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No shower at home!
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04-21-2010, 05:39 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 12
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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No shower at home!
Hi Ladies,
My SAH is scheduled 12th May & I'm trying to rearrange my living space to make life as easy as possible. My partner's taking a week off work when I return from er... the castle?! Thereafter, I'm completely home alone.
My biggest concern is not having a shower in this rented house - only a bath. Will I be able to step into the bath and use a shower that's fixed onto bath taps? I'm guessing this will be difficult, as it could mean I have to bend over... yikes! Any ideas about alternatives? I've thought about attaching shower to kitchen basin and standing in a [new!!] cat litter tray!!! Argh!! But I guess I'll have to wait to wash when my partner returns home... It doesn't help that he's very squeamish, so am also concerned about toilet stuff.
My toilet's upstairs and I intend to sleep downstairs on the sofa bed and hire a commode for the kitchen until I can make the switch to upstairs. The stairs are steep & it's a bit hazardous [I've fallen down them once & don't wanna repeat that!!]. If I could move before my op, I really would
Will I be able to open cans, unscrew lids for bottled water etc? I'm guessing 'ping cuisine' [microwave] is the way forward & heating up cups of water in there for hot drinks? I have no idea how little we're meant to do... I've read... no pulling/pushing/lifting/bending... and, given that I have overhang, I don't wanna risk opening up the wound. Help!!! Thank you )
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04-21-2010, 07:25 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 216
Hysterectomy: March 15th, 2010
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: No shower at home!
I had a LAVH and i could do quite a bit the first day home.3rd day home I was very carefully bending to get stuff out of dishwasher or put stuff in. You might want to wait a couple days before bending in the bath...maybe your partner could be there to do the bending for you at first, definitely there to assist in case of dizziness.
I thought i was going to be in bed and being waited on hand and foot, but alas, it was not the case. i was up and to the bathroom, out to the kitchen, sitting in a chair/couch watching tv. All a bit slow mind you, but definitely not as much as a invalid as I thought! My hubby would help get me out of the recliner at first cause it was hard to push the foot rest back in and pull my self up but over time I figured all that out.
Hopefully someone that has had the SAH will chime in with their experience.
You are asking great questions, keep reading this site, members hints forum is a great resource!
best of luck to you,
Sue
I just remembered that 5 days post surgery I was trying to dip out some ice cream and found that it was pulling on my abs so I quickly handed that job to someone else!!
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04-21-2010, 07:41 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 293
Hysterectomy: April 6th, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: No shower at home!
Hi Marakesh,
I had a TAH/BSO on April 6.
I found that with a little help to steady me, I could get in and out of the tub OK. So if you can hook up a shower head to the tap that will be good. I had my DH stay in the room with me and hand me the shower head, shampoo etc. when I needed it so I didn't have to bend or stretch. Got DH to dry my back, legs and toes...the rest I could manage myself. He tried to blow dry my hair...that was funny!!! My hair went every which way!!!
I only had a shower every 2 days for the first week or so. The other days I filled the sink with warm soapy water, took a couple of washcloths and gave myself a "good wash". I also used baby wipes to make sure everything was clean "down there"! I bought dry shampoo but never did use it.
As far as opening things etc. I could do that OK but if there is someone there it is nice to try to nothing the first few days. The microwave will be your friend for a while!
I was also able to use the stairs right from the first day...again with some support. I asked the PT at the hospital before I came home to show me how to do it safely. I only used them with someone beside me at first. Now I can do it on my own.
I was actually surprised at how often I had to go to the washroom. Both functions were a bit off...so I was in and out of there a lot. I have basically settled down to normal now.
Good luck...the more you think of and prepare ahead of time the better!!!
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04-21-2010, 09:11 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 12
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: No shower at home!
Hi Sue and Shirley,
Thanks so much!! Really does help to know I'll be ok on my own during week 2 and, given the frequent loo trips, I might just stick with hiring a commode for the "just in case" times!!!! I really appreciate your kindness in taking the time to reply. I'm also very impressed that you're up and about and on the computer so quickly. Gives me much hope indeed.
Warmest wishes for a good recovery and a whole new more joyful way of life! Mx
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04-21-2010, 10:40 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 176
Hysterectomy: April 6th, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: No shower at home!
About the shower-I think a hand held shower will work fine. When I was a kid we lived in a very old house with just a tub. My dad used tubing to create a ring to hang a shower curtain from and attached a shower head to it. I'm not sure you really need something that extensive, but it can be done (my dad was very handy).
I also bought a grabber so if I dropped something I could pick it up by myself without having to bend. I use it a lot! It makes me feel more independent. One day I dropped my bottle of pain meds. I was very glad to have the grabber to get those!
Take care!
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04-21-2010, 03:31 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 12
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: No shower at home!
Thanks for this info... forgot about the grabber thing. Will definitely invest ) Can't believe you had surgery only a couple of weeks ago and are typing away on here. Fills me with hope! Good wishes for your recovery. Mx
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