Useless to me: I slept in a recliner... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Useless to me

worthbanner profile image
13 Replies

I slept in a recliner for several months post-op since I kept slipping down in the bed with a wedge. After I got used to sleeping on my back partially sitting up, I returned to the bed and use two firm pillows now propped up against the bedstead. Good luck. Worth

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worthbanner profile image
worthbanner
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13 Replies
Paulbrighton profile image
Paulbrighton

I’m told the best by far is an adjustable bed. I’m going to invest in one in the future.

MEW53 profile image
MEW53 in reply to Paulbrighton

I was bed bound for a year using a hospital bed and then as I improved I moved to an adjustable bed, it’s amazing the the head rises right up so you can raise the headrest up in the bed and the feet come up as well. As I have dysphagia it is good to prevent choking, it’s also good for the rest of my body too and after a day in my recliner chair it is so much more comfortable.

With the dark evenings I go upstairs earlier and watch tv in my comfy bed with the headrest in a sitting position.

If you do decide to buy one there are a lot of con artists out there that spend hours in your house cos they think they have you over a barrel. My advice is to get 3 quotes and look online for reviews. They are expensive to buy but this has made my life so much better.

Paulbrighton profile image
Paulbrighton in reply to MEW53

Thanks for the advice

grandylynda profile image
grandylynda in reply to Paulbrighton

Iwould advise against buying from those who come to the house. We had 3, one didn't bring a bed or mattress at all the other 2 brought samples but only one type of mattress.

Quite by chance we the found a local branch of HSL who had 3 beds and all 3 types of matress to try. We had missed them because they mainly advertise reclining chairs. If you can possibly get to a showroom of any maker its much better. I am very pleased with ours and it wasn't as expensive as the ones who come to the house.

Paulbrighton profile image
Paulbrighton in reply to grandylynda

Great advice. I’ll go and have a look thanks.

Golf1910 profile image
Golf1910

Had same issues with the wedge really didn't do anything and not used after a short while. Eventually invested in an adjustable bed that is much better of course but even with this it can still be uncomfortable at times. Also bought the harder type pillow before the bed that didn't work and agree that using 2 (or even 3) pillows layered is as good as anything. Rob

Garysreflux profile image
Garysreflux

This worked for me when i had wedge pillow. Rope/cord goes round headboard .. and loop under arms .. stoppd me slippin down bed. Wife not impressd but did trick.

Rsw1fe profile image
Rsw1fe

Don't forget that you can buy an electric bed VAT-free for the medical reason that you need to sleep reclined.

tallbear profile image
tallbear

Hi There,

All the comments about adjustable beds are good and well meant but they cost a small fortune.

I am three years plus post op, I couldn't get on with a wedge and kept slipping down and waking up choking which is awful.

I purchased a metal frame (£20) which is adjustable for angle and goes on top of the bed under the pillows. I also got one of those doughnut ring things for under my bum and a special hard pillow for my head which has a central cut out bit. I know, it sounds complicated!

I have never looked back, the doughnut stops me from slipping down and I sleep well. I do have quite a few pillows and I sleep sort of elevated, but it works for me.

Regards

worthbanner profile image
worthbanner in reply to tallbear

Sounds to me like the doughnut is the key to the system...very creative.

Electrichead65 profile image
Electrichead65

I bought this wedge/body pillow and it works for nighttime acid reflux, but after more than two nights, it would be havock on my back. I'm talking lumbar and upper back muscles hurting so bad I could hardly move hours after waking up. I'm not even 40 yet, but also felt 90.

It was kind of expensive, so I now use it about every two or three days to get my investment.

In the meantime, I placed two 2x4 blocks stacked on top of each other under each side of my headboard, which raised it four inches. This was yesterday. I hear it helps... In fact I've heard some on YouTube staying it's the only thing they had to do to solve their problems, but I don't really know yet. I'm quitting smoking, quitting drinking beer as much, and quitting caffeinated coffee almost completely also.

worthbanner profile image
worthbanner in reply to Electrichead65

I found a recliner the only way to sleep comfortably for the first few months after surgery. I strongly recommend Gaviscon Advance for reflux (learned about it on this website).

Electrichead65 profile image
Electrichead65 in reply to worthbanner

I'll look into it. Thanks for the tip.

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