How loose should my leg cast be?

Just got my cast off, leg is weak, how do I shower?

• Had a cast on for two and a half months. Just got it removed today and am so excited to shower! However, I am not allowed putting any weight on my leg. I feel like me showering on one leg is just asking for trouble. What can I use to sit on? I need creative solutions.. We only have wooden chairs. Should I just sit on the floor of the tub with the shower on? I'm way too dirty to take a bath right now...

• Answer:

  I've done the leg injury shower frustration too. I know a few ways to help. As you said, you can sit on the tiles. I recommend running hot water over it first so your butt doesn't freeze. It's rather uncomfortable. There are special stools or chairs made for elderly people so that they won't fall in the shower. Same things goes for a hand rail. They're pretty easy to install. If you don't want to do that, just take your time getting out of the shower. Make sure there's either a towel or a rug by the shower or tub. Bathroom tiles are slippery. There is a shower-head attachment in places like Home Depot that is like a long hose with a sprayer on the end. No matter where you are in the tub or shower, you can get the water anywhere you like to rinse off without trying to hop around to get under the water. I fell on my butt when I tried the hopping thing. Bruised tailbones suck. If you do not want to get a chair or can't afford one, get something to sit on. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it's stable and won't collapse under your weight. A cinder block works great. Just be sure to put a towel down on the floor first so it won't scratch anything. Be sure not to put anything where it will clog the drain. If you want to use a wooden chair, just go to the store and buy huge, industrial size garbage bags. Get the ones that say Husky Contractor Clean-Up Bags. Those things are freaking indestructible. You shouldn't be able to tear a hole it in with anything you have in the shower. And try to go slow with rehab. I know it sucks. I've been there way too many times. Trying to push yourself to go faster will actually set you back. Trust me on this... you have to be patient. Good luck! I hope this helps.