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Any alternative ideas for long hot baths?

60 replies

Epilepsy · 05/09/2024 19:36

I used to love a very long and very hot bubble bath with a book each evening, especially when the weather was colder. I have Raynaud's and always seem to feel "chilled to the bone" and my feet especially loved the bath! It was also part of my "winding down for the evening" nightly ritual/routine (I love a strict routine) - long hot bath for an hour, straight into bed under the preheated blanket with a cup of tea, and keep reading for another hour before sleep. Sadly now my uncontrolled epilepsy means I can't do this anymore.

I have tried lots of alternatives, I could obviously sit down in the bath and have a seated shower, but it's just not the same and I still need someone with me atm really. I have tried things like lying down listening to music, listening to different types of music like classical, having a hot chocolate, rubbing into scented lotion, doing my physio/stretches in the evening instead, lighting a scented candle, oil diffusers, watching a TV series, sitting in the fresh air of the garden wrapped in my blanket, a vibrating massage mat thing, playing with the cat, reading a magazine, puzzle games etc but nothing is the same Sad DH has offered to sit in the bathroom with me nightly which is very kind, but he is 6 foot four and our bathroom is tiny and also has adaptations - he would have to literally fold himself to sit on the tiny step I use to get into the bath  He would do anything to help, he has tried massages, or just rubbing my head, he has even offered to push me around outside for fresh air every evening (and I know he is knackered from his working hours). The best thing I have found has been an electric foot warmer, which was so revolutionary I use it in the day too! I do have lots of lamps/fairy lights and turn certain ones on (god I'm sad ) at set times which has been comforting. Nothing seems to replace my bath ritual though.

I really do have much bigger more important and serious stuff to think about instead of baths, it's really the least of my worries in theory, but now the evenings are drawing in I am feeling the sadness for my missed baths more than ever. I miss the routine of it as well as the hot bubbles etc and about this time of year I used to start to look forward to December when I could crack open the Badedas Smile

Can anyone think of anything else that would give a similar nightly wind down/treat feeling? I don't drink alcohol and have limited mobility (and money!) I miss it so much.

Thank you for any ideas or advice - ironically if I don't reply it'll be because I've gone to sleep, very seizurey at the moment. I'm just so fucking fed up.

OP posts:
PoodlesRUs · 05/09/2024 19:41

Heated/warming eye mask + headphones to listen to something?

Daisiesanddaffodils24 · 05/09/2024 19:47

Heated blanket or, if funds allow, installation of a log burner - nothing like sitting in front of a real fire? Going to a local sauna?

Boohbooh · 05/09/2024 19:49

If funds allow, would you consider a Japanese soaking tub? You can sit almost upright in them.

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fruitpastille · 05/09/2024 19:53

Could you leave the door open and your dh could sit just outside where he could hear/check up on you frequently?

I like a heated throw to relax. I like baths but ours takes an age to run so heated throw/hot water bottle and oodie is easier.

DillyDallySal · 05/09/2024 19:54

I love a very hot bath. The only thing that comes close is lying in a very hot sauna for me. Is that an option? Join a local health club?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 05/09/2024 19:54

Foot soak? Hot water and a squirt of Badedas? I feel your pain - I'd hate to lose my nightly soak. Maybe a foot soak plus a hot chocolate, whilst sitting with your lovely husband!

whereareyousleep · 05/09/2024 19:56

Could you get a small video baby monitor a blink camera for example so your DH can hear and see you in the bath but could sit elsewhere and keep an eye on it. They are only around £30

beachmum1 · 05/09/2024 19:57

A foot spa maybe?

Sprig1 · 05/09/2024 19:58

Is there some kind of alarm you could wear that will go off if, for example, your neck goes under water?

Shinyandnew1 · 05/09/2024 19:59

DH has offered to sit in the bathroom with me nightly which is very kind, but he is 6 foot four and our bathroom is tiny and also has adaptations

So you can have a bath but need to be continuously watched in case you have a fit?

Can’t you just have a camera or set your phone up as a camera that he’s watching from the lounge and if you have a fit, he runs straight in?

spikeandbuffy24 · 05/09/2024 20:00

Foot soak? Add a heated blanket over you!
The heated eye masks are really good (kao steam mask is the brand I use)
If you have the money at any point, there's a lot of head spa places opening which look amazing

Boohbooh · 05/09/2024 20:04

Inflatable bath in your sitting room. Husband can watch TV or whatever while supervising. Run a hose from your kitchen to fill the bath. Bit of a faff to empty though.

Peachyscream · 05/09/2024 20:06

Hire a hot tub. I’ve done it a couple of times. Friday evening to Monday morning (cost £40!!)
Dp could sit with you, it’d be something to look forward to

0BonneMaman0 · 05/09/2024 20:08

Massage
Heated blanket
I guess a sauna is bad too?

DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace · 05/09/2024 20:09

Could your DH put a chair on the landing, by the doorway? Then he'd have a bit more space and be a bit more comfortable?

Alternatively, could you get a heated blanket, and wrap yourself in it slightly propped up in bed? Might give you that surrounded by warmth bath feeling?

TammyJones · 05/09/2024 20:13

whereareyousleep · 05/09/2024 19:56

Could you get a small video baby monitor a blink camera for example so your DH can hear and see you in the bath but could sit elsewhere and keep an eye on it. They are only around £30

I was wondering along these lines...

Drachuughtty · 05/09/2024 20:16

OP it sounds miserable you can't do this lovely wind down routine any more. No suggestions that haven't already been mentioned but I feel for you.

Octavia64 · 05/09/2024 20:19

Weighted blanket on top heated throw underneath you,

You don't quite get the hot baths feeling but the weighted blanket is a lovely soothing sensation,

Bemusedandconfusedagain · 05/09/2024 20:20

Longer term, but have you looked into a seizure alert dog? An acquaintance of mine has an amazing assistance dog who gives her about twenty minutes warning of a seizure which means she's able to do things like have a bath and take her young kids to school herself.

Newsenmum · 05/09/2024 20:22

nice warm shower with products and one of those steamers you out in the bottom where nice smells come out. Then get in a really comfy dressing gown, weighted blanket and eye mask.