Hi everyone, Alison/Tink here.
Recently within a discussion with an online friend who asked my advice on washing, my advice apparently helped her a lot. So Jodi and myself have decided that I should share it with you all in the hopes it may help even one of you.
For some years previously, I was not able to shower, bath or wash. I would have a flannel bowl wash once a week, using baby wipes the rest of the time.
Then as I became the tinyest bit more able, I slowly over time formulated a routine I have depended on since.
In the morning, I stand at the sink at our bathroom, and put soap under my arms, then wipe off with a damp flannel- it literally takes me 30 seconds. This is how I wash my arm pits daily.
Also in the morning, and this is the part that revolutionized my cleanliness, and helped my online friend, I get a jug of warm water from my sink, (you can use two cups (plastic and bone China are the lightest) if you can not hold a jug). I then sit on the toilet, pour a small amount over myself 'down below', then use some ph-neutral liquid soap (I use Femfresh, not sure if a mens equal is available?) to lather myself, then rinse the soap off using my spare hand to cup the water around myself. Then I use a piece of kitchen towel to dry myself (as toilet paper comes to pieces when wet). And I'm clean! Again, it takes literally 30 seconds. This is the only way to genuinely 'wash' down below without having a full shower which involves so much work to dress, undress, dry etc which I, and most of us, are simply unable to do daily.
I also keep a spray bottle of disinfectant mixed with water next to my toilets for the times I get toilet 'splatter' on my bottom cheeks/thighs. I simply spray a little onto a piece of toilet paper and wipe the area.
(Note- obviously those of us with M.E. need to limit our exposures to chemical. Personally I am ok with a sole disinfectant, but just be aware of your own abilities to cope with whatever chemicals you are around or use.)
Lastly, in the afternoon I rinse my face with soap at my sink. Which lakes about 15 seconds.
I shower every 4 or 5 days.
I have found I have been able to follow this routine for years now with only a few exceptions.
I hope it helps!
Feel free to share widely either as text or blog link.
Clean hugs!
Alison/Tink
On behalf of
The Tinkerbelle and Hummingbird M.E. Blog x x