Best bath & shower aids according to redditors

https://www.riteaid.com/shop/folding-bath-bench-white-0297218

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/drive-medical-folding-bath-bench/1040826882

Dr Kay's Adjustable Height Bath and Shower Chair Top Rated Shower Bench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTQFTPW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3DKoDbFY3WYDT

NCONE Mini Portable Folding Stool,Light Weight Metal and Plastic Folding Chair,330lb Capacity,9.8 inch Height,Indoor/Outdoor Use,Camping,Fishing,Travel,Hiking,Garden,Beach https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLHW3C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yEKoDbTPRN12N

Various price points. The last one is cheapest and doesn't specify shower, but does have non slip pads and says you can use it at the beach

Planning on killing yourself? Here are some helpful links that might help you!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DKA3OGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_nl7SBbXTV888D

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JIKY4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_hm7SBb514H7ME

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010VS078/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Xn7SBb8PHAF7S

It is exactly what it sounds like. It's usually sold in medical stores for people who for one reason or another cannot stand in the shower or are at high risk of slipping (elderly, etc).

http://www.amazon.com/Medline-MDS89745R-Shower-Chair/dp/B0007YX29A

THE ULTIMATE MANLY CRY KIT:

Shower stool

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Exfoliating Gloves For Making Your Skin Really Smooth

12/24 Pack of Your Favourite Beer

Good luck and have an awesome cry!

Weighted blanket will definitely help with RLS. It does for me.

I’m gonna get this so my feet don’t start hurting when I’m in the shower (if I’m feeling alright to stand): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTXF9GC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k7YzDbBXT4MJD

And I’m gonna get this for sitting in the shower: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXZQ4XS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_c8YzDb0FD7V0P

Pain management:

• heating pad
  
• heated blanket
  
• tiger balm combined with menthol/comfort gel
  
• compression stuff
  
  If there are specific things you have trouble with, let me know and I can help brainstorm ideas if you’d like!

This is a big one
Smaller
Smaller still, but looks less stable
I have experience with the first one and they're fairly comfortable since it basically holds your butt.

Most of my post-op gripes are around swelling of the leg / knee in general. Get something to prop up the foot of your bed (not just your leg, do that as well). I used wood / suitcase to prop up my bed and still put my leg up on pillows.

Random equipment based recommendations for post-op.

• Long Shoe Horn (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AJ3B6A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Compression Socks / Knee Sleeves. I enjoyed Zensah, tried quite a few brands McDavid was good as well. (Socks: https://www.amazon.com/Zensah-Compression-Socks-Black-Medium/dp/B00FFZJ2N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487614987&sr=8-1&keywords=zensah+compression+socks , Knee: https://www.amazon.com/Zensah-Compression-Sleeve-Heather-X-Large/dp/B01KINH4PM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1487615023&sr=8-7&keywords=zensah+knee+sleeve)
  
  
• Handicap Bar for Bathroom. This was clutch for feeling safe in the shower.(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JIM2DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  
• Some large jug for water, stay hydrated!
  
  Other random thoughts.
  
  
• Take your meds, don't be proud, you need sleep and to stay ahead of the pain.
  
• Don't eat at a deficit post-op. I ate like I was on a bulk, this is not the time to diet because you are not exercising. Recover first, worry about weight second.
  
• Again, don't be proud, ask for help when you need it. Have some quick meals around or someone to help cook, etc. I nearly fainted in my kitchen the day after pushing myself too much.

No,but there’s more. Searching for 41818 on Google I found this https://www.amazon.com/Faucet-41818-18-Inch-Contemporary-Polished/dp/B00I2HHGVE

Shower Stool this one's less than $20 - shower chairs are absolutely a thing

My shower and bathroom are tiny! I got a shower stool but also considered getting a small folding one, like this

To solve the height issue, I put in a suction mount low on the wall, similar to this

Yes! This was something I put a lot of thought into when I was really sick.

• /u/mnicoleb1773 already mentioned body wipes, which is an essential for the spoonie life. We're living in the golden age of body wipes and I love it. There are the medical grade ones (like these) and the fancier ones they sell in stores now for, like, "active people on the go", and the deodorant ones just for underarms, or whatever. For vulva-owners, I definitely recommend a wipe designed for that area.
  
  
• After the wipes, a good body powder is sometimes helpful (I love Lush's "silky underwear" to use under arms and the underboob area).
  
  
• For hair, if yours is short enough you can use rinse-free shampoo (some even come in a shower cap form where you just put it on and smoosh it around and throw it out). I usually fared better with dry shampoo and a re-hydrating spray for curly/wavy hair since my ends tend to dry out.
  
  
• And then there's shaving. Get an electric shaver that works dry. I got this basic one for $18, and it's absolutely good enough. I even use it on underarms after getting the area clean and thoroughly dry (a tiny bit of powder rubbed in before is helpful to reduce friction).
  
