choosing a chair

[dorigirl]

My surgery is now only 5 weeks away, I can't believe it. I am trying to get prepared, Christmas shopping already! Actually, it feels really good to get what I can out of the way. I am having trouble picking the right chair for post-op recovery. I have a choice between a cushy recliner that has a heater and a massager or would a soft high back office type chair be a better choice? Any advice would be great!

35 year old mother of two
60* thoracic curve
surgery 10/09/06
Dr. Kebaish, Johns Hopkins

[janski66]

Hi- If you are going to be wearing a brace, I wouldn't recommend a soft chair
it's really hard to get up. After my surgery I had to sit in a firm chair, like a kitchen chair. You'll find out by trial and error,all it takes is getting swallowed by a recliner one time :rolleyes: . Wish you all the best...see you around the boards. Jan

[HGD24]

Personally, I could not use the recliner. I used our office chair instead. It was cushioned on the seat and back and the ability to raise and lower the chair was such a plus! Initially, I also used a flat foot rest while sitting in the chair as I set the chair at a higher level because it was easier to get in and out of. As my back healed, I was able to set the chair lower and stopped using the foot rest. To this day, recliners are not comfortable for me.

[Gail]

I didn't have any furniture I could sit in once I got home. The recliner was too low and the reclining mechanism was too "jerky". I sank in the other furniture and it caused my hips and back to hurt. I purchased a LA Z BOY lift chair and it was a God send. It is still my favorite chair even 3 1/2 yrs post op. I looked at the chairs at the medical supply shops but they didn't seem to be as nice a quality as the LA Z BOY chair and plus the chair I purchased just looks like a regular piece of furniture. I get in this chair when I have pain and it keeps me from taking pain meds...it must be the technology behind this chair. I love it. Once the chair is lifted it takes 45 seconds to get back down and in a layed back reclining position. The smoothness of the mechanism meant a lot to me during recovery...unlike pulling a handle on a recliner and it jerking you backwards.

Kindest Regards,
Gail

[LindaRacine]

In the early recovery period, I think most people say that they prefer an upright chair without too much padding.

--Linda

[Cakedec]

Hi Dori-girl,
I like my soft high backed office chair the best. (Adjustable for height). Second best are hard kitchen chairs, but if the back is wood, you need a pillow for your back. Our couch and recliner are still too low for me 6 weeks post-op. The lift chair sounds good if that is a financial option.

Deb

6 weeks post-op from posterior surgery

[Suzy]

I spent the first week in bed with pillows propping me up a bit. I could watch T.V. and drink (with a straw.) in that position. (I got up to be with the family at meal times when I could.) I then moved to my recliner that has a fairly firm back, and an easy to reach and use leg lift lever and my heating pad on it. I didn't have a brace and that might make a difference. I can't sit on my couches unless I have a couple of pillows behind me to help bring the back of the couch forward toward me for support, they are deep. I went and bought a leg rest and that helps a lot. I got tired of the recliner. Heat is a great idea. I still use it to loosen up in the mornings. I have a pillow behind me when using my office chair.

[sweetness514]

First surgery I used a LA Z BOY, with a cushion for lumbar support.

This last time I bought a slightly padded office chair, and put a cushion for lumbar support and a pillow to make it soft on my back and also b/c I don't have long legs. It's really amazing for me. I ddn't use my LA Z BOY once, I prefer sitting upright.

I think it is you who will try and see what you like, but both would be good, depending on what you want to do or if you're tired(the LA Z BOY is good to relax more).

[slprncess]

I have a Lazy-boy recliner and a L shaped microfiber couch. When i first got out of surgery the only thing that was comfortable was my bed with pillows behind me or under my knees. Now the couch is very comfortable for me but with pillows to support my back. However it is not comfortable for me to sit directly upright, it is only comfortable for me to lean somewhat back. I can get into the recliner but if it rocks too much then it will hurt me.

I guess it just depends on what is comfortable for you. You will not know until after surgery. I dont know if i would suggest buying a expensive chair b/c maybe it wont work for you.

The heat sounds nice but i dont know about the massage part. That might hurt after surgery. Your muscles and everything in your back will be very tender and sensitive. Also with the heat my dr said no heat or cold due to the healing process. it made me very upset b/c both of them felt so good.
I would check with your dr first.
Good luck..

[makaylasmom]

I just used my L-shaped couch to sit/lounge on- still do. It has a chaise built in. I couldn't decide if I wanted a recliner/needed a recliner so I opted to not buy one- and glad I didn't get one. I have found that they are still too hard for me to get out of or get them recline as I am rather short. Everyone is different- just keep in mind your height as you will want your feet firmly planted on the floor for ease of mobility.

[bbest]

I had a lumbar fusion so I needed to keep as much pressure/weight off my low back as possible. We bought a firm recliner, not one of those ones with all the gadgets men die for. This is a very simple, firm recliner. It has only one lever and that is so it can recline all the way back into a flat position. This was by far the best investment I made with regard to my surgery. I was in that chair most of the day and it was great not having to stay in my bed the whole time. If people wanted to visit with me, I'd hang out in my living room in my chair. If I got tired, I would recline all the way back in my chair and take a nap.

[bbest]

forgot to mention that it is microfiber which is one of the best materials in the world. It stays cool, and it's easy to slide out of or turn in :)