Bath-ing after foot surgery

[Saz94]

Right, so my toenail is ingrown again and it looks like I am going to have to have the surgery after all. Sad face.

Here’s the kicker: I have to keep my foot dry for maybe 6 weeks after the surgery.

There are things you can buy for protecting your foot in the shower so that it doesn’t get wet. However, I’m not sure that they would make it okay to submerge your foot in a bath - I feel like if submerged then some water would get in?

Problem is, I find showers MUCH more tiring than baths. (Partly due to the noise of the shower, and partly due to not having the water to support my weight like you do in the bath.)

Does anyone know if there’s a way to safely bath without getting your foot wet?

(I have just experimented now with keeping my foot out of the bath whilst having a bath, and that’s not feasible lol, even more tiring than showering.)

 

[Shadrach Loom]

Shower chairs deal with most of the problems, if not the noise. Use earplugs?

 

[Trish]

Maybe give up on showers and baths for the 6 weeks and have flannel and basin washes instead. Or shower less often and use washes in between. I agree shower stools or chairs are a big help.

 

[Saz94]

Shower chairs deal with most of the problems, if not the noise. Use earplugs?

Ear plugs dampen the noise but the noise is still very tiring for me
Shower chairs do not solve the problem either - they’re not supportive, it’s just as tiring to sit in one as it is to sit in the shower without a chair.

 

[Kitty]

Oh, what a pain! It really is hard to to keep bits of you dry, as I know from having plaster casts. The best thing my former housemate came up with was (don't laugh) a well-inflated child's swimming armband fastened under her ankle. It meant her foot would float, but without her putting any effort into it. It's apparently a bit awkward to get into the bath, but getting out you can at least let some of the water run out to make it easier.

Hope you find a workable solution.

 

[Saz94]

Maybe give up on showers and baths for the 6 weeks and have flannel and basin washes instead. Or shower less often and use washes in between. I agree shower stools or chairs are a big help.

Trying to wash myself in a basin would be far more tiring lol

 

[Shadrach Loom]

Ear plugs dampen the noise but the noise is still very tiring for me
Shower chairs do not solve the problem either - they’re not supportive, it’s just as tiring to sit in one as it is to sit in the shower without a chair.

Commiserations. Someone should really invent a shower chaise-longue.

 

[Trish]

Yes, I can see that. I find baths too difficult because of getting in and out. We're all different. Would you have anyone who can give you a bed bathe?

 

[Saz94]

Yes, I can see that. I find baths too difficult because of getting in and out. We're all different. Would you have anyone who can give you a bed bathe?

Honestly I think I would hate that
I need to properly wash myself off in water!
(Also my mum definitely wouldn’t do it, I CAN shower it’s just exhausting)

 

[Saz94]

Okay I found a website that sells protectors that can be submerged in water

it’s all good

https://bloccs.com/

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

I have never tried to achieve this but if faced with the problem I would try:

1. Putting the smallest latex glove you can get to fit onto the bad forefoot. It might help to put some tubigrip round the foot first so that there are no places water can trickle under the glove.

AND

2. Putting a stool-type structure at the foot end of the bath with a top that was just above waterline. Get into the bath with the good foot and lie down with the bad foot resting on the stool.

 

[JemPD]

I completely agree & have same problems with showers Sarah, i find it almost as hard to balance on a shower stool than to stand on my 2 legs. Although to be fait that might not be the case in a proper shower stall, rather than the little stool i can fit into the bath (over-bath shower). And the racket it makes... ugh, although i love the sensation of it.

Perhaps you could try wearing several cast protectors all at same time time so a foot protector, over a lower leg protector, with a full leg protector over the top? these i mean...

Cast Protectors and Covers | Millercare

then perhaps what seeped through the leg/lower leg ones would be minimal enough not to make it through to the foot.

dunno might not work or be feasible, just an idea.

Given the consequences of getting it wet, especially for us where just havig to make an extra phone call let alone a visit to a nurse/hospital if it goes wrong, i think if it were me i'd be just using the full body bed bath wipes & not bothering with bth or shoewr. Particularly as it will be sore & you wont want to knock it if you get wobbly while showering.

Have you used the full body wipes, they're quite good.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

I see you found the commercial version - which looked as if it might cost 'an arm and a leg' but at £22 is maybe not so bad!

 

[JemPD]

2. Putting a stool-type structure at the foot end of the bath with a top that was just above waterline. Get into the bath with the good foot and lie down with the bad foot resting on the stool.

This is a good idea, but lowering yourself down with one leg, will require a lot of strength. You can get those bath lifts like this Bellavita Bath Lift - Blue - NRS Healthcare Pro

bit pricey, but would help so you could step in with good leg & put your foot on the stool, sit on the seat & let it lower you into the water. You'd still want to be making the foot water proof with something though like Jonathan says - in case of slips or splashes

 

[Trish]

This thread is now closed at Sarah94's request, as she has found a solution. Thanks everyone for suggestions.