bed?” Mine taught me how & it was very helpful. I am almost 11 months post mitral valve repair at age 53.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I have two recliners but do not remember using either during the first couple weeks. he best thing I did before surgery was buy myself a memory foam mattress topper and pillow.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
My husband is just about to have Aeortic valve replacement & mitral valve repair in October 2009. We had just talked about the use of a recliner after his surgery, I am so glad that you have this information on the web. I can’t wait to use some of the advice and helpful hints here to help him recover!
Thanks again and lots of luck to all of you for a quick recovery
Dana
September 25th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Hello, I am due to have AVR in October. I will be having my surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. I just want to thank you, Adam and the many friends of your website, for helping me through this time. I have some idea, now, what I will be dealing with. I understand that my own experience will be just that, my own But, I feel so much better knowing ’something’ about before and after the surgery. Thank you all for you positive input. It has blessed me tremendously. God Bless you all!
September 25th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I only used a recliner for one night. I decided to see how it felt getting out of my bed. I had been taught to roll onto my side, then push myself up with my arms after back surgery.
I tried the same procedure after aortic valve replacement and I must say I experienced almost no discomfort.
Hope this will work for you, too.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I had an aortic valve replacement at age 52. (Star-Edwards valve). I am now going on 74. I went back to work in about three weeks following surgery. I had little trouble getting in/out of bed. I did begin to use a “sit-up” type pillow that I continue to use today.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Hi my name is Allan and I live in Toronto Canada where we have our medical bills paid for, I’m not bragging I’m just stating a fact because what I was able to do was get my GP to reccomend to OHIP(thats the goverment short form for the part of goverment which covers costs) to get me a hospital bed from a company that rents them out by the month. Anyway my doctor was able to basically write me a perscription to rent a hospital bed which I put in my living room as I was told not to climb any stairs the first couple of weeks of my recovery. So I slept in my hospital bed day and night for 2 months and believe me it saved me a lot of pain and you will also have no concept of time because you never know when the pain my come and go any time of the day or night so your sleep patterns are whenever your tired you sleep regardless of the tme of day, I would stress if you are prescribed pain medication take it and don’t miss any just when you think you feel OK the pain builds up and then I would have to wait until the medication kicked in again, because even with the minimal movement in and out of your bed the pain could be severe and like the doctor said everyone is different but I can tell for me the first few weeks the pain was severe if you don’t take it easy. But getting back to the hospital bed, get one if you can, I highly reccomend it. I’m not sure what kind of effort it takes to get out of a recliner but I guess it’s a lot better than a regular flat bed. Anyway good luck and I hope I gave you a little insight on the first couple of months of recovery.