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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on September 18, 2004, at 17:07:55
I know how to "be good to" myself. I earned the nickname "Ice Cream Queen". A friend made me a swing to hang from my tree for my birthday a couple of years ago. I have owned a copy of "The Woman's Comfort Book" for more than 10 years. I may not always *want* to take care of myself, and sometimes it takes a couple of attempts to find something that will make me feel better - but, in general, I think I know *how*.
"They were, until Yertle the king of them all, decided the kingdom he ruled was too small..."
You see, I've been having some pretty severe pain recently - in my upper back, arms and legs. I've talked to my therapist, my pdoc and my GP about it, and each had their own ideas about what I should do.
Yesterday it was particularly bad. I couldn't think of anything I could do, anywhere I could go, any position I could put my body in that would make it stop hurting. I had already taken as much NSAID as I could. So I decided to try my emergency plan for pain, and I called for a massage appointment. I had seen her 2 months ago (so this had been going on long enough at *that* point for me to be desperate...). She was able to see me 1 1/2 hours later (thank goodness!). I think she's pretty good (we'll ignore for the minute that she's only the second masseuse I've ever seen...), and we spent some time talking about things I could do on my own to control and/or live with the pain.
She told me to ice the areas. She gave me some samples of "Biofreeze" I guess it is like the opposite of Ben-Gay. She recommended a video "Shirley MacLaine's Inner Workout" for meditation. And she told me to take Epsom Salt baths.
So, I've been icing (it really does help), I have the Biofreeze in my pocketbook, I'll use my friend's library card tomorrow to borrow the video from the library in the next town (yes, I could get it through inter-library loan, but this will be faster) to decide if I want to buy it.
And I decided to take an Epsom Salt bath last night. I think she said that the Epsom Salts help take the lactic acid out of your body so it doesn't settle in your muscles (which causes the pain) - those of you who know more about this, please feel free to set me straight... She said 8 - 10 *pounds* of Epsom Salts for a bath (really!). The bathtub in my house is in my daughter's bathroom, which would have been condemed by the Board of Health if they ever saw it. Actually, recently she has been keeping it a bit cleaner, and I was able to ask her - as she dashed out the door - to make it so I could use the tub. I washed the tub (a necessity), drew some hot water (which was too hot, so I had to mix in some cold water...) and sprinkled 9 pounds of Epsom Salts in the water (it came in 3 pound boxes). There was a little underwater beach with the piles of Epsom Salts, but it did mix in and dissolve pretty easily. I put on some Bach, put my watch where I could see the time, and made sure I had a clean towel.
I'm not sure how one "slips into a bath", for me it was more like an ungraceful plop followed by a tidal wave. Obviously I had put too much water in because it was busily leaving the tub through the overflow thingy. It was still a little hot, so I drained a little water, added some cold in (too much, of course), and stirred it around with my hands. The worst pain is in my upper back/neck and arms. I had put my hair up so it wouldn't get all salty (?!), and I scootched down in the tub until my head was on the back of the tub and the water was up to my hairline in the back. And then I waited... 2 minutes had passed already. I had opened my eyes to look at my watch, but that also meant that I had to look at *me*. Ugh. Definately "beached whale". I could get my neck, back, and arms in the water, but the belly was just too tall to fit under the water - somehow this was not a relaxing scene for me. I had to bend my knees to get down far enough in the tub to get my neck under water, so 3/4 of my thighs were in the air - and they hurt, too. I decided to be patient and do the upper part of my body and then the lower part, this was after I tried everything I could think of to get them in the water at the same time (Is there some magic position that I missed?). My GP had told me that I should make sure that my computer screens were high enough so that my head isn't bent over all the time, but what was I doing with my neck in that bath?? If that wasn't bent over, I don't know what is. Finally (10 minutes?) I decided it was my leg's turn, so I sat up (but the tops of my thighs were STILL out of the water!?) for a little while. I think I forced myself to stay in there for 20 minutes. She had told me to do this just before I was going to bed, because she can never stay awake more than 30 minutes after an Epsom Salt bath. So I took my evening meds (including Sonata), brought an ice pack into bed with me, and stared at the ceiling for 1 1/2 hours.
Somehow, this was not peaceful, relaxing, comfortable, pleasant. What did I do wrong? Are there secrets to bath-taking? (I do have bathtub experience, in our first house we had no shower- just a tub and I survived 9 months of pregnancy with waist length hair, so I'm really not a tub novice) Don't tell me to remodel my bathroom and put in a bigger tub - that's not going to happen.
