Showering with stitches

[Mrmonkey]

Hi I am hoping some wise person can help here, I had a small op today and have stitches in my back, how long until I can shower and wash myself properly? They are being removed in 12 days time and where they are means I can't lift my arms comfortably without the stitches pulling but I'm expected back at work on Friday and I'm very conscious that I will smell a bit by then!

I had a C section and showered the next day (less than 24 hours later).
I would have thought that if you leave it until later on tomorrow, and wash gently you should be fine.

Hopefully wiser people will come and give their opinions too.

Hope you make a quick recovery!

Did you not get aftercare advice?

I had an abdominal operation and managed a shower a day or two later with the aid of cling film.

DH's had a leg operation and bought a special shower sleeve from the hospital to wear.

I had stitches for a tear in labour (quite a lot of stitches!) and they encouraged me to shower right away.

Aftercare advice was not to get them wet and work wanted me back tomorrow so I thought Friday was a compromise, although I need someone to drive me as I'm guessing it will still be uncomfortable by then. Thanks for the advice might attempt a quick shower tomorrow before my dressing is changed.

You can buy dressings from the pharmacy if the hospital didn't provide them. Shower as usual then get someone ( if possible) to pat the area dry and apply new dressing.

Can't really comment on work as don't know what you do. Driving is ok so long as you are sober and can do emergency stop.

If you don't feel well enough for work, don't go. period. Work don't get to decide when you are fit for work.

You can't to back to work yet those things will get more tight and uncomfortable before you're done. What are your employers thinking of?!

You most definitely can't go back to work with stitches in your back. Its not for work to decide. Get a note from your GP if you don't feel comfortable about not going in.

Thank you for the advice I didn't think te Dr would give a note for something like this, unfortunately its a really busy time at work as we have Christmas performances etc coming up!

Can you not remove the shower from its holder and just direct the spray to where you want it to wash?

I agree with everyone else that you are doing yourself no favours by going back to work before you are ready. No-one loves a martyr.

Mrmonkey if you had a general anaesthetic it would be reasonable to stay off until Monday.
A quick shower that avoids soaking the stitches should be okay and be sure not to rub the wound when you dry.
Read your discharge notes for guidance or ring your gp for advice.

It was under local anaesthetic but they had to remove more then they thought and the hole is deeper then anticipated. I wasn't expecting stitches I assumed it would be a small wound that they would cover and leave to heal. My Dh has offered to try and remove the shower head but it's one that is fixed into the wall so may just have a quick wash and leave it at that.

Would a bath be easier -assuming the stiches are high up. If not a bucket/ bowl/flannel wash might work, so you can wash each part in turn (but keep your back dry) to feel squeaky clean.