Any alternative ideas for long hot baths?

[Epilepsy]

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 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

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.

Also wonder about a weighted blanket. I find mine quite comforting.

Nothing replaces having the bath so the obvious solution is your husband being with you. He can surely pop a chair on the landing outside the bathroom, door open? And he relaxes with a book or iPad or whatever but he's close at hand should you need him

Is this serious? Like can you actually do this? You’re being sarcastic no?

I'm sure I've seen adverts for a hot sauna blanket recently ? Looked a bit like a sleeping bag .
Will have a google for you!

An Ofuro hot tub for 2. You can sit up in them and your husband could join you. They are expensive though, around £4 k.

wrap up in a blanket, foot spa machine,

Seconding the baby alarm idea.

Alternatively, I love a hot bath too and a weighted blanket is the next best thing to generate the same feeling. They both stimulate the release of oxytocin apparently. You could add an aromatherapy diffuser and music to blanket time.

I also have an LED red light face mask that is meant for anti-ageing but is very relaxing. Apparently that can stimulate positive feelings in the brain as well but don’t ask me to explain the science!

Think I am now going to introduce this night time routine myself. Thanks for the inspo OP!

I'm with the PP suggesting a seated type bath instead?

A life jacket/flotation device?

Feel for.you.

For all the recommendations for weighted blankets, is there a particular brand to get?

I can’t remember where I got mine from but you can google ‘best weighted blankets’ and there are some decent ‘top ten’ type articles on them.

Could something like this help? Maybe combined with a foot spa?

I don't think anyone has suggested an electric heat pad? Beurer do an XXL one (40x60cm) - put it under your back and a heated throw on top? Mine has 6 temperature settings and switches itself off after 90 mins. Don't know if this is ok with Raynaud's? I use it for pain really but it's great in bed in winter - if I wake up chilly I just switch it back on. I have a scented candle on my bedside table and a cup of herbal tea as well at bedtime. I love my bed!

Can also recommend snuggling with a cat for attaining melting point 🐱 I agree a supervised or semi-supervised bath might be the best solution if DH is willing.

I really sympathize OP, I’d be so sad to lose my baths.

but also, perplexed lol at the water beads suggestion from a pp 😆 Somehow seems unlikely to have the same soothing effect

Thanks @NewMe2024

Gosh, I didn't expect so many replies, thank you so much everyone for taking the time to reply. Yes, my neuro team have advised against baths/hot tubs/swimming (which I used to love) as I don't always get a seizure aura/warning and someone has to be very alert to fish me out ideally before my head goes underwater.

I have been mulling it overnight, and I think it's actually about more than the baths (as well as genuinely missing my baths themselves though of course). The nannycam/baby video monitor to me has been mentioned here a few times, and DH has suggested it too (as well as offering to just sit on landing) and my instinctive dislike of the idea kind of sums it up - it's not just the bath itself, it's about my independence and the feeling of being supervised! I don't want a baby monitor because I'm not a baby. There's also something awful about seizures themselves anyway, the lack of dignity, especially if you're naked or partially clothed. It feels so humiliating especially not being able to remember what's happened, and feeling so confused and vulnerable when you come round. Plus the incontinence This is why I don't want DH involved in personal care either, I want to be a wife/husband, not patient/carer. (I've had a load of injuries recently which hasn't helped, and I have some inpatient visits and an operation hopefully coming up where I will need personal care for some time afterwards, I don't want DH doing that either). So that's on my mind.

I have realised I am also scared of the bathroom itself, which sounds ridiculous. It's a really small space. If anyone has seen Misery, I had a recent seizure in the bathroom and my legs looked like the film version (I think it was James Caan?) No axes involved at least. Also the thought of having a seizure on the toilet and DH/adult DC finding me...awful. So my instinct is to get in and out of the bathroom as soon as possible! Putting a portable bath up downstairs isn't practical sadly (although my cat would LOVE to deal with an inflatable one!!)

