How to Wipe after Shoulder Surgery
Did you just have shoulder surgery and realize you can’t wipe your butt?
That’s one of the worst feelings in the world! After shoulder surgery, it’s common for people to feel a lot of pain and discomfort in the shoulder, back, and neck.
In addition to the pain, people notice that everyday things, like wiping, can feel like an extraordinary feat!
Today, we’re going to talk about an easy solution to getting your bottom clean after shoulder surgery. Keep reading or watch the video below to learn more.
Hi, my name is Maria and I'm an occupational therapist. I've helped so many people in nursing homes, the community, and hospital clean their bottoms easier after using the toilet.
Today I'm doing this video in collaboration with BidetKing.com, the online leader in bidet seats, to show you how bidet seats can help clean your bottom after shoulder surgery.
Shoulder precautions after shoulder surgery
Let's talk about some common shoulder precautions that your surgeon may give you:
No active shoulder movement. You can't even shrug, “I don’t know”.
No internal rotation of the shoulder, which is medical mumbo jumbo for “no wiping your butt”.
No pulling or lifting or pushing over 5 pounds.
If you've had surgery on your dominant arm (you know, the one that you use for writing) then things can get even trickier.
Sure, you can wipe with your non-dominant hand, but it can quickly feel frustrating to practice the skill while cleaning your keister after surgery. No one is in the mood to learn something new when you’re in a world of pain!
The extra twisting and bending may cause even more pain in your shoulder, neck, and back. In my profession, we say less pain equals more gain, which is why I want you to consider using a bidet seat.
How bidet seats clean your bottom after shoulder surgery
Using a bidet seat after shoulder surgery completely eliminates the need to wipe your bottom. Instead of using toilet paper to wipe, the bidet has a remote control that allows you to spray water to gently and effectively clean your bottom.
Bidets, like the Alpha UX Pearl, use the remote control to select either the feminine wash or posterior wash settings. Adjust the nozzle to aim exactly where you want the water to go to thoroughly clean those nooks and crannies.
Use the remote to choose your preferred water pressure and temperature. The temperature ranges from cool to warm. Personally when I’m in pain, I prefer to use cool water to make me feel better!
(Public Service Announcement: Never use HOT or COLD water, unless you want to damage your butt skin!)
When you're finished washing, stay seated and use remote to select the air drying option. It takes about two minutes for your bottom to dry. This can feel like a while, but I’d rather sit two minutes than use toilet paper or a booty only towel to pat dry my rear.
Many bidet seats have user pre settings that allow you to set your preferred water nozzle position, temperature, and intensity with the push of one button. You'll be able to wash your tuchus instead of reaching back and moving your shoulder to wipe, wipe, wipe!
How to use a bidet seat after shoulder surgery
Now, we’re going to talk about how to use the bidet after shoulder surgery. If you’d like to see a visual, watch this video at the 2:19 mark.
Sit tall with your feet flat on the ground. Grab the remote and select your water preferences using your dominant or non-dominant hand.
After washing, choose the air drying option to dry your bum.
Let’s review: sit on the toilet and push the buttons on the remote to clean your butt. That’s it! You’re good to go!
As a side note, bidets can be useful in helping you recover from other hand in arm procedures. In general, surgeons don't want you to actively move the joint that they work on. Bidets with remotes like the Alpha UX Pearl give your limbs a break while you're healing.
Did you use a bidet seat after shoulder surgery?
Just to recap: using a bidet after shoulder surgery allows you to continue your shoulder precautions, feel less pain, and keep your heinie healthy!
The bidet is an important asset to your recovery. If you're interested in learning more about bidets, head on over to BidetKing.com or check out bidet seats in the Toilet Talk Shop.
Did you use a bidet seat after shoulder surgery? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! What did you like about it? What didn’t work well for you? Your insight is incredibly helpful!
Thank you so much for reading and remember, I've got your back side!
(Pssssttttt . . . did you know we have an awesome online course for people who have a hard time wiping after using the toilet? It’s an awkward topic that you can learn how to solve in the comfort and privacy of your own home! Learn more about the course HERE!)