Shower Power

By lexine-darden

1 min read

Taking a shower. What comes to mind when you think of it?

Taking (or attempting to take) a shower

For many of us with MS, fatigue comes to mind. I myself have read so many comments about being tired and worn out after taking or attempting to take a shower.

Progressing to SPMS

I recently received a blessing by having an accessible shower in my new apartment. So, being able to take a shower for me became a luxury, one which I needed at this point in my progressing to SPMS (Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis).

Showering offers a sense of normalcy

Now taking a shower has proven to be a miraculous event for me. You may feel the same way when you do it. We feel refreshed and clean and many times emotionally better. In essence, we feel a normalcy which we may not have had or felt for a long long time.

Yes, there is Power in a Shower.

Do you know what I mean? Somehow, I think you know exactly what I mean.

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Janus Galante Moderator
Absolutely Lexine! There is just something about it that makes me feel a tad bit more "whole." As well as refreshed! I am so very happy that you got an accessible shower, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing this story with us, Janus
1. lexine-darden Member
 Thanks Janice for reading my story and yes it is nice having a shower. Take care,Lexine
not found
I get a great deal of knowledge from the stories on this site. One story about MS and memory reassured me I was not losing my mind. My take from the story was to be a bit more mindful, when I'm working on my cars, how to reassemble something I dismantled. I now put a tool away after using it...I no longer waste time looking for the tool I need. Take care and have a good day, Jim
f5hwo4 Member
Shower power sounds great I hope some day I will feel that way. My showers have to be on the cold side, a little to much warmth my body starts numbing. I put off taking a shower as long as possible. Potter
marigoldg Member
It's funny, I was just thinking about how showers have changed for me yesterday. I took a shower and realized how much I no longer enjoy them. I put them off because they are no longer enjoyable. It is difficult to lift my leg over the tub, I cannot tolerate hot water any longer and I'm exhausted and barely able to walk when I'm done. It used to be that I absolutely loved long, hot showers and baths were my no-bars held me time. It was my time to think, to luxuriate, to regenerate. Now, it's get in there, get finished as quickly as possible and hope I can tolerate more than minimally warm water. I'm happy to hear about the joys of an accessible shower. Someday, someday, I hope I can share the joy. 😀
1. tana Member
 I sure can relate to your comments. Showers are now like a chore. They are exhausting. I bought a shower seat for my bathtub that I'm hoping will make a difference.
2. kellyb Member
 A shower seat has changed my experience !
corgi9 Member
Shower me with a shower! I'm 73 years old and have lived with MS for 40 years now having been diagnosed when I was 33. A shower (with a seat) has so much more meaning to me for a couple reasons: 1. I'm always cold so a nice, not too hot, shower is just great. 2. I grew up in a triple decker, 5 room, 2 bedroom flat. Mom and Dad, 3 sisters, 1 brother and NO shower but just one of those old, old bathubs. To this day I am still making up for all those showers I never got to take. So come hell or MS I'm getting in there and staying for as long as I want. That's my story and I'm sticking to it !
chance1974 Member
I don’t like the effort, but once I finally get to it, i always feel much better. I got in a mess recently. I decided I wanted to take an epsom salt bath... I was just really hurting and it used to seem to help some. I finally got my legs to work and got in and it was great, so great I fell asleep and woke up in cold water. I started draining the tub and turned on the shower to help warm my body up. I could lift myself up with my arms but my legs refused to help in any way. I finally rolled over and did a girl type push up and pushed myself back onto my legs. Then I could get on my knees and sort of rolled my body out of the tub. I’m a guy and that made me notice how weak my lower body has became. I’m really upset to have to face certain facts that don’t seem in my favor at all. People don’t realize how fortunate they are to not have to even think about a bath and it letting you know how limited I’m starting to feel. That took everything I had I went and sat in the chair and woke up maybe 5 hours later still in a towel hearing voices in the house. It was my bro-in-Law and some of our friends. I was so wiped out I didn’t have the dignity to care. My bro-in- Law saw the mess I left in the bathroom and thought I had fallen. I tend to do that and they came by because I didn’t hear my phone because it was in the Jeep... I get into some messes and never look real intelligent most of the time. : )
1. Janus Galante Moderator
 Thank you Chance1974 for sharing this experience with us! I am so glad that you woke up and were able, no matter how awkwardly, to get yourself out of the tub! I have been guilty of nearly the same thing...(falling asleep in the tub.) It does feel so soothing and warm, plus I usually read while taking a bath also, making it just that more relaxing...I always have to rally myself "awake!" Thank goodness that you have friends and a brother in law that sounds as if you can count on! Thanks again for sharing... Janus
kellyb Member
I thought I was the only person that hates to take a shower! Some days it’s like climbing mt.Everest !