Bathing and showering

Posted , 11 users are following.

Hi

Does anyone know when you can get into a bath?

My shower is over the bath and I do not know anyone with walk in shower.

Strip wash ok for week or so but is there any aid you can use to climb in bath with help from someone?

All the minor things like this is stressing me out.

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

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  • Posted

    Usually you can have a shower after you have had your stitches out but a recommend if Yu have to get in the bath to have a shower make sure that Yu have someone in house just in case u slip or anything because you can't bend for six weeks
    • Posted

      Thanks. I live on my own but my neighbour has said she will pop in and help whenever she can. Having my op next wednesday and have found everyone on here helpful, so thankyou again
    • Posted

      You might be able to coordinate her visits with your showers? That would be nice.

      💜

  • Posted

    Hi Gyn, my physio lady told me no-go for at least the 6 week period and then must have anti-slip mat. There are step aid which has a hand rail on it to assist getting into a bath  but I was told not to use even this before 6 weeks. I also brought a sucker stick-on grab bar(they do work as long as you read the instructions regarding use!)

    Regards

    Arthur

     

    • Posted

      Hi I was told not to go in the bath for 6 weeks . Can shower when stitches are out . The oc health and physio should tell you all this when you go in . I went to joint school in my hospital before op which was very helpful . Good luck
    • Posted

      Thanks. I will ask at hospital aout aid to use for after the 6 weeks
    • Posted

      Hi, i purchased a bathboard as i have an over the bath shower! For the first couple of weeks my daughter helped me, i found it very effective, good luck
  • Posted

    Yes glyn, the little stuff can take us to our edge of endurance! My surgeon said I can soak in a bath after my staples/stitches are out and if the incision site it healthy.

    I am not sure where you live, but here in the US, there is a shower chair available that has a section that extends out beyond the tub like a bench that you can sit on and slide over into the shower.

    In my opinion, for me, I prefer to only shower until the 90 degree rule is lifted because raising my leg up to go over the side of the tub might break that rule.

    Hope this makes sense and happy healing!

    💛 Dawn, USA

    • Posted

      A shower chair. That also sounds good idea.

      Thankyou for the advice

  • Posted

    Hi Glyn, I live in an apartment where the tub is only about 12 inches high to get in.  I step into it sideways holding onto the wall.  I have applied rubber strips on the tile where my hands go.  i do use a rubber mat in tub making sure it is secure before stepping in.  Also, like Dawn said, here in the USA a seat is used quite often which is helpful.  Getting out, is a little higher, but works the same way. 
    • Posted

      Forgot to mention, that i shower not bathe due to the 90 degree rule.
  • Posted

    I was in the same position as you Glyn when I had my LBHR.  Once I was recovered, I decided to install a walk in shower realising that it might be sensible as I got older.  It has been so much easier to shower for my second (RTHR).  Maybe worth thinking about for the future??
  • Posted

    I'm sorry I can't remember exactly when I had my first proper bath. I just followed exactly the hospital's advice about when I could have a bath and I sure can remember how wonderful it was!   But I did get a bath board pretty soon after my op and I used it to get into the bath to have a shower as I too don't have a walk-in shower. I also had a non-slip mat in the bath. At first I had someone else in the house in case I slipped but soon felt pretty confident that I wouldn't slip, and even a proper shower was heaven after the strip- washing..  I don't you should be reproaching yourself for being stressed over 'minor' things  - they are all about being independent and feeling as good as we can.  I think it's interesting though -  my op was three months ago and now I can't even remember when I had my first bath - at the time it seemed so important but the memory of not being able to have one has already faded - the time seems to have passed very quickly and it will probably do so for you too...
  • Posted

    I also went to hip school where they explained showering was a definate NO even with someone there until 6 week check up unless it was a walk in shower.

     

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