Question:
Bathing after surgery

I had surgery Monday morning and my first sponge bath Tuesday morning. I was finally allowed to shower on Thursday. It was heavenly, but also exhauted and I needed a nap afterwards.    — Christina X. (posted on April 27, 2001)

April 28, 2001
Yes, you'll be tired for a while after doing things that take effort or not. I was told to be sure to put hydrogen peroxide on my incision after every bath/shower and just pat it dry so it wouldn't get infected. I remember my 1st night I slept like a log was after a nice warm shower, clean sheets, and the window was open when it was very cool outside and it was heaven! I had not slept that hard in ages. After this operation I really get some good sleep now.
   — Betty Todd

April 28, 2001
I was in ICU post op for 5 days and the funk was awesome(LOL). Somehow, sponge baths just don't cut it when you are big. They had these towelette that they heated up in the microwave and washed me a few times per day. The day after I was moved to the regular floor, I had to get in the shower-catheters, tubes and all. I was so exhaused, it took everthing I could do to dry off and get back in the chair. But it was worth it.
   — Jan M.