I have trouble getting in and out of bed. Does anyonen have a solution or know of some thing I can use to help me?

[maryalice]

[BILLYRAY]

Mary I too have this problem...I tell ever one my scooter dont work...I can not scoot..what I did is satan sheets..and I have a chain sccewed into the ceiling above my bed and a pull bar attached to it..but my favorite way is to yell yo Karen HBO (HELP BILLY OUT)..She is there for me do not know what i would do without her been married 40 yrs God truly blessed me with her..thanks ...I wear a knee pad inside my pants only one knee thiss way when I fall I remember to fall on my knee pad....I have falle so much they want to replace both my knees and shoulders need rotory repair...I thank God ever day that I have Parkisonism...could be a lot worse...btw i found out about 11 months ago I have prostrate cancer...my dr told me not to worry about the cancer he said I will kill myself falling way before the cancer will ....he is a great dr...Kragmanoski..what a name..Thanks I was also diagnosed with PD...than they changed it to Parkinsonism...one doctor in Richmond a Dr. White told me I had Paarkinson's couisin..LeeRoy I recon..Iam, so glad I found this site...here I thought I was all alone...Great..thank you Billy Ray

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[suec in reply to BILLYRAY]

I have the same problem when it comes to getting in or out of bed and up or down from a chair other than from my weel chair. My husband is my care giver and all I have to say Honey an my husban either braces by back on my good days. On my bad days he helps by pulling me up. He is a Prostate cancer survivor since 2006. We help each help the other out as we can. We have talked about putting in a bar over my side of the bed but we have haven't installed one yet.

[maryalice in reply to BILLYRAY]

Thanks for your reply. Blessings!

[ronn]

Mary Alice Billy Ray nailed it with the "satin sheets". I also wear satin pyjamas and have a firm bed with no mattress cover. It works so well, I accidently slid out onto the floor three times last night. Stay loose!!! Ronn

[shasha in reply to ronn]

i too have satin sheets and pj's or nightie - i honestly dont know how i would be able to move at all without them . my hubby is so great though and gets up in the night to help me turn over if he fells me struggling xxx

[ronn in reply to shasha]

Sasha,

Satin sheets, Sure..Satin Jammies, OK......,but nighties, NO!! Somewhere you have to draw the line!!!!

[shasha in reply to ronn]

HE HE ... WHAT IS WRONG WITH NIGHTIES PRAY ? !!

[jillannf6]

hi

i have the same problem = tried a frame around the bed to help me get in and out but go for the satin pyjamas and tend to slide on to the floor too

i have soem great knee pads which when i fall on to myknees take the strain ( a little)

love jill

[maryalice in reply to jillannf6]

Looks like satin sheets are the answer. Thanks everybody.!

[Gansbru]

Good evening, Maryalice-

First I want to let you know that this is information is what I received from my GP in the UK.It depends on whether you have a bed with a divan (box spring base) or only a top mattress. I also will disclose that I have Rapid-Onset, Multi-Focal Dystonia-Parkinsonism that has, for the most part, affected my formerly-dominant left side, but I use a zimmer (walker). I also was assaulted by a former neighbour a year ago (14 January 2011), and my head forcefully slammed against the brick wall, effectively stopping the flow of the CSF (Cerebral-Spinal Fluid) and I am now with Acquired Hydrocephalus.

But let’s return to what I can suggest to you by personal experience.

My social worker at the time recommended a bar on the side that was on my stronger side. It is slipped on my right side, and held together by a strong fabric around the mattress and divan. This way I could use my ‘good arm’ on the instrument, slide my legs around towards my zimmer, using my better functioning side to assist my lifting my body. then I had slippers and my zimmer to do what I wanted.

There are other methods that you might require, but for me, for a short period of time. I hope this helps.

Gary

[maryalice in reply to Gansbru]

Thanks for the information! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.

[Gansbru in reply to maryalice]

I’m glad to provide it. I hope this helps.

[tlongmire]

I have a bedrail which I use to help me turn on my side and then throw my legs over the side of the bed and use the rail to help me to a sitting position. If my husband is awake he will assist me.

I think I will try the satin sheets because I can't turn over in bed either. Once I'm in bed that's it, same position until I wake up whatever time that may be :o)

[maryalice in reply to tlongmire]

thanks for the information about the bed rail. I was thinking about getting one. I think I'll try the satin sheets first.

