Yesterday I was careless enough to drop a heavy chopping board which took a fair chunk out of my shin just above the ankle . Too deep for stitches apparently I have a webbing of strips and lots of padding comprising a pressure dressing . Warned not to get it wet and having to wait five days before it can be looked at the nurse gave me a plastic bag and some tape to use in the shower . I tried it tonight and emerged with the bottom of the bag full of water though fortunately the dressing was dry .
Has anyone got some tips ,maybe someone who has had a plaster that will enable me to shower successfully . Thanks Pp
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Pinkpeony
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Use a bag that contained a loaf to put your foot into, then buy some waterproof sellotape and hope it will stay stuck to skin? Or waterproof sticking plaster to stick the bag to skin?
This would be my solution. Also I would sit down in the tub and prop my lower leg out to keep it dry before adding water to the bath. Get out the same way by draining the bath first. You may have to sit in the tub backward depending on which leg is injured. I would also suggest if possible to have someone in the house with you in case you need help getting in or out. If you are by yourself have your phone within reach in case you need to call for help. If it were me I would put a large towel in the tub to sit on. Keeps one from sliding while getting in and out. Or you could just wash as much as possible at the sink. Not a very satisfactory bath but your injured leg would stay dry. Goodluck and take care. irina
Not a medic, this might be wholly inappropriate, but...
Have you thought of one of the "plastic skin" products? When I last had a serious gash in my hand, they slapped some superglue (special medical sort - not hardware store variety) on. It was wonderful at holding it all together and keeping it protected from everything.
When I got my pacemaker, instead of sutures 'skin glue' was used. I was told don't try to peel it off just let it flake off in it's own time (showers help'). Being a nurse, of course I tried to help it along. But the glue is designed to dissolve over time giving the incision time to heal underneath. And "OWWWW" is the right word. The whole process took about three weeks. So please don't try to remove it yourself. It won't work and may damage your skin. Just a word to the wise from the impatient. LOL. irina
I tried cling film after having a biopsy to lower leg but higher up than your injury. I found the problem with cling film was sealing it close enough to keep the water out. The white dressing tape is quite good for a temporary seal but use several strips one slightly above the other so if the first one leaks it only goes through to the next layer. I used plastic document wallet plastic underneath the dressing tape. Also tried to keep the water off by keeping my leg out of shower as far as possible. You have my sympathy in this weather too. Quite a tricky operation. Just make sure you don’t have another mishap showering on one leg xx
I got a fab plaster cover from the internet when I broke my ankle. It worked a treat but probably not worth it for just 5 days. If you need to use it for longer it's worth it but I think it cost about £12. It had a flexible ring that fits tight around limb at top end, waterproof sleeve right down to cover foot. You have to be careful not to slip. Best to use a stool in the shower. I commandeered a plastic garden chair instead.
Thanks for that . It's a pity that Boots don't sell something , It may be worth asking . I think possibly another dressing will be done on Friday . It's very painful . Pp
I did see an article not too long ago about unless we are really dirty or sweaty as we get older we really don't need a bath every day. Better for our skin if we bathe or shower every 2 or even 3 days. Especially in the winter when the bathroom is cold I sometimes bathe every 2 but wash my hair every day over the kitchen sink. I like clean hair and my C Pap head strap makes my hair stick to my head.
I'm looking for a machine that will wash 2 right brains. Doubt I have a left one! Can't type, can't do math! Don't know where the box is I'm supposed to think outside of.😋
It's on my'to buy' list. Off topic. Books can really help by changing our perspective. Some years ago when I was diagnosed with ADD (the daydreamy type-not hyperactive.) I was pushed onto Ritalin (horrible). Stopped that on my own. Then I read a book "You mean I'm not lazy, stupid, or crazy?" It was a game changer for me. I've since looked at my ADD as a creative gift. I would like to see the day come when it is removed from the DSM as a disease and seen for what I think it is-just another way the brain works. But unfortunately currently not viewed this way by those who can only think traditionally. As always, just my opinion!🐱
Boots sell a product for covering plaster casts and dressings. It's waterproof and works well. Bloccs waterproof protector costs about £18 comes in different leg lengths, short is best for shin injury.
If you are worried about slipping while showering try putting a hand towel down in shower to stand on.
Susie thanks for your reply . Unfortunately the five days is just for in inspection and I'm thinking it will probably lead to a further dressing . This hot weather doesn't lend itself to ' top and tailing ' really but I shall play it by ear . Pp
Sounds like a really nasty wound, Pinkpeony (love your screen name, by-the-way!). Hope you get better soon! I'm really old, so I'm afraid to use the shower/bathtub anymore. I was up every single day...works for me, but I totally get it for you!
Susie I'm 76 so the idea of hanging one leg over the bath or even an ankle fills me with the collywobbles 😱 The problem i I can only wash my hair standing under the shower otherwise washing this and that wouldn't be a problem lol Pp
"Collywobbles?" HAHA!! That's funny, Pinkpeony! Made me laugh out loud! Yes..I'm 70 and have osteoporosis, so no more showers/baths for me. I wash my hair standing up and the kitchen sink and only wash it once a week. My hairdresser says that's better anyway..people was their hair too much.
Probably the best idea. After all when we're in the hospital we don't usually get good soaking, clean baths. One of the first things I imagine many of us do after hospital discharge is take a hot shower and wash our hair! (And if we are cardiac patients we get to peel off the 800 sticky EKG leads they've left on our bodies. In the US everytime you go to a different dept for tests, procedures, etc, they seem to need different sticky leads as each dept has it's own style. But they never peel off the old ones. We get to that when we get home and by that time they are REALLY stuck on! LOL irina
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xx 
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