Embarassing Questions 4 Ladies

Hi. I've sort of got a problem that only the ladies can help me with. No offense to any of you guys. However, if guys are reading you may be able to help answer question 2. When you were overweight, or if you still are, and you had or still have trouble reaching when going to the bathroom I need your answers. First off......when you have to go to the doctor and they make you pee in a cup......I can't hold it and pee. It's too hard for me to reach now. How can I pee in the cup?? This is very important. Please help me out. Second.....and even more embarassing.......can you give me some ideas of how to reach and clean myself good when I do #2?? Thank you all. Julie

Julie, Altho these questions are embarrassing, they need to be asked. Everyone that is overweight has had some degree of embarrassment in one form or another. I wish I could offer help, I am still BARELY able to reach, which is one of the MAJOR reasons I began looking into WLS in the first place. I have heard of some people getting a wooden spoon, and wrapping toilet paper around the "spoon" end to help get to those "hard to reach" areas. Good luck hon, and remember, we are all in the same boat here, so don't be embarrassed honey, keep on keeping on. Hugs, Carol

Julie, As far as peeing in a cup, ask your doctor if they have a bonnet to catch the urine in. I had to do a 24 hour urine test before where I had to collect my urine every time I peed. I was wondering how I was going to do that when I had this huge gut in my way. Well, the pharmacy gave me a device that they called a bonnet that you put on the seat before you went and it caught the urine. It had a funnel-like pour that allowed me to pour it into the jug. It worked great. If your doctor does not have one, I would suggest you strongly suggest they invest in them because I am sure you are not the only one with that problem. Think of how hard it may be for children, too. As for the other part, I am embarrassed as to how I have to do it, but I stand up, put a foot on the seat and wipe that way. Not the most flattering look, but it gets the job done. Susan {!}

Hi Julie I have the same problem. One question #1, ask for a hat to pee in. They use them for kidney stone patients, I get a hat everytime as I spray. Then just poor it into the cup. Easy peesy. question #2 that's a hard. Especially with diareea. I try to wipe what I can, and use a wash cloth to clean off what I miss. Take the cloth make it a triangle and slide it between you legs, that's the only way I know how to do, unless I have someone to do it for me. UGH. I wonder how others do it when their stomachs are down to their knees. That's the only way I know how to do these to questions. Good luck, Kathy

Hiya Julie! The ladies are right about the hat. We had them in our office, they were kept in the lab where the urinalysis' were performed. They are disposable and your office should have one. As for the wiping problem, i've seen numerous posts where people had recommended to those about to have surgery to take tongs with them to the hospital for wiping. After surgery some cant wipe due to the pain in trying to twist around. The tongs are just like an extension of your arm. I've heard of many who did this and they say it was a life saver. Fortunately for me I didnt have that problem. Hope this helps sweetie! Melanie

Thank you everyone for helping me out. Julie

Julie, the only problem with hats to catch urine is they are not sterile, so if a sterile specimen is absolutely necessary, you could always ask them to cath you but that sucks. If the urine specimen doesn't have to be sterile, then asking for a hat is the best way. As for your second question, I have found using baby wipes do well as they clean you quicker than toilet paper does. Good luck............................Kelly

Hi Julie, I can help with question #2, go to this website: http://www.selfwipe.com/ it is a wonderful tool to use. There is also another alternative: http://www.amplestuff.com/ they have lots of useful things for the larger folks including bathroom items. Hope you can use this info. I am not affiliated with either company just passing on helpful info. Greg