1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

When to shower

Posted , 9 users are following.

lynne2521
lynne2521

Hello folk had my thr Tuesday......came home Thursday.......considering think I,m doing pretty well , with the help from hubby. My cut was glued , had it redressed just before I came home and was told everything looked tidy and neat. Going for redress Monday. Would you think it wise to wait to shower after talking to nurse Monday. Luv lynne

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo lynne2521

    Posted

    Hi Lyn really pleased your doing so well and home safe and sound if a little heavier smile I would personally Wait and see nurse and get her opinion, its OK if you can keep wound absolutely dry and that's not easy with dressing on, have a strip wash till you get confirmation its ok

    • lynne2521
      lynne2521 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      Lol....yes my legs feel like 2 ton weights. Right down to my toes. But keep putting ice packs on them, the bruising is just coming out now so I feel really stiff x x
    • AlexandriaGizmo
      AlexandriaGizmo lynne2521

      Posted

      Its a really traumatic op so all your feeling is normal and I'm only going on the opinion of patients not my own experience, mines yet to come and I'm sure I will be no different to you.

      Some good advice is being offered so hopefully you can find a compromise

  • sandra67350
    sandra67350 lynne2521

    Posted

    Hi Lynn

    If you have a walk in shower (NOT over the bath) and a waterproof dressing you will be fine. Just make sure shampoo etc is within reach so you don't bend. If you don't have long handled sponge then like me you can use your grabber stick with a sponge for lower legs/feet.

    Good luck for recovery

    Sandra x

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 lynne2521

    Posted

    I was lucky had a heavy plastic like clear cling wrap, but about 3 times as thick stuck down over the cut and dressings. I was allowed to shower, but not to hot, the second day day after surgery, bliss.

    What I found the most useful when I felt like a shower but was not able to have one, was baby wipes, nice and soothing for irritated skin, handful for face, handful for under breasts and arms, and another handful for under carriage, and ditch them all in a rubbish bag or bin afterwards.

    I noticed that the first THR I supplied my own wipes, 2nd THR and the hospital was suppling them, the first time the nurses were amazed that I preferred the wipes to their bowls of soapy water and a flannel post surgery to get all the betadine, or iodine they cover you with in surgery, my skin does not like it if it is left on any length of time, the wipes were a godsend.

  • michael11283
    michael11283 lynne2521

    Posted

    Lynne

    I showered both in the hospital and when I got home but my wife was told to wait until the nurse said it was OK. I suppose it depends on the dressing they used. Better safe than sorry if you can bear with waiting until Monday

    Mike

  • renee01952
    renee01952 lynne2521

    Posted

    Hi Lynne, 

    After 1st THR surgery I was not allowed to take a shower until staples were removed - 14 days post-op !!!!

    2nd THR surgery 6 months later, same surgeon, same hospital, same staff, even same bed, I was told to go ahead and take a shower on 2nd day post-op .... go figure ..

    I had posterior approach and scar was stapled both times ...  

    Sorry, not much help here - follow your instinct ...

    big warm hug

    renee

     

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 lynne2521

    Posted

    Well advice and practice varies. I had staples, was encouraged to shower from day one as the dressing was waterproof
  • gail42627
    gail42627 lynne2521

    Posted

    Hi Lynne

    I actually had showers in hospital and also had it redressed before discharge.I am 9 days post op and my cut was stapled/clipped.Have also had showers since returning home.

    good luck with your recovery 

     

    • lynne2521
      lynne2521 gail42627

      Posted

      Hi Gail I,m now 7 days post op ....how are ya feeling.....x x
    • gail42627
      gail42627 lynne2521

      Posted

      Hi Lynne,

      Having good and bad days though I think that's more mental then medical frustrated not being able to do anything.

      Pain reduced significantly now but still the painkillers.Sleep is hit and miss but have a nap I the afternoon.

      Stiff and if I move in the wrong direction can be painful but only for a second though.

      From what people are saying I feel things are moving slowly forward and can not wait for post op 6 weeks.

      Hope you are feeling much better and nearly pain free

      💕

    • lynne2521
      lynne2521 gail42627

      Posted

      Yes I think your right it def is more mental. Had a bit of a down , sickly feeling morning, but after some rest on the bed , woke feeling much better. Just had dressing removed so that's another step in right direction. Keep up the good work , cos even the slightest improvement is good . Big hug to you x x

  • judith12644
    judith12644 lynne2521

    Posted

    Hi, I was lucky, like some of the others, I had a piece of plastic covering my wound. I had a shower on day 2 before I left the hospital, and then had them every other day after that. (Bit complicated as my shower is over the bath, but I had a series of plastic steps and my husband to help). I also agree, wet wipes are really useful.

    Good luck!

  • lynne2521
    lynne2521

    Posted

    Just back from my visit to the nurse.....7 days post op......dressing free....so free to shower. Feeling proud as yet to how I,m coping , bit of a blip this morning , felt sick ......so retired back to bed and woke feeling much better. ......scars approx 9 inch and looking quite neat.......so onwards and upwards.........
    • judith12644
      judith12644 lynne2521

      Posted

      Enjoy your shower, I used to feel so much better afterwards! Just take it steadily, and pat your scar gently with something clean to dry it properly afterwards.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.