Shower + Incisions

[juliawhatever 4]

I had surgery on monday, I came home last night, and I'm already so excited about this journey. I was told I could take a shower my first day home but I'm soooo anxious about getting my incisions wet and getting an infection! I'm also worried about fixing the tape/gauzes myself if they fall off. Any tips? How did you keep your incisions dry after your vsg?

Thankfully I have a removable shower head so I should be able to just avoid the area altogether. Want to hop in the shower but I need some advice first.

Also, unrelated but where I had my IV in feels like someone beat my hand to a pulp! Bumping into things or even bending my hand in some positions hurts, was anyone else this sore in the area of their IV?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I didn't have gauze or tape, just super glue. I was told I could shower, just not to rub the incisions.

[NeedaBreak4Me 1,755]

It should be fine to shower.. if it worries you too much you can put some extra dressing whilst you shower then take it off.

The pain where the IV is normal... i had a bruised pain for around 2 weeks... i think i irritated the area whilst doing my laps around the ward with my IV in.. it will go away

[OKCPirate 5,323]

Just be sure to use a clean towel and washcloth until they look like they wounds are sealed. I got Water proof band-aids at Walgreen's and put those on for the first week just because I'm paranoid. It wasn't a problem though, the glue worked well. But heck, I shaved my chest and stomach because I didn't want bald Patches. Talk about itching.

[doppelganger 54]

I had steristrips. I was told not to let my incisions soak forever in the shower stream and not to scrub hard over them, but I had no problems.

[CSouth 3]

You can also get surgical soap from pharmacy. I put it on my incisions but do not rub.

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[Heather I 500]

I'm getting sleeved 8/1 and take my kids to a pond to play. How long do you think I should wait before going in that kind of Water? I mean, it's clean, but it's still a pond, not a pool.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

Just be sure to use a clean towel and washcloth until they look like they wounds are sealed. I got Water proof band-aids at Walgreen's and put those on for the first week just because I'm paranoid. It wasn't a problem though, the glue worked well. But heck, I shaved my chest and stomach because I didn't want bald Patches. Talk about itching.

oh no! shaving! I bet it *did* itch! yikes, I think I'd take the bald Patches instead.

[KristenLe 5,979]

I'm getting sleeved 8/1 and take my kids to a pond to play. How long do you think I should wait before going in that kind of Water? I mean, it's clean, but it's still a pond, not a pool.

You definitely need to ask your surgeon but I would think 6-8 weeks for standing water. I'm not sure I'd take any chances sooner.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I'm getting sleeved 8/1 and take my kids to a pond to play. How long do you think I should wait before going in that kind of Water? I mean, it's clean, but it's still a pond, not a pool.

I was told not to submerge in water until my incisions had completely healed with no holes. It was about 4 weeks or so.

[cindyw41 761]

I was told I could shower but not have the Water hit my stomach directly. I stood with my back to the Water. I patted dry my gauze coverings. I only lost 1 before my 2 week post op.

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[Read2016 658]

This may sound crazy but when I had stitches in my knee I was told to wrap the knee with a plastic bag... If your super concerned might not be the best feeling but I would cut a plastic bag, like a kitchen garbage bag and tape it across until your finished showered... It's better than stressing about infections...

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Edited May 26, 2016 by nyteacher125

[Reason to Believe 77]

I have had two previous surgeries-one for burst appendix and one for hernias. I remember putting press and seal over my bandages. It worked really well.

[Aliel84 16]

Does anyone know when we can start putting creams or oils on the incisions? I want to start using bio oil. I'm 2 weeks post op. Thanks

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[Christinamo7 4,041]

@@Aliel84 whenever you are released to go in the bath or swimming would be fine. I started using coconut oil in that area at 4 weeks.