Problem Taking Showers

That is so sad not to be helping her instead of trying to get her involved where she should not be or doing things that would hurt not help her. I can't imagine the depression that you have been in. I'm not sure which comment I made that you are referring to but that doesn't matter. My issues seem so trivial compared to what you have been going through. Please take good care of yourself and know that we are here for you. ; )

Hi, I just read your post (which I missed) and now I understand your issues a bit better. I do not understand you having severe bowel pain and not knowing why. There has to be a reason and you should be getting help from a Gastroenterologist (not to insult you if you have seen one). Re the weather I hate humidity and I live in Beverly, MA. I so miss getting to the beach just to be in the sand and near the ocean watching the waves and the sound of them. I would go into the water but my body has gone beyond south. : ) Being disabled in itself can make you depressed. I wish I had some great advice but unfortunately I just don't know what I can say to you to help. Please feel free to post when you feel the need. We are here for you. Take care. Nancy
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Hi! Don't feel alone. I, too struggle with hygiene. I am the same way. I live in my parent's basement (58/yrs old) and have mobility issues. It's a struggle for me to get motivated enough to get upstairs. And then when I do, I get in the recliner and still skip the shower. The only things that make me shower are an appointment if I know I'm smelly or that my "creases and crevices" get irritated.
It's a struggle for a lot of us. You are not alone at all.

I hope that anyone having problems showering as I do, has installed grab bars inside the shower. When mine were installed, I told the installer I wanted to sit on the floor of the shower and he could measure how far up to put the grab bar. Figured if I slipped and fell I could easily reach the grab bar. Also have a vertical grab bar just as I enter the shower so I have something solid to hold into while getting into the shower & while turning on the shower and adjusting the temperature. It's also important to have low foot access when entering the shower as you don't want to have to a high step that could cause a trip and fall. With these things in place, I do feel more secure when showering. Having spent many months in the hospital then in 4 nursing facilities, I found that the wet body wipes really are handy to have if you can't shower. They leave you feeling fresh and clean and no odor. Most drug stores carry them.

@bea4me I hope the grab bars are not the suction type. They have a tendency to pop off, sometimes with the slightest weight pressure on them!

Definitely would not trust the suction type. Had the metal ones installed by a company that specializes in upgrading tubs and showers. The grab bars are VERY sturdy and just might save my life. They look nice, too. It's definitely a job for a professional & well worth the money. It's important to feel safe when you shower & I sure do with these grab bars.

I do have the suction type (one) but my manager may be able to get some metal ones put in. I would feel much safer with those. Thanks for the info. : )

@nscappa, maybe not. they might surprise you. maybe they might be willing to help you with some of the other things you find hard to do. such as the dishes, clothes. the small things. this all depends on how close you are to them. bring up about the water and dishes and clothes first. then go from there. little by little. @danny5

This is the most confusing thread I have read on the Mayo site!

@kndaustin71, if you're confused? you ought to be in my shoes. i'm really confused. @danny5