Problem Taking Showers

You don’t say why showers are difficult. Is it stepping over the tub? Some years ago when I was caring for my mom, she couldn’t lift her leg over the tub. We got an extended chair so she could sit and lift her legs and slide over into the tub. That became too difficult as well. The cost of converting to a walk-in shower was daunting but I decided to use one of her life insurance policies to get her what she needed now. We got a removable bench which I haven’t needed yet but soon. So we got a walk-in and now it’s me who needs it. It was a great and helpful necessity.

I have neuropathy in my left leg that exhibits as no feeling/control. I really like our original tub shower, but I was fearful of entering/exiting it and losing my balance. So, we converted the second bathroom tub shower to a walk-in. We had the contractor place hand guides on either end, and I use a bath mat to feel more confident. Looking to get a collapsible shower chair soon, after an incident of low blood pressure during a shower.
Ginger

Hi Ginger, sounds like a great decision for you and you must feel much safer now. That must be very difficult not having feeling in your feet and I can't imagine just how frightening it must be for you. The collapsible chair sound like a very good idea. I'm 5'9" and sometimes I'm afraid of falling but so far so good. I do have a bar that I bought and I can hold onto that if I should feel dizzy. Do take care and thank you for all of your replies, they are very much appreciated.
Take care,
Nancy : )

Taking showers is just one thing that I find difficult, but I think it’s because I really don’t care much about anything. Don’t get me wrong, I take them but, just like everything else, I have to force myself. I used to read one or two books every week from the time I learned to read. I’ve been reading the same book for about six months now. I just can’t seem to do it and it’s one of my favorite authors. e I’ve suffered from depression for over 40 years without ever having a break. I take 2 antidepressants. Really I just wanted to recommend bathing shoes if you’re afraid you might fall. After 2 falls I started to wear them and I feel much more secure.

Acredito que a questão de representar uma espécie de compromisso e que lhe tira da prostração típica de episodios depressivos é o que faz com que o banho seja tão incômodo, talvez. Entendo, pois para mim as vezes é um sacrificio imenso ter que entrar no chuviero, trocar de roupa... parece tudo tão difícil. Mas quando me sinto assim, tambem não tenho animo para as outras coisas do dia a dia, como fazer um bolo ou ver um filme. Penso que o banho pode ser apenas mais uma atividade que se pudesse, seria evitada. Lamento que esteja passando por essa situação;

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Thank you for sharing re taking showers. I have had depression for many years but when I worked it really never got in the way of my working because I loved my job as a Project Secretary for an engineering form for 6 months shy of 30 years. After that I had other jobs but not as good as my first job in which I grew up (I turned 21 in 1968 my first year there. I bring this up because it really was not a problem (I did take antidepressants most of the time if memory serves me) and through the years have seen psychiatrists and therapists. I think most of my issues came from my father who had a quick temper (never abused me, just with words at times) so I never learned how to speak up probably because I could not express myself without fear. My mother and myself had/have depression issues both of us being Virgos and being so sensitive. I won't go into more because it makes me too sad (again, verbal abuse). My dad never told me that he loved me and I have a very difficult time saying it to my family. I know, I'm rambling, sorry. However, sadly you have suffered way too long and I do understand that you just don't care much about anything and I even find brushing my teeth an effort. Most of my depression comes from financial issues, and my car died so I'm up shit's creek now. I have lost all of my independence because I am rather isolated where I live and we don't have a "normal" MBTA bus line. Enough about me. I feel for you since I can relate so well. As far as anti's, I take 2 and Klonopin to sleep, I thank you for the advice of bathing shoes but do they make them in size 11? I'm 5'9" with very long feet. : ) Take good care and don't feel shy about sharing because so many of us suffer from this illness too. Nancy

Good for you. I had been scared to shower for fear of falling. I bought a shower chair, which helps a lot. I also got a long hose and a different shower head so I could sit down and shower. This has helped me a lot. Also a rubber shower mat keeps me from slipping and bars on two sides of the shower help a lot to make me feel safe. Good luck finding what will work for you.

I'm on oxygen 24/7 and had to find a way to shower with my oxygen on. I have a bath chair and I have a quick system for washing including my hair. I shower once a week; keep clean and deodorized the rest of the time and that is the best I can do. Depression paralyzed me for a time, but I realized I am going to live for a while, and I can at least participate in my life.
Aging sucks but it is going to happen regardless of my attitude. I choose to try and make the most of it. I hope you all will as well.

Safety bars help tremendously.

I'm very sorry that you also need oxygen which makes my issue seem so easy compared to what you have to deal with. I just wish that I could just jump in and enjoy it but it just doesn't happen often enough. There are so many things that I need to do just in the apartment that I have no desire to do. My nurse practitioner (who takes care of my meds) wants me to see a therapist for talk therapy because most of my issues are situational, mostly financial and not having a car anymore and I live in a rather isolated place (nice but no bus lines like most normal cities have). You have a wonderful attitude and I admire you for that. I know that exercising would help me but even that seems like a huge task but I can do it. I walk down to Dunkin Donuts which is about a 10 to 15 minute walk. I'm getting off track. Thank you for sharing your feelings and I wish you all the best. You go girl! : )