To shower or not to shower?

Options
Nursepatient35
Nursepatient35 Member Posts: 166
edited February 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Wondering if anyone has any good tips on how to clean themselves after a mastectomy with drains. My priority is no infection but I'm also worried I will be absolutely disgusting if I don't shower for 2 weeks or whenever these drains come out. I've been using baby wipes but still feel gross.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited February 2018

    I had skin/nipple sparing BMX and was able to shower the next day. See what your doctor says in your particular case. I had what looked like Saran Wrap over my incisions but nothing covering the drains other than some gauze that we had to replace daily. I did use Dial antibacterial soap. I did not really wash the drain area but more just let the soapy water run over the area. I recommend a shower chair and someone to help at first as the drains are a pain to maneuver at first, as is washing your hair/head My nurse made me a "necklace" out of IV tubing to connect and hold the drains in the shower but a lanyard works well also. Showers made me feel a million times better. Hopefully your doctor will clear you for showers too. If not Sams club has some disposable premoistened adult washcloths that work well. You could at least clean up with that. Best wishes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited February 2018

    do you have surgical glue over your incisions? If so you should be able to shower 1-2 days after surgery. If not, see what your dr or discharge paperwork say. You can string the drains on a lanyard-you can pick one up at Walmart easily. String them on the lanyard itself not on the little clip that dangles down in front. Letting the soapy water run over the incisions is one option. Using a clean soapy washcloth to gently pat (not rub) along the incisions is another. Antibacterial soap like Dial or Safeguard works. If those are too harsh on your skin, Neutrogena body wash is an option (that’s what NOLA uses prior to and after surgery at their hospital), dove (not the exfoliating kind) or ivory soap are good options as well. If you can, keep the water from directly hitting your incisions until they’re healed.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited February 2018

    I was allowed to shower a couple of days after my BMX. I had a clear plastic dressings over the drain holes and surgical glue over the incisions. We installed a hand-held shower head and I sat on a plastic chair. I used a lanyard to hold the drains.

    Showering makes a huge difference, but have some help on hand for the first time or two.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories