Having Surgery? You May Need Help Showering - and That's Okay.
When you're preparing for surgery, you probably have a long list of things you're thinking about. Getting to the hospital, medications, what to wear, how long you'll be off work, who will drive you home, and what recovery will look like.
But there is one thing you may not think about until you're home:
How am I going to take a shower?
Depending on the type of surgery you have, something as ordinary as showering may suddenly be difficult. You may have trouble standing, bending, reaching, balancing, getting in and out of the shower, or washing certain parts of your body.
And you may need someone to help you.
Needing Help After Surgery Can Feel Awkward
Whether you're having a knee replacement, hip replacement, orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery or another procedure that temporarily limits your movement, needing help with bathing can be an unexpected part of recovery.
The physical part is one thing.
The emotional part can be another.
You might be perfectly comfortable asking your spouse, parent, adult child or friend to bring you dinner or drive you to a doctor's appointment.
Asking them to help you shower can feel very different.
Suddenly, someone you know and love may need to help you with something you've done privately your entire life.
It's okay to want help and still want your privacy.
I Remember That Feeling Myself
I had surgery when I was 5 years old and again when I was 10.
At five, I wasn't nearly as conscious of my body. But by the time I was 10, things were different. I was much more aware of my body and remember feeling embarrassed about someone seeing me—even my mom.
That experience stayed with me.
We often think about modesty and assisted bathing as an issue that primarily affects older adults, but that's simply not the case.
You can be 10, 25, 45 or 80 and still want privacy.
I Heard the Same Thing From a Marine
I once spoke with an active-duty Marine who had gone through surgery and needed help while recovering at a Fisher House on base.
He was an adult. He was a Marine. He was accustomed to being independent.
And suddenly, his mother had to help him.
He told me how humiliating that experience felt.
His story reinforced something I already believed: the need for dignity doesn't have an age.
You can be young, strong and completely independent one day and then have surgery or an injury that temporarily changes what you can do for yourself.
That doesn't mean you suddenly stop caring about privacy.
That's Where The Wrap Can Help
The Wrap was designed to provide coverage of private areas while you're bathing or showering and receiving assistance.
It's made from comfortable swimsuit-style fabric rather than toweling material, so it's intended to actually be worn in the shower. The fabric is 95% polyester and 5% spandex, and The Wrap is designed so washing can take place while you're covered. (The Dignity Bath & Spa)
That means the person helping you can assist with bathing while you maintain a greater sense of privacy.
The Wrap isn't only for seniors.
It can be helpful for anyone who temporarily or permanently needs bathing assistance, including someone recovering from:
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Knee or hip surgery
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Orthopedic procedures
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Injuries that affect mobility or balance
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Surgeries that limit bending, reaching or movement
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Hospital stays that leave you weak or temporarily dependent on others
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Other procedures where your healthcare team has determined that you need assistance bathing
Of course, always follow your surgeon or healthcare team's instructions about when you can shower, incision care, dressings, weight-bearing and movement restrictions. The Wrap doesn't replace those instructions. It's simply a way to provide additional privacy and comfort once you've been cleared to bathe.
Think About Bathing Before You Have Surgery
If you know you're going to have a procedure, don't wait until you're home from the hospital to think about this.
Ask yourself:
Will I be able to get into my shower?
Will I be able to stand safely?
Will I need a shower chair or other adaptive equipment?
Will I be able to wash myself?
Who will help me if I can't?
And here's one question that often gets overlooked:
How will I maintain my privacy if someone needs to help me?
Having a plan ahead of time can make that first shower at home feel a lot less stressful.
You Can Need Help and Still Want Privacy
Needing help after surgery doesn't mean privacy suddenly stops mattering.
You might need your mom.
Your husband.
Your wife.
Your daughter.
Your son.
Your friend.
Or a professional caregiver.
Whoever is helping you, it's reasonable to want to feel covered and comfortable.
That's one of the reasons I created The Wrap.
Because whether you're 10 or 80, recovering from surgery or living with a long-term condition, needing assistance shouldn't mean giving up your dignity.
Your body is still your body. Your privacy still matters.
And sometimes, one simple product can make an uncomfortable situation a little easier.
A note from Dignity Bath & Spa: The Wrap is designed to provide privacy and comfort during assisted bathing. It is not a medical or fall-prevention device and should not replace post-operative instructions or safety equipment recommended by your healthcare provider.