77 years old -- unable to rise from chair for the last 15 years.

Hello @auntnanny, at 75 I can relate to it being hard to get up from chairs. I'm quite a bit larger at 6'2" and 240 lbs. I need chairs with arms to be able use my arms to help push up off the chair with my legs. I've also got a bad knee which doesn't help. Exercise is key. Is your therapy directed towards strengthening specific muscles that would help you with getting up out of a chair?

I did run across a couple of articles that may be helpful to you and I'm sure there are others too.

Strengthening Exercise for Difficulty Rising From a Chair
-- https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/strengthening-exercise-difficulty-rising-chair-9402.html

Can’t get up off the floor or a chair? Here’s how to improve
-- http://www.physioprescription.com/2014/12/15/stand-up-from-a-chair-easier/

John

johnbishop Thanks so much for your note. Both my shoulders need complete replacement -- several orthopedic doctors have told me they cannot be repaired. The pain in them is excruciating if I try to use the arms of a chair. Just makes an old lady cry. However, if I can get a good grip on the seat of the chair and it's firm -- and not overstuffed -- I can push upon that. My arms have to be in a "down" position before I can do that. Getting old is -- as they say -- not for sissies. I was hoping someone -- such as yourself -- would write and give me some suggestions aside from two shoulder surgeries. Thank you

I am 76 and a year of accidents to my already damaged back, a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder, a broken radius in 4 places in my previously broken left arm and shoulder, etc left me with the same problem. However, a yoga Chair Pose done daily 10 times followed by rising from a sitting position in a straight chair again 10 times daily worked for me. A chair pose is simply sitting with your rear stuck out behind you without touching a chair seat (it’s probably on the internet). I also try to walk 30 mins a day which has revived my leg muscles.

I do understand your desire to avoid surgery. However, from my own experience, postponing surgery can get you to a point where something’s is so far gone that recovery is seriously difficult and painful as it was for my left knee TKR or no longer possible as it is for my S1 and L3-5 spinal stenosis and my torn rotator cuff. I wish you the best and will pray for you. Leslie

Hi @auntnanny, I am inclined to agree with Leslie @leslie324. No one really wants to have a major surgery but if the alternative is to keep getting progressively worse with pain it would be a no brainer for me. It's a chance to get rid of the pain and get back to a relatively normal lifestyle. Whatever you decide I do wish you the best and hope for a good outcome for you. I found the following interesting article that may offer some hope for you.

Double Shoulder Replacement Relieves Years of Progressive Shoulder Pain
-- https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/orthopedics/patient-stories/sue-king

John

@leslie324 Thank you so very much for writing about your situation and possible remedies. I simply cannot rise from a straight chair unless it is a taller chair -- almost bar height. I will work with the information you gave me and am so thankful for your suggestions

Johnbishop thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I appreciate all of it

Hi All:

I found this Youtube video about getting up from a seated position. Take a look and let me know what you think of it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDURAYq15CI

Teresa

Thanks Teresa @hopeful33250 that’s a great technique. Now just have to practice and implement.

Teresa..... thanks so much for sending the link to try to help. I'll work on it.

@johnbishop
Well it seems I’m getting the reputation of being the ”Fly in the Ointment” on this site. However there are always positives and negatives to all situations and surgery, unfortunately isn’t always the cure all doctors and people want it to be. When I had my first two shoulder stabilization surgeries I had high hopes for a successful outcome but it wasn’t to be. My third was far from a cure either. Doctors have already informed me my replacement surgeries would be difficult and wouldn’t be as successful as in people without the additional damage that I have. The shoulder is made up of four joints, all of mine are damaged.