Just Another Post About Showering
Personal hygiene remains on the list of THE hardest tasks we must do and it’s not a ‘one and done’ thing because these are tasks that we must repeat regularly.
Showering preferences
Two camps
Do you wash your hair while showering, or do you subscribe to the 2-step process of washing your hair one day in the kitchen sink and the next day showering from the neck down? I have heard from both camps, and I have tested both methods, many times.
My choice
When it comes to choices, my preferences change on a day-to-day basis depending on how I am breathing at the moment. There are days when I can’t wash my hair or shower and when even a birdbath is almost too much effort. Those days are becoming much more frequent than they used to be.
Plan of action
My current plan of action is as follows:
- Planning and making sure that every towel, washcloth, and bottle I need will be within reach.
- Put out clean clothes or PJ’s to get ready for after my shower.
- Meditating for about the same time I anticipate it will take me to shower. It helps me to clear my mind of anxiety.
- Review the process in my mind. I imagine how it will look and feel to get ready, step in, and feel the water with its perfect temperature on my feet and my legs.
- I use a shower chair, a terry robe, turn my 02 up, have my husband on alert, and have a chair waiting for me to sit in when I am done.
- I keep the tub plugged to soak my feet in anticipation of doing a pedicure. If you cannot take care of your feet, talk to your doctor about getting help. Feet are important.
- A handheld wand and having the taps within my reach really help me to gain control over the shower. I have total control over the temperature and water pressure.
- Sometimes I turn the water off just to sit and catch my breath. If I am already short of breath, and I have not stopped to regain my breath, it is impossible for me to put my arms over my head to shampoo.
- I use grab handles in the shower.
Life after your shower
Although at the time it may not seem so, there is a life after your shower. Once the shower is over and I get out of the tub, I sit on my chair or my walker. I am in no hurry to start moving.
My purpose is to sit long enough to catch my breath and regain control of it. Using my terry robe and a small hand towel for my hair, I wait. If my 02 has been turned up, I should be OK in no time.
Catching my breath
It takes lots of energy to have a shower and sometimes I find it necessary to have a short rest using my BiPap and reading for a few minutes. This is one way I can easily regain my strength.
Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.
Join the conversation