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Making Bathing Easier After Surgery
- Kyle Coppola
January 3, 2020
- A surgery changes life the instant an incision is made. When you wake up you will often find even the simplest tasks problematic and exasperating to accomplish. Recovering from a procedure is hard enough but when you factor in bathing and keeping your incision clean of infections, this can be the most daunting challenge of them all.
When trying to clean that delicate area there are certain intricacies that you will want to know before taking on the task of bathing after the procedure.
Now the style of which you are bathing truly does depend on the type of surgery but no matter what your injury entails your normal bathing routines will be affected. You will need to take the necessary precaution to avoid any further damage. We are all used to standing on our own in the shower, nevertheless this may not be possible due to restricted movements. Moving in the shower is tedious enough but adding in the various sizes showers come in, its best to adhere to these guidelines to best aid in your recovery process.How Long After Surgery Before You Can Take A Bath?
This is one of the tougher aspects during an invasive surgery and that’s keeping the incision area dry. Sure, hope you showered before the surgery! Yes, it may be recommended by doctors to delay showing up to 24 – 72 hours after surgery, Yikes!
As bad as that sounds its all to prevent infection and promote healing. Your incision is going to feel tender and you may end up smelling fairly ripe by the time you cleanse but when you do take a shower believe me its one of the greatest showers you will ever take in your entire life.
Doing something as simple as showering after a surgery may not sound like a big deal but it was for me. It’s the first step in trying to get things back to normal and that feeling is an incredibly uplifting experience.Make Sure To Shower But Don’t Take A Bath
Many doctors say that you should only shower after a surgical procedure. The reason behind that is because you want the ability to control the flow of water that is being directed toward the wound. If you take a bath this negates that, and the wound also gets wet.
If you are soaking in a bath tub the bandage could become dislodged, the incision could open and any foreign body that would be floating around in the water would have the chance to enter the wound. This is why taking a bath in the tub should come much later down the road in recovery.
There are many ways you can keep the incision dry after surgery but how?How To Take Care Of Your Incision After Surgery
As stated above be sure to keep your incision dry as requested to do so by your doctor. When your feeling well enough to hop in the shower make sure you have something satisfactory to cover that wound.What Is A Cast Cover?
Some of the best choices we have found out there are The Waterproof Leg Cast Cover and the Adult Foot Cast Cover. These devices are essential for recovery and these cast and bandage protectors will provide a watertight seal making showering difficulties a thing of the past. Ideal for use with casts, bandages, rashes, abrasions, burns, cuts or wounds among its many benefits.
The cast cover is designed to last the duration of your recovery, approximately 6-8 weeks. It is comprised of a heavy-duty vinyl and a non-latex membrane. The unit measures 26" from top to bottom and is 17" at the widest part. The unique seal is designed to custom fit most users. These are best used for leg and ankle type injuries but for shoulder and upper back areas we also have some ideas which will be highly beneficial.
Plastic bags are your friend especially for shoulder surgery and upper back surgery. When you drape a plastic bag like a cape this can aid in keeping the soap and water away from your incision during the shower. If you had a chest incision you would likely want to make the bag drape down like a bib. A plastic bag can be great deflector of water and keep your wound mostly dry.Helpful Bathing Options
Shower Bath Stools - Safety in the bathroom is a top priority for people with limited mobility. The Roscoe Bath Stool offers a space saving alternative to standard bath benches while providing the safety patients are looking for.
Shower Bath Chairs - If your going for a more comfortable bathing option if unable to stand try out the Shower Chair it offers a sturdy aluminum frame and is also adjustable depending on the person using it.
Shower Grip Bar - This likewise provides added security getting in and out of the bathtub, this easy to install grab bar is essential! Made of durable, white, powder-coated steel construction and a stainless steel locking mechanism, it's non-wearing rubber pads provide scratch-proof security.
The Roscoe Bath Stool offers a space saving alternative to standard bath benches 
Shower grip bars provides security getting in and out of the bathtub. Washing Safely - Follow Doctors Orders, End Of Story
At the end of the day the doctor is here to help guide you on your road to recovery. The specific list of instructions they give are meant for a reason. If you diverge and don’t listen to the instructions this can cause setbacks due to infections.
The last thing you want is to get your wound infected and wind up having an extended recovery period. The doctor should have provided you with a detailed list of these instructions when you were discharged so read them promptly. As long as you follow the guidelines it should set you up for a successful recovery.
If you like the bathing options listed make sure to check out some amazing options below. These watertight cast covers are a lifesaver and will empower your shower!
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