Question:
My soon-to-be-tiny-hiny that I can't reach!
I would like to hear about some techniques to cleaning yourself on the toilet. I already can barely reach and I can't imagin trying with a large incision on my tummy. Any suggestions? — jovialkiki (posted on January 15, 2003)
January 15, 2003
Michelle, its called use your family members. I never had problems before,
however, after the Open RNY, I had to use the aid of my husband for the
first 2 wlks post op....DOn't use tongs or any other device people on here
mentionm use family. Heather(Open RNY 8/15 - 305/224/150)
— heathercross
January 15, 2003
The long handled wooden spoon (or plastic) worked great for me in the
hospital...get the longest one you can! You can wrap it with toilet paper
or the flushable wipes. The nurses will be more than willing to help, I
just preferred to do it myself! Good luck!
— Linda 1.
January 15, 2003
well, I used baby wipes and I have a removabel shower head that I would use
when I felt like I didn't do too well. It was an ordeal, to get in the
shower after a bm. I did have my hubby help me once. I don't think I was
squeeky clean for quite a few weeks to be honest, but I lived. I've seen it
mentioned that you can use a wooden spoon with toilet paper attached, I
have no idea how you would attach tp to a spoon though...I can only
imagine...the best thing is have someone help you if you have someone
you're close too and don't mind them doing that for you. It's only bad for
the first two weeks I'd say...and you don't really go a lot considering
you're not eating much. It really is a small hurdle for wl success. Good
luck and God bless. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -147
— KimBo36
January 15, 2003
I am SO glad you asked and others answered! I have been wondering as I am
in the same situation. In fact, that is one of the reasons I decided I HAD
to do something! I couldn't believe I was starting to have trouble
reaching to take care of personal things. I am so greatful to everyone for
sharing this kind of thing. (that way I don't have to ask my dr.)
— MegK
January 15, 2003
I found a website(I can't remember the name but will look it up if you
want) that sold what they call the "bottom buddy" if you want the
address let me know.My e-mail address is [email protected]
Tonya
— Tonya M.
January 15, 2003
At BTC they gave me tongs with plastic "gripper" on the end to
use, but I have to admit that they started to irritate me after a bit.
— Angela A.
January 15, 2003
Hi Michelle, I got a pair of tongs, long ones, and they worked GREAT. Good
Luck
— [Deactivated Member]
January 15, 2003
Hi Michelle,
Oh, the indignities we have to face as MO people. I was surprised to find
out that others had the same fanny-wiping problems. I thought I was the
only one who had to practically stand on my head to wipe myself. Right
now, I'm in major hemorrhoid hell and can't reach to insert the Anusol. My
husband is out of town and I'd never ask my 18 yr old son to do the honors.
Why... that could scar him for life!!LOL I tried to get from point A to
point B by myself and even lowered the cover on the toilet and tried
sitting on the darn thing. Well, forget that. Anyway, I kinda got off the
subject. I've been practicing with a long handled back brush and it seems
like it will work pretty well if you dampen the brush a little before you
wrap it with toilet paper. Just make sure you hunt until you find a very
soft brush. Most of them will remove half of your hide with a swipe. Glad
we can all bring this out into the open.
— Donna H.
January 15, 2003
I too, already have this problem pre-op...still in the acrobatic stages,
not yet full-fledged inability to reach.. BUT.. I'm an OT. I've had plenty
of patients in the same boat, and there is a medical product you can buy to
help. Basically a tong-like tool, as someone else mentioned... if you have
trouble finding one yourself... ask to see an OT in the hospital, and
explain why. All hospitals have therapists on staff, and they can help you
get a "hiney-wiper"...that's what I'll be using.. sorry, just
can't accept the thought of anyone other than me wiping there... nope...
good luck.
— Kelly B.
January 15, 2003
Hi. I have trouble wiping too. I use a long flat curved comb (one you
never plan on using in your hair again, LOL) and wrap a baby wipe around it
(until the comb is completely covered and flat) and wipe back through my
legs underneith (not around) to get to where you have to wipe. I think the
baby wipe is the key to making sure you are getting as clean as possible. I
have absolutely no trouble and I do get myself very, very clean! It is a
little bit of a hastle because you have to keep putting a new baby wipe on
for each wipe, but it works! I've also tried this gadget, called the
"Bottom Buddy". It's alittle pricey, but it works ok, too. I
think it works alot better for wiping #1 than #2 though. Here is a website
where you can find
it..."http://www.dynamic-living.com/bottom_buddy.htm" and it's
$40.00. I actually prefer my comb method because I feel it gets me
cleaner. Hopefully soon I won't need to use this method ever again after
my RNY. Such a hastle if you have to "go" away from home. Best
Wishes!
