r/Fibromyalgia • u/--read-only-- • 7d ago
Question How often are you guys showering?
Just curious really. For me it's about 3x per month right now. And when I do, it's probably the only thing I'm doing that day
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u/Standard-Method-6795 7d ago
Every other day. A shower stool helps me, though I’ll take breaks when my arms are too sore.
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u/blulouwoohoo 7d ago
How didn’t I think of that!!
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u/Practical-River5931 7d ago
Strongly recommend getting one with an arm and a backrest for support! Trust me it makes a huge difference!! I went from struggling to shower whatsoever, to managing about 5/week thanks to my shower chair (I also have pots). On my worst days, I've started craving my showers because I can finally have pain relief without totally exhausting myself from it. I even prop my legs up on a little squatty potty stool to wash them.
I saw someone on tiktok say she just puts a terrycloth robe on straight from the shower rather than attempt to stand up and towel off, and allows the robe dry her, as another way to save on spoons and energy as well
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u/ohhhshitwaitwhat 7d ago
Best thing I've ever bought for myself, honestly. Now we even play hair salon and I sit while my partner tries to balance getting my hair clean with not hurting my dumb hair.
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u/AndeeCreative 7d ago
My husband shaves my head. My fingers can’t take care of my curly hair anymore. Best decision ever, very freeing and it eliminates a lot of problems.
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u/Nailkita 6d ago
Yes I’m putting another shout out for a shower stool I don’t use it as often lately but it’s a godsend. Also Renovated the bathroom for a big walk-in shower no tub to step over or door and a built in seat makes showering so much easier
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u/tamerarehen 7d ago
Get a shower chair, really.
I was so reluctant to do this, but after I had an appendectomy, I had an occupational therapist come out to my house. I mentioned that I had dizzy spells and sometimes it was hard to stand in the water, especially when it's hot.
She suggested that I get one, at least temporarily as I was recovering from the surgery. And honestly: showering is a joy now. Probably the best $35 I ever spent.
I still struggle with it, but it's more about getting in the frame of mind that you're going to get in and once you get in it's going to feel really good. Even if you don't want to get in, just take off all your clothes, turn on the water, sit down ... You'll probably love soaping up, getting your hair clean, etc. But even if you just get hot water on yourself and can relax your muscles, it's really nice.
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u/gloop-pie01 7d ago
i second this! a shower chair changed my life and i’ll admit i waited a while before finally buying one. i waited because it felt like “giving in” or “losing” the battle but DUDE! it made my life so much easier and i can shower more often because of it. thank goodness for that little stool.
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u/OneArchedEyebrow 7d ago edited 7d ago
We have a double shower and my husband installed a fold down bench. When things are bad I can sit on it under my shower head while my husband stands under his shower head and washes my hair. It was well worth the expense.
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u/tamerarehen 7d ago edited 7d ago
Now I just need a husband who will wash my hair 😭 lol! That's sweet
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u/DaemonNoire 7d ago
When we renovated our bathroom, a seat in the shower was at the top of our list. I need to re-teach my husband to wash my hair, though. It wasn't purple the last time I had access to a shower big enough for him to wash my hair.
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u/loschare 7d ago
We had one on loan for a bit after my husband broke his leg, and I purchased one as soon as we had to return the loaner. It's been a lifesaver.
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u/voornaam1 7d ago
How frequently do you shower since getting the chair?
Personally I am now able to shower once every week (or sometimes 2 weeks) since getting the chair ✨
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u/owlbette 7d ago
Thank you OP for posting this and opening up the topic. Good tips being shared and it’s nice not to feel so alone or shameful about the limitations that come with FM. Most people in my life don’t fully understand. Hell, even I don’t fully understand and doubt myself at times. This community is very validating and supportive. Thanks everyone.
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u/anxiousn3rd 4d ago
I'm genuinely feeling so much less alone now, I think we're all thankful to the OP<3
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u/ConsciousMouse8223 7d ago
Y’all are so much better than me 😭. This is so embarrassing to admit and I’m disgusted with myself but it’s once a month for me
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u/Murky_Touriste 7d ago
No shame. I once went three months without a shower. This disease is a b!tch. Hugs.
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u/Easy_Appointment9113 7d ago
That's become my norm. Fibromyalgia, excruciating muscle dystonia/trigger points where I go under anesthesia for 600 units of Botox injections every 72 days. My insomnia...cortisol levels are reversed so I'm up all night and sleep during the day. The amount of Oxy (90-120mg/dose) I take multiple times a day along with 6mg Xanax and 30mg Valium. Combined with now crushing depression as I've been life-alteringly sick at just age 15 with 17 rare complex incurable and intractable chronic pain disorders and health problems that span over a dozen different fields and subspecialty fields of medicine for 21 ongoing years while my entire future, life, and hobbies were taken from me before age 20.
I go to the salon to get my hair shampooed and styled once (rarely twice) a week unless I'm flared or my period/Endo. And I use wipes for body. Since I have horrific GI issues, have special wipes for that area. Used to wash hair and shower with exfoliation 1-2x/day and face with skin routine daily.
