Question:
How do you cope with cleaning yourself during hospital stay?

I'm scare that while I'm recovering in hospital, that I am going to stink to high heaven. I have to bathe everyday anyway, and was told no showers while in hospital. If a nurse gives you a bath, do they get your personal areas. How embarrassing, but I do not want to offend, myself or others. Now you now why I am anonymous, sorry.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 15, 2002)

February 15, 2002
Is it possible to have your hubby, mom, partner, even sister wash you at thier visits? I know it may seem like alot to ask, but if youre really conserned about it, I would ask. Also, its only for a couple of days, and its not like these folks havent ever seen it, or that you will ever cross thier pathes again. Hubby has seen me give birth to our 3 children, and once when I threw my back out, my mom came over and put my unders on for me, so I could go to the ER, sort of embarrasing, but after all, it was my momma.
   — amy T.

February 15, 2002
I guess every doctor is different, but my doctor said showering was fine as soon as you felt good enough to stand up and do it. My husband actually took off his clothes and got in the shower with me so he could clean me up really good. He's such a sweetie! And don't worry about "offending" with your body odor in the hospital. Since they have you in a clean cotton scrub most of the time, you are surrounded by absorbent material, and you won't feel like you stink. I promise! I started at 407 lbs. and it always seemed like I would smell bad if I didn't shower every 24 hours, but I didn't shower for 48 hours after my surgery, and I didn't notice that I smelled gross or anything. Good luck!
   — Terissa R.

February 15, 2002
When I was in the hospital the nurses brought something called a Comfort Bath that is warmed in the microwave and is thick wipes. It was very refreshing. Nurses have seen almost everything so I sure didn't have a problem cleaning myself in front of them. Take some Cottonelle bathroom wipes for the bathroom. They will save you the embarassment of asking them to wipe your butt.
   — sarah O.

February 15, 2002
My hubby bathed me. Even with the warm towels in the hospital. He came in and bathed me every morning. I was in the hospital for a month. At home he got in the shower with me, while I held my drains and bathed me again for 3 months. I would have been lost without him. For those of you without someone to help you, let the nurses help you, they have seen all kinds of people.
   — lynbaby B.

February 15, 2002
I guess every hospital is different, I would ask, I was able to shower in my room on the 3rd day they just taped a guaze bandage to me and pinned the drain tube and ball to it. Then after I was dry they would change the bandage. It wasn't a long shower just long enough to wash up but it felt great, by the 4th day I could even bend over to shave my legs. Just see what your choices are.
   — kim L.

February 16, 2002
After the cathetor came out, they told me to shower. Felt great. I had taken cottenelle wipes and body spray and scented lotions because I had the same concrens, but I tell you, you will be sleeping so much from the meds, that you'll never have time to use them, and the first 2 days, that will be the last thing on your mind. Good luck
   — Danielle M.