  
• Another option for shaving is the shave cream by EOS. It can be used dry! And it works as long as your razor is good and sharp and you go a tiny bit slower. (I wiped a damp washcloth on my legs first and that seemed to help) And then follow it with a damp cloth to get the residue. And you can just be sitting on the floor to do this anywhere.
  
  
• When I was feeling ambitious enough to shower, a stool was essential. My shower is tiny, and this one still fit. If you've got a bigger shower stall (or even a tub!) you can find some cuter shower chairs, even.
  
  
• And I would sit to floss. And really just, any time that it was logistically possible.

A bathtub transfer bench might work for you if she can lift her feet up while sitting to get them over the edge.

Eccentriczebpajamas, congrats!

Fellow hEDS, got married last July (pre-diagnosis), and I think I’ve got some ideas for you:

For the shoes, not sure where to look - I have really HUGE feel (size 12-13 women’s), so I struggled too, but ended up finding a cheap pair that looked great and kinda worked for me. They were tolerable but not comfortable, and I regret not focusing more time on finding a better pair.

For the registry, I’ve had really good luck with the OXO Good Grips series of stuff (their handles are chunky enough that I don’t tend to sublux my fingers, even gripping hard)

The can opener I use is a blue version of this one: (OXO Good Grips Can Opener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004OCJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5-Z.zbZ5E94HD)

They also have a kitchen starter set that might be good to work with:(OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IELD9A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ka0.zbT8JYQX5)

When I can cook, I use these gloves instead of potholders - they’re great for the heat, don’t require as much hand strength/fine motor skills as potholders would, and also do a great job at gripping/opening stuck can lids: (Silicone Oven Gloves Extra Thick Heat Resistant Oven Mitts from Aocome, for Cooking Grilling BBQ and Baking, Quilted Cotton Lining, Waterproof Non-Slip Grip Food Grade Safe 1 Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J76A9AI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_id0.zbEAKKA40)

For sitting, this chair is my favorite. Looks goofy, but hurts WAY less than anything else I’ve tried:
(Gaiam Balance Ball Chair - Classic Yoga Ball Chair with 52cm Stability Ball, Pump & Exercise Guide for Home or Office, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006FFR37W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6e0.zb9Y7MDYQ)

A WiFi blood pressure monitor like the one from Nokia (I have the older Withings version) can be great for helping keep track of your overall health (along with things like FitBits, WiFi thermometers, etc., if you’re into that: (Nokia BPM+ – Compact Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F2MC29/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Qg0.zb3J5YKKN)

Finally, if you have room, a shower stool can be super helpful if you spend too many spoons in one place and struggle to stand up in the shower (there are lots of types, including pretty wooden ones, but this type is really easy to assemble): (Medokare Shower Stool with Padded Seat - Shower Seats for Seniors with Tote Bag, Shower Bench Bath Chair, Handicap Shower Seat for Adults, Shower Stools and Benches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXZQ4XS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mj0.zb5C9TRYX)

Oh! And bonus last-minute add: overhead lights that you can turn off from your phone, so you can go to bed and THEN turn off the lights, instead of trying to fumble your way across your room in the dark (they can also turn your room into a bright rainbow disco, if you’re into that): (Philips Hue 464479 60W Equivalent White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit, 3rd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3QXSGX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0l0.zb2N2PB53)

Good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful wedding day!


...ETA, this set of pots and pans! They have big rubbery handles that are easy to work with, and they’re easy to clean - they can go straight into the dishwasher: (The Pioneer Woman Vintage Speckle 10-Piece Non-Stick Pre-Seasoned Cookware Set (Turquiose) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014X6NQI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ov0.zb32WQSJ3)

Hahaha I have this one: Healthline Trading Lightweight Bath Bench with Back Adjustable, Non-slip Seat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HHB5XQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L-GhzbGQHJZH8

They do make smaller ones though that are closer to stool size. I just really wanted a back to mine!

Buy the hip kit from amazon (it has a grabber, sock putter onner, and other things to help dress and undress).

If you don’t have a comfort height toilet, or if he’s super tall, you’ll want to think about a raised toilet seat. (I personally didn’t need one, but I’m also 5’6”.)

You’ll also want to get a seat for the shower, I recommend the kind with no raised handles or anything, like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AEGCUI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share - this is the one that the hospital had and I loved it.
You also might want to have a stool softener on hand, they’ll provide you with one but I had to add my own into the mix just for the first couple of days.

He’ll also need a sturdy chair (like a dining room chair) to sit in that doesn’t have wheels. It helps to have a cushion here (I just used a pillow 🤷🏻‍♀️).

He’ll need some comfy sweat pants to wear. Your legs can swell quite a bit after surgery so nothing tight fitting.

