Showers

Tumbleweed · Dec 4, 2009

I'm really big on showers. My family makes fun of me because I take two a day sometimes <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

So one of my biggest questions about post TX is how long will it be before I am able to shower!?
I obviously realize that this is probably very different for each person, depending on recovery... but i'm just trying to get a general idea.

So you all you helpful post TX people out there- How many days (or weeks) after TX were you able to take a "real" shower?

And question # 2 - What did you do in the meantime? Sponge baths, dry shampoo etc...

Hopefully I can get some good tips so I won't feel so grimey <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Tumbleweed · Dec 4, 2009

I'm really big on showers. My family makes fun of me because I take two a day sometimes <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

So one of my biggest questions about post TX is how long will it be before I am able to shower!?
I obviously realize that this is probably very different for each person, depending on recovery... but i'm just trying to get a general idea.

So you all you helpful post TX people out there- How many days (or weeks) after TX were you able to take a "real" shower?

And question # 2 - What did you do in the meantime? Sponge baths, dry shampoo etc...

Hopefully I can get some good tips so I won't feel so grimey <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Tumbleweed · Dec 4, 2009

I'm really big on showers. My family makes fun of me because I take two a day sometimes <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

So one of my biggest questions about post TX is how long will it be before I am able to shower!?
I obviously realize that this is probably very different for each person, depending on recovery... but i'm just trying to get a general idea.

So you all you helpful post TX people out there- How many days (or weeks) after TX were you able to take a "real" shower?

And question # 2 - What did you do in the meantime? Sponge baths, dry shampoo etc...

Hopefully I can get some good tips so I won't feel so grimey <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Tumbleweed · Dec 4, 2009

I'm really big on showers. My family makes fun of me because I take two a day sometimes <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

So one of my biggest questions about post TX is how long will it be before I am able to shower!?
I obviously realize that this is probably very different for each person, depending on recovery... but i'm just trying to get a general idea.

So you all you helpful post TX people out there- How many days (or weeks) after TX were you able to take a "real" shower?

And question # 2 - What did you do in the meantime? Sponge baths, dry shampoo etc...

Hopefully I can get some good tips so I won't feel so grimey <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Tumbleweed · Dec 4, 2009

I'm really big on showers. My family makes fun of me because I take two a day sometimes <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 
 So one of my biggest questions about post TX is how long will it be before I am able to shower!?
 I obviously realize that this is probably very different for each person, depending on recovery... but i'm just trying to get a general idea.
 
 So you all you helpful post TX people out there- How many days (or weeks) after TX were you able to take a "real" shower?
 
 And question # 2 - What did you do in the meantime? Sponge baths, dry shampoo etc...
 
 Hopefully I can get some good tips so I won't feel so grimey <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

NYCLawGirl · Dec 4, 2009

I can't speak to your post-tx question, but as a CFer who uses a hospital where you literally CANNOT shower (there is bacteria in the water and it's dangerous for people with lung disease to breathe the steam), I have some great tips for how to stay not so grimy during long shower-less stays.

1) Dry shampoo - a REALLY good brand. Go ahead and splurge on this one, b/c it makes all the difference. Non-greasy hair goes a long way to making you feel "clean"

2) For when #1 fails or you just can't take it anymore, have the nurse bring a large basin and wash your hair with water from a pitcher. This also works for shaving.

3) They have these pre-packaged large moist towel thingies that come in a package. They're called bath wipes (or there are other brands that are similar). These are so much better than sponge baths b/c the water isn't dripping all over, you don't need help to do it, etc. Go online and get some (or your hospital might have them - mine does b/c of the shower situation). They come in hot or cold and some have aloe or whatever. You don't have to rinse off afterward and they do leave you surprisingly "clean" feeling.

Finally, I find a cute stretchy headband to keep my hair off my face and make me feel somewhat presentable even when I'm not at my best is key. I also recommend splurging a little on some good face wash and good-smelling soap and/or lotion for your hands. When you can't shower for a while, it's nice to know you at least have a clean face and smell nice.

Hope that's helpful.

NYCLawGirl · Dec 4, 2009

I can't speak to your post-tx question, but as a CFer who uses a hospital where you literally CANNOT shower (there is bacteria in the water and it's dangerous for people with lung disease to breathe the steam), I have some great tips for how to stay not so grimy during long shower-less stays.

