Question:
How can I explain this to my doctor...Hygiene Issues

I am 5'2" almost 300 pounds and I have short arms short legs, my stomach hangs past my private area, and my back side is very very big. My problem is that I have such a hard time washing and wiping that I am pulling all of the muscles in my back. Both my low back, mid back and my shoulders feel like I'm pulling them out of socket from the struggle. I haven't mentioned how bad it is to my doctor because I just don't know how to say it in a way that I can still preserve my dignity. I have an appointment with him on Thursday and have decided that I am in too much pain not to mention it to him. He has already given me a letter of medical necessity refering to my back pain, but I feel it's an emergency now. What can I do? And does anyone know how I can ease the discomfort in the meantime? Thanks.    — K T. (posted on July 17, 2001)

July 17, 2001
This is a very common problem amongst us larger folks. I began having this problem when I creeped up towards 300 lbs too. I began to use baby wipes wrapped around a cheap wooden long spoon, or long tongs ($1.98 at Walmart). This prevents stretching the lower back and arms, which never helped 'cause I couldn't reach down there anyway! My advice is to tell the doctor the truth. Have you been approved for surgery yet? If not, this certainly would be a good obesity hazard that should be included in your medical records. You'll want to have all your medical problems written down for the insurance companies. Good luck, and don't be embarrassed. I found lots of folks on this website who experienced the same problem...and they gave great advice on how to work with this problem!
   — Kristy J.

July 17, 2001
My big friends tell me they stand up, turn around and put one foot on the toilet, and they are able to reach much better to clean themselves. - Kate -
   — kateseidel

July 17, 2001
Hi! Check out this website www.amplestuff.com. You will find many items that help with personal hygiene. Call their 800 nbr and get their catalog. Hope this helps.
   — Andrea S.

July 17, 2001
I would not worry about the dignity issue. He is a doctor. Tell him the facts as they are. The fact is that us larger people (I weight 339) have this type of problem. But think of the up side. After the surgery, it will go away. And to the person that said to stand up and put their foot up on the stool, THANKS! I will try that.
   — David R. R.

July 18, 2001
I think if you simply tell your doctor that you are having trouble with taking care of your personal hygiene and its hurting your back, he will certainly understand what you are talking about and you won't need to go into details that would embarrass you to share. Although at the same time, doctors hear so much on a daily basis, I'm sure this is nothing new to them among their larger patients. Or, for that matter, among patients with a variety of health problems that make them less mobile. I'm about 240 lbs but carry much of my weight in the belly area. One of the problems that led me to the desperation I feel to lose this excess weight is that I'm starting to have trouble with the same hygiene care. The simple task of using a tampon has become more difficult. I'm not incapacitated yet, but will be well on my way if I don't lose the excess weight. One of the benefits of this surgery that I'm so looking forward to is being able to care for myself with the ease that I used to take for granted. This is a problem that I'm willing to bet most if not all of us has experienced at least on occassion. You are not alone.
   — [Anonymous]

July 18, 2001
I've already answered you in private email... but to share this information with others who may not have thought about it: with a bmi of 70 + I can no longer take care of the post potty hygiene. I was very honest with my doctor about this who gave me a life saving idea of using a variable intensity detachable shower head with a long cord. If you put your foot up on the shower it can help you get those hard to reach places. Granted this is not convenient to do after ever time you go potty, but it gets me clean and helps tremendously when I have no one around to help me. It was also before I swallowed my pride to ask for help that I had a lot of very bad urinary tract infections from improper hygiene, so please tell your doctor and hope this advice helps.
   — [Anonymous]

July 18, 2001
I too have trouble with "self cleaning" shower is not to bad I prop my leg up and have the adjustable shower head with hose; but I feel like going to the restroom is becoming harder and harder, I sometimes try to shift some weight and reach as far as I can or clean through the back; thank you for your question I felt like either something was wrong with me or that I was the only one having problems with this sensitive subject...
   — [Anonymous]

July 18, 2001
I, too, am 5'2" with short arms and legs. I weigh 242 and have a bad back, taking care of my personal hygiene has become increasingly worse the past year. I am so glad that you posted this question, the answers given have made me feel I'm not alone in this struggle. I also put my foot up on the side of the tub and it helps with cleaning. I think if I gain even 10 more lbs though, wiping will be impossible, and I'll have to check out that website for amplestuff to get some help.
   — Joni W.