I need advice from the experts, please?
Posted by Dinah on September 18, 2004, at 19:08:32
In reply to Baths for (are a?) pain - Caution: rambling, posted by fallsfall on September 18, 2004, at 17:07:55
Prior to having a child at least. Now they're a bit more utilitarian.
But ahhh in the old days, I'd spend every moment I could spare in the tub with a book. Paperbacks were easiest of course, but hardbacks were fine too. Give me a highlighter, a notebook, and a pencil & I could even study with textbooks. During the summer I'd get in the tub at 9 or 10 at night (so that no one would complain) and get out at 4 am or so. Unfortunately I suffered a bathing injury that occasionally still flares up, and in fact is bothering me today for some reason. Where one of my vertebrae, the most prominent one below the neck, hit the tub wall too often. I bought a bath pillow and reduced the time in the tub to 3-4 hours. :(
Anyway, some of what you say is unavoidable. My husband bought and sold a newish house with a biggish tub before we married and gave me the chance to try it out. It was lovely of course, what bath wouldn't be, but I missed the little tubs from the 60's that I'm used to. A true bathlover finds the inconveniences negligible in comparison to the soothing lap of the water. The mesmerizing flow from the faucet as you turn your hand this way and that under it. The bone warming heat that nothing else can compare to in the colder months. And the peace and quiet. Ahhhhh.... Baths.......
But ok. Out of my reverie.
The unsightly beached whale problem. Ok, I probably have that too, but don't notice. But the easiest solution (and most pleasant one too) is to prop a paperback on your breasts. You won't be able to see a thing.
Heat regulation. I sit down with only a few inches in the tub and run the water with me in it. I know all the movies show someone sliding gracefully into the tub. But for one thing it's easier to get up and down in an empty tub. For another, you have total water temperature control. And finally, if you miss running the water over your hands as you move them back and forth under the stream, you're missing the very best part of the bath. I can't tell you how many solutions to problems, insights, decisions, etc. were made with the water running over my hand.
Foot placement. Well, I must use the bent knee position, because I get indentations on the outer side of my knees. But you don't have to limit yourself. Feet on the head (by the faucets) of the tub works for a change of pace. I've got a shower door now :( so I can't play with hanging the feet over the tub side.
A bath pillow reduces the pressure on your neck. They have all sorts including inflatable plastic ones.
Company is fun. All sorts. :) But my dogs often accompany me and lie on a pile of my clothing (which is *their* very favorite and most soothing place to be). They walk over every once in a while and check to make sure I'm adequately cleaning my shoulder. And they make an excellent audience for reading aloud. They always think my point of view is just the one they would take. And since they're absolutely certain that towels do not work adequately on ankles, they help me out there too.
Not sure I'd like the Epson salts though. I'd feel like a chicken getting ready for the barbeque.
Posted by Ilene on September 18, 2004, at 23:49:22
In reply to I am the QUEEN of baths, posted by Dinah on September 18, 2004, at 19:08:32
Dinah, you are the only person I've heard of with a bathing injury.
Posted by DaisyM on September 19, 2004, at 1:14:21
In reply to Baths for (are a?) pain - Caution: rambling, posted by fallsfall on September 18, 2004, at 17:07:55
Sorry...hate baths! When I travel I'm often give a suite and usually they have large sunken tubs. I feel compelled to "try it!" Everyone I know likes baths. So I get in and get bored in less than 5 minutes. I don't like to read in the tub and can't fall asleep. I'd rather take a long, long hot shower with a shower massage. :)
And I will add that I think those films that show sex happening so gracefully in the tub are hog wash (no pun intended) too!
Ok, maybe I have a "thing" about baths. I get all stirred up just thinking about them. YUCK!
Posted by Dinah on September 19, 2004, at 8:33:50
In reply to Re: I am the QUEEN of baths » Dinah, posted by Ilene on September 18, 2004, at 23:49:22
> Dinah, you are the only person I've heard of with a bathing injury.
:-)
Well, fortunately the type of injury I suffered is one that only those who have dedicated a good chunk of their lives to bathing are in danger of suffering. The casual or utilitarian bather can rest easy.
And if everyone remembers to use the proper bathing equipment, such injuries can become a thing of the past for even the most dedicated bathers.
Posted by partlycloudy on September 19, 2004, at 9:29:02
In reply to Baths for (are a?) pain - Caution: rambling, posted by fallsfall on September 18, 2004, at 17:07:55
I've had big tubs and little tubs and it doesn't matter the size for me. I add Epsom salts to my bath water anyway because our water is hard and you don't get *any* bubbles without putting them in.