1) Dry shampoo - a REALLY good brand. Go ahead and splurge on this one, b/c it makes all the difference. Non-greasy hair goes a long way to making you feel "clean"

2) For when #1 fails or you just can't take it anymore, have the nurse bring a large basin and wash your hair with water from a pitcher. This also works for shaving.

3) They have these pre-packaged large moist towel thingies that come in a package. They're called bath wipes (or there are other brands that are similar). These are so much better than sponge baths b/c the water isn't dripping all over, you don't need help to do it, etc. Go online and get some (or your hospital might have them - mine does b/c of the shower situation). They come in hot or cold and some have aloe or whatever. You don't have to rinse off afterward and they do leave you surprisingly "clean" feeling.

Finally, I find a cute stretchy headband to keep my hair off my face and make me feel somewhat presentable even when I'm not at my best is key. I also recommend splurging a little on some good face wash and good-smelling soap and/or lotion for your hands. When you can't shower for a while, it's nice to know you at least have a clean face and smell nice.

Hope that's helpful.

NYCLawGirl · Dec 4, 2009

I can't speak to your post-tx question, but as a CFer who uses a hospital where you literally CANNOT shower (there is bacteria in the water and it's dangerous for people with lung disease to breathe the steam), I have some great tips for how to stay not so grimy during long shower-less stays.

1) Dry shampoo - a REALLY good brand. Go ahead and splurge on this one, b/c it makes all the difference. Non-greasy hair goes a long way to making you feel "clean"

2) For when #1 fails or you just can't take it anymore, have the nurse bring a large basin and wash your hair with water from a pitcher. This also works for shaving.

3) They have these pre-packaged large moist towel thingies that come in a package. They're called bath wipes (or there are other brands that are similar). These are so much better than sponge baths b/c the water isn't dripping all over, you don't need help to do it, etc. Go online and get some (or your hospital might have them - mine does b/c of the shower situation). They come in hot or cold and some have aloe or whatever. You don't have to rinse off afterward and they do leave you surprisingly "clean" feeling.

Finally, I find a cute stretchy headband to keep my hair off my face and make me feel somewhat presentable even when I'm not at my best is key. I also recommend splurging a little on some good face wash and good-smelling soap and/or lotion for your hands. When you can't shower for a while, it's nice to know you at least have a clean face and smell nice.

Hope that's helpful.

NYCLawGirl · Dec 4, 2009

I can't speak to your post-tx question, but as a CFer who uses a hospital where you literally CANNOT shower (there is bacteria in the water and it's dangerous for people with lung disease to breathe the steam), I have some great tips for how to stay not so grimy during long shower-less stays.

1) Dry shampoo - a REALLY good brand. Go ahead and splurge on this one, b/c it makes all the difference. Non-greasy hair goes a long way to making you feel "clean"

2) For when #1 fails or you just can't take it anymore, have the nurse bring a large basin and wash your hair with water from a pitcher. This also works for shaving.

3) They have these pre-packaged large moist towel thingies that come in a package. They're called bath wipes (or there are other brands that are similar). These are so much better than sponge baths b/c the water isn't dripping all over, you don't need help to do it, etc. Go online and get some (or your hospital might have them - mine does b/c of the shower situation). They come in hot or cold and some have aloe or whatever. You don't have to rinse off afterward and they do leave you surprisingly "clean" feeling.

Finally, I find a cute stretchy headband to keep my hair off my face and make me feel somewhat presentable even when I'm not at my best is key. I also recommend splurging a little on some good face wash and good-smelling soap and/or lotion for your hands. When you can't shower for a while, it's nice to know you at least have a clean face and smell nice.

Hope that's helpful.

NYCLawGirl · Dec 4, 2009

I can't speak to your post-tx question, but as a CFer who uses a hospital where you literally CANNOT shower (there is bacteria in the water and it's dangerous for people with lung disease to breathe the steam), I have some great tips for how to stay not so grimy during long shower-less stays.
 
 1) Dry shampoo - a REALLY good brand. Go ahead and splurge on this one, b/c it makes all the difference. Non-greasy hair goes a long way to making you feel "clean"
 
 2) For when #1 fails or you just can't take it anymore, have the nurse bring a large basin and wash your hair with water from a pitcher. This also works for shaving.
 
 3) They have these pre-packaged large moist towel thingies that come in a package. They're called bath wipes (or there are other brands that are similar). These are so much better than sponge baths b/c the water isn't dripping all over, you don't need help to do it, etc. Go online and get some (or your hospital might have them - mine does b/c of the shower situation). They come in hot or cold and some have aloe or whatever. You don't have to rinse off afterward and they do leave you surprisingly "clean" feeling.
 
