Care of wound site and when to shower

I wrapped myself in cling film. My tegaderm got wet and did not stay in place initially and so   it was back to the hospital to get dressings changed. That's when I started using cling film. 

Hi

I was instructed by my surgeon, that I could not have a shower for 2 weeks. I had PICO dressings on and could not get them wet at all. Boy was I glad when the 2 weeks were up! 

I showered the day after my surgery. I had a large water proof plaster on protecting my wounds but was still very careful to ensure they weren't soaked and always had my back to the shower, then patted dry with a towel that was separate from the one I use for my body. Hope you're recovery goes well  xx

Hi mincepie , I was told not to get my dressing wet so I just did flannel washes for my top half. I sat in the bath so other bits could get a decent wash! Advice does seem to vary, maybe it depends on the dressings. My incision was a bit leaky so the the dressing got changed every few days and I wouldn’t have wanted to risk any problems with getting it wet. Good luck with it all, and well done for getting on with the exercises, they’re important, but do take it at a gentle pace. Love and hugs, HFxx

Thank you love that idea 

Hi mincepie, glad your op is over. Daughter was very worried about showering and getting her dressings wet so she flannel washed top half while sitting in a warm.bath. Worked very well. Hope your recovery goes smoothly. x

I had the same just over a couple of weeks ago. The nurses told me to shower but the consultant told me to have baths and avoid the pressure pad getting wet. I had shallow baths and just used a flannel around the wounds/dressings. I didn’t have a shower until I was told to take the dressings off. 

Can relate to this, I am thankful for a walk in shower and have showered only one side for 10days! Using a damp sponge to clean other armpit. Then shower bottom and front leaning away form the shower . Getting used to a shower dance each day and glad of clean on one side! I can’t wait to take bandages off so can clean the other as the smell is offensive to me currently so glad I’m resting at home with few visitors!