Question:
Are there any aids available to assist in wiping my bottom after surgery?

I know that we all have faced this dilemma since we are people of stature but I face surgery on March 20, 2001 and being able to wipe my bottom without anyone's assistance is becoming a BIG issue with me! Does anyone know of a toilet aid that will assist in performing this since bending and twisting is out of the question immediately following surgery when you come home to recuperate? HELP! HELP!    — Nancy T. (posted on February 28, 2001)

February 28, 2001
There is a company called Amplestuff. They specialize in products for the plus-size consumer. I found them on the internet at www.amplestuff.com. They will be able to help you with all your needs. They also deliver in a very timely manner. Good luck.
   — Paula G.

February 28, 2001
This was also a concern of mine... go buy a pair of tongs and a plastic slotted spoon and some of thos flushable wipes ..and practice also this may sound gross but here goes this is what i did I got a hand town and wet it with soap and warm water and then swung it between my legs grabbing one end from behind and one in front and pulled it back and forth between my legs and then washed it out good what can i say other then It Worked for me I had a Open RNY distal and there was no way I could bend at the waist and for my first BM The nurse had to wipe my butt... I told her how sorry I was but there was no way in hell i could reach my ass... she laughed and so did I ...she was very nice and supportive I know there is device that stroke victems use check your local pharmacy that specializes in home health aids...good luck More people then you suspect have had this same concern
   — Kathleen M.

April 3, 2002
I too was VERY concerned about this since I didn't have a significant other help me. I made long strips out of old towels, wet it and pulled it from front to back while sitting on a dry towel. It really did work. I tried all the tongs, tools etc. This was the only thing that worked for me and only went on for a few days and then I could do it myself the normal way.
   — Cheryl H.

July 14, 2002
What I did was fairly similar. Matterfact, I've been doing it for about 2 years because of my ample butt size. I take an old tshirt and rip it into long strips, then take 2 baby wipes & tie them around the strip, then do the swishing back & forth. A 3rd wipe usually finishes job very well. I had my lap surgery 7/2/02 and at first had to have the nurses wipe my behind, but once I was home after 5 days, I was able to swish swish swish with minimal discomfort.
   — TONI L.

July 14, 2002
Look up mini bidet or bidet on your computer- I have used one of these for several years- as a matter of cleanliness in general - saves lots on toilet paper- You become sort of addicted to it. Just don't feel really clean without it- Do your homework on price - nothing fancy or even non heated water works fine for me. Charlene mai
   — charlene M.

February 17, 2003
http://www.all-bidet.com/ I found this site that offers a portable bidet but it is kind of pricey. I am assuming that a person could use an ordinary douche as a portable bidet on a temporary basis for a lot less cost.
   — ValorieG