Reddit mentions: The best shower seats

Eccentriczebpajamas, congrats!

Fellow hEDS, got married last July (pre-diagnosis), and I think I’ve got some ideas for you:

For the shoes, not sure where to look - I have really HUGE feel (size 12-13 women’s), so I struggled too, but ended up finding a cheap pair that looked great and kinda worked for me. They were tolerable but not comfortable, and I regret not focusing more time on finding a better pair.

For the registry, I’ve had really good luck with the OXO Good Grips series of stuff (their handles are chunky enough that I don’t tend to sublux my fingers, even gripping hard)

The can opener I use is a blue version of this one: (OXO Good Grips Can Opener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004OCJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5-Z.zbZ5E94HD)

They also have a kitchen starter set that might be good to work with:(OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IELD9A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ka0.zbT8JYQX5)

When I can cook, I use these gloves instead of potholders - they’re great for the heat, don’t require as much hand strength/fine motor skills as potholders would, and also do a great job at gripping/opening stuck can lids: (Silicone Oven Gloves Extra Thick Heat Resistant Oven Mitts from Aocome, for Cooking Grilling BBQ and Baking, Quilted Cotton Lining, Waterproof Non-Slip Grip Food Grade Safe 1 Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J76A9AI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_id0.zbEAKKA40)

For sitting, this chair is my favorite. Looks goofy, but hurts WAY less than anything else I’ve tried:
(Gaiam Balance Ball Chair - Classic Yoga Ball Chair with 52cm Stability Ball, Pump & Exercise Guide for Home or Office, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006FFR37W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6e0.zb9Y7MDYQ)

A WiFi blood pressure monitor like the one from Nokia (I have the older Withings version) can be great for helping keep track of your overall health (along with things like FitBits, WiFi thermometers, etc., if you’re into that: (Nokia BPM+ – Compact Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F2MC29/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Qg0.zb3J5YKKN)

Finally, if you have room, a shower stool can be super helpful if you spend too many spoons in one place and struggle to stand up in the shower (there are lots of types, including pretty wooden ones, but this type is really easy to assemble): (Medokare Shower Stool with Padded Seat - Shower Seats for Seniors with Tote Bag, Shower Bench Bath Chair, Handicap Shower Seat for Adults, Shower Stools and Benches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXZQ4XS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mj0.zb5C9TRYX)

Oh! And bonus last-minute add: overhead lights that you can turn off from your phone, so you can go to bed and THEN turn off the lights, instead of trying to fumble your way across your room in the dark (they can also turn your room into a bright rainbow disco, if you’re into that): (Philips Hue 464479 60W Equivalent White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit, 3rd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3QXSGX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0l0.zb2N2PB53)

Good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful wedding day!


...ETA, this set of pots and pans! They have big rubbery handles that are easy to work with, and they’re easy to clean - they can go straight into the dishwasher: (The Pioneer Woman Vintage Speckle 10-Piece Non-Stick Pre-Seasoned Cookware Set (Turquiose) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014X6NQI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ov0.zb32WQSJ3)

There are way to many variables that will impact your renovation. But a few common sense practices may be helpful:

If this is a tear-down-to-the-studs remodel, making sure that the framework is plumb, level, and in-square will go a long way towards making your life easier. Nothing sucks more than trying to adjust for wonky walls and floors.

If you have anything that is rotten, change it out now. This is not a job where "it looks good enough for now" will be fine. You want this to last for decades? You need a sound foundation to build out from.

This is just me. In almost all cases, a bathroom starts to fall apart because of water damage. So use products that resist water. I personally recommend pressure treated lumber (with the proper fasteners) for the studs. Use cement board or it's equivalent in the shower and around the tub. Mold resistant drywall everywhere else.

Tile and grout ARE NOT waterproof. Water resistant? Yes. Proof? No. So do yourself right, and use a waterproof membrane in the shower and around the tub. Kerdi-Schluter and Redgard are two good products. If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, your renovation absolutely will not leak. Period. And that is a good thing.

The tile itself. Consider using large format tile, instead of the tiny 1" by 1" mosaic. The large stuff is easier to install, has far less grout lines, and is easier to keep clean.

For the floor tile, consider using ceramic or porcelain wood look tiles. It mimics a wood floor, with none of the headaches that you'd get from real wood in the bathroom. Or consider luxury vinyl tile or planks. Impervious to water, and easy to lay. Looks good, as well.