Like Dinah, I get in when it's a few inches deep and relish moving the incoming water around - to mix the temperature, to make more bubbles, to play around.
I like to put drops of lavender oil in the water before I get in. Sometimes I'll take a facecloth, soak it in the bathwater, and place it over my face and just INHALE. Heavenly.
I have a history of christening any book I take to the bath with me, so I compensate with lighting several candles or some incense, and playing a CD to either lull me or let me sing along.
I have taken baths therapeutically, to ease muscle hurts. For me, just taking a bath is therapy in itself. I take along my pumice stone and work on my leather feet. I put a face mask on and let it sit until it gets uncomfortable, then I rinse off. I don't use bath oils per se very often, because I'm afraid of not being able to get out of the tub without falling.
I try to plan ahead as much as I can, so I'll have everything I might want to hand BEFORE I get in. I've never eaten food in a tub, although it makes perfect sense for mangoes. A glass of wine makes a fine companion to a bath.
I might not be the Queen of Baths, but I am trying to perfect the science of it.
pc who needs a bath right now and am going to after posting....
Posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 11:25:39
In reply to Make it a gratifying experience » fallsfall, posted by partlycloudy on September 19, 2004, at 9:29:02
Thank you all for your suggestions.
I will try getting in before the tub is full.
I'm going to WalMart today. I think I'll look for a pillow, and maybe some smelly thing to put in the bath, and more Epsom Salts.
I've considered doing a meditation (from a tape?) while I'm there, to keep me from getting bored - will this help?
I would have to think about what kind of book to read in a bath - I don't think that Psych books would work too well, nor thrillers, and I really don't get into romance. Maybe something like Bridget Jones?? Or maybe a book of short stories (except that lots of times short stories are incredibly intense, and I need relaxing)?
The Bach was nice, but I kept feeling like I was supposed to be *doing* something. I guess the goal will be to trick myself into feeling comfortable *not* doing something.
(I'm almost tempted to bring a GameBoy with me - I play computer games fairly mindlessly... Opinions?)
Posted by Ilene on September 19, 2004, at 14:51:06
In reply to Re: I am the QUEEN of baths, posted by Dinah on September 19, 2004, at 8:33:50
> > Dinah, you are the only person I've heard of with a bathing injury.
>
> :-)
>
> Well, fortunately the type of injury I suffered is one that only those who have dedicated a good chunk of their lives to bathing are in danger of suffering. The casual or utilitarian bather can rest easy.
>
> And if everyone remembers to use the proper bathing equipment, such injuries can become a thing of the past for even the most dedicated bathers.
>
>Perhaps you should start a public health targeting women who bathe too much.
(I think I am safe because I hardly ever take baths. I like them hot, hot, hot, but heat makes me wobbly and light-headed, and that can trigger my CFS.)
Posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 15:49:32
In reply to Re: I am the QUEEN of baths, posted by Ilene on September 19, 2004, at 14:51:06
I looked in the health/beauty aids section at WalMart, and asked at my drug store. Where do they hide them??
Posted by Dinah on September 19, 2004, at 20:50:32
In reply to Re: I am the QUEEN of baths, posted by Ilene on September 19, 2004, at 14:51:06
Posted by Dinah on September 19, 2004, at 20:52:25
In reply to Where are the bath pillows, Dinah?, posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 15:49:32
It was eons ago, and probably I found them at some place that no longer exists. But I imagine most of the bath related places would have them. The one I liked best was inflatable vinyl with little suction cups to keep it in place. Not terribly elegant, but utilitarian.
A rolled towel that isn't too bigh might work too, if you don't mind dampness.
Posted by octopusprime on September 20, 2004, at 0:42:17
In reply to Baths for (are a?) pain - Caution: rambling, posted by fallsfall on September 18, 2004, at 17:07:55
hi falls:
i live near a public pool that has a whirlpool (and i believe a sauna?) ... anyway, pools these days do have better amenities, and you can pay as you go. if there is one near you, you can try it and see if you like it? i do like to be able to fully sit down properly in the water.
most of the time the tubs are populated by the retired people ... trust me, it's no beauty contest, not where i live! plus the bathing suits hide the worst of the beached whale.
Posted by All Done on September 20, 2004, at 1:50:26
In reply to Where are the bath pillows, Dinah?, posted by fallsfall on September 19, 2004, at 15:49:32
Here you go, falls. (Hope the link works.)
