My Home does not have a bath and I find showering makes me very breathless; does anyone else have this problem or is it claustrophobia?

[JoM49]

I have severe COPD (emphysema)

[Hidden]

Its the humidity with hot showers, maybe cool the water down a bit, Open a window in the bathroom, have a seat in the shower. If your shower is a small dark cubical that could be claustrophobic I guess.

[mikeadams51 in reply to Hidden]

The problem with small cubicles is there is insufficient air available, thus less oxygen, so when the shower is running warm humid air decreases the amount of oxygen available. I find a bath more easier to wash than small showers. Se whether occupational health will fit you a wet room giving you more air flow. Good luck.

[greatauntali]

It takes a lot of effort to have a shower in my experience. I have a grab rail and a shower seat.

Drying myself also takes too much effort so I just put on a robe and basically drip dry.

I, too, have severe COPD ( Emphysema ).

[2greys]

Both baths and showers take an effort. I have to leave the window and door open with a big pedestal fan blowing in through the door. My heart rate will go up to 155 bmp along with laboured breathing. It is still a doable task and hard work, but a no-no if the bathroom was not well ventilated. Others do not get this problem with steamy air, we are all different, but you are not alone with this issue. The water vapour/steam makes the air thicker/denser thus making it a bit harder to breath even before any physical effort.

[Kandi2 in reply to 2greys]

The seat -plus hand-hold-has made a really great difference! And a flush to floor shower tray, too.

Humidity seems not to be a prob, it’s the act of hair washing that takes the most out of me. But a sit n soak really comforting.

As we learn all the time, we’re all different! Makes life interesting for our doctors anyway 😊

[sassy59]

We don’t have a bath and Pete struggles with the shower sometimes. He has the window open and showers as quickly as he can. I help him dry off or he gets too breathless. Xxxx

[stone-UK]

Hi

Check your shower head, if it’s multi spray with a rubberised insert. Change for simple plain plastic chrome finish or metal.

The former emits a fine mist on the edge of spray pattern contains water droplets, which you breath deep into your lungs.

[Robin77 in reply to stone-UK]

I'm not very DIY - when you have a free moment could you perhaps illustrate with a photo? This sounds like very useful advice to me.

[stone-UK in reply to Robin77]

Hi

The shower head just unscrews from the hose, fit replacement with new seal supplied.

[Robin77 in reply to stone-UK]

OK. Thanks!

[Hacienda]

I'm very Lucky that The Council gave me a Bungalow fitted out for the Disabled. I have quite a large Wet room, with the correct Fixtures, I too pre plan my Shower Mornings, Thankfully my Oxygen Tube reach from the Bedroom, I have always loved very Hot water, I turn the heat down now, use minimum shampoo so less soapy suds to rinse, have a chair, hand rails powerful shower. Toweling Gown straight on, Great in Winter. No, not like the days of a Lavish Bath tub scents and wine...oooh, I'm dreaming., Ha Ha... ...... Love n Hugs xxxx

[Lilian226 in reply to Hacienda]

A towelling gown is a godsend. I never thought about it until I read it on HU, makes bath time much easier. Lilian xxxx

[tallmama]

The last time I had a bath I felt like a seal flopping about trying to get out a tub ! I am now stuck with shower over bath but like others have it to be quite an ordeal, too warm and tiring , could not get a breathe so its window open, fan on, low heat and in and out asap. And wrap in towels till dry , not ideal but best I can do.

[Smikra]

Yes it's difficult. I attached a hand held shower and turn it on and off, soaping in between. I sit most of the time and keep the shower head on pulse, not spray. Most days I do take a sponge bath instead.

[Meahem]

I have a wet room and yes it takes a lot out of you ,very breathless .i to have emphysema and severe copd

And find washing my hair has to be done at a different time

[Stumpy55]

Hello JoM49, I suffer with very severe COPD Emphaseama, and I have a wet room with shower no bath. I have a seat in mine, but because of breathlessness at any amount of energy, my husband showers and helps me to dress. ✋️😊

[MoyB]

A couple of years ago we had our bathroom converted to a wet room ie just a shower, basin and toilet in it. Everyone has commented on what a good idea it is and how well it has been done - but I still got loads of bath essence and bubble bath for my birthday! Lol! People just don't think, do they? Ah well, they'll go in a raffle some time!

I went for the shower because climbing in and out of the bath was awkward and I had a couple of vertigo attacks and asthma attacks that made it difficult to get out. I do find the shower takes it out of me, though. xx Moy

[Bryju124]

I try to open the window slightly whilst I shower I do find this helps me as I too have very severe emphysema