[tlongmire in reply to maryalice]

I bought satin sheets today but won't be giving up my bedrail.

[Jose]

I have medicine balls of different weights for exercising. I use a three or four pound ball to help move or roll me in the direction I want when on the floor or in bed. I merely take the ball in hand, holding on to the ball fling my arm out and the body follows.

[maryalice in reply to Jose]

Thanks for the information!

maryalice

[cabbagecottage in reply to maryalice]

good idea will try that but i am afraid he will knock me out turning over lol. already had a few near misses .

[jillfd]

Alternative to satin sheets is a baby blanket with fleece one side and satin on the other. Fleece side down keeps it in place and the satin side is just enough area for your body to rest on and make it easier to move and slide in and out of bed.

And satin nighties too.

P.S.There are polyester knit pj bottoms for guys that are smooth like satin but still manly.

[maryalice in reply to jillfd]

Thanks for the good idea!.

[DAUGHTERofPD]

My Dad also has trouble getting out of bed. Here's what we've done to help him:

1) Removed the frame of the bed and put the box spring on the floor. By doing this he was able to sit at the edge of his bed with his feet planted firmly on the floor instead of tip toes.

2) My dad has hard wood floors and he felt that he was slipping while trying to push to a stand. I bought a 5' runner rug with a sticky back and pushed it slightly under the box spring to make sure it stayed in place. When he places his feet on the rug he feels that he has some traction and a better grip of the floor with his feet.

3) There is a grab handle near by for him to reach for and pull himself up. If he needs additional help, there is a thick rope tied tightly to the grab bar. He sometimes will reach for the rope while leaning forward and sitting on the bed. When he is ready, he'll pull the rope to help him stand.

4) and of cours, having a walker near by helps also.

Good Luck. Keep the great ideas coming.

Lorena

[cabbagecottage in reply to DAUGHTERofPD]

Hi daughter of PD. You sound a lot like me .I have tried lots of different things . My husband has ended up underneath the dressing table and have had to call aneighboiur and the postman to help lift him .. do you mean your father sleep on the mattress placed on the floor , and where exactly is the grab rail . We have one but he reachess out with his left hand to turn , cannot rise though without my assistance . I have thought about getting another grab and put at the bottom of the nbedbut am afraid his feet with get tangled up in it .

I have also tried a rug alongside also a rubber math/shower mat but it a fine line between feet sliding or sticking isnt it ..

I have been adding extra rails in the downstairs toilet and last night my husband said it like going on an assault course lol ..

[maryalice in reply to DAUGHTERofPD]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Good solutions!

[cabbagecottage]

have seriously thought of buying a rise and recline bed . What are your opinions . at east it would lift up and maybe help with the turning . Not like being a crab stuck on it's back .

[maryalice in reply to cabbagecottage]

think an adjustable bed would be great! I hope to be able to get one in the future.

[Jupeter in reply to maryalice]

I have an adjustable bed which is a boon. I can only sleep on my back and lying flat is painful (arthritis). So I can alter the profile so that it is comfortable. But it also helps to raise me to an upright position to get out of bed.

In my case, I have a double bed to myself - we have separate bedrooms because my wife is easily woken up by my snoring and she also has nocturnal epilepsy. However, you can get "split" adjustable beds where each side operates independently.

Like others I have difficulty in turning over in bed (on the odd occasion I lie on my side). But I have never worn anything in bed and I find that moving is easier that way. PJ's inhibit movement by catching on the duvet and sheet. One thing which might be useful is a rope attached to the side of the bed to use to pull upon.

It is always difficult to know what will work because we are all so different and an aid for one might be a nightmare for others.

Best of luck

[maryalice in reply to Jupeter]

Thanks for the information. I hope to be able to purchase an adjustable bed soon. Blessings.

[srarndt]

Let's see...getting into bed might become easier if you have your fantasy lover there waiting for you (Ladies: perhaps Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp, Guys: Angelina Jolie or ... (jk! LOL)

I was having a real difficult time even rolling over in bed, worse was getting out of bed or worst of all - getting out of bed in a hurry due to a full bladder or leg cramp!

Lucky me, DBS has successfully done away with most of those issues.

