DH has a question for you all? BL/BR

Ok, I'm scheduled for circumferential LBL with anchor cut, arms down through part of the forearm, and BL/BR on Thursday, 12-16.

We've been stockpiling, and you guys have been very helpful with other questions, but now DH has come up with one.

He was listening to the Playboy channel on Sirius, and the female host was saying that after BA, many women have difficulty with hygiene for "weeks" because they can't reach down to wipe.  He's very concerned that he will need to deal with me after the BR/BL, especially since I'm also having my arms done.

I told him that I hadn't heard that here, but that I'd ask all you experts.  So - think I can manage it?

It was never a problem for me. I handled all of my hygeine myself when it came to using the toilet. Flushable wet wipes were so handy. I used them a lot.

You will need help getting in and out of the shower the first couple of times. You might get a little dizzy when you take off the compression and I highly suggest you have a shower chair or stool to sit on. Having him there to make sure you don't fall is a good idea.

I didn't have my Breast done yet.  That's scheduled for March.  But I had an extended ARM lift.  I had no problems andl like Renee I used the wet wipes.  They worked well.

I am a fainter so I had to have someone around for when I showed for a week or more.  One bit of advice, if you have a binder on for your LBL, take it off and then lay down and rest or sit down and rest before you get up to shower.  There is a drop in BP and it can cause you to be faint.

Tell Hubby - his job will be to give you moral support, pick things off the floor, reach things on high shelves and lots of others things, but you can deal with the hygiene yourself.

Good luck!

I am 8 days out from Fleur-de-Lis, panniculectomy, hernia repair and mastopexy.  I went home 10am the morning after surgery.  I needed some steadying the first two days while walking around the house - anesthesia recovery?  Clearing my lungs (coughing) was painful (and made it hard to sleep) those first two days.  Though, I did not have my arms done, I do have incisions under both arms from the mastopexy.  I have not needed help in the bathroom except for the shower right from the start.  Both showers I have taken since surgery have been stressful with me ultimately ending up very light-headed. 

I do have 3 drains that come out of my pubis/mons just so your DH is prepared.  

I find myself more comfortable in the mornings, probably should try a shower then.  I am still taking pain meds.  Sleeping is ok.  I am still on my back exclusively and waking up uncomfortable in the middle of the night at least once.

I didn't have any problems with that; but if you are concerned you can buy a special handle that will help with that. Just go to a med supply place and ask.

Good luck.

Toss him a box of latex gloves and tell him it can be considered practice for y'all's pending old age.

:::rolling eyes while whapping Don upside the head:::

Thanks, Ladies, for all your help. I've stocked up on the flushable wipes, and (for Shelly!), oodles of stool softeners. Shower seat and toilet riser are arriving Wednesday.

Your help is most appreciated!

I got a special product with a handle that worked wonderfully for me. Kept me clean. I didn't have BA, but a TT, hernia repair, and BR.
Good luck on your journey.......remember drink tha****er and eat that protein.

I told my DH that I will not be able to do laundry or housework for a year ---- LOL

I will let you know how that works out for me!!