Does anyone else find taking a shower hard?

[Atibrat]

This probably seems like a strange question. I remember a time when I use to get up and take a shower without a thought.That was one of my first signs trying to get up and actually take a shower seems like such a chore and so much work.I know it is because I have no energy and I feel achy most of the time. I always feel better after I take a shower but oh what a chore it seems to be and I have to actually talk myself into getting up to do it.

[Whathappned]

This is not a strange question because some days I wish I didnt bother. I find it hard work especially lifting my arms. Even the heat at times, tires me out. I have always loved a hot shower but now it takes a lot of my energy. Never mind getting myself awake, up from the bed and in the shower x

[Atibrat Moderator LUPUS SUPPORT]

Hi Whathappened,

isn't it strange to have a disease which makes it hard to stand or lift an arm?

I saw a response you left about the spoons. I came across that story a few years ago and love it. Seems like such a great description of what life is like for many of us.

[Whathappned]

I found an adapted version helped explain my lack of energy to my son and daughter. It worked for a short while lol. I asked for help and got it- no moaning. Unfortunately Wayne and Wayneta are back now and take a bit more convincing that they WILL help lol.

[HopefulCC]

Hi Atibrat, firstly there are no strange questions - all questions asked give us the opportunity to learn something. I do understand the difficulty re the shower issue. Not only do you have to wake up (often after not getting much sleep), you then have to get yourself out of bed - also can be a challenge. Then get the arms moving to undress, actually go through the motions of washing yourself, if you're feeling very brave you can tackle your hair as well! Once all this is achieved there's a not so simple matter of drying yourself. Then of course redressing, etc. Sorry to sound so negative, it's just that I used to love my morning shower and now it seems like a marathon. I've started to have my shower at night-not quite the same I know but no time pressure, can stand and let the water wash over you. Hubby also bough me a towelling robe so I can just get out of the shower and pop it on, skip the drying self stage. Then instead of trying to get dressed and be presentable to the outside world, when I'm ready I can pop on the PJ'S and relax. If you find your hair needs attention in the morning, there's a good product available known as a dry shampoo. You spray it on dry hair, wait a minute or so, and then comb it through. It helps with any oiliness & also gives it some body. Sorry to take so long but wanted you to know you're not alone. I hope you may be able to get back to not dreading your showers and perhaps even to enjoying them again in time!

[Atibrat Moderator LUPUS SUPPORT in reply to HopefulCC]

Hopeful thank you so much for your reply. your explanation of just a shower makes it clear to me why now it is so hard for me. you are right it is like a marathon. I have pain in my joints and muscles. The act of undressing, standing, the arm movement of washing and drying is a lot for me. when I finally get that far I always take the opportunity for shaving. I love my shower but they take so much energy. I'm going to look online for the towel robe it is such a wonderful idea I have never thought of that. you we're not negative at all just explaining how things are now. no matter how much I think I have come to terms and understand this disorder I realize I have so much still to learn. I sometimes feel like I am being just being lazy so I maybe dealing with a bit of denial about this disease.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

I don't think this is a strange question at all. Living-with-lupus can be very hard, especially where people do not understand what lupus is and how debilitating and painful it can be.

We also have another website called the LuPUS Message Board where you can also post questions and talk to other people. Registration is FREE and we offer free information and free online psychological support. We specialise in psychological support with our own counsellor/psychotherapist available.

By becoming a Member, you will have access to the private forums and because they are private, only Members have access and even bots and search engines are forbidden.

When you register, please use the following format for entering your date of birth: nn-nn-nnnn where n=number. Please use the "-" separator and not "/".

Finally, please go to: lupus-support.org/LuPUSMB and Sign Up.

I look forward to talking with you more!

Sometimes we need to talk to people who understand and who are not family or friends.

Be well!

Ros

[pen727]

So glad you brought this up. Yes. I've recently gone to taking baths because just standing up for so long is hard. Also, the water pelleting hurts my skin. Bath or shower, I still lose hair and that's a downer. My skin peels terribly too. A friend gave me some baby oil gel that I applied before drying out and it worked so well--I was so happy, but five mins later, I was sitting in the couch, my skin feeling soft---and I started having difficulty breathing. I had a fairly significant allergic reaction, maybe to the petroleum, I don't know, and I was too exhausted to get back in the tub again. Tried to wipe off with wet towels.

Baths are a major stress--physically and psychologically.

pen. x x x

[georgie63]

I'm so glad other people feel like that too when its shower time. Its such a drain and i find myself making excuses so i don't have to have it...lol. But for quickness i dont bother drying myself at all really, as i have 3 lots of creams to put on after i come out, due to having itchy skin.

I read somewhere that putting creams on while skin is wet, locks in more moisture, so thats what i do now.

If anyone has other tips for quickness i'd love to see them...lol xx

[Hidden]

Hey Atibrat,

I'm a tad late coming across your post but I'm so glad I did! I feel the exact same way, its always comforting to know were not alone and this isn't all in our heads. I started a new blog in hopes that my fellow lupies will be open and share their journey with Lupus (first symptom, how your diagnosis went, your struggles, coping methods, ect) It is only by us sharing our story can we help others new and old to the disease, inspire other lupies, and give knowledge to those working for new and better treatments. To have your story posted on: laslobasanonymous.wordpress.com just email your journey to: [e-mail].

Hope you start to feel better and stay strong!!!!

[a_Scot]

If it is a bathtub-shower here are benches which fit across the bathtub allowing you to sit whilst having a shower ...

google.com/search?site=imgh...

[Wonderingif]

Yes!! I totally understand. Most days I can't. When I can't reconize myself in the mirror anymore,I wash my hair in the sink and give myself a sponge bath. I simply don't have the strength to shower.

[Lilrosie1]

Yea I feel you it sucks