Feeling useless

[9jababe]

I was just wondering if anyone else has had problems showering? I get so dizzy in the shower so I usually have a wash instead. And every part of me that’s touching my bed and duvet hurts. I’m tossing and turning all night and I’m exhausted so I sleep during the day. No quality of life because I never know if I’d be well enough to do anything. I just feel so useless and I’m tearful for no reason. It’s so hard to see a GP and I’m worried about taking too many pills because of my kidney issues. Sorry for long post.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello, I would see the doctor and take a close family member with you for support, 2 voices too get your point across red things are for you right now ,no sleep pattern being exhausted no wonder you feel tearful, take it day too day as many of us do this , you can post how you feel we need someone too listen , don’t get fobbed off at the surgery they have a duty of care , I took my best friend couple times , we did not leave until the doctor had listened , I really hope things will get better soon xx

[9jababe in reply to Yassytina]

thanks. X

[Loobielu]

Hi, I'm sorry you're struggling. How mad has the world become that the default is not to bother our GP and just suffer 😤. It's their blooming job and we are important too! Rant over lol! I use a shower stool which has been a life saver. I find the hot water helps with pain etc too. I also use it for brushing teeth, applying numerous creams etc, once again a life saver. I also understand the pain of the bed against my body that I'm like a chicken in a rotisserie all night. My poor husband sleeps separately from me now so I can spread out, fidget and moan when I turn over. I also use a heated mat placed over which ever area is most painful and this helps overnight. Best of luck finding some relief. Gentle hugs x

[9jababe in reply to Loobielu]

Hi. I love the idea of a heated mat. Thanks. X

[Loobielu in reply to 9jababe]

amzn.eu/d/8GxIEXB

This is the one I have from Amazon. I hope that link works, I was expecting it to be longer 🤔 x

[catherine19611]

i have felt dizzy in the shower too, it was that bad I had to get out and leave the shower for that day. I have also had vertigo a few times and it is also like that, the dizziness came on I n the same way and lasted about as long as one of those attacks

[9jababe in reply to catherine19611]

It’s so scary! I only showered when one of my kids would be close by in case I fell. I’m praying for a miracle, I need one. Thanks for responding. Xx

[SaaraMc]

I just don’t shower. I go in when my hair needs to be washed, every 8-10 days, and get in and out as quickly as humanly possible. I don’t get dizzy unless my blood pressure is too low that day, it’s a sensory thing of too many different sensations, cold, hot, cold again, wet hair, wet towel, clothes off, clothes on, what to do with the hair and the wet floor and eugh, just no.

I sit on the toilet lid to brush teeth etc though, in fact if there’s something to sit on anywhere, I’m sitting down instead of trying to stand.

My sister-in-law feels the same about the shower and she just fills the bath high enough to cover her legs and washes in that, the temperature changes are not so drastic and you have more control over the wet and where it touches. But even that sounds like a lot, to me.

Feel you on the GP. Mine seems to think a walk is the answer to everything, if you can be bothered re-dialing 150 times at 8am to try and get through and by some miracle they have appointments left. My psychiatrist is more sympathetic and has more time too, but he can’t do much for pain.

[MrsMouseSJ]

I also get dizziness/vertigo on a regular basis. I use a bath seat/bench which fits across the bath. This has proved invaluable. Mine was marketed as a bath seat rather than a shower seat. The latter tend to be plank-like with many slats and are an absolute pain to clean. Whereas my bath seat is a single piece of plastic with drainage holes and has a moulded area in the middle for the bottom and can be fitted with a handle at one end. I found one that weighs 5lbs without the handle. It's far easier to assemble than my old shower seat and just requires a quick wipe, air drying and the occasional squirt with cleaner.

[Daisymay2469]

Hi It's so difficult showers are now a nightmare washing hair i used to take it all for granted now it's all I can do in 1 day

And like someone said I wash but not shower regularly now the pain and fatigue is too much

I really need a walk in shower I tried a bath but my arms are in agony getting in and out

I have PoTS so my heart rate hits 150 so I feel worse then

Im considering a grant for walking shower or i need a plank type bath seat if anyone has any ideas on that would be great.

[KimiJay]

Yes. I don't like showering. A) ... it hurts, B) ... I worry about passing out in there, or just slipping ... Luckily when we converted a small bedroom into a bathroom I insisted on us getting a bidet too which is next to the loo. That was a brilliant move for me! It can be sat on either way round, you can strip wash using it and can sit on a large stool and wash feet in it. (Tiny gdghtr would joyfully wash hands using it too.)

Baths have to be handled with care too. Maybe depending on age etc. the local authority can provide a bath lift/electric blow up body lowerer if you have room. Could try asking your surgery if a nurse could visit to talk about the problems you have, but maybe I am being naive about that. Good luck!

[9jababe in reply to KimiJay]

Thanks so much about the bidet tip. I love the idea! I’ve not been in a bath since I slipped and fell in one a few years ago. I didn’t even know that there may be help for bathing. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[KimiJay in reply to 9jababe]

You're welcome. It hurts falling in the bath! I slipped in mine once trying to get out - had rolled over on to my knees to get up that way but when I held on to the outsides of the bath my left arm slipped for some reason and I fell forwards and sideways on to the bit underarm where it joins the ribcage. Now, I often use a dry flannel under each hand and that works to stop me slipping , but yes. You have to be vigilant and concentrate all the time. I also pull the plug to start the bath running out before getting up so that if I fall and knock myself out I will most likely not drown. I have a non-slip bath mat too in the bath but it needs replacing. I also use a bath thermometer that floats around in it. I never go above a 38 degree temperature either and I don't use bath oil or anything else that makes perfumed bubbles. They are lethal for slipping over on! - If I had my wish financially lol, I would put in a 'sit in' bath downstairs that I could walk into, sit down, close a little door and then let it fill up. Ideally with little lights!!! Some days though, especially if I am going to try and do some gardening, I very lazily use wet wipes. Good on journeys too. Talking to friends (when I get to see them) I find I am not alone in doing this. May a little luxurious soak come your way soon!