Also I was super hungry after surgery (like after the first few days passed) so have lots of snack options.

The hospital will send you home with a walker/crutches (whatever they decide) and then most people transition to a cane. I got my cane for $20 on Amazon. The crutches my insurance covered.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I just had my hip done last September. :)

A transfer chair may be helpful.

Also, you can go up and down the stairs using your butt and your good leg.

I enjoy using a inflatable basin (link below) for my subs who enjoy golden showers. It a good way to contain your pee while ensuring they can be drenched and drink it easily (if you are straddling their body). If you enjoy more of a full body gs scene a little inflatable bed is a good option.

I have used both with much success. The inflatable bed is good if you need to save space and protect the ground. Its also a lot easier to drench the whole body and then move onto other things while still being in the tub.

For example, the last time I used mine was with a sub who enjoyed being drenched in pee, then immediately being canned on his bottom. He was able to quickly situate his body while still being surrounded by my pee. You can even shove their head into the pee from this position. Just make sure to keep an eye out for signs of drowning, I know that sounds silly but it doesn't take much for this to be a real concern, especially if little pools form in the tub.

Have fun and stay safe!

​

Head Basin: https://www.amazon.com/Access-Inflatable-Shampoo-Basin-Disabled/dp/B002YMMFW8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_121_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3K5KG2X4P7R1ZG7KA6AZ

​

Inflatable bed: https://www.amazon.com/18-89-20-86in-inflatable-assistive-sprinkler-Pregnancy/dp/B07CZYJPVF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1539117917&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=inflatable+bath&psc=1

grab bar

We did something like this and put half in and half out near the back of the tub so plenty of room to stand and shower. They could sit on it to swing legs over and out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2XAHZL/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_7G36CbRS2V2KF


Plenty of options, hopefully you will find on to works.

/u/whomst_is mentioned a shower chair. We got this one and like it:

Medical Tool-free Spa Bathtub Shower Lift Chair, Portable Bath Seat, Adjustable Shower Bench, White Bathtub Lift Chair with Arms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5Z47HK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_IZzZDSfDYqKVe

My mother is a retired nurse, and if you know anyone who worked in healthcare, they will tell you the last place they want is a nursing home. She would likely die within a few weeks, absolutely no exaggeration. So we have a nice wheelchair ramp into her home, plenty of rails in her walk-in shower, a nice seat and plenty of room to maneuver her walker. She has a push-button recliner and a handy remote control to turn on her bedroom lights and heater.

She is disabled, so I have to help her dress and cook for her and frequently pick up after her, but her mind is sharp and she takes care of her finances. It's just random things she needs help with, like her hearing and lack of dexterity makes it impossible to use automated phone menus, stuff like that. Every fall we buy cracked pecans that she opens to extract nutmeats, which helps her retain some range of movement in her hands.

I live with her now after years of rehabilitation following hospital screw-ups (some sent her to the ICU with organ failures due to hospital/facility incompetence). She has a much better quality of life and, again, both of us know she would be long dead if she were relegated to a nursing home.

Here's a weird one: a butter knife.

I use it to open cans that have a pull-tab top without wrecking my fingers. Stick the tip through the loop, lever up.

See also: an electric can opener, this giant pill organizer, these grab bars that can easily be installed in the tiniest of apartment bathrooms without starting an argument with your landlord (priceless!) combined with this hockey tape (put it on your grab bars and crutch handles to keep your hands from slipping) and these anti-slip stickers, (I even put the stickers on the bathroom floor.)

Would this work?

Say 'Hello' to my little friend:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AEGCUI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Might be too wide to fit in a tub but works great in a stall.

Definitely basketball shorts with pockets! Also, a special chair/bench for the shower goes a long way. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Ez2care-Adjustable-Lightweight-Shower-inches/dp/B01NBHVL3E/ref=sr_tnr_p_9_8624344011_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492890694&sr=8-9&keywords=chair+for+shower

If the shower is built into the bathtub, as a LOT are I'm realizing, there are chairs designed to fit over the side of the tub, https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-Medical-Adjustable-Bathroom-Transfer/dp/B010H1OIF4/ref=sr_1_44_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1491759272&sr=1-44

You can get this or something similar to control your lights if they are the regular screw in lamp base type.

Okay...so this is a bit of center, and perhaps not the solution you may be looking for. However what about philips hue bulbs. It's totally overkill, however it gets you around having to run an extra wire. http://www.meethue.com/en-US

Edit: or cheaper... found you this. http://www.amazon.com/Heath-Zenith-WC-6025-WH-Transmitter-Controlled/dp/B002PFAVPW/ref=pd_sim_hi_1

Wow, thank you! This is a great idea. I have been slowly moving forward with an office like this and had been thinking about these two as a way to possibly mount the monitors.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026IBSUA/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N1GQXII/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_4

They make em