Showering
Been reading remarks on showering situations. I solved my problem by quit taking showers. haven't showered for over a year. JUST KIDDING!!
Seriously, I load up on O2, Check my finger monitor to see if I'm in the 90s. When I feel ready, I turn on water to warm, not hot. use NON SCENTED soaps and shampoos. Have long handled brushes for back and feet. Do hair last I'm a guy and don;t have long hair. Have portable tank at the ready just in case. Hope this helps. Take care, all.
Hi caldoggie - I like your sense of humor! Spot on!!
Seriously, we appreciate you sharing your own personal experience managing this condition in the shower with the community. It sounds like your system works quite well for you! It is practical, simple and clearly doable!
I'm hopeful others will read what you had to say and get some ideas for themselves as well. We value your input and your feedback, as well as your sense of humor!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
How wonderful you found a solution to showering. I have a shower chair that flips down from the wall. It makes such a difference. Enjoy this showers!
Carol (moderator)
I know how you feel. I had to work myself up to brave a shower every other day. I tried ordering a tub stool (teak because it seemed like a spa). Eureka!!! It is beyond fabulous. I even stayed longer in the shower to feel the water falling on me. You might find it a savior too! 
A stool for the shower is such a great idea! I've had more than one person tell me what a life saver it is. And you're right - teak is so spa-ish. I've been thinking getting a teak shower mat just for that reason.
Best,
Lyn (COPD site moderator)
Hello, Julie Kay here, I'm just now new to this group. Yeah. I am hoping it will help me to quit smoking?? I have copd 4.5 oxygen. Bad I know end stage as they say. I'm 62 years young. Ha. Anyways, showering I have begun to believe it to be a chore. In fact it almost scares me. That part is in my brain somewhat. Anyways, my advise??? such as it maybe, or you already know...,- I get huge anxiety, so a take half of an Ativan, turn my 02 up a tad, kept the door cracked so there is no steam build up and concentrate on ' my breathing' . Also, I have long hair, but I have found it very helpful to only use on hand. I don't want to use a stool yet. Better stop for now. I am glad I can help in some small way. Julie
Hi Julie, and welcome! I am sorry for the delay in responding to your post. We appreciate you sharing the way you manage showering with the community. As for the anxiety medication (Ativan), if the prescription helps you, and your doctor is behind it, all the better. Glad to hear it helps you.
I think you are also sharing that you may still be smoking. If you are looking for information to help with 'quitting', please just let me or any other moderator / team member know, and we can provide you with some good material to read.
Please know you are always welcome here.
We hope to hear more from you when you are able to and have the time.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I am in the thinking stages of getting a stool and hand-held shower head. I do love showers, but I get so weak and wiped out before I finish. I think a little chair would help. I have lost all pride about it if it would be easier. I am 72, and nothing is going to be off limits.
I hate the shower. I wear my oxygen in the shower and I crank it up. I am so happy when it is over, because the fear of the water is worst than the shower. My daughter stays close by, basically because I broke my femur last year. I have a shower chair and it is great. However I feel great when it is over. I do the hair last and then I am done.
Hi camaur, and thank you for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing how you manage in the shower with the community. It sounds like it is very practical (and safe!), to have your daughter close by while you are doing this. It sounds like she is a very devoted and caring daughter.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
