Pre-op personal question - personal hygiene ladies only!

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Although I'm a few months away from my op, I'm starting to think about practicalities. Not the best subject to discuss but we all do it! - If you're not supposed to twist/bend how do you clean yourself (politely put) after a number 2? Also, what about the time of the month (tampons) etc.

2

Hi Fernlady

I don't think you need to worry too much , you will find you can bend enough to do the necessaries . I found having those damp washlets that are sold with the toilet rolls are ideal . As for nature's monthly gift , just swap to towels instead of tampons until you feel more comfortable . Hope this allays some of your concerns : )

All the best

Hilary

3

Hi Fernlady

First of all I'm well past that age but I would suggest something like panty liners if using tampons is a problem post op but there younger hippies who can advise.

As far as personal hygiene when you've been to the loo (no 2) I bought some of the special anti bac wet wipes which give you the confidence that you are nice and clean 😀 and they are flushable. For men and women of course!

Linnet x

4

Hi Fernlady,

i had the same questions well number 2 question anyway. If you are using the raised toilet seat and frame around toilet which is what i use i was pleasantly surprised that it was not that difficult, however i did invest in this handy item its called (Long Reach Handy Wipe) i ordered it on Amazon. It works really well and i also ordered a portable bedet. 

As for the other shouldnt be a problem but if so maybe use pads.

hope this helps 

Karen 

Brisbane, Australia

 

5

Hi Fernlady,

I was 'lucky' enough to have my monthly gift, love that phrase, whilst in hospital recovering. You can imagine how pleased I was! But there was no problem with towels or tampons. What we have to contend with, eh?!

Dawn x

6

Thank you all so much. I was hoping to avoid the dreaded brick pads but needs must. I'll send my hubby shopping for them! I might even go to the docs to see if there is a special 'pill' I can take for 3 months!

7

I am 10 weeks post op, and my best tip for you would be a raised toilet seat with a frame.  It is an absolute essential and I couldn't have managed with it.  Also invest in a 'grabber' to pick things up off the floor and stop you from bending too far down.  

8

I didn't find using tampons a problem, your not breaking the 90 degree rule doing this. I did find it a massive inconvenience though! You can ask your doctor to prescribe you norethisterone which will stop the bleeding but you need to take these 3 times a day, not suitable for everyone and some people have side effects. Good luck with your op.

9

Easier than you anticipate. Wiping ok especially if you use the toilet wipes

You will not break the 90 rule inserting a tampon

10

Good question.  I am trying to remmebr what i did..first of all.and very basic..with all the painkillers you are lucky if you CAn go to the loo..but you won't be let home until you do!!  I managed OK...baby wipes are good as mentioned by another hippie. Also I mentioned months ago when I was pre op like you..a Fe.Wee is a good and practical investment ( from Boots) to enable you to do the' peeing part' ofgoing to the 'loo'..at night...worth a practice to get confident but oh so useful for the first few nights at home...as we all seem to pee a lot more due to the possible swelling of ankles and legs duriing the day and it has to get out somehow.  You can shower at second day, or I was allowed and encoraged to whilst in hospital and did so at home..but have a walk in shower.  i think its obvioulsy more difficult if your shower over the bath.

​Ask away as I am still doing post op months on...soemone will beable to answer your worries.

​Alice

11

Hi there I am well past the time of month worry but do not do what I did

because it's awkward wiping I was using wipes which I told hubby to buy

only when it was too late i noticed they were wet wipes you buy for kids

and the toilet blocked and needed a visit from dinorod to clear the

blockage think I used too many and they are not biodegradable

So be careful as it will cost you plenty if you make the same mistake as me but that's life as I said to hubby things happen lol

All the best for your op

Helen

12

I tried that but doctor won't give you anthing to dtop them because you are going through surgery. I was lucky enough to get them while in recovery in hospital but managed to use my usual way with a bit or hard word and ended up it not being an issue. Please don't worry it works out fine

Laura x