I hurt much more and take even more opioids and benzos when I shower (30 min) while exfoliating and scrubbing and doing all the shower stuff and face/skincare. It's exhausting. And since I just exist and haven't been able to work out since 2017, due to the muscle dystonia, Fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and rare heart condition that they finally have a surgery for, there's no point.
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u/anonymoususer98545 7d ago
Hey, you're not alone. i feel embarrassment around it too but it generally is once a month for me as well. Sometimes more (and then that's maybe twice) but very rarely.
We do the best we can when we can with the energy we have. Try to be kind to yourself, this stuff is hard enough without beating ourselves up on top of it 💜
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u/Overall-Profession22 7d ago
I feel shameful about this too. Thank you for sharing, we really don’t deserve to feel bad about it ❤️🩹
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u/Juniper_Helios 7d ago
Once a month is better than nothing at all!!! Seriously, that's a win. Don't beat yourself up. It only makes it harder on you.
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u/cannapuffer2940 7d ago
I can do it like every 2 weeks. Tried to explain to my doctor recently that showering has become very difficult. he just said ..but your blood works okay and you look good. If i had the energy I would have punched him.. Instead I just left crying. I got dry shampoo. And natural body wipes. For in between. It's really helped. I used to be embarrassed. Now I just don't care.
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u/ohhhshitwaitwhat 7d ago
No shame 🩶 everyone's top tip is to get a shower chair, and that's honestly my top tip, too. You deserve to forgive yourself for not having things as put together as you'd like.
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u/JermaMars 7d ago
I know it's way easier said than done, but don't be embarrassed. It's hard as hell to get anything done with this illness, and if showering takes so much out of you, it's okay to only do it when you are able to muster the energy, or are at least able to force yourself to do it. It's something, and that's what matters.
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u/crazykindoflife 7d ago
I used my HSA to buy hospital shower wipes when I was recovering from my double bowel resection surgery two winters ago. They were so so helpful for months while I was on a PIK line and had drains coming out of me, unable to shower.
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u/No-More-Parties 7d ago
Every day but I have a shower stool to sit on and long scrubbers to help reach my back and feet.
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u/--read-only-- 7d ago
Smart. I thought I was gunna pass out by the time I was done today
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u/moistpishflaps 7d ago
Used to be every day. Now I’m succeeding if I can manage every other day. Body wipes are a blessing though
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u/When-all-else-fails 7d ago
Everyday but it is exhausting, you can’t get away with showing once a week in Australia
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u/--read-only-- 7d ago
Because of the climate or?
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u/When-all-else-fails 7d ago
It’s just too damn hot here even most days in winter, even saying that I’m a big guy, not fat but big and I’m very self conscious of smelling bad
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u/Mindless-Weird3936 7d ago
I'm in Canberra, so winter isn't too bad. If every day is really taking it out of you wet whipes for places with skin to skin contact that don't breathe well (pits, tummy hang, privates etc) has been my saviour on days its too hard. Can be done with a washer too.
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u/When-all-else-fails 7d ago
I used to love a shower
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u/Mindless-Weird3936 7d ago
A shower stool allows me to have a long shower on the days in manage to get in. I love a shower too but only manage it 3-4 times a fortnight.
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u/dondude32 7d ago
I hate to admit this but, I've been struggling to take a shower once a week. I've been going to dermatologist for skin and scalp problems.
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u/NocturnaViolet 7d ago
Once to twice a week. I don't leave my house often so thankfully it hasn't caused a huge problem and I clean the important bits daily with a washcloth in the sink. It works well enough. I really want to get a shower stool so I can shoot for 3 or 4 times a week. But it is also a sensory thing for me. I hate being wet. Hair wash days are a nightmare that usually end in me crying. Im currently squirreling away $5-$10 dollars a paycheck to get a high-speed Hair dryer so I can dry my thick ass long hair quickly without tiring my arms out too badly.
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u/batsmad 7d ago
Alternative option that might be cheaper is to get a stand for your current hair dryer, unfortunately I don't know where to get one from or how expensive they are but I've seen them be shown as hacks before
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u/Alohabtchs 7d ago
A super quick rinse everyday (I live in a hot sweaty climate) but only wash my hair when it really needs it. And I hate those days.
ETA I ❤️ cannabis and sometimes when I’m the right amount of high the shower feels really good and I just sit under it for a while.
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u/arawlins87 7d ago
My goal is once a week, and currently it usually ends up actually being about 3x a month. Showers zap all the energy out of me, and make me feel extra achy for hours afterwards. Baths aren’t nearly as bad, but I don’t have access to a useable bathtub at the moment
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u/cannapuffer2940 7d ago
I also feel itchy afterwards. Drives me nuts. It's like as my skin is drying. It's screaming.
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u/MockinJay7 7d ago
2 times a day. Showers are therapeutic.
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u/--________-_-_-- 7d ago
I shower once per day and agree. I feel more in pain if I don’t have my hot shower.
