Soaking in a tub

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kodi

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 29, 2006
Messages
617
Location
Lake Havasu City, AZ
I wasn't real sure where to put this so decided here since it's nothing urgent and might be just a matter of personal experience or opinions.
I was wondering how long after surgery did you have to wait to soak in a bathtub or heated spa? I don't remember my surgeon or card saying anything about it. My surgeon is 200 miles away and unless it is an urgent issue, my card or his office takes several days to reply.

What's your opinions. I know you all have them. :D
 
Not sure, Kodi, but I think one concern would be infection of the incision. Best to wait for the cardio's opinion before taking the risk of a heated spa.
 
I did not check out PJ's website. I was given a large notebook upon release from the hospital and it states... " Wash your incision daily with mild soap and water. Until your incision has healed, shower or take a sponge bath instead of a tub bath."

Please check with your doctors. If it were me, I would wait awhile.

Marguerite
 
Whoa, bummer:

Sexual intercourse requires slightly more energy, therefore a waiting time of 1-3 weeks is generally recommended. Another consideration will be position. As the sternum has been cut, a modification may be necessary in order to prevent injury to the sternum or incisional pain. Exercise will strengthen the heart and overall physical condition. So as you engage in the home walking program and witness firsthand increased endurance and confidence, you will know when you are ready. The energy expenditure for intercourse is the equivalent of walking briskly or climb two flights of stairs. The heart rate rarely rises above 120 beats/minute and blood pressure elevations are similarly mild and transient.
 
Thanks for your input and PJMOM, thanks for the link.
Interesting, when I was released from the hospital they gave me a tape to watch when I got home on recovery. Actually, they made me watch it once while still in the hospital. It covers almost every point that was mentioned in the link.
I guess I'll need to wait to see my card to make sure the incision is healed completely. I just love sitting in my hot tub at night even when the weather is cold; well in AZ it doesn't get that cold even at night. :)
 
Here's something you may not have thought of...

Here's something you may not have thought of...

If I remember correctly, my surgeon instructed me not to take any tub baths for a month, only showers. I thought that was a bit extreme, until I was finally able to take one...the bath felt great...but HOW THE HECK DO YOU GET YOURSELF OUT!?

I found it extremely difficult to get out of the tub without using my arms to push myself up, which is a no no after chest surgery. I finally managed to get to a kneeling position, (while I was there I said a prayer that I could get myself out I think :p ) and then I was able to stand up from that position.

When I got out, I said to my hubby, "Now I get it, that's why your not supposed to take a bath for a month! It probably has to do with infection too, but keep in mind that especially if you happen to be overweight, (like me), or don't have really strong leg muscles...it may be difficult to get back out.
 
Soaking in hot water dialates blood vessels as well. This might cause issues as well... increased bleeding, stress on sutures, etc...

A buddy of mine is the Head Trainer for a professional hockey team. Had a player that had a concussion a couple of weeks before. Said player went to soak in hot tub and my friend found him passed out due to dialated blood vessels that were damaged in the concussion. His new rule for all players is NO HOT TUB OR SAUNA for 4 weeks after any concussion.

Seems similar caution follow OHS would be prudent.
 

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