Question:
Uncomfortable sponge baths?

This may seem like an idiotic question but here it goes... I don't like the idea of someone else (the nurses) bathing me post-op. I'm weird about those things. Do THEY have to do it? Couldn't your family members or something do it?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 12, 2001)

November 11, 2001
I feel the same way, only I wouldn't want my family members doing it either! BUT, from what I have read on this site, for the most part, the day after surgery most people can take a shower. I think it just depends on when they remove your IV's.......
   — Kim B.

November 11, 2001
You can certainly request that the nurses don't sponge-bathe you, but speaking only for myself, I loved it. I loved having someone baby me. I loved feeling clean and refreshed. Nurses have literally Seen Everything, so being embarrassed is pointless, and it can make you feel sooooo good! Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

November 11, 2001
I was a little anxious about this myself BUT when the time actually comes I was so out of it I loved it. In my case I got a sponge bath on the day after my surgery and the following day as well. The last day I was able to have a nice long shower in the hospital by myself. That day I may have been funny about it because I was just a tad more with it. I do agree with the previous poster who said these nurses have seen it all and thats what I try and remember!!! Good Luck
   — tn683

November 11, 2001
Don't worry about the sponge baths... I too was worried about the nurses seeing me and having to wash me. But you wanna hear something reallll bad? LOL I started my period the day OF surgery, and added w/ blood thinners... OMG can you say MESSY? I HAD to be washed, I WANTED to be washed, I couldn't stand it. And guess what? I had a MALE nurse coming in to wash me up! I'm not shy, but I was that day!! LOL I knew if I wanted to be clean I had to just relax and let him do what he had to do. You have to lose all modesty when you are in the hospital. The nurses have seen everything and then some! LOL I'm sure a family member could wash you up, yes, but, let the nurses do it....thats what they are there for. Good luck!
   — Tina R.

November 11, 2001
I did my own baths. But I had surgery lap and was up and about right after surgery and didn't have problems reaching around. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

November 11, 2001
I'm really private and modest about stuff like this too. I cannot imagine even asking my husband or my mom who is a RN to help me with something as personal as sponge bathing me. And I'd die before asking someone to wipe me after using the bathroom lol. But in the hospital, its different. Its all part of a nurses day to make sure their patients are clean. I don't have to see these nurses once I leave the hospital, so I'm not too worried about this. Althought 20 years ago, I had my gallbladder out in our small town hospital and of course, got my period. The nurse who cleaned me up was a girl I'd gone to high school with. She was as professional as she could have possibly been. She probably has forgotten the episode, but I still cringe a bit when I run into her even now lol.
   — [Anonymous]

November 12, 2001
I, myself, kept the sponge baths for my husband and I. Its a very personal and intimate experience. Knowing my husband was so willing to bathe me, pamper me, and show me his sweeter side, was so exciting to me! Of course the nursing assistants offered, but, it just felt better having the man of my life do it for me.
   — Kerry P.

November 12, 2001
I'm sure they will allow family members to do for you, if you prefer. The nurses seemed to not mind, so I did the no-seeums and they did the other stuff, back, arms, lower legs. Not always, but sometimes they will do some lotion. ahhhhhhh. Of course, I "let" my husband lotion me, too. LOL!
   — vitalady

May 16, 2003
I know this is an old question, but in case anyone else is looking this up- I just wanted to offer my reassurances to anyone else with this embarrassment problem. I worked as a nursing assistant for years, and being on the bottom of the totem pole, of course, helping patients bath was one of my primary responsibilities. In our small town, I know I cared for a number of acquaintences at one point or another, but not once have I ever thought of them in that aspect ever again. Believe me, nursing staff, of all people KNOW we all have bodies and they ain't all perfect. To us, they're pretty much all alike, and you don't go home from the job with those kind of memories in your head. You do the job, and it's over. I wouldn'tbe excited about it, but I wouldn't really remember or care about it any more than I would delivering someone an extra box of kleenex. What's more, I would really hope that no patient would be reluctant to ask for help out of embarrassment. And to the folks who mentioned wondering if having family do it would be OK I can pretty much say that in just about any case, YES. The nursing staff would probably advise you as to taking care with the affected area, but most likely they will understand and appreciate the help.:) Take care!
   — christied

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