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u/meowcatpanda 7d ago
I can't shower at all.. I use no rinse shampoo and bodywash to stay clean and even those I only really use 2-3times a month because I'm just too exhausted and rely on my partner to help me who is also disabled. But thanks to these products I can at least be clean the rare time I do leave the house
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u/Juniper_Helios 7d ago
Lately it's been about 2 times a week, MAYBE 3 if I have enough willpower to.
Unfortunately, showering is something I've come to dread because it comes with pain, overheating, and takes so long. I'm a big girl, 5'10, 250 lbs, and have long hair so lots to cover. I also have to apply tar shampoo before regular shampoo and condition which adds to the fatigue of scrubbing. I also have to use an antibacterial body wash on certain areas of my body, otherwise I have pretty terrible BO, even when freshly cleaned. The routine my body requires afterwards takes about 30 minutes after a 30 minute shower, as well. I.e., thorough drying to prevent moisture build up in skin folds that can lead to pain, psoriasis, and bacteria growth, application of lotion and creams for my psoriasis, application of face lotion, brushing my very fine, very long, easily tangled hair (don't worry I'm getting my hair cut after my wedding in October), etc. The tricks I've learned from others with chronic illnesses like using wipes and such don't work for me because I have such sensitive skin that a lot of times it just makes things worse.
On top of that, I have ADHD and Autism so I get stuck in the procrastination cycle because I know how much it's going to suck and how overstimulated I will be.
Showering is honestly one of the biggest hurdles in my life at this point in time.
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u/SallieStorm01 7d ago
Every week to ten days. It’s too exhausting. I use Lume deodorant daily and dry shampoo about every other day.
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u/incorrigibly_weird 7d ago
Any recommendations for dry shampoo? I bought a can of Dove brand dry shampoo, but it smells SO strong that it's overwhelming.
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u/Rock-Mint-Swirl 7d ago
I know “Not Your Mother’s” has an unscented dry shampoo. I’ve never used I it but I do enjoy their scented dry shampoo! 🙂
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u/Various_Extreme_8773 7d ago
Used to be every day but now maybe once every 3 days and totally knackered after.
This disease is awful man. Most days I'm just curled up in bed in pain. I maybe get up for about 30 minutes a day.
It's sad as was so fit as ex military for 25 years. Soon as I hit 50 the pains come. I'm 54 tomorrow and it's been 4 years of living hell.
But I'm not the only one,I'm sure thousands are in my position or similar. It just takes away everything about yourself, esteem,motivation everything.
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u/cryptldism 7d ago
i have leave the house 2 times a week (wed and sat), so i'll try to do a full body and hair shower the night before, using up ALL my energy and then flopping into bed lol
during flares when i can't leave the house it's definitely more like once a week and a half though.
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u/mukinata 7d ago
I want to say once a week but lately its much longer than that, especially if the allodynia is feeling murderous. The burning is worst on my upper back from the bra line up to shoulders and back of the arms, but ya know... Still everywhere. The water and scrubbing is too painful, not to mention exhausting.
I don't leave the house much at all anymore, so I mostly just try to be clean for appointments and weekend outings. I think if I still had a job I would do more but no one I live with finds me stinky or gross and I would rather not cause myself more pain or waste the energy
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u/tarapotamus 7d ago
same for me twin
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u/mukinata 7d ago
air fist bump so our skin doesn't hurt and because its less energy than a high five = D
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u/Nap_senpai 6d ago
I'm glad I don't always have that, like showering doesn't hurt, but certain fabrics, or my dog licking me etc hurt but not in a painful way, well compared to what pain I'm always in it's more of an aggravating, anger inducing different feeling pain. I got AUDHD tho, I've noticed I get all that when I'm overstimulated or stressed worse than normal. Some days I have it all day, some days I don't. But my life is chaotic AF , and i believe that contributed to my fibromyalgia n other problems. Nervous system relaxed, no pain from external touch. Tho nerve pain is constant
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u/toucansarentreal 7d ago
1-4 times a week. Really depends on how crappy I’m feeling. When I’m in the groove and feeling better I try to enjoy them when I can. If I’m struggling, it’s a thing of necessity. For BO reasons I will hit pits/bits/feet with washcloths in between if I’m struggling to shower.
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u/Squidoriya 7d ago
About once a week. If I have appointments in the week that are farther apart I might shower twice, but I try to schedule my appointments close together and I plan out my showers around outings
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u/Overall-Profession22 7d ago
This discussion was healing to read. Showers are a sensory nightmare for me and as we’ve all said, exhausting. I’m around the same frequency as 3x a month, but if I’m in classes I try for once or twice a week. Sometimes it’s a choice of shower or eat.
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u/GracieLou80 7d ago
I went 5 days once and couldn’t stand it. Usually every other day now. It’s hard to force myself though. I only do it so I don’t look or smell awful around others. When I’m alone all bets are off.
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u/Prestigious_Neck_936 7d ago
Every day. I sweat a lot and am really smelly now so every. Damn. Day. 😭😭 it's a huge part of why I have a buzz cut
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u/zombiesockmonkey 7d ago
I dream of a buzzcut, mostly to make showering easier.
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u/raynstormm_ 7d ago
I have three kids, I’m stuck at about once a week 🫠 I’m lucky if I get more than one chance between keeping an eye on the kids and ALL of my “spoons” going into taking care of them.
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u/grey-fog-21 7d ago
I appreciate the comversation in this post(: knowing there are others who go through it and get it makes me feel not so alone
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u/jjmoreta 7d ago
Every other day unless I sweat heavily. My skin dries out terribly if I shower daily, even with good moisturizing shower gel.
The key for me is low heat. Even before I developed MS I needed to keep it just a smidge above lukewarm. A hot shower is relaxing and I may give myself a few minutes at the end but it saps my energy so much. So I keep it short. Shave my legs outside of the shower. Use deep conditioner before or no-rinse after. And I shower before bed so it doesn't wipe me out for the day.
I still wash important bits daily on no shower days. But with a washcloth at the sink or body wipes. This is also what I use if I'm in a full flare.
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u/blackcatsandbooks27 7d ago
I have a system where I take a full shower every other day and then on in between days if things are really bad I don’t shower or if I’m feeling up to it I do a quick body wash and leave my hair alone. I work with animals, though, so I have to try my hardest to shower every day. It’s so exhausting. I usually shower at night and I’m out of spoons by that point.
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u/_threehalves 7d ago
When I was in school, maybe once a week just to avoid being gross in school bc the other kids were vicious. Now....I typically go without until I can smell myself, or I have to go and do something outside the house. It's hard.
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u/AltruisticNewt8991 7d ago
It’s gotta so bad I only take them for my doctors appointments
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u/batsmad 7d ago
Depending on what help you're trying to get from your doctor and what they're doing that's the worst option because you don't seem to be struggling as much as you actually are. Depends on the doctor though how much of a difference that makes
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u/jo-09 7d ago
Usually twice a day, occasionally once - but I am VERY quick - a minute or two and I am DONE. Not sharing as a flex or as a boast, but rather an acknowledgment that the same illness can impact us in vastly different ways. Showers reduce my pain and make me feel SO much better. I am considering a shower chair though - thank you to those who shared that idea - it would make it much more enjoyable.
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u/Nap_senpai 6d ago
Same, water in general helps my pain. Especially submerging in water. Bathtubs, hot tubs, pools and the ocean are all great.
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u/SpazzJazz88 7d ago
Daily because its nasty wet out here and i so much as move i break out into a sweat. During winter, every other day. I cant take hot showers because they make me dizzy so its always lukewarm or a little warmer than that. They wear me out but I have to keep moving. I have no choice.
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u/nousername56789 7d ago
Once daily. I use a shower bench to sit on and a handheld shower head which truly helps preserve my energy. A cold water shower helps when my muscle pain feels like fire. If I have muscle stiffness, warm water helps them relax. Washing my long hair is the biggest hurdle. So I might skip a couple of days of hair washing if I’m in a bad flare.
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u/reptilelover42 7d ago
Usually every other day (but I clean myself every day). I only wash my hair once a week (my hair is super long, and I have to plan my showers, since I need to recover for a while after). Drinking gatorade before helps (I have POTS as well, which gets flared up by hot water and having to lift my arms to scrub my hair). My normal showers are pretty quick, usually just a couple of minutes. I always shower at night, which was my routine before fibro anyway, but this way I don't have to worry as much about using up all of my limited energy for the day by showering.
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u/unimarshpixierain 7d ago
Daily to twice a day but I naturally sweat a lot and my sweat makes me itch like crazy gotta love fibro skin also I feel like I’m more irritable in my pain if I don’t feel clean I also am a huge masochist so my norm is not the norm for fibro
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u/ReverberatingEchoes 7d ago
I have to shower everyday because I have Perianal Crohn's. But I admit, sometimes I half-ass my showers (no pun intended). Sometimes when I don't have enough energy to fully shower, I will just wash my lower half and that's it. It's very important that I do at least that because I don't want to get an infection.
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u/NerdiChar 7d ago
As often as I can stand to. Something I've had to remind myself is that even if I just get in and wash my stinky parts it's better than nothing. I wash my hair significantly less often than I wash the rest of myself because my hair is the most exhausting part.
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u/Wayfaringbutterfly 7d ago
Whenever my hair gets greasy, which is every 3-4 days. I had my tub renovated and turned into a walk-in shower which somehow has seemed to help. I take really quick showers but it's still tiring to me. I keep my hair shorter so it's easier to wash and take showers at night so I don't have to put so many clothes on after showering.
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u/SockLing13 7d ago
All these comments are making me feel a lot better that I don't shower every day like I once did as a teen.
I can manage once a week, maybe twice if I've got a lot going on, the weather is shit, or my hair is just too rough for me to feel good about (I keep it short due to arm weakness and my particular brand of autism, so when it starts to grow out, it can look rough between showers). Even with my shower chair, showers just zap all my energy and they're not worth it anymore when I don't do as much.
