After Bypass Surgery: Getting Up and Out of Bed

After coronary artery bypass surgery, it is important to protect your incision and healing breastbone. Move carefully as you get up from sitting or as you get out of bed. 

Getting up from sitting

When you get up from a chair or couch, use your leg muscles, not your arms, to push your body up. You can use your arms to balance yourself.

To stand up:

1. Scoot to the front of the chair.
2. Place one foot slightly in front of the other.
3. Put your hands on your thighs.
4. Bend forward from the hips and push your body up with your legs.

To sit down:

1. Use your leg muscles to lower yourself onto the front of the chair.
2. Then use your leg muscles, not your arms, to scoot back.
3. You can use your arms if you need help balancing your weight.

Getting out of bed 

To get out of bed:

1. When you get in and out of bed, keep your shoulders and hips in line.
2. Lie on your back and slowly scoot to the edge of the bed.
3. Bend your knees slightly and roll slowly onto your side.
4. Keep your upper arms close to the sides of your body. This can help avoid excess stress on your breastbone (sternum). Place your hands in front of the body and lean slightly forward.
5. Carefully push your body up, using the elbow beneath you and the arm on the other side of your body.
6. At the same time, gently swing both legs to the floor.
7. Sit for a moment. This will help keep you from getting dizzy.
8. Put your hands on your thighs. Bend forward from the hips, and push your body up with your legs.
9. Do not use your arms to push up.

To get into bed, do the reverse.

Note: Before your discharge from the hospital, your healthcare provider will help you get in and out of the bed and stand up from a sitting position. They will teach you and others with you, family or friends the proper technique for body alignment and movements to avoid such as pulling to the side and twisting or pushing and pulling with your arms. When you go home, if possible, have someone who knows how to do this for support and safety. Ask questions if you are unsure about what to do before you are discharged home. 

© 2000-2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.