showering/bathing with a pacemaker

Hi again I'm posting on behalf of my wife who is a week and 2 days into having her pacemaker and we were both wondering what is the best way to have her to shampoo her hair without getting her incesion wet (this question is for any women in the group who has a pacemaker)

12 Comments

What I did

by Theknotguy - 2015-04-11 11:04:11

What I did was to cover the PM scar with gauze. Then put larger band aids over the gauze. While taking the shower I'd cover the scar area with a small towel, folded. Then after the shower I'd pat the area dry. Then remove the larger band aids and gauze. If the area was damp, I'd pat that dry too.

If you are able, taking the spouse to the hairdresser and have them do the shampoo, that would be an option.

Hope everything goes well.

What I did

by PJinSC - 2015-04-12 04:04:24

First off, IAN MC, as we say in the South, "ain't right", but it does sound like fun. I hope you are in there washing her hair and in general pampering her.

I am male, but I did like many here did and used plastic wrap and adhesive tape to cover the wound.

Tell her I wish her Good Luck and Good Life; it sounds like she already has a Good Man. PJ

showering

by Alma Annie - 2015-04-12 07:04:18

My EP had my wound sprayed with "OPSITE" a Smith and Nephew product. The bandage was removed the morning after the evening procedure. I could then shower, wash hair or anything as it was totally waterproofed. I cannot understand why other surgeons don't use this product. Cardio/EP was also amazed as he had been using it for years. With this, he informed me there was hardly any opportunity for infection. It gradually wears off but not until wound has healed. You can buy it from the chemist, at least here in Australia. Hope this helps.
Alma Annie.

Protecting new incision

by dottodot - 2015-04-12 07:04:42

Just take saran wrap and tape it down securely. If damp after shower or shampoo pat it gently with a dry towel.

A suggestion

by IAN MC - 2015-04-12 08:04:59

Hi Newfie Persuade your wife to have a shower draped in Clingfilm and then chase her round the house

She will be able to shampoo her hair, the incision will not get wet and it will add spice to your marriage.

Ian

My Method

by Artist - 2015-04-12 09:04:13

The most confining aspect of bathing for me was the post surgical instructions to not raise my left arm above shoulder level or reach behind my back for 30 days. The kitchen sink or a utility sink work well for shampooing hair especially if there is a sprayer attachment. I had two layers of bandages. The outer dressing was removed in two weeks and I was allowed to bathe normally with the remaining steri strips exposed. Those fell off or were removed at 30 days. Hopefully your wife will be free to get the incision area wet at the usual 2 week post op point. When it comes to arm movement restrictions you might enjoy helping her out!

showering bathing

by trish - 2015-04-12 10:04:27

tape piece of plastic such.as food storage bag or bread bag to cover wide area around incision . Stand with back to shower head, She can shampoo with right hand or you could do so for her. When finished immediately remove plastic and pat area dry is any moisture seeped in. Or treat her to shampoo and set,( blow dry) at her favorite salon She deserves a treat and we women feel so much better when hair is done. Trish

Everyone of you who cannot...

by donr - 2015-04-12 11:04:04

......reach the top of your own head w/o raising your elbow above the shoulder, RAISE your hand.

See, all you had to do was tuck your chin in a bit.

A bit of plastic taped across the wound & you're ready to go.

Donr

showering

by jane32 - 2015-04-13 05:04:23

I have a foam mesh pad over my wound and a waterproof dressing on top so I can shower and wash my hair, a bit awkward with one arm but it can be done. I know others have gone to the hairdressers and had it washed and I think that is a great idea. I hope things continue well with your wife's recovery.

Showering

by Virginia - 2015-04-13 07:04:27

My Doc said after 5 days take a shower No issue here got mine in on 4/3 on 4/10 got it wet. Looks fine doc says so also

utility tub

by kbell - 2015-04-13 08:04:22

I was allowed to get my incision wet but my husband was paranoid so we covered it for a short shower and washed my hair seperate (I have long hair and a lot of it.)

I don't know what your configuration is but in our laundry room the utility tub sits against one end of the washer/ dryer and our tap has a hose on it. I just laid down on top of those and he washed my hair for me. I was so comfortable I could've taken a nap.

I love that man,

Kimberly

shower

by jjiggers - 2015-04-17 08:04:55

Got my stitches out today! Was told I could shower and wash the tape and blood residue of...felt really good! I have been shampooing my hair for the last week just using one hand...works ok... Good luck to you!

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