showering after surgery with no reconstruction

scaredashell07
scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
edited November 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

hello. when I was released I was told not to shower (at least that's what we thought) and now when I spoke to the nurse at the office she said I should be showering with drains in and all.. and that it might actually help healing and stretching, anyone recall if this is ok?

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Comments

  • rvgirl2016
    rvgirl2016 Member Posts: 67
    edited November 2016

    I've read that some surgeons say no to showering, and others, like mine say it's fine as long as I covered the incision with plastic.  I just used Saran Wrap :)  I was given a fabric strip to hang around my neck to pin the drains to.  It was clumsy, but felt so good!

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  • scaredashell07
    scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
    edited November 2016

    They didn't say to cover anything...maybe I should wait and call again tomorrow

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2016

    Surgeons all have different recommendations - I have had zero restriction where I could shower with stitches and drains, to total restrictions, depending on the doc. If you are not sure you should call your office before proceeding.

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  • ravzari
    ravzari Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2016

    My surgeon said it was okay to shower with the drains in if I wanted to, but I wasn't super comfortable with the idea of shower water getting into the area around my drain sites so I elected to just leave all my bandages and wraps on for the week I had the drains and:

    - Washed in the sink.

    - Made use of dry shampoo.

    - Made use of unscented baby wipes for the first few days when actual washing was just too much of an energy burner (and I'm not the sort of person that wants or would ask for help with washing, I'm still stubborn enough to choose being slightly dirty over having to ask someone to help wash me. :D ).

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2016

    My docs said I could shower if I kept the water off the drain holes. The easiest thing for that is Glad Press N Seal. Works like a charm for arms in casts, knee surgery, etc. But do confirm with your doc since each one has his own protocol.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited November 2016

    I was allowed to shower with drains in, as long as I didn't let the water hit directly on the sites. They had me stand with my back to the water.  I only used soap on the dirty places (you know), so only water on the chest area until the drains came out.  And I used a fresh washcloth every time.

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited November 2016

    My surgeon said to shower 48 hrs after surgery, use mild soap and dont blast water directly on drain holes or incisions. Be sure to be completely dry befor you re bandage!

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  • scaredashell07
    scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
    edited November 2016

    Thanks ladies!!!  Love this board

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