Tips foe showering after BMX w DIEP recon

Westphal107

Tips foe showering after BMX w DIEP recon

Westphal107

hello ladies,

I just got home yesterday after a 5 day hospital stay with double mastectomy and immediate DIEP reconstructiom. Pain management is still being adjusted to prevent so much break through.

I'm dying for a shower and wondered how best to accomplish this task. Can I get water on the incision sites? OR does my "shower" act more like a sponge bath? How do you wash your hair when you can't raise your arms that long?

Looking forward to any bit of "normal" that I can find. Thank you!

Moderators

Hi Westphel,

Great Question! We're looking forward to hearing from others on how they have managed bathing in the weeks and months after surgery.

You may like to read this section on the main site while you wait.

After Mastectomy And At Home Recovery

Best of luck,

The mods.

jenjenl

i used to pop a pain pill, wait for it to kick in then shower 😀

My dr said I was able to shower immediately with no restrictions. Others say bird baths until all drains are out. What did your dr say?

I looked forward to my daily shower since i felt gross and blah.

My DH would help me get in the shower then out since the cold would make me shake like crazy...i had mine in January. When i washed incisions i would just take a sponge worth soap and dab the site then wring it out over it.

Good luck, rest lots and walk when you can.

slv58

I was not allowed to shower until my drains were out, luckily they were out the day I left hospital. I purchased a bath stool and although I only needed it for about 2 weeks, it was welcomed. You have to bend your head down to shampoo due to arm restriction and being able to sit helped. I also didn't have the energy to stand that long, especially in that hunched posture.

GwennyMD

I am single and had help from sisters and DD for first 3 week. I had conflicting instructions from doctor's office and hospital surgical unit regarding showers. My first shower was a week after surgery. One sister, an RN, strictly forbid me from getting incisions wet. She instructed others to wrap my midsection (including drains in saran wrap so I could shower. I had to use shower chair for a few weeks. Washing hair was not a problem since I was 8 weeks PFC at surgery.

GwennyMD

I am single and had help from sisters and DD for first 3 week. I had conflicting instructions from doctor's office and hospital surgical unit regarding showers. My first shower was a week after surgery. One sister, an RN, strictly forbid me from getting incisions wet. She instructed others to wrap my midsection (including drains) in saran wrap so I could shower. I had to use shower chair for a few weeks. Washing hair was not a problem since I was 8 weeks PFC at surgery.

ThePrincess

Anyone have Tips for showering with a drain? I just got mine yesterday and first shower is tomorrow!

Thanks!!

sbelizabeth

Princess, showering after surgery is heaven. Pure bliss. Here's how I managed, with four drains.

Cut a long length of narrow ribbon--grosgrain works well--and string the loops of your drain(s) through it. Tie it in a secure knot and slip it over your head. Now you're wearing your drains as a necklace and there's no chance of dropping them.

Put a plastic stool in the shower so you have something to sit on. I just used the plastic step I have in my closet to reach my shoe shelf; it doesn't have to be anything fancy. A plastic lawn chair would be fine too. You just don't want to get dizzy and pass out in the shower. Have another adult hang around in case you need a hand.

It's OK to get your incisions wet; just let the shower water flow over them. You don't want to soak them, such as in a bathtub or swimming pool, but brief shower flow is OK. Use a mild soap on your skin. Be aware that the hot water may stimulate some itchiness of your skin, don't dig into it. Use a mild lotion.

Enjoy. Revel. Luxuriate.

ThePrincess

Thanks!! I can't WAIT!