When can I shower?

I received my pacemaker last Friday (12/28/07). All seems to be going well and I don't have much pain anymore. The printed guidelines I was sent home with (which are much less strict than most of what I am reading from others) indicate that I need to keep the incision clean and dry for one week. The incision is covered with steri-strips.

So can I shower tomorrow? I go for my check tomorrow afternoon, but I would REALLY like to take a real shower before I go. Think I am ok to do so?

Thanks,
Kim

7 Comments

go ahead

by anne8486 - 2008-01-03 11:01:12

You should be fine to take a shower, if you leave the gauze with med. tape over it when you're in there then just clean that area afterwards I think it would be fine. The incision will stay dry that way. Good luck with you check up!

Good to go

by ela-girl - 2008-01-03 11:01:34

Hi, Kim!

By all means....go for it! I think I showered a couple of days after getting home from the hospital. The trick is not raising your arm on the pm side past your shoulders when trying to wash you hair or dry your hair or do your hair. It's a big help if you have one of those hand held shower heads. Anyways...I covered my incision area with some of that Glad seal-n-press stuff (it's like saran wrap). I had to tape the outside of it, though, with some athletic tape because the seal-n-press doesn't hold so well on the skin! When I got out of the shower a little water always seeped in anyways, but I just lightly patted it dry. All was well!

Let us know how you do!
ela-girl

Enjoy that shower

by searchingwoman - 2008-01-03 11:01:51

Hi Kim,

I had my 3rd pacemaker implanted on 12/27. My instructions said that I could shower after 3 days.
I took the padding/gauze off the 2nd day. I couldn't wait! That shower was like heaven! Let the water fall on your back if you are concerned.

I have been using soap and water with a washcloth to gently clean my incision...notice the word gently!!! I have 8 staples that will be removed on Tuesday.

A nice warm shower will be just what you need...enjoy!
Donna

shower bliss

by kmhayward - 2008-01-04 01:01:46

You can shower normally after 5-7 days. just dont lift your arm above your head. Washing your hair one handed isn't all that difficult really. you can use normal soap and water on the incision, if it stings just wash it off with warm (not hot) water and dab dry

katherine

When can I shower

by Janet - 2008-01-04 06:01:26

Well you probably realise the answer from the other comments. I waited for 5 days then used waterproof plasters to to stick down a piece of plastic covering over the exisitng dressing. Tried to manouvre so that not too much water fell directly onto it. Worked a treat at keeping it dry.

As mentioned in one of the other comments, trick is to avoid doing too much movement with the arm on the side of your operation site.

Regards


Sue

i was fortunate

by jessie - 2008-01-04 12:01:30

we live in a small town pop 11,000 so it is only 10.00 for a shampoo and blow dry. i went every few days and had it done till i could reach over my head. lol jessie

shower protection

by Vai - 2008-01-04 12:01:57

There are many ingenious ways already suggested by above comments. However there is a product available from the pharmacy or local drug store that can help with this. It is a type of surgical plastic wrap that you can patch over the gauze covering the surgical incision. The plastic wrap is completely waterproof and forms a seal over the skin around the incision. This cellophane type wrap is easy & convenient to use and disposal after use. If I remember it right it cost just a few dollars.

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I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.