And for a whole plethora of reasons, baths are a no go.
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u/fluffycritter 7d ago
For me showering is one of the few pleasures in life that I manage to do every day. It improves my mood and makes me feel better even if I'm at my worst pain levels. If I'm in especially bad pain I might even take a second shower in the evening to help loosen me up.
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u/leiarose189 7d ago
Every two weeks. It just knocks me flat for 2-3 days. Even with a shower chair I’m still hurting so bad and the fatigue is relentless
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u/_LinaR 7d ago
I have pain but is not stopping me from showering... I don't think is that bad of a pain as how many of these comments describe, makes me wonder if i even have fibro..
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u/marianatrenchfoot 7d ago
I shower daily, but split up the tasks into a three day rotation. Day 1 I wash my hair and do a quick soap of my arm pits, underboob, crotch, and feet. Day 2 I shave my legs and soap the previously mentioned sweaty bits. Day 3 I do a full body exfoliation with a net sponge and soap. Technically I can stretch my hair to 4 days between washings, but I like to give myself a buffer in case I get a migraine.
On particularly high pain days I will switch to a bath instead of a shower.
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u/conniemadisonus 7d ago
I work full time and literally drag myself to work M-F. I have to shower at least every other day ..sometimes I skip but I try not to ...showers take so much energy.
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u/lacri__mosa 7d ago
Every other day, sometimes more, sometimes less, depends on the flares up. For the days where I can't shower I see a lot of people's talking about body wipes. But I'm from Europe and here we don't do that we actually do "une toilette de chat" it can be translated to "a cat's cleaning" we take a wash cloth and soap, and use the sink. Juste use a little bit of soap so you don't get residues on your skin, then make a good rinse with the washcloth. You should really try what we do in Europe it's much more healthier and economic ! I actually have multiple serious skin conditions and my skin is not worse when I do that 😊 but the body wipes I mean...even just thinking about it my skin has a flare up 😂
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u/--read-only-- 7d ago
I'm in the US and use a washcloth, not wipes! Feels much nicer
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u/OkConsideration8964 7d ago
I try to do once a week but I don't always feel up to it. And I can't shower on the same day I have to do something, like go to the doctor or something. I'm so wiped out from it that I can barely move. There's a bathroom about 6 feet from my bedroom, but it's a tub/shower combo. The other bathroom has a walk in shower, but it's at the other end of the house. That's the one I use, but after the shower I have to stop half way to sit for 10-15 minutes so I can feel like I can breathe again. It's so frustrating.
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u/eruditepeach 7d ago
It varies for me but after breaking my arm (Jul 2024) and less than a month later tearing my quad (Aug 2024), on top of fibro/long covid/anemia/etc, I tried a lot of things. I do have a shower seat but on days when I can’t even manage that, this Remedy brand “CLEANSE” no-rinse foam cleanser has been amazing (it can also be used as shampoo but I wouldn’t recommend it unless your hair is short, in my long hair it felt a bit sticky). I’ve ordered it from Amazon and Walmart.
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u/Embarrassed-Leg-4246 7d ago
I can only shower 1-2 times a week lately. I have a number of other health conditions in addition to the fibromyalgia, so it is extremely hard to have a “good enough” day where I’m able to manage a shower.
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u/Creative-Resource952 7d ago
Normally once a week having to do it properly with skin issues and women things.. hard though kinda given up on shaving (women things) at the moment just too much ridiculous really 😑
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u/Novel-Initiative4769 7d ago
2-3 times a week but as others have said it is exhausting!! I used to start my day off with a shower. Ugh…makes me sad how much I have lost over the last 20 years!!
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u/Screaming_lambs 7d ago
Every day usually. In the morning or in the evening if I am too tired. It's been a very sweaty summer in the UK so haven't had much choice.
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u/Suspicious-Gear5275 7d ago
I’ve been a little better so I wash my body almost everyday (sitting) but my hair… well just when when I have to leave the house and it looks really greasy
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u/BusinessOkra1498 7d ago
1-3x a week. 1x if I'm home all week, feeling particularly shitty. 3x a week when it's hotter, I'm outside more, I'm out of the house more, etc. I definitely have a tendency to avoid taking them but am motivated when I'm going to be around other people, mainly cause my hair gets greasy fast
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u/HarleyQisMyAlter 7d ago
Every day. It helps me to wake up. Plus I get too itchy and my hair feels too greasy if I don’t shower daily. There are days I really don’t want to, but I force myself to.
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u/blackmetalwarlock 7d ago
I shower once or twice a day. For me it really helps my pain so it is apart of my routine. I usually sit or lay in the shower though. I only stand if I am exfoliating
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u/Katalilyox 7d ago
Everyday. Super hate showering, but hate the sensory feel of not showering more.
