I have two weeks before my lobectomy, so needless to say I'm on pins and needles and trying to get ready for what's coming is all I can think of!
As I talk to some who have had the same surgery or read here and in other forums, I am getting very different opinions on this. So my question is: which do you recommend, a recliner (we can borrow one), or a large reading pillow with arms for when I get home from the hospital?
Thank you!
Definitely a recliner. You’ll get better support for the ribs!
I just used pillows to prop me up but know from a friend who has one of those beds with separate reclining mattresses how good she finds it. I guess it depends on your budget and whether you imagine you might need such an intervention on a more permanent basis. I wanted to get back to my 'old life' as soon as but I guess we're all different. good luck.
It depends on you, however you are most comfortable. Unfortunately, you're not going to know what's best for you until after you're home. I've lost both upper lobes (not at the same time), both times I slept in my recliner until I could lay down comfortably. I would think with a reading pillow you would be too upright, but I could be wrong . I would suggest borrowing that recliner just in case you need it.
I found a recliner essential until I could lie down in bed. Definitely recommend it.
I was only in hospital for a couple
Of days. Hubby rented me a hospital bed for a month. Didn’t think I would need it but glad I did. Parked it in my living room.
Wish I had a recliner after my surgery, or better yet, a hospital bed, which I missed dearly once I got home from the hospital. I ended it up with a foam wedge on the bed and it worked well enough for me. All the best.
A recliner will give you much greater support, and you may find that sleeping in the recliner becomes a permanent thing. My mother had surgery back in 1991, and still uses the recliner for part of the night. Without the recliner she cannot get a good night's sleep. Everyone is different, and you won't really know what you might need until you get home. Also, the different types of recliners needs to be factored in - one that gives you great support is essential - my mother just bought a new one and is so very happy because it gives better support and puts her feel up to the point she has reduced the diuretic!! Maybe you can check out recliners now, and tuck away the info on the one that gives you the best support so that you are not trying them out right after surgery. Praying that all goes well.
Thank you, everyone for your thoughts and comments! We've gone ahead and gotten a recliner. Found one at a really good price at Costco. Figure I'd "pass it down" to my husband as his TV chair once I'm on the mend!
Thank you! Yes, so glad we got the recliner, it was such a help. I slept on it for about 3 weeks and then graduated to a wedge on my bed. It was at least 2 months before I was able to lay down flat.
Hard to believe it's been 1 year since my surgery. Feeling great, and all scans have been clear so far!
I found the recliner very helpful fir sleeping. I’m a side sleeper which was
Not possible list surgery fir a few weeks. The recliner forced me to sleep on my back back but at least it’s was comfortable. Good luck, try not to worry about the surgery or recovery - you’ll do fine
To get surgery or not? 
Should I be more concerned about nutrition or just make sure I eat?
Delirium- infection, dexamethasone withdrawal or brain mets?