— Connie B.
January 15, 2003
http://www.dynamic-living.com/bottom_buddy.htm
here's the site to purchase the bottom buddy an earlier poster mentioned.
— Donna H.
January 15, 2003
Hi there, Michelle! I had my husband, who was all too happy (MORE than I
wanted him to be) to help wipe and my Mom. I had my spoon ready, but my
Mom insisted that she help out, she kept telling me my rear couldn't look
much different from when I was a baby? Yeah, right!. Trust me, I made
sure I kept practicing so I could do it myself, as soon as possible! Vi
open RNY 9/23/02 down 87 lbs
— Vi F.
January 15, 2003
i know this sounds crazy but, i used tongs from the kitchen drawer. i threw
them out after i used them. christine
— christine F.
January 15, 2003
i have the perfect wiping tool!!! i got it at the 99 cent store. it is a
heavy duty hack saw frame. no blade in it of course but it is the perfect
shape, has a wonderful sturdy handle on it. i can put a baby wipe on the
end the the toilet paper will stick to it and it is the best shape to reach
where it needs to reach! i know it sounds bizarre, but the long spoons and
the tongs just did not fit well, but this does! and it cost 99 cents the
ones online are like 40 dollars! but its the shape and the handle on this
that is perfect, if i ever have surgery i'm prepared, felt silly trying it
out, but i did to make sure it would work out!!!!
— janetc00
January 15, 2003
I read all of the other answers to this problem and since I didn't see my
technice I thought I would let you know. I am very large, almost 500 lbs so
I have been unable to reach my bottom for some time now. I tried the
"bottom buddie" but it is not long enough for me to reach my
bottom, what a waste of money. I use a bamboo back scrater the kind with
the little hand on it. Just wrap the hand with the tp and it is just like
being able to reach.
— Margaret S.
January 15, 2003
I am glad to see this on here. I have been worried about exactly this after
I have surgery in two weeks. I will not have anyone help me no matter what
so I planned to figure something out. And, just as a note, you are not to
flush baby wipes, it says right on the package. They do not disolve in your
septic system and after too many you may need a trip from the roto-rooter
man, and that is very expensive and your basement can flood, etc. Believe
me I do know this from experience! However, they do make wipes for adults
by a few of the regular toilet paper makers that are just like baby wipes
but do dissolve in your system. They come in a tub or can and they are
about the same price as baby wipes, same isle as toilet paper in your local
store. I would suggest that first as opposed to regular baby wipes to save
yourself money later and embarrasment from having to explain why there are
tons of baby wipes plugging up your sewage system!
— Dee ,.
January 15, 2003
Thank you all for your answers, it really gives me a lot of ideas. I think
I like the shower head one the best, seems the cleanest. I think I will
try every one of these (except family) before the surgery to decide which
is best. LOL thank you all again.
— jovialkiki
January 16, 2003
At the hospital the nurse's wiped me. At home my husband did the first day
and 1/2. Then I was home by myself and got stuck on the pot with no one
home and the portable phone was dead on the charger. I had to figure it
out. I had to adjust myself accordingly and kept the pillow on my tummy
and just wiped. It didn't hurt. I was 295, so I wasn't small by any means
and I'm 5'4". But, I understand that some people are shorter and
heavier, so I don't know. My best friend was willing to help me, if I
needed it. She stood in the doorway to make sure I was fine the 2 and 3rd
days home. I cried A LOT! Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
January 16, 2003
I had surgery on 10/30/02 and had read all the posts about problems with
wiping and pain. Anticipating this problem , I went out and bought a handy
kitchen utensil that I had seen suggested in a response--it was to be
wrapped with toilet paper and used to reach my tush. Well, I never had to
use it! I didn't have a bowel movement until about 6 days after surgery
(which is typical) and by that time and because of pain killers, I was able
to reach around without hurting. In fact, it brings a smile and chuckle
every time I see the handy kitchen utensil that I never had to use. I
don't think I'll look at it quite the same ever again!!!
— lezawomack
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