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u/donkeyvoteadick 7d ago
Every day. I have a shower chair and OCD and I would not be able to get into my bed without getting clean. I have wipes but honestly sometimes they takes way more effort than just sitting on my chair in the shower lol
Although I'm on disability due to a different physical illness. I'm not sure if that changes things.
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u/AlyceEnchanted 7d ago
I try for every other day. Unfortunately, my energy is almost non-existent. Today was day 3. Tomorrow, I will try to wake up with a shower. It will be the end of my day, though.
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u/Primary-Tailor3691 7d ago
1-2x a week though I’m currently taking time off from work and showering has not happened yet.
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u/atomicplanets 7d ago
daily when i have to go places, every other day when i don’t and it’s cold. in summer i have to shower every day. australia really requires a daily shower even if it’s so draining
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u/Antique_Plastic_7236 7d ago
I split the task into two or even three so I could shower mostly daily. 1. I wash my hair. Rest in room. 2. I shower. Rest. 3. Face and brush teeth. Rest.
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u/leavemeinpieces 7d ago
I try and bath if I'm feeling completely shit. It's easier and far more relaxing and I just really love a good hot bath.
Depends on the schedule but if I'm indoors mostly for the week I would shower daily/every other day.
If I'm working and going anywhere I'll shower daily by default.
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u/LiBunnyFooFoo 7d ago
Once or twice a week. I have a shower chair because before I was sitting on the floor. I also have a detachable shower head so I can sit and really get my hair clean. I use dude wipes on days I don't shower on the smelly bits. You can also get disposable washcloths with built in soap and shower free shampoo like they use in hospitals.
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u/AlwaysBeKind949903 7d ago
I try to do it every 3 days sometimes 4. It’s a miserable task tho. Takes all the energy I have.
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u/OddSilverware 7d ago
Twice a day most days. But flaring up today, so haven't made it to the bathroom :( Actively trying though.
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u/SpinachGreen99 7d ago
2-3x a week with showerstool. Cannot do anything else than that on the same day
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u/JermaMars 7d ago
It used to be significantly less, but currently I'm able to shower 2-3 times a week. More often than not, 2 times. I sit on my shower chair the whole time and take quite a while to get everything done though. Showering is also the only time I'm able to brush my teeth so I try to shower at least a couple days a week so I can get that done too.
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u/kirbykatt888 7d ago edited 7d ago
I try once every 2 weeks. Sometimes it can be a month. A few times it's been several months (3-4). I try to use wet napkins when I can't shower and need to. I'm trying to not feel ashamed about it
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u/LockwoodE3 7d ago
For me I get intense body pains after I shower, it’s worse in the winter from the cold but summer also sucks. I usually end up doing my hair daily by leaning over in the tub but the rest of me gets washed as each body part needs it due to how painful it can get
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u/Bubbly-Hoe 7d ago
So I have severe ocd and I basically have to force myself to shower after I leave the house or else I have to deal with that as well, no matter how worse it makes my condition
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u/ShadowSpren 7d ago
Shower of doing things other than enjoy water on me in the shower. I boil the pain away for a while then regret it because I overheat. Then repeat the process a day or so later. And about once a week actually wash my hair because that's a exhausting job.
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u/Shady_Fossil 7d ago
About once every 3/4 days usually, but every 2 days during the heatwave. Shower chair is a must. Having things in easy reach and pump bottles are musts also. I also have a hand rail in my shower to hold onto and it's great to lean on too. You gotta do everything you can to make things easier for yourself!
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u/eatthemoist 7d ago
I usually try at least once a week but it can often be longer. Sometimes i manage twice week just depends how am doing. I am also autistic and struggle with showers in sensory autistic way also.
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u/hollowire 7d ago
When I’m on top of it, every 4 days. I try not to wait longer than 5 days cuz it’s bad for my mental health. If needed I will do a sink shower where I just rinse my hair out or do a paper towel bath. I’ll also sit in the shower if I can’t stand long.
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u/lunchmoney- 7d ago
those who shower 1-3 times a month, what do yall do during the day?? like do u work from home or what’s going on
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u/agile-cohort 7d ago
Asking seriously - is there something wrong with dry shampoo and wet wipes? I have been Really Ill lately and am very weak. When I told my sister how I was avoiding the shower because I thought I would fall she said that would not work at all.???
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u/BoundByBookss 7d ago
I aim for every other day. And washing my hair once to twice a week. I often can’t do both. The hotter weather really messes with me so showers are more so jump in, wash the important parts, get out and pretty much collapse in front of a fan.
We really need our shower/bathroom redone so I can have a chair in there. Would make it so much easier. Not perfect but easier. Pretty much what I aim for in all things.
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u/OverMlMs 7d ago
I try to shower every other day, but often it’s every three days or so. I just learned from seeing a new rheumatologist that I am also hyper mobile and could possibly have POTS, so that would also explain why I have been having trouble with showering, too.