Leaving that aside, there are lots of alternatives to baths kindly suggested here. Sorry I can't reply to everyone individually. The weighted blanket has been mentioned a lot, funnily enough I asked my neuro about them recently as they looked so good! Apparently if you could be in a situation where you can't move your head independently, they're not medically advised. The weighted vest/warm neck things etc look good though, I'll look into them. And the warming eye mask, foot spa etc. Funnily enough I have bought some of those shower steamer things for my DCs stockings! I already have a heated blanket/throw which is amazing and any like minded fans may like to look at the electric heated one giant slipper boot things, I love mine, I may look a total knob but my toes are warm! I also have a sleep mask which plays Bluetooth music which is amazing.

I appreciate all suggestions but limited money rules some out sadly, as our local gym/sauna is too expensive. Flotations, log burners, infra red blankets and 4k hot tubs are definitely ruled out sadly! I'm a bit bemused by the water beads thing, tbh Not eligible for alert dog, and my cat would not stand for that either (funnily enough she can tell when I'm going to have a seizure but that's a whole other thread...)

I don't mean to be negative or ungrateful, I'm touched everyone has taken the time to post and will look into all possibilities, even the water beads Writing it all down has also actually helped me identify my subconscious worries, as well as the bath longings. I'm fed up of injuries and uncertainty and definitely worried a lot about hospital visits and surgery and recovery. I have contacted an epilepsy charity/forum/befriending service.

It's just so fucking cold! It's technically warm today, but we are up North and as I'm not very mobile I get cold so quickly. My feet are already in my giant hot boot and it's not even midday

Not sure if this has been suggested yet, and it would be no use in the winter but a greenhouse in the sun gets really warm (40 degrees C on a good day) and would be a lovely place to read a book. Sometimes can be picked up cheaply second hand. I feel for you as I hate being cold too.

These are the steam eye masks I like
They're scented but I have sensitive eyes and they're fine

amzn.eu/d/hJuvGdl

We don’t have a bath, and I’ve been really missing it while pregnant and full of aches and pains. I got a foot spa with bubbles, massage rods and a rotating pumice, and have a whole back massager that goes on a chair and the two together with a book, podcast or game really hits the spot. I don’t know if the foot spa is safe though as obviously it’s full of water and then has an electrical wire coming out of it? But if it’s something you can use I’d really recommend trying it, somehow just having your feet in hot bubbling water is 90% as good as being completely immersed, then you just have to find whatever tops you up that last 10%. Hope you find something nice and comforting you can do.

Would a nightly heated massage help? Get comfy and cosy and use something like this in a favourite chair with a book or music? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snailax-Massage-Cushion-Vibration-Support/dp/B0CLTZMCX3?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
maybe end with a hot chocolate?

Ooh I shall look into latest suggestions thank you! Our garden is actually south facing so we are lucky but sadly the neighbours don't exactly make it a relaxing environment (without going into detail!)

The steam eye masks are interesting, they will definitely go into my DCs stockings as they would love them! I don't know if they are safe for me as I open my eyes if I have a seizure sleeping with closed eyes (slightly terrifying for DH to witness, I do feel bad for him). Foot spa does sound good - much more equipped than they used to be by the sounds of it! I shall look into them.

The massage is interesting, I've tried a few different things and DH has also tried, but I actually find it more relaxing giving him a massage! He has a physical job with long weird hours to fit around looking after me though so I like to feel I'm doing something kind for him for a change. He is so thoughtful and uncomplaining. He does go to sleep early so he lies in my lap and I massage his head and back which is nice for both of us. I do it one handed so I can read at the same time Maybe I shld look into getting a little electric sports massage gun type thing (can't think of the word) so I can do more for him.

I know when I go into hospital for assessments (have a week long inpatient coming up) he will get a good break which will be lovely. He would never say that but I know it will be good for him.

Actually typing this has made me think I will turn this outwards and spend time in the evening doing something for him and my adult DC still at home, as they are so caring and I know they worry (especially when I'm in the bathroom solo!)

@PaperBee do you a link to the foot spa you recommend?

infrared sauna
sauna blanket

I would suggest a hot shower with lovely products then lotions. Then still wrapped up in your towel get into your preheated bed (electric blanket) or get into pjs first. But get warm from your shower then get toastie with the blanket. It sorts me right out. Hope your meds get sorted soon. X