Any tips taking a shower post op?

[ZAP]

Hi guys,

I haven't had a shower since surgery and miss it so much. I don't want to get the wound wet and the staples are still in. I might be having them removed tomorrow (10 days post op)   but I'd like to clean up properly before seeing my doc. Also, it would be a shame to make it this far, and get a infection from dirty shower water. I've heard of people using plastic wrap for example, but have know idea how you would wrap your hip?

[imgetinold]

Gross hippies have a bandage that stays on for 7 days and can be showered with it on.

I imagine you could cover the incision with plastic, and tape around the perimeter and be fine.  It's the removing of the tape that would not be fun.

[hernanu]

I had both a regular bandage (left hip) and the amazing silver bandage (right).

 I was able to shower as soon as I got home with the right, just wash with a towel with my left. I'd just wait until those staples are off and you get the go ahead. It's a pain, but better to be safe on this.

Just my 2 cents.

[Dan L]

I got some large (4 x10 or something like that) 3m tegaderm films (clear, plastic bandages essentially) , and applied over incision to keep it watertight, found it much easier than plastic wrap.  It allowed me to shower soon after surgery.  Once out of the shower, I remove it and wipe incision with alcohol to be safe.  It did tend to lift of the steri-strips, but sounds like you have stables so maybe less of a worry for you.

Hope it helps,

Dan

[maxx6789]

i had a dressing over the incision and placed saran wrap over the dressing and taped down the saran wrap. it worked pretty well.

[johnd_emd]

1) Cover incision with "Tegaderm".
2) Turn on Shower to a temparture that is appropriate and comfortable
3) Step into shower and get wet
4) Soap down well, don't forget your underarms, privates and behind the ears
5) Wash your hair
6) Make sure you sing, you have a new hip now so it's good to be happy
7) Turn off water and step out of shower
Dry off and get dressed

Hope this helps. 

[ZAP]

1) Cover incision with "Tegaderm".
2) Turn on Shower to a temparture that is appropriate and comfortable
3) Step into shower and get wet
4) Soap down well, don't forget your underarms, privates and behind the ears
5) Wash your hair
6) Make sure you sing, you have a new hip now so it's good to be happy
7) Turn off water and step out of shower
Dry off and get dressed

Hope this helps. 

I'm a little confused from points 2 - 8.

[hipnhop]

I used plastic wrap and avoided the side of the incision. I really wanted to scrub those bandage marks off.

[Woodstock Hippy]

In the hospital they had this paper tape about 2.5 inches wide that they put right over the incisions.  They gave me a roll to take home.  Maybe you can find something like that at the drug store.

[zeke]

Hello,

I showered in the hospital with no bandages before I can home and with the staples in. In fact I was told to only put a bandage on the incision if it started to leak, mine never leaked at all.

I was told I could shower anytime I wanted with the staples still in. The doctor just said not to soak the incision and not to put soap on it, just let to water run over it.  I did that and I've had no problems at all I'm in my 7th week of recovery now...

Zeke

[Anniee]

I showered at the hospital the morning after the surgery.  I cannot imagine not being able to shower for 10 days!  What did your surgeon or your discharge instructions say about it?

Since I'm a Dr. Gross patient, I had the silver bandage that you can wear in the shower with no problem, but if I remember correctly, the instructions were to take it off after 7 days.  By that time, the incision was closed, with just a few little scabs.  My guess would be that if it looks closed you can shower, but check with your doctor's office.