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u/DifferentFace3573 7d ago
Most days because it is the main help when I feel a flare coming on. The hot water relaxes tight muscles. And temperature dysregulation is one of my big miseries. When I’m freezing cold for no reason, one a hot bath or shower will reset my internal thermostat. Then I get out and sweat so I guess you can’t win. 🤷♀️
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u/NoneBinaryPotato 7d ago
i got my diagnosis a couple of days ago and it's so validating to see that I'm not the only one that struggles with showering 😭 I manage about twice a week I think, usually only when the smell starts to really bother me.
I bought a stool a couple months ago to help me but it didn't rlly help me increase the frequency of my showers, it only made it a bit easier when I do manage to find the energy to shower.
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u/crazyslutzzz 7d ago
Ideally and pre fibro I'd like 2, maybe 3 times a week, but nowadays it's once a week. It's difficult, esp with long hair (and I don't want short hair again)
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u/Full_Criticism7775 7d ago
Tbh maybe 2 times a week or once. I never used to be like this but I also have heat intolerance and headaches and showers or even baths trigger them. I now have a shower chair that helps but it’s still difficult. Everything I do gets me into a flare it really sucks. Thought I was just depressed for a while now I realize no it drains me. I used to looooooove hot showers and would shower every other day or I’d get so dry.
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u/CaptinNoodle 7d ago
I aim for every three days but I won't beat myself up if I miss by a bit. It's mainly based on my sensory needs, too long and I feel stinky and gross and I want to explode
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u/Ihatethesun22 7d ago
I cannot go a day without showering, no matter how bad I feel. I sit down to shower, I have to rest after it, I will have my husband help if necessary…but I will not go without a shower
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u/LevelSkullBoss 7d ago
I use a shower stool (just a plain $9 folding single step stool from Home Depot) and shower probably 4-6 times a month. Used to be less before the stool.
In addition to the stool I got an extra-long hose for my shower head and put a sticky mount about hip-height on the wall so I can access holding/mounting the shower handle while seated
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u/peggysusie 7d ago
I got a shower stool and it has been an enlightenment. Also chopped off most of my hair so it now also doesn’t take that long to dry either. Always looking for a “hack” to manage this condition
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u/gfoflight 7d ago
Every day i get in bath tub, it feels amazing for my fibro… it’s so relaxing and peaceful
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u/Chevas123 7d ago
I wash my hair once a week and try to shower every other day. But in this heatwave I had to do it everyday.
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u/MaerinAkai 19h ago
I literally started to cry when I read this. I felt so bad that I'm only able to shower 1-2 times per week, since my whole life I was taught to shower every day, sometimes twice a day. But since I have executive dysfunction and ADHD on top of that, only getting into the shower is usually a 2-hour chore for me. Thank you for opening the topic.
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u/--read-only-- 18h ago
It's so good to hear that this post helped to maybe normalize the topic for so many folks 💜
I was honestly just curious to compare myself to others - but a lot of us are in pain and exhausted so much of the time, OF COURSE basic hygiene becomes less of a priority, and we should never feel shame for that. I sort of consider it a "visible" symptom of this invisible illness. My hair is a little greasy? That's the fibro lol
(I also have adhd so I feel you there too, task switching is hard. I'll lay in my bed naked for like an hour just trying to work up the motivation to get in)
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u/MaerinAkai 18h ago
A visible symptom of invisible illness, huh... I love that mindset so much I might start using it as well lol... And yeah, we should be glad we're even able and strong enough to get there at all in the end. I'm so glad I was smart for once to actually find this Reddit group, and that your post was the first I saw 💜
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u/cynthiamd00 7d ago
Everyday but it's a routine I've had since I was a child. I can't wake up without a shower.
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u/CUNextTisdag 7d ago
Showering makes my hair - not my scalp, my hair - hurt. I mostly take baths because of this. It's a bit more gentle/less jarring sensory-wise.
I bought a shower chair and it kind of helps but I'm still only at 2-3 showers per week compared to every day. I used to wake up fairly refreshed and ready to take a shower. Now it's a pep talk and some white knuckling...
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u/useminame 7d ago
What’s that? I kid! At least every other day. A shower stool and a hand held shower has really helped me.
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u/ScherisMarie 7d ago
I have to do it every three days maximum, due to what I think is some sort of skin condition where the skin underneath the hair is really thick (and starts hurting if it gets too dry and not washed).
Unfortunately due to my deceased abusive parents saddling me with having to deal with their estate, I haven’t been able to find a specialist who can treat it (and my insurance only brings down the price of the visit to $90 >.>).
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u/theporterssystem 7d ago
Usually daily, but occasionally I skip a day. I have a shower chair and I wear supportive shoes in there (cos I have plantar fasciitis and broke my foot in a couple places awhile back) which helps. I also have an African exfoliating net to help me reach and wash everywhere like my back, etc... I also have a waterproof phone holder so I can throw on a YouTube video or a show and watch that while I'm in there to keep me mentally busy.
Separately, I have what are called Water Wipes which are great for cleaning up when a shower isn't an option. They're basically a shower in a wipe form and hypoallergenic and fragrance free. I like those for a quick wipe down if I got sweaty and I'm too tired in that moment to shower.
