Breathing
I am reluctant to have a shower, as even the slightest amount of steam has me so out of Breath that I have sit down and start t try and regulate my Breathing. And I would rather Shower than sit in a Bath as that is big no, no. Anyone got any advice????
I hear you. I have trouble, too. What I have been doing is using my rescue inhaler a little while before getting in the shower. I also use anti-bacterial wipes for times when I just cannot get the shower done. No, they are not as good, but they will get you clean and it saves some time and effort. I hope it gets easier for you, but I know about this struggle.
you are definitely not alone in struggling with showering! It is one of the most common things we hear about from our community members. I'm confident they will chime in but until then here are a few articles that might have some good tips for you: https://copd.net/living/personal-hygiene-showering https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-tips-for-showering https://copd.net/forums/showering-tips best, Sam S. (COPD team). I too have had problems with getting in the shower, here is my solve and it works great. Oh mine is a tub shower combo. I put a shower chair in there to sit on, got a hand held shower head and replaced the original shower head with it, so you can stand or sit using it. Next I turn on the bath fan, leave the door open 9more escapes in to the house that way. Just before getting out of the shower I do a cool down. What is that? I start lowering the temperature of the shower water and cool my body down slowly, this way it also helps not only the steam part but it helps when you open that door or curtain from you getting the chilled feeling so fast. Funny because even my husband with no problems finds using either or both of these things helps him relax even more in the shower, he does have any health issues except he is getting older he he !
Maybe this will give you both ideas. Be careful with using those anti-bacterial wipes for this can be harsh on your skin, especially as we age and our skin thins out, been there done that. I now and was recommend by my doctors is if a do a wash up "sits bath" then warm water and anti-bacterial soap and rinse good. I asked about using even a baby soap and he said yes they are gentle but they do the trick, so that is what I have been using, even in the shower and wow sure does help keep the dry skin away too. I wish you both luck with hopes you can find something that works for you
