A Matter of Some Delicacy

[MadMac]

Good Morning All,
I'm a new guy here waiting to go into surgery on 03/02 for mitral valve repair or replacement depending what the surgeon finds once he's inside. I have had about three weeks to ruminate on the issues that will surround the post operative period. Things like getting in and out of bed, getting dressed and the like. The one thing that has me worried, and pardon the indelicacy of the issue, but toilet hygiene has been the one pressing issue of all the considerations surrounding recovery. Is that going to be easier than I think or just what, I guess is the question. My wife suggested that she just take me out in the backyard and hose me down, but I think she is trying to keep the tempo a little upbeat here before surgery. I would appreciate the gaining the product of all of you fine folks experience.

Thanks,

Mac

 

[Karlynn]

If you're walking and getting in and out of bed on your own, or even with assistance, your concern shouldn't be an issue.

And welcome!

 

[RandyL]

Allthe things that you mention you will be doing at the hospital before you come home ie. getting in and out of bed,walking, and using the toilet.

 

[geebee]

I don't know - hosing down sounds like a good solution and may even be a little fun.

Seriously tho, you may need to have someone around to help you in and out of the shower if you have a high tub to step over. If it is just a shower stall, you should be fine.

We always suggest having someone in the house for the first couple of weeks just in case.

 

[Mary]

Using the restroom will be a piece of cake compared to getting in and out of bed!

 

[Nancy]

You should be fine, but perhaps your wife will have to help you some the first few days. It's really not a great big deal. If there is cleanup to be done in the areas where "nature calls", get a small box of gloves in the market and some baby wipes. They work really well for a quick "touch up". Get the more expensive kind, they are usually a little more substantial.

I always give Joe bed baths in the hospital and help him when he is in bad shape. I think nothing of it. It's just a wife helping her husband.

That kind of thing won't last long, if it is a problem at all.

 

[Georgia]

Never had a problem. You'll be surprised how much range of movement you have. And ditto the getting out of bed - that can be pretty complicated.

 

[tobagotwo]

Unless you have complications, you'll be on your own. You'll have a Foley catheter the first day or so. Thanks to morphine, you probably won't have to worry about the other outlet for another day or so. Barring big complications, you won't need assistance for that when it does happen.

Care with the shower is a good thing. Roll off the bed slowly, and don't push up your arm or brace yourself with your arms.

Best wishes,

 

[KAJ]

Mac,

My wife had to help me in and out of the shower for the first couple of weeks after my surgery. She also had to wash my back side. There was no way I could wash that area without some help. Be careful when sitting down and getting up from the toilet.

Karl

 

[RitaAnn]

Hi Mac,
I found it useful to use a chair in the shower. My husband picked up one at the local pharmacy for $32.00. It has handles built in and thick rubber pads on the feet so it doesn't slip. They also sell them at WalMart and such. The first 3 weeks I definitely could not shower on my own. Even as I got better at it I made sure that someone was close by (...just in case...).

Welcome, and good luck
Rita

 

[RitaAnn]

... a couple more things...

... a couple more things...

Sorry, just paid attention to what you were really asking.

I think that for a least the first week you may find yourself sitting and not standing. Aiming may be bit of a problem 'cause it's its a bit hard to look downward (especially if they do a cath on you). (Check with the other guys about that, though). When sitting down I found it easiest to just back myself up to the commode until I could feel it on the back of my legs. Keeping your head and chest up straight, squat until you're seated. You can use one of your hands between your legs to guide you and to help balance you as you lower yourself towards the seat.

The only other problem I had was if I let my pants fall to my ankles. Then you have to manuever to get them back up.

Rest assured that these orchestrations last only a relatively short time. You'll be surprised at what you mange to finagle.

Rita

 

[Paul_N]

Valid question. We bought a thicker seat for the toliet. You can find them in Walgreen type stores. I'm 6'-5" so getting on the seat is a little farther away for me anyway. I don't remeber what it cost, but it was worth it. Don't worry ... you'll be able to reach just fine. Just make sure you get up slow when it's over. Getting up to fast can or will make you dizzy.

We also have those plastic type chairs for around our pool. We put one of those in the tub for the first few weeks to making showering a bit easier. My dad also swapped out the normal shower head with one of those sprayer types that you can hold in your hand. My wife gave me showers for the first couple of weeks. For which I'm grateful. Nothing could beat that first shower after surgery!

 

[Lotti]

Functionality

Functionality

I agree with everyone here.
First few days you will have a cath in and you don't even need to think about peeing. It never ceased to amaze me when they emptied my cath bag and I thought. Huh? Well it wasn't me.... I havn't peed. Then once you're mobile the cath comes out. no big deal at all I might add. If you're very shaky on your feet the nurses bring a commode chair to your bed side and then help you on if need. They then leave you in peace...thank goodness. I had a nurse bed wash me the first few times as I could not stand, by myself. Acombination of weakness, and wires and tubes. The first shower, was rather orgasmic, and I'm glad I had my own room. My mum stayed outside ready to come to my aid if need be. Hospitals here don't let you go home until you can shower by yourself and walk up and down stairs. The physios are brilliant.
Wishing you all the best for your up coming mountain climb. Believe me it will not be an issue.

Lotti

 

[MadMac]

Thanks to you all

Thanks to you all

Many thanks to all of you who jumped in and offered opinions and ideas in response to my inquiry. I appreciate it very much. Pre-surgery consultation tomorrow and then, on Thursday, the big show. I'll be glad to get it done and start working on getting back to normal. Thanks again.

Mac

 

[Praline]

Good luck on ypur surgery

Good luck on ypur surgery

Good luck on your surgery.

 

[hensylee]

you asked "is it going to be easier than I think?". Yes, it is........

unless they injure you or break a leg during surgery.