Author Topic: Protecting the eye when showering  (Read 33034 times)

aj44

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Protecting the eye when showering
« on: January 01, 2010, 04:46:27 am »
When I have a shower I only wash from the neck down as I am afraid of getting water in my eye. Then I wash my head with a facecloth. I want to wash my head in the shower so does anybody have any tips to stop the water from getting into my eye?
4 to 5cm AN removed on December 2009

lori67

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2010, 07:31:14 am »
Hi aj.

I went out (actually made my husband go) and got a handheld shower head.  That way I can aim the water where I want it.  When it comes to washing my face, I just hold my eye closed with my other hand and let the water run over it.  It helps to get the night time gel out so I can see again!

I've heard of people using swim goggles.  I've never done it, but I'm sure it would work.  I also used baby shampoo for a while, just in case it got into my eye.

Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what works, but you'll come up with a system that works for you too.

Lori
Right 3cm AN diagnosed 1/2007.  Translab resection 2/20/07 by Dr. David Kaylie and Dr. Karl Hampf at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.  R side deafness, facial nerve paralysis.  Tarsorraphy and tear duct cauterization 5/2007.  BAHA implant 11/8/07. 7-12 nerve jump 9/26/08.

Nickittynic

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2010, 02:46:27 pm »
For awhile I kept an extra dry wash cloth near the shower and held it loosely over my eye so it would soak up any incoming water.
25 year old OBGYN nurse, wife, mother of two
5.5cm x 3.1cm left side AN removed via retrosigmoid 9/09 @ Hopkins
SSD, Tinnitus, Chronic Migraines, Facial paralysis (improving!)
Resolved - Left sided weakness, Cognitive issues
Gold weight, upper and lower punctal plugs, tarsorrhaphy

nancyann

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2010, 07:19:04 pm »
Hi aj:  I just hold my hand over my eye.   Nancy
2.2cm length x 1.7cm width x 1.3cm  depth
retrosigmoid 6/19/06
Gold weight 7/19/06, removed 3/07
lateral tarsel strip X3
T3 procedure 11/20/07
1.6 Gm platinum weight 7/10/08
lateral canthal sling 11/14/08
Jones tube insert right inner eye 2/27/09
2.4 Gm. Platinum chain 2017
right facial paralysis

Jeanlea

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2010, 08:49:45 pm »
When I could finally take a shower I used a washcloth the first few times, then moved on the the swim goggles.  Now, four  years later, I can close my eye and just make sure the water only streams on the good side.  I also use baby shampoo.

Jean
translab on 3.5+ cm tumor
September 6, 2005
Drs. Friedland and Meyer
Milwaukee, WI
left-side facial paralysis and numbness
TransEar for SSD

moe

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #5 on: January 01, 2010, 09:28:08 pm »
Yep, I just closed my eye with my hand or let the water run down the back of my head, and not the whole face.
I then got the weight put in, so now can close the eye with gravity, but still have to be careful.
No fun getting shampoo in the eye. Makes for a VERY bad eye day!
Good luck, showers are much needed so go for it :)
Maureen
06/06-Translab 3x2.5 vascular L AN- MAMC,Tacoma WA
Facial nerve cut,reanastomosed.Tarsorrhaphy
11/06. Gold weight,tarsorrhaphy reversed
01/08- nerve transposition-(12/7) UW Hospital, Seattle
5/13/10 Gracilis flap surgery UW for smile restoration :)
11/10/10 BAHA 2/23/11 brow lift/canthoplasty

aj44

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2010, 03:37:23 am »
Cheers for the tips! Hopefully I will find a handy way for showering my head.
4 to 5cm AN removed on December 2009

Debbi

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2010, 04:40:09 pm »
I used Glad Press n Seal for months after surgery - until my eye would finally close.  I love the P n S - it is easy to put on, and easy to get off and seems to be water resistant.  It allowed me to get water on the rest of my face, which always feels good.  I am sure that Glad will want to include this new use for their product in their consumer advertising campaign!   ;D

Debbi
Debbi - diagnosed March 4, 2008 
2.4 cm Right Side AN
Translab April 30, 2008 at NYU with Drs. Golfinos and Roland
SSD Right ear, Mild synkinesis and facial nerve damage
BAHA "installed" Feb 2011 by Dr. Cosetti @ NYU

http://debsanadventure.blogspot.com

Meagan

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #8 on: January 11, 2010, 09:55:46 am »
I tilt head back so that water runs down back of my head as well.  If i get any water in my eye that is not lacrilube my eye gets red and I am not able to see if it is a cornea abrasion or just soap in the eye....happy showering! 
5 cms, Surgery Jan 3 2007

Eli

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #9 on: January 17, 2010, 08:52:04 pm »
Hi AJ,

I have been using swim goggles. They mostly work. I'm afraid to press the goggle very hard on my surgery-side eye so it's not sealed very tightly. I don't have the strap very tight because it put pressure on my incision. I'm 37 days post-op so my head and incision are still recovering.

Otherwise, they accomplish the major goal of keeping shampoo and soap out of the eye. I just have to be careful that I don't knock the goggles off my eyes while I'm lathering up.

I'd say give them a try if you have a pair around and see what happens.

Eli.
Diagnosed - 09/29/09 with 1.9cm x 2.1cm x 1.7 cm right side AN - Like a huge Greek oliver in my head... Thus named Oliver...

Translab - 12/11/09 at UofIA Healthcare
Complete tumor removal. Facial nerve perserved.

Dealing with facial issues and wonkyheadiness now.

aj44

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2010, 06:40:31 am »
Hi.

I am using goggles everyday now. They are very handy as I don't have to worry about getting anything into my eye. I also use baby shampoo just in case.
4 to 5cm AN removed on December 2009

gman100

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2010, 04:07:36 pm »
Howdy,

When I need to get water on my face, whether to clean off soap or shampoo, I just hold my finger over my eyelid. When I rinse off my hair I just create a bridge with my hand over my eyebrow and face the water with my back and rinse whatever I can backwards off my hair.  Granted, I shave my head so it's not really as big a dilemma as it would be for a women with long hair probably.
8/4/2008 - Pilocytic astrocytoma removed
9/21/2008 - 1.0g Gold weight
6/24/2009 - 7/12 Graft + 1.6g Gold weight
Balance/Dizziness: From 0% to 75%
Double Vision: From 0% to 70%
Facial Paralysis: Corner of mouth just started moving a bit

mimoore

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Re: Protecting the eye when showering
« Reply #12 on: February 21, 2010, 05:35:28 pm »
i used swim goggles for months. I put the strap low down on my neck so it didn't bother my incision. It worked so well. I bought clear ones. Good luck
Michelle  8)
Retrosigmond surgery on June 4th, 2008 for an AN. 100% hearing loss and facial paralysis (was not prepared for facial paralysis). Size: 2.3 cm, 2.1 cm, 1.8 cm. some tumour remains along facial nerve. Pray for no regrowth. Misdiagnosed for 10 yrs.