What Are the Best Techniques for Getting Out of Bed Following Abdominal Surgery?
- Sit up in bed for a few minutes before getting out of bed.
- Move bedcovers out of the way and position yourself near the side of the bed.
- Pivot your body and legs to sit with legs dangling over the bed edge.
- Hold the mattress for support and maintain a straight back.
- Gently swing legs, stretch ankles, and twiddle toes.
- If feeling faint or weak, return to bed.
- Helper assists with putting on socks and shoes or sturdy slippers.
- Use a footstool if necessary to reach the floor.
- Stand on the floor with feet slightly apart for a few seconds.
- Helper helps put on and fasten your robe.
- Walk a few steps to a bedside chair with arms when feeling strong enough.
- Turn around to face away from the chair, touching it with your calves.
- Bend knees, grasp chair arms, and lower yourself into the chair.
- Reverse the process to get out of the chair.
- If feeling weak, dizzy, or experiencing chest pain, return to bed and inform the doctor.
Helper tips:
a. Wear non-slip footwear.
b. Remove hazards from the floor.
c. Stand at the patient’s side, not directly in front.
d. Avoid lifting the patient under their arms.
e. Do not allow the patient to put their arms around your neck.
For the first few days when you come home after surgery, it is always best to have a family member or friend help you to get out of bed.
Do not get out of bed directly from lying flat. Always sit up in bed for a few minutes.
Move the bedcovers well out of the way. Move nearer to the side of the bed. Pivot your body and legs so that you are sitting with your legs dangling over the side of the bed. Hold the mattress with your hands for support and keep your back straight.
Gently swing your legs back and forth, bend and stretch your ankles and twiddle your toes. If you feel faint or weak, go back to bed.
Have your helper put on your socks, and shoes or sturdy slippers with low heels and non-slip soles.
Use a footstool if the bed is too high for your feet to reach the floor without sliding off the bed.
Stand still on the floor with your feet slightly apart for a few seconds.
Have your helper put on and fasten your robe.
For the first few times out of bed, when you feel strong enough, walk a few steps to a bedside chair with arms.
When you reach the chair, turn round so that your calves are touching the front of the chair.
Bend your knees, grasp both arms of the chair firmly and lower yourself backward into the chair.
Reverse the process to get out of the chair.
At any time, if you feel weak, dizzy or have chest pain, get back to bed and immediately inform your doctor.
Some additional tips for the helper to follow:
- Make sure your own footwear has non-slip soles.
- Remove any hazards from the floor, such as slip rugs, frayed carpet or linoleum, or electric cords.
- Stand at the side of your patient, not directly in front
- Avoid lifting your patient under the arms. This can cause pain or dislocation of the shoulder joint.
- Never let your patient put arms around your neck.
