Guest guest Posted June 17, 2003 Report Share Posted June 17, 2003 In a message dated 6/17/03 6:37:25 AM Central Daylight Time, writes: > We first got hand held showers in every bath in our house. Then we got an > adjustable one in our bath. That seems to help. Elie takes down the hand > held and turns the head to the way he wants the water - Usually the very > finest spray. We also taught him to sit in the shower first. Now he stands > > and balances himself. But out tub showers have LOTS of sticky adhesive > strips to lessen the chance of slip and fall. Ou shower stall has gritty > ceramic that seems slip-proof. He showers by the numbers. this is method we > > learned when at the boys' school. ! - Shampoo and rinse. 2 Face neck and > ears wash (we use nylon scrungie poufs. ) Also, we installed dispensers in > > the bath for soap and shampoo - no bars of soap or bottles of shampoo. 3. > chest and pits, 4 arms and legs 5 Privates fron and back. 6 rinse well. > > Drying the body is supposed to be the same, but Elie prefers to drip dry > with a towel on his shoulders. > > We can now stand outside the bathroom and just call out the numbers. That > is, unless he has taken a shower without us even knowing he is in the > bathroom. > > > > Sara - Choose to make lemonade, not complain about the lemons. Yikes Sara, would have my bathroom flooded using a hand held. He would also eat any soap in the dispensers. We used the hand held sprayer in the group home for some of the kids and they really helped. was much more successful in the shower when he was able to tell me how hot or cold he wanted the water. He wants it as hot as possible for washing but for doing hair it must be luke warm. Irma, do you have a shower chair for him to use in the shower. That may make him more comfortable. Karyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2003 Report Share Posted June 17, 2003 LOL, yep I visualized this with doing the same thing. Watering the restroom. So I figured I be prepared with close supervision and have some pics to remind him of the steps to follow for as long as it takes. I'm also prepared to get wet. Hmm, thats a thought with the chair, maybe he will feel like not losing any gravity or stimming to the rythmn of the water splashing. Sara or Karyn how did Elie or utilize their time during the steps? I have a feeling I'm going to have to make sure that does not take forever running the water with the first step and how long did it take for Elie or to understand once the shampoo is rinsed off? I always have the water ready for , I guess this would be another step to see how well he will do with the water temperature. Thanks y'all, this helps alot. Irma,,DS/ASD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2003 Report Share Posted June 18, 2003 We insist that he toilet before showering. That prevents most " accidents " . At first we did hand over hand for each step while verbalizing. Now we just say the number or sometimes what it represents. But this week he is taking showers alone. Is he really clean - well between the pool and the shower he is clean enough. HAir - we started with rinse until squeeky clean. Then we cut the hair very short so that it isn't an issue. Once a week or so my husband makes sure that there is soap all over but for the rest we are letting him do it alone. And yes he uses more water and takes longer. Tonight he showered after I had given up on helping him with him ignoring me. When I went down to eat, he decided to shower. I came upstairs as he was finishing - and he had his velcro wrap around his nether parts! He also had soap on his ear and chest, but he was certainly clean. then he let me shave him. Sara - Choose to make lemonade, not complain about the lemons. ----Original Message Follows---- From: " mum592001 " <ICANFIELD@...> Reply- Subject: Re: showering Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 18:21:26 -0000 LOL, yep I visualized this with doing the same thing. Watering the restroom. So I figured I be prepared with close supervision and have some pics to remind him of the steps to follow for as long as it takes. I'm also prepared to get wet. Hmm, thats a thought with the chair, maybe he will feel like not losing any gravity or stimming to the rythmn of the water splashing. Sara or Karyn how did Elie or utilize their time during the steps? I have a feeling I'm going to have to make sure that does not take forever running the water with the first step and how long did it take for Elie or to understand once the shampoo is rinsed off? I always have the water ready for , I guess this would be another step to see how well he will do with the water temperature. Thanks y'all, this helps alot. Irma,,DS/ASD _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 Carefully!! Seriously, if you are showering in a bath tub, which is why it is difficult, use one of the steps that they sell for aerobic exercises, or something similar. If necessary have one in the bath and one on the floor. It will greatly reduce the amount of lift and bend that you need. Chris > > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while > recovering post surgery? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 Hi Thats a good ideal what you put here .I used my cane and a bathroom scale that help a lot or my walker . Well you take care and have a Happy New Year. Susie -------------- Original message -------------- From: "cpsaunders2004" <cpsaunders2004@...> Carefully!! Seriously, if you are showering in a bath tub, which is why it is difficult, use one of the steps that they sell for aerobic exercises, or something similar. If necessary have one in the bath and one on the floor. It will greatly reduce the amount of lift and bend that you need.Chris>> Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while> recovering post surgery?> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 I was taught by my PT to do the following: (1) Sit on the edge of the bathtub, and swivel your rear end so that your legs come closer to the side of the bathtub. Make sure that the operated leg is the one closest to the bath. (2) Lift the operated leg and slide it over the bathtub side, making sure not to bend the knee and not to exceed the 90 degree rule for bending at the hip. (3) Do the same with the other leg. (4) Swivel so that both legs are in the bathtub. (5) Holding on to something, stand up. (6) If necessary, use a shower chair. Did that make sense? It's basically the same way I was taught for getting in and out of bed. I must make mention of the fact that here in Japan bathtubs are much deeper than in the U.S. (when you are in the tub the water comes almost to the neck), so sitting on the side of the tub is not difficult for a new THR recipient, as it's so high. I think an American tub would be too low for this method. Having written all that, however, I must admit that I gave this up after the first two tries at home, because I didn't have enough muscle strength yet to lift my operated leg up to the level of the side of the tub (had to pick it up with my hands). Worse, after the shower, when the tub sides were slippery, I kept feeling as if I were in danger of falling off the side of the tub. So, I gave up on this method, and devised my own, which was possible because I'm taller than the average Japanese for whom the tub was designed. Making sure that I'm holding on to something, I stand with my side to the tub, and put my good leg in. Then, with one leg in the tub and one outside, I bend my bad leg at the knee, avoiding bending at the hip as much as possible, and pivot so that both legs are now in the bathtub. The pivoting part is a bit dangerous, so I make sure I'm holding on to something firmly. I'm not sure that this explanation makes any sense, but it works for me. I live alone, and after being released from the hospital, I was reluctant to shower because I was so afraid of falling. A daily morning shower had been part of my routine all my life, and I started finding it depressing not to have that invigorating rush of hot water to start my day, not to mention that I started to feel dirty. If post-op depression is a problem for anyone reading this, as it was for me, figuring out a safe way to shower is an extremely important point! Also, the hot water promotes circulation, which is beneficial to the healing process. Shower away! At first, I took my cell phone with me to the bathroom every time I went to take a shower, just in case the unthinkable happened and I fell and couldn't get up. I don't do that anymore, but I do stick to the following rules: (1) Always be conscious of your body and how you're moving it. As you heal, you start to forget that you have a THR, and that's when you're most in danger of moving your hip in a way you shouldn't. (2) Always hold on to something when getting in and out. (3) If the tub floor is slippery, use a rubber mat or non-slip stick- ons on the floor of the tub. (I tried a rubber mat, but found that it was actually more slippery than the tub floor. We have extremely hard water in Tokyo, and the soap scum left on the bottom of the tub was actually more slip-proof than the rubber mat! So now I have an excuse for not cleaning my tub, ha ha ha.) (4) DON'T shower in a hurry. I'm always in a rush to get ready before going out, but being in a hurry can have disastrous results when you are trying to preserve your precious artificial joint. Give yourself extra time for showering so that you're not tempted to make some clumsy move that can compromise your joint! (5) And don't forget that the tub/shower is (as they are always saying) the most common site for household accidents, even for non- THR people. Be careful, but DO shower! By the way, I liked the idea about using steps for aerobic exercises. They sell the same kind of steps in specialty stores/catalogues for orthopedic aids/nursing devices, but I'm sure they cost a lot more than similar goods sold in sporting goods shops. Just make sure that the step is firmly secured. > > > > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while > > recovering post surgery? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2005 Report Share Posted December 31, 2005 In a message dated 12/31/2005 12:38:16 A.M. Central Standard Time, cpsaunders2004@... writes: Carefully!! Seriously, if you are showering in a bath tub, which is why it is difficult, use one of the steps that they sell for aerobic exercises, or something similar. If necessary have one in the bath and one on the floor. It will greatly reduce the amount of lift and bend that you need.Chris Like said, carefully. I have some of those sticky things on the bottom of my tub. But at 2 weeks, I didn't have much trouble at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2005 Report Share Posted December 31, 2005 Got the idea from my 94 year old mother who still has a daily bath by herself. Chris > > > > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while > > recovering post surgery? > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2005 Report Share Posted December 31, 2005 I haven't seen anyone mention " grab bars " , so I'll put in a word for them. My husband put one vertically on the front wall of our tiled tub-shower stall several years ago, and I couldn't get along without it. It's up about elbow to shoulder height, so I take hold of it and can easily step over the side of the tub. Since I had my right TKR Nov. 15 that bar has really proved its worth! My left ankle is badly arthritic and doesn't support my weight well, so this summer I got a bath seat. It's much better than standing up in pain, and I get a lovely hot shower in comfort. I don't call myself " handicapped " (except for getting the parking permit), I think of it as being adaptable. Barb in MI Barbara Ward Macomb County, Michigan __________________________________________ DSL – Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2006 Report Share Posted January 1, 2006 My husband bought a hand rail from Home Depot that attatched to the side of the tub. I used that for quite a while until I felt stable. Jackie >From: " julvalnat2002 " <julvalnat2002@...> >Reply-Joint Replacement >Joint Replacement >Subject: Showering >Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2005 00:24:31 -0000 > > > > > >Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while > >recovering post surgery? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2006 Report Share Posted January 1, 2006 I have glass shower doors, and so I hang on to the top rail, and pivot on my unoperated hip.and swing my legs into the shower/tub. This has worked better for me than the shower chair method. MJ Jane Le Kanides http://www.my.tupperware.com/maryjanelk Visit my online Tupperware store Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2006 Report Share Posted January 1, 2006 SO IF I PUT THE STOOL THAT I NO LONGER NEED TO GET INTO THE VAN INTO THE BATHTUB, I CAN SIT AND BATHE? INTERESTING. Got the idea from my 94 year old mother who still has a daily bath by herself.Chris> >> > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while> > recovering post surgery?> >> > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2006 Report Share Posted January 1, 2006 Hi I think thats great your Mother shes 94 still taking showing by herself I hope someone listens to make sure she ok . How old are you? My Mom died when she was 47 she be 83 if she was living I'll be 63 on the 23 of Jan. I think thats great you still have your Mom is she living with you? I have a Aunt that 89 today she does great except her eyes are bad other wise she walks better then me and can get down on the floor she has no Arthritis I guess not having her eye sight is just as bad .Well you take care and have a great day. Susie -------------- Original message -------------- From: "cpsaunders2004" <cpsaunders2004@...> Got the idea from my 94 year old mother who still has a daily bath by herself.Chris> >> > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while> > recovering post surgery?> >> > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2006 Report Share Posted January 2, 2006 Hi Susie She lives by herself in her own house with a garden, near London in England. She still does gardening, walks to the shops, and goes up to London by train once a week for the free concert given by Covent Garden Opera House to OAPs. She does get someone in to do the heavy housework and gardening, but still does her own washing etc. Shere has an emergency button and never locks the bathroom door. I am 66 but my brother died three years ago at 67, which set my mother back a bit. She says that the worst thing about growing old is that people keep dying around you. She thinks it is great that she has been drawing pension for 34 years and both her pensions are indexed, so she is better off than when she was working. Since she owns her house, has no car, doesn't drink or smoke, she ends up still saving money each month. Chris > > > > > > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while > > > recovering post surgery? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Hi I think its neat that your Mom lives by herself :-) I guess she never had Arithritis did she? Do you live close to your Mom? I know what its like to lose a brother I lost my younger brother last year in Sept .he would have been 60 in Feburary. Well you take care and have a nice day. Susie -------------- Original message -------------- From: "cpsaunders2004" <cpsaunders2004@...> Hi SusieShe lives by herself in her own house with a garden, near London in England. She still does gardening, walks to the shops, and goes up to London by train once a week for the free concert given by Covent Garden Opera House to OAPs. She does get someone in to do the heavy housework and gardening, but still does her own washing etc. Shere has an emergency button and never locks the bathroom door. I am 66 but my brother died three years ago at 67, which set my mother back a bit. She says that the worst thing about growing old is that people keep dying around you. She thinks it is great that she has been drawing pension for 34 years and both her pensions are indexed, so she is better off than when she was working. Since she owns her house, has no car, doesn't drink or smoke, she ends up still saving money each month.Chris> > >> > > Any tips on how the best way to get in and out of a shower, while> > > recovering post surgery?> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 She has Arthritis in one knee and in her fingers. I live in Canada - try to visit her twice a year, when funds permit. That is when I do my fellow hippy meets in the UK. Made many new friends that way. Chris Hi I think its neat that your Mom lives by herself :-) I guess she never had Arithritis did she? Do you live close to your Mom? I know what its like to lose a brother I lost my younger brother last year in Sept .he would have been 60 in Feburary. Well you take care and have a nice day. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2006 Report Share Posted January 5, 2006 Hi , Thats a bummer your Mom has Arthritis well at least she seems to be ok is she in a lot of pain? does she take medicine? Do you have to take medicine? I take Naproxen two times a day 500mg. How come your Mom doesn't live in Canada by you? Someday I liked to visit Canada I always think my Indian family live their. I have this one site it has people from UK and Canada and they are nice people its called HippieswithHumour@... I think you will like these people .Well you take care and have a nice day. -------------- Original message -------------- From: "cpsaunders2004" <cpsaunders2004@...> She has Arthritis in one knee and in her fingers. I live in Canada - try to visit her twice a year, when funds permit. That is when I do my fellow hippy meets in the UK. Made many new friends that way.ChrisHi I think its neat that your Mom lives by herself :-) I guess she never had Arithritis did she? Do you live close to your Mom? I know what its like to lose a brother I lost my younger brother last year in Sept .he would have been 60 in Feburary. Well you take care and have a nice day. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2006 Report Share Posted January 5, 2006 No medication for pain for me any more. My mother just uses Paracetamol (Tylenol). I doubt that I will ever persuade her to leave England at her age. Hi , Thats a bummer your Mom has Arthritis well at least she seems to be ok is she in a lot of pain? does she take medicine? Do you have to take medicine? I take Naproxen two times a day 500mg. How come your Mom doesn't live in Canada by you? Someday I liked to visit Canada I always think my Indian family live their. I have this one site it has people from UK and Canada and they are nice people its called HippieswithHumour@g... I think you will like these people .Well you take care and have a nice day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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