Hygiene
Posted , 14 users are following.
Can I get some advice/tips regarding washing please?
I've had a hip replacement on Friday, I came out of hospital Sunday and
cleaning myself is a massive task, has anyone got any advice apart from a sponge wash...
0 likes, 15 replies
clare83752 basilio70865
Posted
Chloeparrot basilio70865
Posted
Hi there
Congratulations on becoming a member of a very exclusive club !
Regarding washing - it depends on how your wound is treated and dressed - but in most cases you can't shower until the stitches have been removed and then only if you have a walk in shower, using a shower-over-the-bath is definitely a no-no.
So, unfortunately a strip wash is pretty much the only way to go.
It does mean that once you can have a shower, it is soooooo nice!
Best of luck.
jane83133 basilio70865
Posted
Hi, we have a walk in shower so I wrapped by wound in cling film (like when you’ve had a tattoo 😂😍 and Took the shower off it’s stand to hold and spray myself avoiding the area beat I could. Once my body was clean I sat on the perching stool with my head back so hubby could wash my hair. I also managed to use the stool to do this myself over he bath a couple of times. It is a nightmare and was amazing when dressing was off and I could shower properly! It does depend on your bathroom I guess and we’re lucky that ours is a wet room so no ledges or climbing in the bath - good luck! X
gail42627 basilio70865
Posted
Hi
I'm 11 weeks post p.o. and have been told not to use a shower over the bath for at least 12 weeks.I visit my mum's everyday to use the walk in shower.Toliet wipes are great and sponge wash inbetween.My dressing was waterproof so could have a shower from day 1.
Good luck with your recovery ??
christine59470 basilio70865
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jomary basilio70865
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christine59470 basilio70865
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jomary basilio70865
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You might be able to climb into the bath if you go to one end of it, stand on the good leg in the bath and bring the op. leg over the bath side,like getting on a man's bike- you need some sort of had hold at the same time.
auntiebeanie basilio70865
Posted
Hi Basilio,
I was given a stool to sit on and also a sponge on a long stick to reach the places i couldn't. As my shower was then over my bath, I could not climb into the bath until I saw my surgeon at 6.5 weeks and he lifted restrictions. Initially i had a relative to help me was the areas I could not reach as using the sponge was not successful, when my movements were limited. I am afraid my dignity went out of the window, as i wanted to be clean so had to have the assistance from hubby or sisters in law. Once i had started to heal and stand better i could get to those difficult parts with the long handled sponge. My first shower was heaven. My dressings were not waterproof but by the time i could step into the bath, there were no dressings anyway. Good luck
Mstonya119 basilio70865
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yes it was a struggle to wash. I didn't have a shower seat so i had to use the sink. It was ok bc I had my walker in the bathroom. But after 2 weeks i was able to lift this leg and get in the shower and O M G i felt like it was Christmas..😁
joyce66162 basilio70865
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kaura basilio70865
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I am now 6 months post-op. I did a lot of research before my surgery so I was ready. My shower is in the bathtub and I knew it would be quite impossible to take a shower the normal way. I got a seat which fits over the tub, then you sit down and swing your legs into the tub. I got a shower head with a long (7feet) tube (cord) and an on/off button on the head. I could then sit comfortably on the seat, soap op and wash off. I have to admit it was a bit hard to swing the legs in the first couple of times but if you use a robe (I used a dog leash) to lift the "bad" leg then it got easier and easier. In between showers/bath use baby-wipes they are quite efficient. You don't really have to take a shower every day - what do you do to get that dirty LOL
I am now able to take normal showers, took the seat out of the tub and changed the showerhead back to the normal one, and my god it was heaven to stand under the shower for the first time.
judith12644 basilio70865
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claudia95892 basilio70865
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I used the commode to sit under the shower. My hubby would then help me with the Walker to get back in bed. Just make sure you don't get the incision wet. I covered mine with Saran wrap and tape. Having a shower felt so good.
michael11283 basilio70865
Posted
I had a waterproof dressing on my wound so showered even while I was still in the hospital.
They may well take your stitches out after 7-10 days and give you the all clear to shower.
But as others say, stepping over the side of a bath is probably not a good idea unless you have someone to help and/or something very solid to hold on to.
Good luck with your recovery
Mike