I need some advice about being a patient!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

That's right, I'm gonna be on the other side of the bedpan ;p

I am gonna have a pretty big operation next week, and am I worried about chemo? Nah. What about radiation? No. What about blood clots or dying? Newp. The thing that has me in a stew is...that's right, you guessed it...how does an old fat gal who's nearly cut in half wash her personal area? Let alone wiping after going to the bathroom. oh, vanity, vanity...

Who's got some cool and groovy tips for me? I probably won't be able to bend much or twist at all. I'm getting all my hair cut off tomorrow so I can wash it with a washrag. I should throw in, probably, that i am a wheelchair user. I can stand on 2 legs for a bit, but standing on one leg probably isn't gonna happen. I found some flushable wipes that might be useful. I already stocked my freezer and fridge with food that doesn't require anything but a minute of microwaving. I have a big bag of yarn, a big sack of books, and a big list of TV shows and movies, all acquired for me by my son, possibly the most wonderful human being in the world, in my honest, clear-sighted, and objective opinion. I'll take all the advice I can get!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Oh I wish I had some to offer u!

U will be in my thoughts and prayers (if that's ok with u) while you're undergoing all this - hope u are able to heal quickly!

Hugs!

Anne, RNC

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Be careful with the flushable wipes. More than one can clog the toilet and be difficult to resolve. Ask for a pre-op OT consult as they can have a wealth of tips for modifications of ADLs

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Agree with above. Request an OT consult, there is a ton of adaptive equipment available to help you and OT would be the ones to steer you in right direction. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, guys, I didn't even know you could ask for an OT consult. And thanks for the tip about the wipes; I've never used them and the last thing I am gonna need is a stopped-up toilet, hehe :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You would be amazed at some of the low & high tech resources OT's have and create to foster independence with ADLs whether short term (post op, post long hospitalization) and long term (CVA, post STEMI etc)

It was thanks to OT and PT that I walked out of the facility (albeit with a cane and some devices) after a severely deconditioning week long stint on a ventilator due to status asthmaticus. The hospital insurance wanted instead of using the local rehab that treated all ages wanted to send me to the sub acute unit of an affiliated LTC (average age of patient was 78! I was 28!).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sending positive thoughts your way for a speedy recovery! It's hard to be on the other side of the bedpan for nurse, we just are not wired that way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Critical Care Nursing.

I agree with the above posters about the OT consult, and had a possible suggestion that came to mind. I've seen those loofah sponges attached to extension handles for scrubbing you're own back, etc, but I wonder if there is something similar in the bath aisle, minus the loofah that you can wrap those wet wipes on for peri care? That way you won't have to struggle to reach, and if you're worried about your toilet clogging, just throw the wipes in the trash instead of flushing them.

I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through all of this, just know that we will all be thinking of you and sending you well wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How about a peri bottle?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Sitz bath like they use post-childbirth?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sure ANY nurse, once hearing of your concerns, will fall all over themselves to help you find ways to stay clean AND get in there and make sure you are clean :) :)

That's the worst humiliation, I think, at least what I saw. Patients are very upset about personal odors and cleanliness down there but are embarrassed to ask for help. If they were unable to do it themselves AND unable to get the gumption to ask, I mean, what hell on earth is that? So I just assumed, la de da, that EVERYONE might want or need a little help down there, and made sure I asked in an oh so diplomatic and offhand way :D "Could you use a little help in there, a fresh soapy wipe, or . . . .?" if the person was overweight, weak or had limited ROM.

I totally relate . . . that's what I'd be worried about too lol :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They do make handles for wipes and tissue: Amazon.com: Long Reach Comfort Wipe (1): Health & Personal Care

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment