Showering…when you have Dysautonomia

It never fails (or should I say, always fails?) — I am always utterly EXHAUSTED after taking even a short shower. Or bath. This is, by far, the hardest task for me still to accomplish. I think it’s a mix between the heat and the standing that causes all the orthostatic stress which makes those of us with Dysautonomia pretty miserable. So one morning, after my failed (and stubborn) attempt to take a shower all on my own, I came across this web-page that has AWESOME advice for taking a shower when you have Dys or any other chronic disease. Boy, do I wish I would have read her tips before my shower that day…

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE SHOWERING A MUCH EASIER TASK

OR copy and paste the URL: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Take-a-ShowerWhen-You-Have-Dysautonomia

A few tips of my own that I would add include:

• Getting a shower chair
• Getting a removable shower head (ya know, the ones with the bendy cord?)
• Taking a shower at night before going to bed, so if you’re wiped out it doesn’t totally ruin your day
• Asking for help from a spouse or parent/family member (don’t be embarrassed!)
• Separate tasks. For example: if you’re a female, shaving can be a whole other task in and of itself (especially with Spring weather here!), so try to spread things out as much as you can if you feel like shampooing, conditioning, body washing, AND shaving is all too much for you in one sitting
• Learn some “cheats”. Baking soda makes a great dry shampoo — just sprinkle on your hair, comb and fluff. Use a blow dryer to help. And the good ol’ sponge bath is always an option. 😀