I was wondering how long before you can have a shower. i have a shower in the bath but cant get in it yet.
Hi I was told 3 months before I can climb in bath . Can shower after staples are out if you feel steady enough in a shower cubicle .good luck
Hi Ruth, the hospital let me shower 2 days after op. My wound was glued. I've been showering every other day since I got home. I must admit the first couple of times I had help getting in and out and didn't feel too steady. I have a suction handle on the tiles to help me lift op leg over the bath.
Hi Ruth
it is a shame nobody gave you advice about showering before you left hospital. It really depends on what they have used to close your wound, I hope you know!
if you have stitches or clips or staples you have to keep the wound dry until they are removed and the wound is healthy. If you have dissolvable stitches under the skin or glue, usually both, you can normally shower in a couple of days.
just be careful climbing in the bath! Good luck. Sue
I was given a board to put over the bath that you can sit on whilst you shower as my shower is over bath, I have waterproof dressings over my incision, occupational therapy sorted it out for me
Thank you for your reply I have dissolvable sitches but I only had my plaster removed yesterday as a tony bit had been bleeding I dare not touch it yet as it is a bit sore so I think I will wait a bit before showering I did have a shoer in hospital because it was a waterproof plaster but when nurse changed it she put an ordinary one on
I took showers in the hospital. My doctor kept waterproof dressing on mine and sent one home with me to change before my visit this Saturday to get the staples removed.
hi Ruth
I'm four weeks post op and believe me I was stalled of having a stand up wash so so as soon as my dressing came off the old grey cells started to turn how to get over the bath without discolating my hip. then it came to me I don't condone my methods at all it could be risky if not careful and have someone with you all the time. I was given a seat to sit on by the hospital and it fits plush to my bath so I set it in such a way as to get into bed given myself plenty of legroom and holding on to my husband I sat on the seat lifted my old leg followed my my operated leg and showered getting out sat on buffet holding husband swung my legs over being careful not to do any damage good luck but please be careful
Dear Ruth Ann, I had my surgery in Costa Rica where I live and they had me shower the day after surgery. I have showered each day since. The doctor told me to wash the incision with antibacterial soap and water. I have not gotten into a tub, seems it would be difficult to get in and out right now. Once the incision stopped oozing, I stopped using bandages as well to let it air dry. The incision has healed up wonderfully. I know there you have different recommendations, but here, this is what we were told and it has not been a problem. I am 4 weeks out now today and went swimming yesterday to do the exercises, walk in the pool. Am driving and doing well. Get tired when walking alot, but figure this is all normal, the best of luck to you during your post-op phase, hope you find great relief and renewed independence soon! take care, Susan
To also add I had staples which were removed about 12 days postop
Just goes to show, depends on where you have your op as to what you are told. I have been told I can't have a shower as over the bath. Cos I mustn't lift my leg over it. I have my 6 WK appt with my consultant next week when I'm hoping he will say I can. The last shower I had was the morning I went in hospital, I've had to have strip washes only since then. When in hospital I asked for a shower both mornings and was told I couldn't even though I have glue and dissolvable stitches inside and my wound healed brilliantly and quickly and my movements were good right from the start with very little pain. My operated leg has never been washed below the knee since the op, good job I live on my own lol.
I have a walk-in shower and was able to use that once my wound had healed. I was given the all-clear to have a bath when I went for my 6 week check-up. I found that a bit scary, the first time, as was nervous of getting back up. Should be OK for showering by then, though. I sat on edge of bath and swung my good leg in first followed by my bad leg. My husband was on hand to support me! Good luck!
I've also got a shower in the bath, so got on Amazon and ordered a bath seat to go over the bath - about £20 - and a sucktion handle - about £10 - to help when I stood up. If you're not on Amazon maybe ask a friend or relative to order them for you. It helped massively and once ordered came the next day. I now sit on the bath seat, which is really sturdy, then use my arm to help lift the bad leg in, then the good. You then sit on the seat and shower, or use the handle to stand up - you can also shuffle the bath seat up the bath closer to you once you're in so it's right behind you. Hope that helps - you'll be fine - it's a bit tricky to start but have fiath, your hip will be ok and the stitches / glue should be fine if you have a water proof dressing - which most hispitals use now anyway. I'm just over two weeks post op if that helps.
I have a walk in wet room now but when i had my right hip done i add a shower over bath i got a fold up step i have now 2 hip replacements and 2 knee replacements
I actually had a shower in the hospital before I was released...but I was careful not to get it wet. Sat on a stool and aimed the shower head so that it wouldn't spray there. When I got home I did the same thing. There's got to be a way you can protect the incision.
Christine, I totally relate to what you saying about your leg not been washed below the knee. Tomorrow a friend is flying in and unbeknownst to her, I will ask her to shave my legs and paint my toes cannot stand being so furry, I could probably shave the one, but again will wait, what is one more day, ha. I live with people, but not sure I can trust their shaving ability.
Bless I will think of you tomorrow, bliss wash, shave legs ( I'm beginning to look like a gorilla - still keeps me warm lol)
Painted toes - I can only dream of, I've not even put my toe ring back on.
I'm saving everything for next week, Friday i'll have a bath if allowed or shower and do the biz, hopefully, then go and get in my car and drive !!! Woohoo!!! If my consultant says I can't I'll be gutted - then l'll come home and lay on my sofa, I might even sit on my normal chairs. I do hope I won't just be dreaming - again.
Yes, these things we used to take for granted, shaving, painting. sitting, laying, we now need to earn back these privileges. Enjoy every moment of your bath, that sounds wonderful. The driving has been fine, but found that a foam pillow helped alot to add height and take the wt off the bottom some. Have a wonderful time re-entering the old world, little by little!!
Hi
I had a shower in the hospital before i left but had the nurse with me to make sure i didnt get it wet.
Once home it was 6 weeks before I could try stepping over the bath to have a shower
Love
Eileen UK
I bought a bath board from Argos £25. Put carrier bag on it and pushed myself along as far as I could. Hubby then swung both legs round easily into bath so I could shower. Manage to stand up off the board to shower and do my hair. Now 11 days post op and will need to get some waterproof covering as my dressing is being removed in 3 days. Hope this helps