Getting in and out of a bed or chair

Getting in and out of bed

Practice getting in and out of bed the day before your surgery.

General tips

• Use your arms as little as possible.
• Avoid twisting your upper body.
• Don't hold your breath when moving.
• Raise the head of your bed.

Getting out of bed

• Hug your pillows.
• Roll onto your side.
• Dangle your feet over the edge of your bed.
• Use your elbows to raise your upper body.
• Use your legs to pull yourself into a sitting position.

Remember: Exhale as you sit up.

Getting into bed

• Ask someone to put the siderails down.
• Sit close to the head of your bed.
• Hug your pillow.
• Lie down on your side.
• Bring your legs up onto the bed.
• Roll onto the bed.

Remember: Don't hold your breath when getting into bed.

Getting in and out of a chair

Practice getting in and out of a chair the day before your surgery.

Getting out of a chair

• Slide or wiggle your bottom toward the edge of a chair.
• Place your feet apart for a wide base of support.
• Put your head forward so your nose is over your toes.
• Put your hands on your thighs above your knees.
• Stand up by using your leg muscles.
• Do not use your hands to push off the chair.

Getting into a chair

• Back up to the chair until your legs touch the chair.
• Lean your upper body forward.
• Place your hands on your thighs for stability.
• Bend your knees and squat down slowly until you are sitting in the chair.

Remember: Keep your feet apart for a wide base of support.