Changing the bed sheets
Right now I’m wracking my (went on vacation without telling me) brain in trying to figure out an easier way to change the sheets on my bed without needing bed rest. I can’t seem to figure out if I should cry, vent, rage, laugh about it or just go lay down (on the unmade bed).
I pretty much live in my bed. It is the perfect height for me to sit on it and have my feet on the floor, so I don't want to raise the bed. Raising it would make it harder to get in and out of, with the possibility of making it more dangerous to falling.
But, because of the arthitis in my hip, and the pain in my lower back, it hurts too much to bend over to take the sheets off and put them back on. Getting down on my knees also isn't an option because of the pain I have in my knees and ankles.
I've looked into those zip-off sheets but they are way too expensive and still don't address having to put on the top sheet.
Those sheet tuck-in tools won't help because my bed has a foot board.
And I don't have anyone I could ask for help in doing this either.
Can any of you help me think of a way that is easier to make my bed?
mcadwell,
Thanks for your post here in our forums. First of all we commend you for coming here to reach out to us for support. We understand you here that the day to day pain of RA can make simple chores more difficult.
Sounds like you have done your research on diffrerent options and while I do hope others chime in with support and advice on what has worked for them, you may find it helpful to use a larger sheet or deep pocket sheets. (Unless you have tried that.)
Please check back with us and let us know how you are doing.
Best, Lauren (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)Well, I did get some bed risers. They've lifted the bed about 4 inches and one of them has an electrical plug and a USB plug, so they are within reach instead of having to go behind furniture to plug clock, lamp and cell phone.
That helped the lower back and hip.
NOW I have to figure out a way to tuck in the sheets without killing my shoulders and elbows.
I am glad you got bed risers, mcadwell! It sounds like they're pretty useful, too.
I wish I had some great tips for making a bed as well, but, unfortunately, I don't. Maybe some of our members will have some good ideas to share with you.
Here is a compilation of member tips for handling household chores -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/finding-beauty-bruises/. Sadly, no tips for make beds made the list!
Good luck and I hope you enjoy those risers!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Thank you for the link, I'll give it a read. 😀
I looked online for more help and there doesn't seem to be much of ANYTHING out there that could really help with this. My son was joking about putting a car jack under the mattress. He laughed at my withering look. Lol!
Anyway, about the only thing that might be helpful was a plastic dohickey called a mattress lifter. $29.99 on Amazon. That's too expensive for a plastic wedge with a handle. /rolling eyes
But, it made me think of this...I have a jelly colander. Metal and conical in shape, with a handle. Guess what? It fits under my mattress and lifts it up just like the mattress lifter. Except I got my colander from a garage sale for about $0.25.
Yay! Progress!
Hey mcadwell,
So I don't know if this really helps but I only use a fitted sheet then my comforter. That way I don't have to worry about the second larger sheet (which, of course, I can't remember the name for). One less thing for me to tuck in and manipulate!
~Monica (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Thank you for the idea, Monica.
I've thought about that but my bed is a sleigh bed (so it has a footboard...it was a great idea at the time. lol!) so EVERYTHING has to be tucked in...flat top sheet, electric blanket, and comforter.
I appreciate the thought though. 😀
