How to avoid crossing your legs/feet after surgery

October 2, 2018 3:45 PM

My father is undergoing heart surgery in a few days. He's been told that after the surgery, he should avoid sitting or lying with his legs or feet crossed (as it can interfere with circulation). He habitually crosses his feet at the ankles when he sits or lies down. It's largely automatic, unconscious behavior, so it seems hard to stop. He's wondering if there are tips for how to remedy this. Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions much appreciated!
posted by ManInSuit to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

Could he wear ankle weights? The extra effort would be a reminder.
posted by sevenyearlurk at 4:18 PM on October 2, 2018

I have a footrest under my desk at work, that helps me keep from crossing them. You can get them at office supply stores or Amazon. Or maybe a little footstool for the couch.
posted by radioamy at 4:20 PM on October 2, 2018

For lying down, could he put a layer of covers in between them, such that the leg that usually winds up on top was beneath a set of covers and thus slightly pinned?
posted by carmicha at 4:21 PM on October 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

How about a large pillow or stuffed animal that will be his buddy for the next few weeks? Whenever he sits or gets in bed, it goes in between his feet/legs. If he is touching it, then he is too close and needs to spread his feet farther apart - no touching the pillow at any time. (I think ankle weights might be contraindicated for post-cardiac surgery?). Hope he recovers quickly!
posted by sealee at 4:24 PM on October 2, 2018 [5 favorites]

Pillow or bolster between his knees. He won't be able to get his ankles together nearly as easy.
posted by rhizome at 4:24 PM on October 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

Stuff tennis balls or similar into the tops of his socks.
posted by ananci at 4:41 PM on October 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

Bulky ankle bracelets - take 2-4 pairs of socks, chop off just the ankle parts, and wear those layered together. It's light enough that it won't get in the way of walking or moving, but trying to cross the ankles will feel weird and remind him not to do that.

Basically, leg warmers squished down to just over the ankles.
posted by ErisLordFreedom at 4:51 PM on October 2, 2018

Big fuzzy slippers
posted by sacrifix at 4:53 PM on October 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

Pillows for sure. Also see if they suggest compression socks to help circulation.
posted by Crystalinne at 5:51 PM on October 2, 2018

I went over to Amazon to find a link to the pillow I got to keep my back straight when I sleep, and I was going to suggest that maybe one could make it work for your purpose, but then I saw one that might be even better.
posted by matildaben at 10:34 PM on October 2, 2018

thank you Matidaben for my Sunday morning MefiGiggleFit, when I clicked on your link and saw what Amazon had bundled with a thing my granny uses successfully for her sciatica!! l


I had to take a screenshot because for me Amazon bundled it with a Girls Night Out Party Games set!!
posted by Wilder at 1:43 AM on October 7, 2018