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FINAL DRESSING REMOVED YESTERDAY, DISSOLVABLE STICHES. OK TO SHOWER NORMALLY?

Posted , 10 users are following.

frances68212
frances68212

Hi, just joined!   I had a THR 8 days ago and doing really well, doing exercise programme etc but I hardly sleep and I don’t nap either. Having said that, I was an insomniac before the op so it’s not concerning me really!  I do Mindfulness and have discovered Stoic Philosophy which I find amazing.  My query is ~ I removed the final dressing yesterday and the wound looks good (dissolvable stitches) do I now shower as normal ? There’s still tape along the wound, does that just eventually drop off ?   Thx 

2 likes, 21 replies

21 Replies

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  • chrisa306driver
    chrisa306driver frances68212

    Posted

    Let it drop off. My Doctor said I could shower, no bath after 2 weeks. The dressing dropped off at exactly 2 weeks
  • Ducksoup
    Ducksoup frances68212

    Posted

    The tape is a backup suture.  I would ask the doc first.  Bird baths are a bugger
  • diannesk
    diannesk frances68212

    Posted

    Check with the doctor about showering. Always good to ask questions because each doctor might have different times to do something.
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy frances68212

    Posted

    I showered when I was in hospital and from then on with no problem. I had dissolvable stitches too. 
  • hope4cure
    hope4cure frances68212

    Posted

    The tape will fall off on its own that's what most hippies experience. Washing is ok in shower standing and it help raise your spirits. If you are reluctant call the dr office and ask that's what there for to help in any way!  I was fortunate had a whole folder given by the doctor with all the instructions from A-Z. 

    Have a great day! 

    • frances68212
      frances68212 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi Hope4, yes a shower makes all the difference and boy was that good this morning!  Thx for your advice and you have a super day!  
  • maree32074
    maree32074 frances68212

    Posted

    Hello frances68

    I was the same as you and the tape eventually drops away. If you are unsure then just give the doctor a ring and ask the question. 

    Insomnia is horrific and I still have problems with sleep 13 months on. I now take a sleeping pill about every 10 days just to knock me out and get some sleep!

    • frances68212
      frances68212 maree32074

      Posted

      Hi Maree, Had my shower this morn (I'd showered before but not dressing free eek)  but all good.  I'll put some oil on as Judy in Tennessee suggested once the tape starts it's process ...

      Re insomnia, I've got sleeping pill back up too and like you, take one every so many days just to catch up.  Meantime, I've decided to have a quieter time mentally - I was so excited (luckily I have had a pain free time) after getting home, I couldn't stop planning!  Thx for your advice and have a great day!

  • judy08415
    judy08415 frances68212

    Posted

    Hi Frances,

    My Surgeon asked me not to deliberately soak the incision so I put a heavy hand towel over my thigh (given you're sitting down) or just avoid a lot of direct water spray on it.  The glue/tape will start peeling off so you can pick it "up" but don't initiate the peeling yourself.  It will come off in a snap!  You can also use vitamin E oil to gently press on the incision to reduce scaring and scar tissue inside.

    Good Luck,

    Judy in Tennessee

    • frances68212
      frances68212 judy08415

      Posted

      Thanks Judy in Tennessee for your help.  Yes, I'll take your advice using oil, that'll help reduce scarring.  Hope all's well in Tennessee,  We've had blizzard conditions in Edinburgh as has the rest of the UK so not yet ventured out but I'm coming along nicely.  Take care and have a great day!

    • Ducksoup
      Ducksoup frances68212

      Posted

      We have had a bitterly cold winter across the pond in Northern Spain as well.  We live near ski resorts but are sort of in a microclimate and normally can practice outdoor sports yearcaround.  We had blizzard conditions here a couple of days ago and it looks like more on the way.  I lived in the Rockies where the bitter frozen cold, snowy winter lasted 8 months before the tropics of the Pyrenees.  God, I don’t miss frozen highways, city streets and the constant snow removal.  Heard that most of the EU is cold this year.  It just keeps me inside being safer.
    • frances68212
      frances68212 Ducksoup

      Posted

      My sister lives in the Yukon and having experienced a winter there, I’ll not be repeating that if I can help it!  Normally we wouldn’t be in the UK at this time of year but due to the op ..... roll on the next 7 weeks, we’re off to spend a month in Majorca.  Hope the weather improves soon for you Ducksoup!
    • judy08415
      judy08415 frances68212

      Posted

      Hi Frances,

      I love Edinburgh.  Went there on a business trip recently, took my husband and he played St. Andrews with my CEO.  Wow!  You're lucky to live there.  And, you'll be just fine.  You're in my thoughts.  Use that Vitamin E oil, the scar will be just a fine line in a year.  Nothing like that hot shower after those "bird baths".  Whew!  We'll all get there soon!

      Judy in Tennessee

    • frances68212
      frances68212 judy08415

      Posted

      Hi Judy, I appreciate my shower every day now and also the ceremonial removal of the TED socks daily too ~ freedom 😄.  The tape is still hanging in there!  Today will be my first outing although I sat out on the terrace in sunshine yesterday, hallelujah.  Snow’s gone so the park awaits.  Going for scar work gentle massage on Monday,   I am lucky to have a good bunch of people who I can trust and who have kept me going physically (mentally too I suspect) and helped me delay surgery.  

      If you’re ever back in Edinburgh send me a message but meantime thx for your advice and humour, the world needs more laughter 🤗 Frances x

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