 Finally, I find a cute stretchy headband to keep my hair off my face and make me feel somewhat presentable even when I'm not at my best is key. I also recommend splurging a little on some good face wash and good-smelling soap and/or lotion for your hands. When you can't shower for a while, it's nice to know you at least have a clean face and smell nice.
 
 Hope that's helpful.

Lex · Dec 4, 2009

HA! I love this question because I couldn't shower for over a month! I'm also a clean freak and it made me crazy.

The great news is that the day I was discharged post TX, the docs told me it was ok to shower! YES!!!!!! I was so freakin' excited. However, I was very weak and my balance was way off, so it was going to be a challenge.

So, I purposely took it easy the day I was discharged. i didn't do any physical therapy because I knew when I got home I would exert myself taking a shower.

I have bars in the shower meant to hold towels, but it was useful to hold onto for balance. I didn't lean on them, just touched them to maintain balance. It helped a lot. I took my time, and made sure the water didn't directly hit the incision. Upper body mobility is limited, so I did what I could. By the end of the shower, I felt SO much better.

Also, neosporin will become your new best friend. Apply with a Q-tip after showering. Docs recommended soaping up the incision and the chest tube sites, rinsing, then pat dry. The neosporin will make sure you keep it clean and free from infection. Once the incision goes from a wound to a scar, you can apply something like maderma.

Oh, and I hate body hair. So, I had to wait a week or so before I was able to properly groom myself. It sucked, but once I was clean, it went a long way in making me feel better. When I was able to take care of the body hair, I felt much better. Patience is my best advice on this one. At this point--almost 4 weeks post, showers have become my best friend again.

Lex · Dec 4, 2009

HA! I love this question because I couldn't shower for over a month! I'm also a clean freak and it made me crazy.

The great news is that the day I was discharged post TX, the docs told me it was ok to shower! YES!!!!!! I was so freakin' excited. However, I was very weak and my balance was way off, so it was going to be a challenge.

So, I purposely took it easy the day I was discharged. i didn't do any physical therapy because I knew when I got home I would exert myself taking a shower.

I have bars in the shower meant to hold towels, but it was useful to hold onto for balance. I didn't lean on them, just touched them to maintain balance. It helped a lot. I took my time, and made sure the water didn't directly hit the incision. Upper body mobility is limited, so I did what I could. By the end of the shower, I felt SO much better.

Also, neosporin will become your new best friend. Apply with a Q-tip after showering. Docs recommended soaping up the incision and the chest tube sites, rinsing, then pat dry. The neosporin will make sure you keep it clean and free from infection. Once the incision goes from a wound to a scar, you can apply something like maderma.

Oh, and I hate body hair. So, I had to wait a week or so before I was able to properly groom myself. It sucked, but once I was clean, it went a long way in making me feel better. When I was able to take care of the body hair, I felt much better. Patience is my best advice on this one. At this point--almost 4 weeks post, showers have become my best friend again.

Lex · Dec 4, 2009

HA! I love this question because I couldn't shower for over a month! I'm also a clean freak and it made me crazy.

The great news is that the day I was discharged post TX, the docs told me it was ok to shower! YES!!!!!! I was so freakin' excited. However, I was very weak and my balance was way off, so it was going to be a challenge.

So, I purposely took it easy the day I was discharged. i didn't do any physical therapy because I knew when I got home I would exert myself taking a shower.

I have bars in the shower meant to hold towels, but it was useful to hold onto for balance. I didn't lean on them, just touched them to maintain balance. It helped a lot. I took my time, and made sure the water didn't directly hit the incision. Upper body mobility is limited, so I did what I could. By the end of the shower, I felt SO much better.

Also, neosporin will become your new best friend. Apply with a Q-tip after showering. Docs recommended soaping up the incision and the chest tube sites, rinsing, then pat dry. The neosporin will make sure you keep it clean and free from infection. Once the incision goes from a wound to a scar, you can apply something like maderma.

Oh, and I hate body hair. So, I had to wait a week or so before I was able to properly groom myself. It sucked, but once I was clean, it went a long way in making me feel better. When I was able to take care of the body hair, I felt much better. Patience is my best advice on this one. At this point--almost 4 weeks post, showers have become my best friend again.

