Bath, Shower or just wash my hair?

Iamwho · Sep 30, 2013, 07:58 AM

What do you or would you do?

I don't do this very often

and often struggle with this decision when I do.

We are going to the hospital for my husband's 1st post radiation treatment check-up and I probably need to clean up.
When I get stuck like this I usually just put it off or give up and do nothing.

Citrine · Sep 30, 2013, 09:08 AM

So true. Many a time when we have things on our mind or are indeed depressed, bathing is such a dreadful chore. I sometimes drag myself to the bathroom. If you have the time a bath is the best idea, lots of your usual bubbly stuff in it. Bath because you can lie there for a while and you are getting clean doing little and will only need a quick essential wash. I even wash my hair in it then quick final rinse with water. Shower... by time, set your phone for 5 mins on the timer mode and put it where you can see it, the crazy rush to get clean can get your energy going too. Just dont slip over.

Thinking of you, hope it goes well for you both.

Sep 30, 2013, 09:09 AM

it's a hospital... it's hardly the cleanest place in the world anyway

i'd just make a small effert- but don't go over the top

catsrhelm · Sep 30, 2013, 09:18 AM

Try just washing your hair first. It will help you feel better.

Thorn Bird · Sep 30, 2013, 10:52 AM

I agree the bathing and hair ritual can be such a chore - especially when dealing with much more important things - just have a quick wash and wash your hair - which will make you feel better too - I hope all goes well

Fuzzybear · Sep 30, 2013, 12:29 PM

Oh

. This hair washing and shower thing is a huge chore for me..... I won't list the many reasons why.

sending you sincere wishes for healing

January · Sep 30, 2013, 12:32 PM

I know that depression can cause so much exhaustion that it's almost impossible to bathe or shower. For a quick "wash" unscented baby wipes really help, or as my niece puts it, you can take a "birdie bath" using the bathroom sink. Also if you go to a drug store, (or can send someone for you), that carries medical supplies you can get something called "Bath in a Bag". It's wonderful. You just put warm water in the bag and it has soap in it. You don't have to rinse and you can even use it on your hair.

I wish you the very best.

Jan

laughattack · Sep 30, 2013, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Oh

. This hair washing and shower thing is a huge chore for me..... I won't list the many reasons why.

sending you sincere wishes for healing

For me too, at times. Usually when I'm more depressed than usual. There was a three or four week period in which I took a shower only once a week, and that was because I had a T appointment that day...

Iamwho · Sep 30, 2013, 10:53 PM

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I do not feel so alone now. All the ideas and thoughts are great.
The idea of doing nothing helped ease my anxiety a little. That helped me decide a bath was doable.
My husband's cancer is still gone. They will do monthly checkups for 6 months and every year after that.
In the past, sometimes only the hair gets washed. Baby wipes keep me from getting too smeely
I have had to make so many decisions lately that I just could not think anymore.
Got to go, I'm falling asleep at the keyboard.

CastlesInTheAir · Sep 30, 2013, 11:03 PM

oh i hate that i struggle with this......just today i basically threw myself into the shower....didnt touch my hair though (i have very long thick hair that takes forever to wash).....i make it a point to at least accomplish some kind of shower at least once a day...when im working i dont have a problem doing this....when i have off and have no where where I have to be.....i have to drag myself.....

Iamwho · Oct 01, 2013, 08:32 AM

Castlesintheair, I also have very long, thick hair. My husband didn't want me to cut it. It has only been recently that I like it. It still frustrates me sometimes. I too have showered and avoided dealing with the hair. My big frizzy hair is outrageous. So I avoid brushing or getting it wet. I makes me look scary.
Having to be around other people does push us to be cleaner.

Iamwho · Nov 05, 2013, 10:37 PM

Still struggling with this. This time I couldn't even manage a bath. My hair really needed washing so I just hopped in the shower. My hair is so long that washing it in the sink is even harder than in the shower. I got motivated when I noticed how clean a friend smelled. That and I had to go to the hospital with my hubby for his check up. So far his cancer is still gone. But his throught is tore up and may always be.

possum220 · Nov 06, 2013, 05:37 AM

The whole thing is a struggle isn't it? I have to just put myself into the shower and not think about it. Especially when I have to see my p'doc.

