Question:
How will I be able to clean myself when I go to the bathroom?
I already have a lot of problems washing certain places well and cleaning myself after going to the bathroom (because of my size I have a hard time reaching). I am very worried about when I am directly post-op how I will be able to do it with a long incision and maybe a binder...? PLEASE HELP. My surgery is coming up in 1.5 weeks!!! — Susan B. (posted on May 31, 2002)
May 31, 2002
I'll be glad to help you with this one. Get you some tongs, yes kitchen
tongs and pack them with your hospital bag.When you need to go to the
bathroom after surgery take your tongs with you and wrap tissue around the
end of the tongs and you CAN reach. I learned this on this website. This is
weird but much better than asking someone to do it for you. Wash the tongs
with antibacterial soap after each visit. This will give you a little
exercise. Throw away when you can reach.
— Debbie W.
May 31, 2002
I agree with the last poster, except I got a long pair off BBQ tonges with
a smooth edge to them, I also bought flushable Cottenelle wipes, and that
gave me a fresh feeling with the wipes.
After I could ben I just threw them away,
— Jeri P.
May 31, 2002
When I went thru WLS surgery, and friend of mine suggested using a
backscratcher. Wrap the toilet paper around it. Cleanse it with
antibacterial soap, after each use. Good luck.
— Sherry S.
May 31, 2002
I second the kitchen tongs! They worked wonders. I just left mine in the
bathroom and cleaned them each time I used them. At home I also used them
in the shower. I only had to use them maybe for 5 days once I got home.
Then I just threw them away. Remember when purchasing to get a cheap pair1
Shelley
— Shelley.
May 31, 2002
I had Lap 3 weeks ago and did not have a problem reaching areas because I
didnt have to stretch to far because the cut wasnt bad...Also my Dr was
kind enough to tell me that I didnt have to worry about having a BM in the
hospital before I left because it puts to much pressure on the patient.So
again I didnt have to worry about reaching " back there"
somewhere other then my home
— Tina S B.
May 31, 2002
i unfortunately had to rely on others to keep my butt clean and it was
humiliating, but i was lucky to have a wonderful husband who could do that
for me, i also used diaper wipes.. because i had bowel troulbe when i got
out of hospital due to complications.
— lynette Z.
May 31, 2002
i unfortunately had to rely on others to keep my butt clean and it was
humiliating, but i was lucky to have a wonderful husband who could do that
for me, i also used diaper wipes.. because i had bowel troulbe when i got
out of hospital due to complications.
— lynette Z.
May 31, 2002
Go to the Dollar store and buy a cheap pair of kitchen tongs....they work
wonders! Also, I used the kids wet wipes (like diaper wipes) but flushable
and they worked well too. It only took about a week before I could reach
again without feeling sore. Good Luck!
— Leah H.
May 31, 2002
I used an elongated shower brush (the type you use to wash your
back...sometine they have natural sponge...sometime they are an exfoliante
sponge) it worked wonders.....after my BM I simply used the wet
brush.....and then afterwards cleaned it with antibacterical soap and hot
water...after about 10 days...I was able to throw it away...
— irene B.
May 31, 2002
I had the same question when I was pre-op. Several people told me to take
a long wooden spoon to the hospital, I thought they were crazy. In the
hospital, my loving husband took care of me, but I felt so bad every time I
had to ask him. When I got home, I tried the wooden spoon, IT WORKS
WONDERFULLY. Hope this helps.
— Sharon H.
May 31, 2002
Get a Bottom Buddy!! This is a device designed especially for this
problem, www.dynamic-living.com/bottom_buddy.htm
It's $39.99, a little pricey I know for an article you hopefully won't need
that long, but I know how I feel about such "things". My husband
would do it for me, no problem,
but personal hygiene is a private for me. Besides he'll be
there at hospital, but he will have to return to work after I come home.
— tinyjo
June 1, 2002
Where else but on this wonderful site can you ask any and every question
and get a answer--no matter how strange you think it may be there is an
answer for it. Who would have ever thought of sald thongs--You Guys Are
Great!!!!!
— mischief85
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