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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Germantown, MD

The last few times I've showered I've felt ill for hours. I can't wash my hair because standing or sitting in the shower is just so awful. Does any one else have this problem and how do you continue to stay hygienic? If you don't have this problem any ideas are still welcome. I feel so weak and useless to my own body.

March 24, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply relatable experiences about the exhausting challenge of showering and washing hair with fibromyalgia, with many... Read more

Members shared deeply relatable experiences about the exhausting challenge of showering and washing hair with fibromyalgia, with many describing how the effort leaves them feeling weak, ill, or in pain for hours afterward. Several members offered practical strategies that have helped them manage, including using a shower chair or stool, switching to baths with magnesium flakes, washing hair separately in the sink, relying on dry shampoo and wet wipes between full washes, lowering water temperature to reduce nausea, and using hospital-style waterless shampoo caps. A recurring theme was the importance of giving yourself grace, adjusting hygiene routines without shame, and exploring creative solutions like salon visits or asking trusted people for help when needed.

A MyFibroTeam Member

If you can take a bath when you feel ill it also helps the pain

March 24, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Oh and don't have the shower too hot. I've found I don't feel so nauseas afterwards. I like having real hot showers cos it helps ease the pain but I've noticed if I turn the temp down a little bit I don't feel so exhausted.
Also if showering in the morning, have breakfast first and make sure you've allowed time for meds to kick in.

March 24, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I struggle with this too! Here are a few things I've found to manage it.
-Use a stool or chair in the shower. I just got a cheap outdoor plastic one.
-Shower every second day if you need to. Wet wipes are great for the day you don't shower. When I'm in a bad flare showering every second day helps. It took me along time to get used to it cos I'm more of a shower everyday person.
-Dry shampoo!!! If you are not up to washing your hair...
- Shower at night. It's a bit of a hit and miss. Means you can go to bed and recover straight after but then sometimes by night time I'm too exhausted.
- Sit on a chair in the bathroom or on my bed to get dressed. Makes sure Where-ever you get changed is warm.
- Soak in a bath (if you have one). It helps the pain and helps me relax before bed time.
Hope this helps. 😃

March 24, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I'm so sorry you're struggling sweetie. I cannot stand to shower so I've taken to having baths and keeping my big red bowl with me to rinse off the soap/shampoo.

March 29, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hospitals have the shampoo caps that wash your hair I used them when I had knee surgery I will try to find name of them maybe can try those work pretty good

March 25, 2017

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