Bathing

[Leaandlinda]

My husband is 25 days post CABG, however since returning home has been strip washing daily for fear of getting in the bath (we don't have a shower). We attempted the bath about 14 days ago, however he had s major panic on how to lift himself out because of his chest wound and causing any damage. Has anyone else experienced this, how did you overcome it and have you found a way in/out that minimises pressure on your upper body. Any advice would be great as I am sure he would find it so relaxing 🙂

[Hidden]

Hello there - getting out of the bath is certainly a challenge soon after surgery! It might be worth contacting the specialist nurse team at the hospital where he had his surgery, they might be able to recommend something clever to put in the bath to help him out. I'm not aware of anything myself but there are all sorts of ingenious aids out there!

Take care, Chris

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi Leaandlinda,

You are nearly a month down the line now- I hope you are starting to feel better!Like Chris has said,this can be a very challenging, nerve wracking thing to think about when it's something you have been able to take for granted!

It takes roughly 6 weeks for the breastbone to do its initial healing( like any broken bone) but you are right in being a bit protective at the moment. Do you have any relatives/friends/neighbours you know well enough to use their shower so you can at least feel clean all over?! As long as your wounds are clean,dry and healing well this shouldn't be an issue at all.

There are a couple of things I would suggest in the first instance. Invest in a non slip bath mat( your safety is VERY important at this stage) and some people have a low footstool so it's easier to get in and out of the bath rather than climbing in and out( especially if you have an incision running down your leg).

When you do eventually have your bath- don't have the water too hot or too deep- if you feel unwell/dizzy because of it,getting out will definitely be a challenge.. for the same reason,leave the door unlocked.

I hope this has helped- I have spoken to many people about this over the years. When you start the cardiac rehab programme, it's often a talking point amongst other like minded people!

Take care and enjoy it when you get there!

Philippa

[Heather1957]

I have had 1 bath since my surgery nearly 11 weeks agoand that was after 7/8 weeks, luckily I have a shower. I did manage to get out of the bath but am still not confident.

Why not see if you can get an attachment for the bath taps like we used to get years ago, he could then shower himself off while standing in the bath.

What a friend has suggested to me is to climb into an empty bath (fully clothed ) with someone in the house who could get me out if I got stuck. Just to see if I could get out.

As I said I can still shower so am lucky but do understand your husbands concern as I am afraid that I won't have the strength to pull myself out although my plan would be to turn over onto my front and get up on my knees, I would take a small towel into the bathroom with me for just that purpose.

My concern is strength as opposed to my scar. I hope you find an option if not go to someone's house he'll feel so much better having a shower rather than a wash down.

I would also suggest he seek advice prior to having a bath as I think 25 days too soon.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there, difficult one because of the chest wound but I tried. Unless you fancy a load of bath water over the floor then empty some out before attempting this not all though as he'll need the buoyancy as an aide. He should slowly roll over to his side and use his knees and hands to lever himself. It will take time and patience but it does ease the whole chest worry, water will still gp everywhere mind! Good luck

[Heather1957]

After reading this yesterday I was encouraged to have bath no 2 today which went okay and I even burned some candles and relaxed. I took 2 phones into the bathroom with me just in case.

I do hope leaandlinda that you soon find another option but getting in and out of the bath after a few months is quite hard so make sure your husband is ready, both medically and physically.