8yrs and counting without a bath

MrHappy

When i moved into my sheltered accommodation approx 8yrs ago a wet room was installed by the landlord. Initially i loved being able to sit under a hot shower but as time progressed i would find myself longing for a bath because from childhood onwards baths were all i ever knew. From bathing in the kitchen sink as a very small child through to sitting in a tin bath in front of our open coal fire baths really were the only game in town. Now its been 8 long years since i've had a bath and i'm not gonna lie i miss it terribly. Riddled with arthritis a hot bath would be awesome for my physical and mental health.

Catherine21

Oh i feel for you i could never do without a bath !! I just love them yes the good old days our coal fire used to heat the water of i feel for you ive always said if i moved and the place didnt have a bath i wouldnt take it

Littlefatfriend

I'm certainly not an expert Mrhappy but have you experimented with targeted heat therapy (heating pads, warm towels, paraffin wax baths) or cold therapy (ice packs)?

I'm told they may help.

I haven't had a bath in 36 years and I haven't had a shower in six years or so. I don't mind much. My hair's long and can be hard work but there are solutions to all those things.

Are there saunas (or similar) anywhere near you? I'm just guessing now...

Good luck

Kimi87

I moved into a wet room flat 3 & 1/2 years ago, didn't miss a bath and I had anticipated doing so, think it's because using the wet room takes so much less energy!

I still take advantage of baths in hotel rooms and travel with a mini bottle of bubble bath 🛀

As I tend to travel to the same places I get to know which hotels have baths.

MrHappy

I used to be a dab hand mid way through a bath at pulling the plug out with my feet then turning on the hot tap again (also with my feet) for a refill. The good old days!

Thank you for commenting @Catherine21 + @Littlefatfriend i enjoyed reading both of your comments.

Rachel_Scope

I always say they should supply hot tubs on the NHS 😉 I have arthritis and I use heating pads and I have a massager that also heats up which is really good for my lower back.

MrHappy

Hi @Rachel_Scope

I also have a back massager with heat thing and a EMS thingy too but I still miss a bath terribly just because it warms and soothes everywhere.

MrHappy

Rachel_Scope

Ah yes my massager is like yours. Do you find the TENS machine helps? I tried it when I was pregnant many years ago and it did nothing, but maybe it could for my arthritis?

MrHappy

Hi @Kimi87 i agree a shower is so much easier than a bath.

Your comment about Hotels with a bath has peaked my interest because i'd seriously consider a Hotel for a night just to enjoy a hot bath once more. Thank you

MrHappy

@Rachel_Scope The TENS thing doesn't work for me either (another £90 wasted) My brilliant GP suggested i buy one so i did but it has zero (or at a push marginal) effect on any of my arthritic joints sadly.

Rachel_Scope

Ah I won't invest in one then @MrHappy. Such a shame that it doesn't work. Going to a hotel for a night is a great idea by the way. It's good to treat yourself.

MrHappy

@Rachel_Scope 👍️

Richard_Scope

If I'm travelling, I use Freshwipes. Excellent product.

JennieWren

I find tens machines to have no positive effects on my pain. Just irritate my skin and brain.

I enjoy a bath too. The heat seems to get into my bones whereas other heat doesn’t.

Annabelle26

I know how you feel about baths. I had mine taken out 11 years ago & replaced with a low level shower cubicle as I had problems getting in & out of the bath & had a fall when I caught my foot on the side of the bath but fortunately I did not hurt myself. Most of the time I appreciate just stepping into the cubicle but sometimes it would be nice to soak in a nice hot bath with plenty of bubbles to soak away my aches & pains.

Several people have mentioned TENS machines for pains but I am not sure. I have heard mixed evidence about how good/bad they are. Apparently it depends on the cost. Generally it seems the pricier ones are better but I do not want to spend a lot of money on something that may not be suitable. I wish there was somewhere I could borrow/rent one from to find out for definite.