I’m a
longtime nurse living during a pandemic. There are so many serious topics that I could be
addressing right now related to the pandemic…vaccines, masks, monoclonal
antibodies. The pandemic has changed all
of us. But sometimes my head feels ready
to explode from all the grim news that I have experienced during the past year.
So, I decided to share one of the positive
things that I have discovered during the pandemic that is not quite so serious
but is a game changer. The #1 best thing
that I learned in the pandemic....EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A BIDET!!!
I am absolutely
prepared to be mocked. Someone wrote a
comment this morning on a Facebook group page that I belong to. They complained about their physical
condition, mobility issues and their lack of ability to fully clean themselves
off after a bowel movement. I said to
myself, “this tip might actually help
someone”. For those outside the U.S.,
this is a no brainer as many of you have used bidets forever.
I only wish
that I had been recommending this to patients for years. I have already
purchased 4 of them for friends. Everyone on my Christmas list is getting a
pandemic bidet!
I’m not
talking about the $10,000 toilet with the blow dryers that all the rich and
famous people possess. No, you don’t
need to replace your toilet or add expensive gadgetry. For around $30 (on
Amazon), you can get one that resembles a boomerang that is easily installed
under the lid of your toilet seat. I had my brother install mine, and it
literally took him less than 1/2 hour.
Why is
the bidet so great?
You simply do your business, turn it on for a few minutes for a good rinse off,
and pat yourself off with a small amount of toilet paper (one swipe, just to
dry off). Clean as a whistle!!!
Who would
benefit from a bidet?
1) For
anyone in a pandemic toilet paper shortage or someone just wanting to help
conserve the planet by saving a tree. For those with septic systems.
2) For all
of us who have arm or back pain where even (sadly) minimal movements like
wiping your backside are painful.
3) For
anyone who has had a fractured arm, hand, or shoulder surgery on their dominant
side.
4) For
breast cancer patients who have had under arm (axilla) surgery and for whom movement
is restricted or painful.
5) For
ovarian cancer or colo-rectal cancer survivors or post-partum ladies who may
have wound issues. A bidet is an extra
tool in the arsenal to assist with cleanliness “down below”. Bidets clean your rectal area but can also
clean your vaginal incisions too.
6) For
anyone who is elderly, those with herniated discs in their spine, or someone with morbid obesity who might have trouble
reaching or who may have mobility issues.
For those people, the act of “wiping” is literally impossible.
7) For those
with hemorrhoids or rectal fissures who may have trouble keeping things clean
“down there”. Sometimes repetitive
wiping with toilet paper can irritate a situation more than help it. A clean stream of room temperature water can
make a huge difference.
There are
many other indications, but as a nurse these are the first that pop into my
mind.
One
warning: On the model that I have, if
you turn the water pressure stream dial up higher than level 2, your buttocks
will be found later 2 blocks down the street!!!
For all of
the things that the pandemic has taken from us, perhaps here is one good thing
that we have learned.
So, save a
tree. Save your backside. Best of luck and remember...no higher than
level 2!! I warned you!!!
