Difficulty in using dining chairs away from home.i

HI Jenny, My technique is to use my good hand on the back of the seat next to my bum to give the added momentum I need to get up from a lower chair without arms. The problem with doing this is you need to get the chair back from the table first and you do tend to twist out of the chair rather than standing evenly.  Your PT/OT would say practice your "sit to stands" with no hands, or hand crossed across your chest so you can't cheat, until you have the strength to not need the push up. But your ability to do this will depend on your ankle range. I'm much more able to do this now that I've had surgery to increase my ankle and knee range. So I'm trying to do it properly now, but do lapse occasionally.

Heather Thankyou for your post. Actually my technique is similar to yours .Since reading your post I have tried something else,, I place each hand on the seat beside my hips, I can hold on and  push to gain momentum  to stand up straight and gain support from the table until I take hold of my stick.useing this method I do not twist and so aggravate my back problem. What really bothers me are the light tables and chairs. I have experienced a chair moving away from under me when I applied weight. Luckily it was a gentle fall without damage.  Do you know what I mean by the light tables and chairs. Sits to stands are part of my rehab program although I must admit I 

Do not do hundreds at a time! My ankles are weak especially on my affected side. I read your posts, you have faced huge challengers and won. Your travelling amazes me. JENNY

Hi Jenny,

Here are some answers from the community in Facebook:

Kate: 

 

I hope this youtube video helps a little. If this is not helpful, I've also attached a photo of another option. If neither of these options suit, perhaps an Occupational Therapist may have other suggestions. Best of luck!

 

Diana, Karen and Kate many thanks for your help. Yes I do have AIDS, a  walking stick and a walker. Walking stick is always with me, the walker I use in the street for walking further. Looking at the videos I realise I have slipped into the habit of not having legs wide enough when preparing to stand.  throughout rehab I was reminded of legs wide apart and the stronger one a little behind to help momentum. I am aware that leg strength needs constant work. I have not forgotten that! Out in public my husband does hold the back of the chair whilst I am getting up. Once standing straight he hands me the stick . Toilets away from home are another problem. If possible I use the disabled. I look forward to succeeding with that problem. Many thanks JENNY

Hi

Now I have always sitting down and then getting up. Yes physically I am fit, but when I had three strokes, something have changed. Now nobody has asked when I get up what happens. So sitting down is o/k, but getting up is different? My chair sort of restricts me. Sometimes I sort of moved a bit to get up, yes it was sort of difficult. But I don't know why? Even the video just asks you to get up, but yes my chair sort of makes it I don't know but difficult. Anyway today life is getting better, and yes to move the chair is sort of o/k.

Rod Thankyou for your response. I am pleased to hear life is improving for you. I do agree that the video did portray getting off a chair as easy.  I have been working on keeping legs further apart ,that does help.  Jenny