If your hair is long would having it cut make it easier for you? Could you use hair slides or head bands to settle your hair down and get it under control? My hair isn't that long but using a head band helps to get the hair off my face.

Try anything that helps.

Iamwho · Nov 08, 2013, 08:45 AM

Possum220, seems I only clean up if I have to be in close quarters with other peeps. If I have been outside and gotten very dirty or critters on me it is no problem jumpinig in the shower or bath. It must be because of not thinking about it and just doing it.

My thinking is so messed up sometimes, (maybe most of the tome).

Sorry about goof ups typung. I found out the pain at the base of my R thumb is due to loss of cartilage and bone on bone action. The left hand and wrist has carpal tunnel starting and thumb arthritis.

Oh, Hubbs keeps telling me he likes my long hair and doesn't want me to cut it. Ive been getting it trimmed more and more each time. I usually use t-shirt type ties I get at the Dollar General. I would like to find a comfortable headband to wear..

Sunluvr · Nov 08, 2013, 12:08 PM

I am so glad to know that others struggle with these issues also.I absolutely cannot make myself shower etc unless I have an upcoming social engagement or a doctors appointment or for some other reason that will entail my being seen in public.
Good advice - woman to woman - is to wash your hair. Dirty hair makes a woman seem lazy and unconcerned w normal social convention and makes her look groody regardless of weather she is wearing nice clothes and make up .

gayleggg · Nov 08, 2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Good advice - woman to woman - is to wash your hair. Dirty hair makes a woman seem lazy and unconcerned w normal social convention and makes her look groody regardless of weather she is wearing nice clothes and make up .

I have to agree with this even though it is so hard for me to drag myself to the shower to do it. When I had cancer and my hair fell out, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen, (found out I was wrong) but it was so nice just to be able to wipe my head and then just towel dry it. I know why so many men shave their heads.

possum220 · Nov 08, 2013, 11:25 PM

Iamwho......... maybe that is the trick.... not to think about it and just get it done. Tell hubby if he doesn't want you to cut your hair then he can wash it.

Woman to woman - wash your hair. Sometimes depression makes me not care about what I look like.

scroka1082 · Nov 08, 2013, 11:50 PM

just was your hair and spray perfum

@nonymous · Nov 10, 2013, 09:11 PM

Take a bath with epsom salts and mermaid soak your hair while you relax.

healingme4me · Nov 10, 2013, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iamwho

Castlesintheair, I also have very long, thick hair. My husband didn't want me to cut it. It has only been recently that I like it. It still frustrates me sometimes. I too have showered and avoided dealing with the hair. My big frizzy hair is outrageous. So I avoid brushing or getting it wet. I makes me look scary.
Having to be around other people does push us to be cleaner.

Brushing out long hair is a chore, in and of itself. Do you ever pull it into a ponytail, then wrap it into a bun, just to not deal with it?

IowaFarmGal · Nov 10, 2013, 10:06 PM

Is once a week not often enough for a shower? I do wash up at the sink in between and wash my hair if it needs it. I don't even brush my teeth unless I have to go somewhere.

Iamwho · Nov 11, 2013, 09:49 AM

Once a week seems good and I think is better for your skin. I think our bodies do have a lot of good bacteria and oil on them.

Do brush those teeth more often. I tend to skip or forget brush. Please try to brush once or twice a day or at least use a good mouth wash.
I have had to deal with cavities, teeth needing pulling, and crowns.
Painful, very expensive and now hard to chew food.
I found it helps to keep alot of tooth brushes around everywhere you might could brush. Also, using electric and manual brushes creates some variety.
Just had another idea, try differnt types of toothpaste. I don't really like the one I am using, but it is supposed to be good for your teeth and gums.. Of course it doesn't do much good if I don't use it!

HAPPY BRUSHING!

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