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=bath+pillow&;
Laurie
Posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:00:16
In reply to Make it a gratifying experience » fallsfall, posted by partlycloudy on September 19, 2004, at 9:29:02
I got some lavender stuff to put in.
Do you do bubble baths? Do you have to take a shower to get clean before you get out? Enquiring mind want to know...
I'll have to work on the "entertainment" part, as I envision sitting in the tub all I can think is "what a waste of time" - I can't even imagine sitting still. (And I *do* spend a large part of my days doing nothing, so why can't I do nothing in the tub??)
Posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:02:22
In reply to Re: Baths for girlie-men, posted by DaisyM on September 19, 2004, at 1:14:21
I'm with you - I'm hoping to be enlightened by the bath-loving posters. It is really hard to get enthusiastic about this, but I've gotten some good ideas so far!
Posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:09:29
In reply to the alternatives: hot tub, sauna, posted by octopusprime on September 20, 2004, at 0:42:17
I do have a friend who lives 5 minutes away who has a hot tub and has told me I can use it anytime (even if she isn't home). I went once and she showed me how to get to cover off etc.
I think I stayed in too long, how do you know when you need to get out?
It seems like such a project - put on a bathing suit, drive over to her house, possibly have to socialize, sit in the tub, dry off (and change before coming home?). But it is certainly cheaper than a massage.
Plus I can't use Epsom Salts in her hottub... As I understand it the heat increases blood flow, but the Epsom Salts help remove the lactic acid. I guess I need to research Epsom Salts a bit...
I feel like I still need to be convinced that the benefits outweigh the inconveniences...
Falls (trying to have an open mind)
Posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:13:22
In reply to Re: Bath pillows » fallsfall, posted by All Done on September 20, 2004, at 1:50:26
Thanks! Unfortunately they closed the Bed and Bath that was near me... I'll keep looking, or just order it online.
Another stupid question - my neck is one of my sorest areas (my upper back is the worst), so I want those areas *in* the water. How do I do that without crinking my neck??
Somehow I feel like I have a lot of "resistance" to being able to see how/why this works...
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2004, at 8:21:22
In reply to Re: Bath pillows » All Done, posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:13:22
Having your neck in the water is trickier. I do it all the time, but wouldn't want epsom salts in my hair. And I ended up with swimmers ear, too.
Posted by octopusprime on September 20, 2004, at 11:08:03
In reply to Re: the alternatives: hot tub, sauna » octopusprime, posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:09:29
i think that it's a good idea to stick to a 30 minute limit on the hot tub
you will start to get dizzy and light-headed if you stay in longer than that
i am a big hot tub fan, i think we've talked about this before :)
it's not just the heat that's a benefit, it's the jets that help ... you can get a gentle massage on any part that is sore
also since the tub is so much bigger, you can perform gentle stretching in the tub, which i enjoy very much.
i also like the contrast between hot and cold - i know people with outdoor hot tubs and it's nice to pop out and get cool then pop back in .... aaaah
arms and legs pain ... you can also give yourself a gentle massage while you are in the tub. i had a week with some serious exercise on the arms and legs, and i know my time in the hot tub did me a world of good
then again i am feeling social these days and going out ... so i understand that restriction.
ps - i take tension in my upper back ... not pain per se, but just general stiffness, and gentle yoga is very helpful for that
i didn't say this before but sorry you are feeling bad and hope this passes
Posted by octopusprime on September 20, 2004, at 11:11:49
In reply to Re: Make it a gratifying experience » partlycloudy, posted by fallsfall on September 20, 2004, at 8:00:16
fallsfall -
for baths at home, i recommend acquiring a rubber duckie. they do make bathtime so much fun! there's a little hole in the bottom. you can make it suck up all the water and squirt it at stuff.
ps after your bath you can colour :)
Posted by crazymaisie on September 22, 2004, at 0:15:12
In reply to I am the QUEEN of baths, posted by Dinah on September 18, 2004, at 19:08:32
Dinah, you are too funny. bathing injury, swimmer's ear. don't you do *anything* half-heartedly?
i, too, am a lover of baths but sadly the house we live in now has one of those old tubs in it which looks fanastic but we never seem to have enough hot water to fill it right up :(
happy bathing, all
maisie
Posted by Dinah on September 22, 2004, at 19:37:33
In reply to Re: I am the QUEEN of baths » Dinah, posted by crazymaisie on September 22, 2004, at 0:15:12
> Dinah, you are too funny. bathing injury, swimmer's ear. don't you do *anything* half-heartedly?
>Only boring "good" stuff like work and housecleaning. :)
This is the end of the thread.
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