Bathing after trans lab?

[Donna1317]

I had translab on 12/10 and recall one doctor saying in hospital not to bathe/immerse ab incision, but showers ok. I didn't know how long I needed to wait before I could take a bath. Anyone know? I forgot to ask at post-op when they took stitches out of head. Thanks!

[CHD63]

Hi Donna1317 .....

Welcome to this forum!

I had translab 19 months ago and I do not remember any restrictions on bathing vs showering post-op.  I was discharged from the hospital on Day 5 and instructed to wear a shower cap on my head during showers until the stitches in my head were out (which was on Day 9 for me).  I do not remember anything being said about the abdominal incision at all, other than to keep it clean.  I suspect it may be an individual doctor's preference.  It makes sense not to soak the incision if it is not completely sealed/healed over.  If I were you, I'd make a quick call to your doc's office and ask a nurse or someone on the staff to be sure.

Clarice

[Cheryl R]

Donna, by now you should be ok to take a bath as long as it looks healed and no open areas with drainage coming out.   A couple weeks should be long enough.     Not sure how long I waited.                I hope your recovery is going well otherwise!                  Cheryl R

[chance1212]

The bathing had to do with the incision on the abdomen in my case. I couldn't take a bath until that incision healed. Luckily I prefer showers.

[Slab]

I say go for it if your wound site looks ok, I was in the tub within 2 weeks post op and you're well beyond that now.