baths

I am a person who loves nice hot bubble baths.. but since the surgery they said I am not aloud to take a bath. that I miss. Do I have to wait the whole 6 weeks before I can take one.. Please someone say I can soon take a nice bubble bath.. I hate showers

Dear Tina,

This is a topic that comes up alot! It seems that each DR has thier own ideas on when it's safe to take a bath or swim.

The issue is that bacteria can enter the vagina doing either of these activities.

I read that some DR's say ok 3 weeks post-op and some DR's say definately not until 6 weeks post-op. You should follow your DR's instructions and consider whether you're willing to chance an infection!

Just a thought: Maybe instead of a bath, you could use a heating pad on your tummy to relax and sooth those healing muscles.

Lauren

Sorry, most doctors seem to agree that no bathing or swimming for 6 weeks. A few ladies have been cleared at 3-4 weeks but think that also depends on what surgery you had. It's to prevent infections both in abdominal scars or inside the vagina where a lot of healing is going on. It can also be linked to uti in the bladder which are not much fun at the recovery stage.

Perhaps if you are missing that lovely "tactile" feeling you get from a bubble bath could be given through a lovely massage from a caring person/partner? Careful where the oil goes, not near incisions, obviously.

It's also really important to dry off carefully after showers too, I had laproscopic incisions (4 in all) and they healed really well, even the one by my belly button that took careful drying cos of the little creases!

Although I didn't think it at the time, now I am almost 6 weeks , the time has not really gone that slowly, am sure you are going to recover quickly and well and can then have a lovely bubbly bath as a 6 week present. Best wishes, Linda

I'm one of the sisters who was cleared for baths early (2 weeks and 2 days post-op TAH and my bikini incision was already completely healed). My surgeon said just not to soak for half an hour or anything.

I love baths but, since being given the go ahead, I've had them only when I really felt like I couldn't stand one more shower, just to be on the safe side. I'm almost 5 weeks post-op and have had no complications but, as with anything like this, it's best to check with your own doctor before going forward.

Cecee

Most doctors say no baths or swimming for 6 weeks (mine included) because of infection risks.

It always best to follow the post-op instructions YOUR doctor has given you. If you are not sure of something call your doctor's office. HysterSisters is not meant to take the place of advice given by your doctor - we are here to encourage and support you.

Hang in there - when you can finally take the first bubble bath it will be worth the wait!