Do You Have Advice For Bathing or Showering?
https://asthma.net has a very good article on "Bathroom Asthma Triggers". Many pointers and suggestions seems to apply to those with COPD as well.
https://asthma.net/living/bathroom-triggers
Do you have others thoughts or suggestions?
Janet (moderator/COPD.net)
It's is very hard for me to take a shower I have a anxiety attack. So I went and brought a clear shower curtain and a hand hold shower head this helps.But I still have anxiety attacks I wear my oxygen in the shower but at time I still have these attacks. But Since buying all my shower stuff I can get in the shower more.Hope this helps.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's invaluable for others in our community to hear what works for you in managing shower anxiety with COPD. Your solution with the clear shower curtain and handheld showerhead is creative and could be beneficial for many facing similar challenges. Also, if you or any community members are looking for more shower tips, you may find this post helpful. (https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-tips-for-showeringd). Wishing you all the best. John. community moderator.
Hello
my heart goes out to you. The shower gives people reasons for concern, by the way it affects them. Anxiety is at the top. Have you tried opening the door or window so that you can feel in control? It’s important that you remember to breathe.
I struggle with the humidity, so I frequently open a window an inch or two, or to open the bathroom door. Some days, I have to even pull the shower curtain open for an inch or so, just to get air. We don’t have a fan in there and our bathroom is too small to bring a floor fan in.
Here is a link on managing anxiety that will hopefully help you: https://copd.net/living/managing-anxiety
Feel free to type anxiety, into the search box, there are numerous articles there. Know that we are here for you.
Janet (moderator/COPD.net)I’m a little over 80 years old and been on oxygen 24/7 for over 3 years now. I’m stage 4 of COPD and when I first took a shower it was hard on breathing. I learned to increase the oxygen flow from 2L to 5L and would only shower maybe twice per week because I would get so short of breath and took a long time.
Now with the medication I take with some supplements that I have been using I'm not coughing up mucus all the time, I go days without coughing and my breathing is really good, and I don’t get too short of breath anymore like I used to. I shower every day with just 2L using my home Concentrator or using an E-tank with an Easy Pulse 5+6 regulator set on a pulse of 5 or less. And I don’t get short of breath. It only takes me 15 to 20 minutes to shower, shave, and get dressed.
I bought a shower chair, and also a cushion for it. I close the shower door on the hose leaving enough hose with cannula which is plenty of hose. I look forward to taking a shower even though some on oxygen have a tough time doing it.
My shower, without me in it. 😀
How wonderful that the medication helped and that you can look forward to taking showers again,
. Thanks for sharing information about your own routine. Sending the best of wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)
