Question:
Personal hygiene problems
This is an extremely embarrassing question to ask, but I honestly don't know of anyone else to ask, and I would like to know if I am the only who has this problem. I dread it when I have to have a bowel movement because I can't seem to clean or wipe myself anymore. It seems that the only thing I can do is use a large wet wipe and then it still takes several attempts to get everything cleaned off. Sometimes I have to take a shower! and that is not easy to do when you are at work all. It is not easy to use the wet wipes at work either. — ymagill (posted on July 20, 2002)
July 20, 2002
When I was over 400 lbs I had a terrible time in the bathroom--totally
dreaded it! Luckily, I was pretty limber so I could stand up and reach way
back--it didn't always work, sometimes I just didn't feel fresh as a
meadow! This might work, try a really long handled spoon (wooden, wrap TP
around it and use that. Amplestuff.com also sells products that may help
in that area! I also used the handicapped stalls so I had more
room--people usually stay clear away from those stalls and they're cleaner
because of it! Good luck--remember that you are nor the only person to
have this issue and you won't be the last! I'm down 105 lbs and can use
the regular stalls now! No more reaching problems!!!!!
— jenn2002
July 20, 2002
DO NOT FEEL BAD! I AM 349 & HAVE THE SAME PROB! THIS IS THE 1ST TIME
I HAVE EVER TOLD ANYONE. LET ME TELL YA WHEN I AM DONE I AM ALMOST ALWAYS
OUT OF BREATH! I WILL BE SO GLAD ONCE I AM APPROVED FOR SURGERY. AS THIS
IS A CHORE! I HATE HAVING TO GO #2!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
— ANGELA V.
July 20, 2002
Hi, I know just the feeling your talking about. It is horrible. I had
surgery July 12th and I am still very sore and swollen. I am using a wooden
spoon and before surgery I would prop my let up on the side of the tub and
wipe. I feel like I need to buy stock in the tissue companies. Good luck
and dont be embarrassed. Scarlett
— Sherrie S.
July 20, 2002
Go to dynamic-living.com and look up "bottom buddy." This looks
like a very useful product and worth the investment ($40) Also seems more
hygenic than the ol' wooden spoon trick. Just a thought.
— Katie E.
July 20, 2002
Yvette, when personal hygiene started becoming a issue with me, that's when
I REALLY knew it was time to do something. As you know, just because
people are big, this does not mean we are not clean. But it was getting to
the point where I couldn't even wipe my own butt! I'm relating to your
problem. Well, it's 8 months later, I'm down almost 100 pounds, and those
days are OVER. You don't say if you are pre-op or post-op, but this is
definitely one of the advantages of the surgery. Not to mention I am off
my blood pressure, cholesterol, and arthritis meds! This list goes
on........this new life is wonderful!
— Annie H.
July 21, 2002
Yvette, I had a shower brush with the long, detachable, curved handle.
Took the handle off, and wrapped the TP around that. Because it was
curved, it was much easier than anything with a straight handle. Don't be
worried about asking this question- we've all been there. The bright side
is that after you're a few weeks post-op, you won't have to worry about
that anymore!!! Good luck to you!
— Loretta E.
July 21, 2002
Boy I can relate to your problem, have you tried BBQ tongs, just put some
toilet paper around or in and I can wipe my hiney that way
— Grace H.
October 20, 2002
I had the same problem, if you have the luxury, you might try to lay down
and wipe, I know it sounds funny, but it makes it much easier.....
— Jay Z.
October 20, 2002
Do a search on a pc for "bidet" or "mini bidet"- These
things are for general bottom cleaning - they are becoming more and more
popular - they attach to the toilet - and now they have portable ones and
gadgets- prices vary - $100 up to super plus for $3,000. I think great
idea for ANYONE.
— charlene M.
October 20, 2002
try www.amplestuff.com, they've got a great personal hygiene brush that's a
lifesaver.
— frances G.
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