Lex · Dec 4, 2009

HA! I love this question because I couldn't shower for over a month! I'm also a clean freak and it made me crazy.

The great news is that the day I was discharged post TX, the docs told me it was ok to shower! YES!!!!!! I was so freakin' excited. However, I was very weak and my balance was way off, so it was going to be a challenge.

So, I purposely took it easy the day I was discharged. i didn't do any physical therapy because I knew when I got home I would exert myself taking a shower.

I have bars in the shower meant to hold towels, but it was useful to hold onto for balance. I didn't lean on them, just touched them to maintain balance. It helped a lot. I took my time, and made sure the water didn't directly hit the incision. Upper body mobility is limited, so I did what I could. By the end of the shower, I felt SO much better.

Also, neosporin will become your new best friend. Apply with a Q-tip after showering. Docs recommended soaping up the incision and the chest tube sites, rinsing, then pat dry. The neosporin will make sure you keep it clean and free from infection. Once the incision goes from a wound to a scar, you can apply something like maderma.

Oh, and I hate body hair. So, I had to wait a week or so before I was able to properly groom myself. It sucked, but once I was clean, it went a long way in making me feel better. When I was able to take care of the body hair, I felt much better. Patience is my best advice on this one. At this point--almost 4 weeks post, showers have become my best friend again.

Lex · Dec 4, 2009

HA! I love this question because I couldn't shower for over a month! I'm also a clean freak and it made me crazy.
 
 The great news is that the day I was discharged post TX, the docs told me it was ok to shower! YES!!!!!! I was so freakin' excited. However, I was very weak and my balance was way off, so it was going to be a challenge.
 
 So, I purposely took it easy the day I was discharged. i didn't do any physical therapy because I knew when I got home I would exert myself taking a shower.
 
 I have bars in the shower meant to hold towels, but it was useful to hold onto for balance. I didn't lean on them, just touched them to maintain balance. It helped a lot. I took my time, and made sure the water didn't directly hit the incision. Upper body mobility is limited, so I did what I could. By the end of the shower, I felt SO much better.
 
 Also, neosporin will become your new best friend. Apply with a Q-tip after showering. Docs recommended soaping up the incision and the chest tube sites, rinsing, then pat dry. The neosporin will make sure you keep it clean and free from infection. Once the incision goes from a wound to a scar, you can apply something like maderma.
 
 Oh, and I hate body hair. So, I had to wait a week or so before I was able to properly groom myself. It sucked, but once I was clean, it went a long way in making me feel better. When I was able to take care of the body hair, I felt much better. Patience is my best advice on this one. At this point--almost 4 weeks post, showers have become my best friend again.

falbie13 · Dec 4, 2009

I wasnt able to take a shower while I was in the hospital, so I went 3 weeks without one. I was so weak while in the hospital all I could do was sit on the toilet and kind of wash up. The best thing though was having my mom or sister wash my hair in the sink...I felt like a new person with clean hair. I was allowed to take short showers as soon as I was discharged. That first shower was awesome!

falbie13 · Dec 4, 2009

I wasnt able to take a shower while I was in the hospital, so I went 3 weeks without one. I was so weak while in the hospital all I could do was sit on the toilet and kind of wash up. The best thing though was having my mom or sister wash my hair in the sink...I felt like a new person with clean hair. I was allowed to take short showers as soon as I was discharged. That first shower was awesome!

falbie13 · Dec 4, 2009

I wasnt able to take a shower while I was in the hospital, so I went 3 weeks without one. I was so weak while in the hospital all I could do was sit on the toilet and kind of wash up. The best thing though was having my mom or sister wash my hair in the sink...I felt like a new person with clean hair. I was allowed to take short showers as soon as I was discharged. That first shower was awesome!

falbie13 · Dec 4, 2009

I wasnt able to take a shower while I was in the hospital, so I went 3 weeks without one. I was so weak while in the hospital all I could do was sit on the toilet and kind of wash up. The best thing though was having my mom or sister wash my hair in the sink...I felt like a new person with clean hair. I was allowed to take short showers as soon as I was discharged. That first shower was awesome!

falbie13 · Dec 4, 2009

I wasnt able to take a shower while I was in the hospital, so I went 3 weeks without one. I was so weak while in the hospital all I could do was sit on the toilet and kind of wash up. The best thing though was having my mom or sister wash my hair in the sink...I felt like a new person with clean hair. I was allowed to take short showers as soon as I was discharged. That first shower was awesome!

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