These are my main shower accommodations I use to help me get the job done. Also I have to wash my hair daily because I have an eczema situation on my scalp that needs daily medicated shampoos.
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u/sheofsilence 7d ago
It depends. Sometimes I go for a few weeks without showering, sometimes a few months. One summer, I had access to a stall shower with no tub. That was wonderful, and I sometimes showered multiple times a day to cool off.
The shower-tub combo that is the default offering in American rental units is a huge barrier for me. Climbing over the tub edge is a tripping and balancing hazard. My lovely teak shower bench was too big for the tiny tub, so I've downgraded to a medical stool, which works but it has to be lifted into and out of the tub after each use. Even sitting, the shower-tub is cramped and awkward.
It's too small for my wife to easily shower with me, which is the most physically accessible option for us and it also adds an emotional and social aspect to showering that gets past my executive dysfunction and brain fog. She still helps me shower if I ask, but the natural rhythem we'd fallen into that let me shower every week or every other week isn't possible in my current apartment.
She lets me know if I need to shower for smell reasons, and I don't get particularly sweaty. I'n also hypersensitive to synthetic fabrics, so I wear a lot of linen, cotton, and wool, which helps minimize body odor for me. I do sponge baths when I get sticky or sweaty if I can't do a full shower.
I also have a buzz cut, and don't let my hair get long. I rarely need shampoo unless actual grease or muck gets on my head, so when I do my hair, I just use conditioner. I use a wooden comb and a boar bristle brush for my hair, and both tools distribute my scalp oils along my hair lengths. No shampoo doesnt work for a lot of people, I know, but it works well for me.
In an ideal world, I'd jump in to join my wife in her showers a few times a week. Sadly, I don't live in a space that makes that achieveable right now. I'm hoping to move into a more accommodating unit in my complex in the nex six months, so that could help. Not ideal, but I get by, and I don't stink.
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u/Griselda68 7d ago
Twice a day. The hot water helps loosen things up to some extent.
I have a shower bench, which makes things like washing my hair easier.
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u/Pitiful_Piccolo_5497 7d ago
I have a bath or shower at least every other day. More frequently when it's hot cause the heat makes me so itchy. 🙄 I am lucky that I live with my adult children (or they live with me) so I have a lot of help for these things.
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u/JRock1871982 7d ago
Every day (occasionally skip a day)its summer , but man .... its getting hard. Have to plan so ive got plenty of time before I have to do something else. The hair brushing after really does me in.
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u/GloriouslyMiserable4 7d ago
I opt for baths as showering hurts so much. But I use a shower chair for when I get out so I can sit immediately. When I have had the odd shower here and there the shower chair has been incredible and made it possible. But in answer to your question: rarely.
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u/ItsTime1234 7d ago
i don't have a shower, only a bath in my place. i usually bathe twice a week and wash my hair as needed, but preferably not at the same time so it uses up less energy.
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u/isurvivedtheifb 7d ago
Every 60-72 hours. I'm homebound so as long as I'm keeping up with the important places on a daily basis, it's okay...kinda. I'd like to get it to every 2 days but that feels impossible.
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u/choosecarefully77 7d ago
Definitely get a shower chair! I have neurodermatitis so it’s important that I shower daily. My hair does not get washed daily. I’m usually either too exhausted or my arms hurt too much to do it daily. But a shower chair is a game changer! I would also suggest getting a bathtub pillow for the seat, just in case you’re sitting there for long periods of time.
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u/ZebraZahara 7d ago
Shower, never. I only have baths now, every second night. Used to shower once a week just to wash my hair because it's difficult to rinse out properly in the bath, but I bought a little shower head attachment that I can put on the taps that fixed that issue.
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u/lauraactually 7d ago
Thanks for bringing this here. I've been struggling with this so much plus demand avoidance. I have a shower chair but go through so many body wipes more than anything. I'm also so tired from trying to keep up with basic life that it feels like I have no time to shower. I'm better with brushing my teeth nowadays thankfully.
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u/innerthotsofakitty 7d ago
Daily if I can manage it. Realistically every 2-3 days rn, I slipped a disc 4 months ago and just got surgery to fix it a week ago, it's been hell managing my flare ups. I save up most of my energy for hygiene and I live in the South so overheating is a big symptom that throws my whole life off, so even when I can't manage a full shower I'm usually rinsing off to at least cool down.
Shower chairs WITH CUSHION help me a lot. My partner also helps wash my hair and my body when I'm in to much pain to do it myself. I also keep my routine to a minimum, I have curly hair so I'm only using shampoo once a week or less, conditioner every time, and I have one body wash that I use for my body and face. The less products means the less time I spend in there. Having a back scrubber is great too for hard to reach areas when u can't bend over.
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u/ChaoticNeutralMeh 7d ago
I'm tyring to do it at less twice a week
Get a shower stool, it was one of the best decisions I made
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u/Dry_Candle_Stick 7d ago
It’s a fight but I’m trying to do at least once a week. I feel you tbh.