Elizabeth,
You can shift to mediums, which will make it a little easier, or,
and this will be argued by many on this list, just work the
supers and top box and leave the bottom box alone. If you have to
get at it, tilt the top box up to put in apistan strips or
patties. Bring along a board with notches which will fit the
edges of the bottom and top box so you do not have to hold it up.
There have been several good discussions about spring management
and rotation of boxes. I decided to go with the labor saving one,
which is to leave them alone. But you will need to be extra alert
to give the bees room by supering promptly.
And if you need to get into the bottom box, join a bee clup in
your area and ask for help. Once, when I was away taking care of
my son who had an operation, some in the club did all my spring
management. Beekeepers are nice folk.
Bill T
Bath, ME