Once upon a time… guess what? I’m back. 😎
No one ever tells you how hard it is to take a shower with a broken leg and alone. But IMHO, that’s the fun part!
Ah, and I forgot to mention one more important tool for me — the trash picker. As a “broken-leg woman,” it’s essential because:
- You never know what trash is on your way that you need to pick up safely.
- Sometimes things fall, and picking them up is unsafe or impossible.
- And the best use? IMHO, it doubles as a defense weapon against ghosts, crazy people, and bad vibes — because you never know when they’re close. 😂
So, I keep it next to my shower bench. And it finally helped me reach the top of the shower curtain, which was too far to reach otherwise. By this time, after so much hustle, I was already tired and almost ready to give up. 😂
Sitting on the bench and stepping into the tub is the most dangerous procedure I’ve done since I was once pushed to walk and threatened on a bridge by a gang member — but that’s another story, full of corruption.
I thought to myself: If I lived through that, I can live through this. Transferring my self, pivoting onto my feet, from wheelchair to the bench onto the tub — and I did it! 💪
Tips for Balance and Safety
- Always stay balanced while sitting.
- If your wounds aren’t fully healed, ask your doctor and if he is ok, cover the leg with a special waterproof cover protector . It’s uncomfortable, but it works.
- Never, ever shower alone if your setup is plastic or slippery — emergency slip risk is real.
- Keep your hands, feet, and floor dry at all times when you transfer. No mats that could slide (see my previous story).
- Pivot slowly to the safe spot — like your wheelchair — don’t jump.
Shower as Therapy
Turning on the shower was my “AHA!” moment. Take a deep breath, do it, and IMHO, you can shower almost as usual with proper precautions:
- Keep your leg slightly bent under the bench or lateral so the water never hits wounds directly.
- Rinse thoroughly, including “hard-to-reach” parts.
- Use long-handled scrubbing tools (see the previous story).
- Even with warm water, your ankle will loosen up — perfect for gentle ROM exercises (if approved by your doctor).
- DO NOT stand alone — I only did it because I had Siri ready to call 911 and “spying eyes” from my house.
Humor & Life Lessons
Wash your “camel” properly — yes, IMHO, it’s more than a kitty, it’s a big, fluffy camel. Rinse carefully so soap doesn’t hit the floor. Dry thoroughly while still seated. Dry your hands and feet first, then carefully put on boot while still stable on the bench.
Your life may be messy. People may be crazy. But only you control how beautiful your life can be.
- Drink water.
- Take a snack.
- Breathe.
- Rest.
Shower is therapy. Cleaning is therapy. Fun is therapy. Proof that you’re alive, no matter what or who tried to put you down.
Takeaway with you
It’s all about resilience. You must thrive and survive, and yes, you can do it.
By the way, what moisturizing body cream do you use? 😉
Next story: I’ll tell you about my creams, perfumes, and how I survived the most horrifying place imaginable — surrounded by twisted, crazy people.
