Question:
Thanks so much for asking that question. I too was wondering about cleaning up after

surgery. I am 279, 5'3" tall and I have a large pannus (stomach)too. My sister who works at the nursing home had told me about the little thing that you wash dishes with, looks like a toilet brush, but it is the dishwasher thing, that some of her patients use.    — Sonya P. (posted on June 12, 2003)

June 12, 2003
Hi Sonya, I went to a meeting the other nite anad actuallly we all discussed this issue for after care in the hospital stay and at home, they suggested there that to get a wooden spoon, take the spoon part and wrap it with toilet paper a couple of times then take the handle and hold it and reach behind and use it that way, I heard that it helps, I guess alot of people have done it, I am already post-op and haven't had that prob. yet, but I thought it was a good idea!! Good Luck to you!!
   — Melodee S.

June 12, 2003
there are many 'tools' that can be purchased, but some of them are expensive. i bought aq hack saw frame at the 99 cent store, now do not laugh, it is sturdy, has a super good handle on it, is t he perfect shape and it worked finhe. i wrapped a wet wipe on the end then the toilet paper stuck to it. there is no way i could of reached my hind end to wipe it and i had diarreah post op! that hack saw frame saved me a great deal of embarressment! i could take care of myself with out aid! thankfully the swelling and sorness ended somewhat soon and all is normal now! look around who knows what could work for you! but i highly recomend the hack saw frame! (bladeless of course, ;o)
   — janetc00

June 12, 2003
Cottenelle makes wipes that are really great. I had very liquidy BM's for over a week and these helped IMMENSILY! But be careful, the Lever ones smell better but are not flushable. Cottenelle's are. Also I heard that hot dog tongs help too with the reaching. Thankfully in the hospital the nurses were great-- I couldn't reach at all and although VERY embarrassing the first couple times, I had no problem asking for help from them. I only had one patient care assistant that gave me an attitude and asked why I needed help. I assured her that I wouldn't be asking if I COULD do it myself and wasn't that her job to help?!? Of course, I was very nice about it ;) Don't take attitude and don't be afraid to ask!!
   — Angela G.

June 12, 2003
http://www.dynamic-living.com/bottom_buddy.htm <BR><BR> I heard about this on another list. It is called Bottom Buddy Toiletry Aid.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 12, 2003
Y'all, just be careful with flushing the Cottonelle thingies. I did and it cost me about $200 with the plumber!!!!! Only flush one at a time! :)
   — Cheryl M.

June 12, 2003
I used the tongs and wipes after tp. I needed them for the first week post op. The wipes helped sooth my sore bottom after all the liquid BM's. They didn't start getting solid until I ate more solid foods. I'm so glad took them to the hosp with me. Good Luck.
   — adeas