Light, heat, and ventilation. No one every said "my bathroom is too bright". So plan out the lighting in the early stages. Small can lights (3" or 4") don't take up much of the ceiling, but can provide tons of light where it is needed. They make trim for wet environments, so you can use them in the ceiling of the shower. Helps you find where all your body parts are :)

Install a vent fan, even if you have a window. The key to preventing mold and mildew is to control the humidity in that bathroom. A fan with a timer or humidity sensor is a useful addition to any reno.

If you want some cool stuff, you can install a heated floor for a relatively small amount. This one covers 16.7 square feet:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/IdealHeat-10-ft-x-20-in-110-Volt-Radiant-Floor-Heating-Mat-RSG-20-100-110M/203579013

you need to buy a manual or digital thermostat, as well. But it is only hundreds to install the system, not thousands.

Mount an electric towel warmer/rack on the wall. Your better half will thank you:

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Towel-Warmer-Temperature-Timer/dp/B01BE1233U

Cover the walls with dedicated bathroom paint, that has a moldicide and mildewcide built-in. Should insure that your renovation stays bright and clean for years to come.

Don't know your age, but consider installing a fold down seat in the shower:

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products-Shower-Folding/dp/B001W26NEC

Best of luck to you. Please consider taking pictures of your reno and posting them. We love stuff like this. Bet it'll look awesome when it is done.

Yes! This was something I put a lot of thought into when I was really sick.

• /u/mnicoleb1773 already mentioned body wipes, which is an essential for the spoonie life. We're living in the golden age of body wipes and I love it. There are the medical grade ones (like these) and the fancier ones they sell in stores now for, like, "active people on the go", and the deodorant ones just for underarms, or whatever. For vulva-owners, I definitely recommend a wipe designed for that area.
  
  
• After the wipes, a good body powder is sometimes helpful (I love Lush's "silky underwear" to use under arms and the underboob area).
  
  
• For hair, if yours is short enough you can use rinse-free shampoo (some even come in a shower cap form where you just put it on and smoosh it around and throw it out). I usually fared better with dry shampoo and a re-hydrating spray for curly/wavy hair since my ends tend to dry out.
  
  
• And then there's shaving. Get an electric shaver that works dry. I got this basic one for $18, and it's absolutely good enough. I even use it on underarms after getting the area clean and thoroughly dry (a tiny bit of powder rubbed in before is helpful to reduce friction).
  
  
• Another option for shaving is the shave cream by EOS. It can be used dry! And it works as long as your razor is good and sharp and you go a tiny bit slower. (I wiped a damp washcloth on my legs first and that seemed to help) And then follow it with a damp cloth to get the residue. And you can just be sitting on the floor to do this anywhere.
  
  
• When I was feeling ambitious enough to shower, a stool was essential. My shower is tiny, and this one still fit. If you've got a bigger shower stall (or even a tub!) you can find some cuter shower chairs, even.
  
  
• And I would sit to floss. And really just, any time that it was logistically possible.

Buy the hip kit from amazon (it has a grabber, sock putter onner, and other things to help dress and undress).

If you don’t have a comfort height toilet, or if he’s super tall, you’ll want to think about a raised toilet seat. (I personally didn’t need one, but I’m also 5’6”.)

You’ll also want to get a seat for the shower, I recommend the kind with no raised handles or anything, like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AEGCUI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share - this is the one that the hospital had and I loved it.
You also might want to have a stool softener on hand, they’ll provide you with one but I had to add my own into the mix just for the first couple of days.

He’ll also need a sturdy chair (like a dining room chair) to sit in that doesn’t have wheels. It helps to have a cushion here (I just used a pillow 🤷🏻‍♀️).

He’ll need some comfy sweat pants to wear. Your legs can swell quite a bit after surgery so nothing tight fitting.

Also I was super hungry after surgery (like after the first few days passed) so have lots of snack options.

The hospital will send you home with a walker/crutches (whatever they decide) and then most people transition to a cane. I got my cane for $20 on Amazon. The crutches my insurance covered.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I just had my hip done last September. :)

Ooo great idea! I’m gonna have to look at that post. Also your enthusiasm has inspired me to go ahead and get that shower seat, too! This is what I’m gonna get, cause it’s padded: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXZQ4XS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_f4YzDbH8PXEQW

Also look how cool this tub thing is!! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753972GG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q4YzDbG5EQ8J2

You might be better off with an actual shower chair like this one:
https://smile.amazon.com/Plastic-Transfer-Bench-Adjustable-Backrest/dp/B002VWK0T6/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=shower+chair&qid=1551373611&s=gateway&sr=8-11

Much safer than the one on your list. Also, you can have your doctor write a prescription for it since you need it because of your balance issues and have your insurance cover it. I had to go this route myself a few years ago for some of the medical equipment I use - only my physical therapist wrote the scripts for me.

