Basic question about getting out of bed!

[Irinasis33]

Apologies if this is a ridiculously basic question: I have ended up stuck in bed as I had no idea I was exhausting my system so much. I now feel I could get out of bed a little, and I’d like to as I have POTS and fear deteriorating if I don’t, but I literally don’t know how to gauge how much I can/should do? Any advice gratefully received!

 

[Rebeccare]

It's really hard to know! Experience is a very good teacher--thinking of when you've felt similarly and been active. Did you pay for it later? Also, the best advice I ever got was to do 60% of what you think you're capable of, and no more. Sometimes that may be getting out of bed, sometimes not.

On days when I feel good enough to move but not good enough to get out of bed, I try to do some exercises in bed so keep up my strength. But sometimes even that's too much.

 

[Shoshana]

I would increase but VERY slowly, in very small increments, and rest in between.
And then try the SAME small increase, more times, and rest again.
My suggestion is to
See if you can maintain your present level, at each tiny increase, before adding anything more.

I would definitely prioritize highly.
Decide before getting up at all, which movements are your goal for that next attempt, and do not go for the temptation to do ANY added, less necessary tasks, "while upright" ….

Just sharing my ideas, and what I would do.
It would be better if you could improve a bit over a longer time, than to do the "push and crash" routine we have all learned to TRY to avoid repeating too often.

 

[Mel9]

it’s so hard to know.

I agree it’s best to do less than you think you can handle. 60 percent seems sensible.

And have a plan to avoid standing. For example, if you walk to the kitchen, have a chair ready so you can sit the second you get there.

 

[Hope4]

Hi, @Irinasis33 I also have a slow-motion method for getting out of bed, when I need it.

Use an arm to help myself get on my side. Then push up on arm, in slow motion to sitting.
If dizzy, stop there, and wait.

If dizziness goes away, push on arm to get up to sitting. Stay sitting until very steady. Inch feet onto floor.

Test weight on feet. Check for dizzy or wobbly feeling all along the way.

I agree with the others about having things to hold onto, and having a chair ready. Or use a walker. Whatever helps.

I'm smiling good thoughts to you.

 

[Rooney]

I have POTS too. I bought huge glasses, really cylindrical vases at a dollar store. I use these throughout the day to keep hydrated. Easier than refilling all the time.

In the morning I drink 2 of these before moving much. I take POTS meds before I get out of bed, then wait about 10 minutes.

I'd get an Ormron wrist BP cuff and track waking BP. That is the most objective measure of what you are capable of. In my case high BP means take care. There has been a discussion here about tracking BP.