Post Op Baths

I'm scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy on January 7th. I'm curious about taking a bath once I get home. I LOVE to take a bath every night before bed. I have had c-sections and was told it was OK to take a bath after that surgery. Will this be different?

Also, I have packed some comfy pjs to wear once the IV is removed, some big, baggy underpants, a good book, chapstick, lotion, and some slip on slippers. Anything else I should put in my bag?

Thanks!
Ishma

Some drs don't want you to take a bath until you've had your six week check up--- as a bath lover myself I know that isn't news you want to hear!!! -- but the important thing is not to get an infection - so talk to YOUR doctor and see what s/he recommends for YOU.

I brought my portable cd player to the hospital but never used it.... you may want a phone card so you can make calls.

best wishes!!

Thanks Cheryl! I was kind of afraid that baths would be off limits for awhile. I'll make sure to ask my doc about it. What a bummer!!

Ishma

Best of luck as your take your journey. One thing I found helpful for the car ride home was a pillow to help with tummy discomfort. Maybe the person that is planning to bring you home can have one ready for you. Keep us posted. About the bath ? My DR also said no to baths. 7 weeks and I still take showers. It is worth it as to try to avoid problems

Ishma,
I'm one week post op with a TAH/BSO and upon discharge, my doctor said baths were okay as long as I had no trouble getting in and out of the tub. Depends on each doctor. One item I took that was indispensible to me was a fluffy teddy bear. I used my bear as a tummy support and he was the perfect size to tuck under my side when I wanted to sleep on my side, which I do all the time. A little smaller than a pillow, but just as useful. When I rode in the car, I put him between me and the seatbelt. I also took a tin of assorted chocolates for the nurses, but that's completely optional. I do know they appreciated them though. Best of luck with your surgery.
Lisa

I usually take showers, but my DS got me some bath salts and stuff for Christmas. A long soak this week was wonderful after the craziness of the holidays.

If I'd been allowed baths after surgery I don't think I would have been able to get up in order to get out of the tub without mucho pain. While I was soaking I was wishing for a whirlpool type tub with seats.

So my guess would be that other than the possibility of infection, when DR's say no to baths they may also be thinking of the difficulty involved.

Best wishes!

Hi, I'm a bath lover too - long ,hot, fragrant bubbly ones. After my tah/bso I was allowed baths as long as they were plain water, not too long and I made sure that I dried my incision very well. I did wait for a few days though because it was easier to shower that to try to get in and out of a tub.

Asking your dr is a very good idea. Best wishes.

s