[cabbagecottage in reply to srarndt]

I am very happy for you , hope it continues for you ... Its encouraging for others to hear .

[Dennis]

This and other questions and answers have been a big help to me. Thank You for sharing. Now I have dyskinesia due to the doctor mixing meds that are not suppose to be taken together. Wife on phone with doc now to get some ideas...I go to this site to get the rest of the story. Dennis

[cabbagecottage in reply to Dennis]

its like a minefield taking all the differnt drugs

[srarndt]

CC, a minefield indeed!

Also, if needed for those of you have this bed accessing/exiting problem you might try a floor to ceiling pole that, if you have adequate upper body strength, can prove VERY helpful. I installed one in my father's bedroom. Without it he'd be lost with his inablility to get into or out of bed. Here's a link to pictures:

amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywo... . If the link does not work, you'll want to copy and paste it into your browser.

[maryalice in reply to srarndt]

Thanks! Great information!

[cabbagecottage in reply to srarndt]

Thank you will take a look at that ..

Went to see Gp for him yesterday and asked about his fluid retention , I thought it might be cause by taking Amlodopine for BP , he has been on them for 7 years ! ,

Gp changed his meds . So heres hoping that he can lose some of the fluid and then be less restricted .

[maryalice in reply to cabbagecottage]

I've been on Amanadine for about 7 years. My ankles and legs are swollen too.

[cabbagecottage in reply to maryalice]

Some of the fluid has gone , and he feels a little lass stiff . a lot more to go though .

[maryalice in reply to cabbagecottage]

I hope and pray that your father will do better too.

[JAYNIE]

HAD TROUBLE GETTING IN AND OUT OF BED ALSO. I NOW HAVE A ELECTRIC BED THAT I CAN LOWER OR RAISE, AND IN A CATALOG I FOUND A BAR THAT FITS UNDER THE MATTRESS AND I CAN PULL UP ON IT AND ALSO LOWER MYSELF WITH IT......IT IS ABOUT 1 1/2 FEET AND IT SLIDES UNDER THE MATRESS.

[maryalice in reply to JAYNIE]

Thanks for the information about the bar that fits under the mattress.

I saw it in a catalog and was considering ordering it. Now I think I will.

Blessings!

[JAYNIE in reply to maryalice]

you will be happy with this !!!!!

[Cerelia in reply to maryalice]

Try Social Services, ask to be referred to occupational therapy. They should be able to assess you and help in many ways. I have one of those bars, called a 'bed leaver' and also a shower chair provided by them. Satin sheets are great but I miss it when I stay somewhere else! I would love an adjustable bed!

[maryalice in reply to Cerelia]

Thanks for your help!

[cabbagecottage in reply to JAYNIE]

Do you reccomend the rise and recline bed . have been thinking of getting one for my husband . At the moment when he gets on the bed I have to help him swing his legs up he ends up flat on the bed .and finds it hard to shuffle in further . I was wondering if the head of the bed is in the rised postition would it make it easier for him when getting in and out . He already uses a bed grab rail and would be lost withoiut it . He usually ends up holding onto it most of the night . ..

[JAYNIE]

I have very little strength while lying on a flat bed and can hardly get out of bed and I find the electric bed has made me independent as I can get in and out much more easily. when getting into bed, I lower the feet part and raise the head....and I use the grab rail also. Doing the same to get out of bed. I also am much more comfortable on my back when my head is slightly up and my feet up higher. takes the pressure off my lower back. I have two twins pushed together, and every two weeks I flip and switch the mattress's. they are light and easy to handle. yet I got the hardest ones I could get. I sure hope this helps you. when eyou go to look at them, have your husband take the grab bar and try the beds out in different positions. That is what I did............

[mindy]

I use a hand ladder attached to the end of the bed,you can pull yourself up to the sitting position with it

[maryalice in reply to mindy]

Thanks! Good idea and inexpensive.

[cabbagecottage in reply to mindy]

how do you manage to make sure you can reach it in the first place . My husband already has a grab rail but he usually ends up flat on his back and cannot raise himself in the first place

[shetawk]

My insurance co sprang for a hosp bed with up & down movement. Raise to roll out; lower to get back in. Trapeze helps. Satin jammies.

[maryalice in reply to shetawk]

Thanks!