Definitely basketball shorts with pockets! Also, a special chair/bench for the shower goes a long way. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Ez2care-Adjustable-Lightweight-Shower-inches/dp/B01NBHVL3E/ref=sr_tnr_p_9_8624344011_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492890694&sr=8-9&keywords=chair+for+shower

Say 'Hello' to my little friend:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AEGCUI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Might be too wide to fit in a tub but works great in a stall.

This is a big one
Smaller
Smaller still, but looks less stable
I have experience with the first one and they're fairly comfortable since it basically holds your butt.

A transfer chair may be helpful.

Also, you can go up and down the stairs using your butt and your good leg.

THE ULTIMATE MANLY CRY KIT:

Shower stool

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Exfoliating Gloves For Making Your Skin Really Smooth

12/24 Pack of Your Favourite Beer

Good luck and have an awesome cry!

My shower and bathroom are tiny! I got a shower stool but also considered getting a small folding one, like this

To solve the height issue, I put in a suction mount low on the wall, similar to this

/u/whomst_is mentioned a shower chair. We got this one and like it:

Medical Tool-free Spa Bathtub Shower Lift Chair, Portable Bath Seat, Adjustable Shower Bench, White Bathtub Lift Chair with Arms

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5Z47HK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_IZzZDSfDYqKVe

If the shower is built into the bathtub, as a LOT are I'm realizing, there are chairs designed to fit over the side of the tub, https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-Medical-Adjustable-Bathroom-Transfer/dp/B010H1OIF4/ref=sr_1_44_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1491759272&sr=1-44

If you have a bathtub, you could use something like this https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Teak-Bathtub-Shelf-Burmese/dp/B004DEJL7M

https://www.riteaid.com/shop/folding-bath-bench-white-0297218

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/drive-medical-folding-bath-bench/1040826882

Dr Kay's Adjustable Height Bath and Shower Chair Top Rated Shower Bench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTQFTPW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3DKoDbFY3WYDT

NCONE Mini Portable Folding Stool,Light Weight Metal and Plastic Folding Chair,330lb Capacity,9.8 inch Height,Indoor/Outdoor Use,Camping,Fishing,Travel,Hiking,Garden,Beach https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLHW3C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yEKoDbTPRN12N

Various price points. The last one is cheapest and doesn't specify shower, but does have non slip pads and says you can use it at the beach

It is exactly what it sounds like. It's usually sold in medical stores for people who for one reason or another cannot stand in the shower or are at high risk of slipping (elderly, etc).

http://www.amazon.com/Medline-MDS89745R-Shower-Chair/dp/B0007YX29A

Planning on killing yourself? Here are some helpful links that might help you!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DKA3OGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_nl7SBbXTV888D

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JIKY4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_hm7SBb514H7ME

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010VS078/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Xn7SBb8PHAF7S

Shower Stool this one's less than $20 - shower chairs are absolutely a thing

They make em

Get a Japanese shower stool. They all sit down for showers. https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-Japanese-Stool-Chair-Small/dp/B004FOADHW

I think what you need is one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Doc-Johnson-Squirmy-Vibrator-Purple/dp/B000FEPPQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1419136214&sr=1-1

And one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/NOVA-Medical-Products-Release-Shower/dp/B003ZSCFQ6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419136268&sr=8-2

I would think something similar to one of these.. Back before they were readily available, people would make their own using pipe. From the looks of what you have, I lean more to that... a U-shaped seat that rested on e tub edge and 2 legs (with crutch tips) extending down to the tub floor. Your gizmo would keep all that from sliding off of the ledge.

Would this work?

https://www.amazon.ca/Delta-DF596-Safety-Adjustable-Shower/dp/B00E951ZNS

Problem Solved.

When my father in law broke his shoulder we got a full length bath mat and a shower bench. The shower bench extends over the lip of the bathtub so they can sit down with their legs outside of the tub, turn and put one leg at a time into the tub while still sitting down. It gave him the stability he needed while on pain meds so that he could shower. There are a bunch of different varieties, this is just one of them. I hope your mom heals quickly. Shower Bench