On a more 'delicate' note

[Guest guest]

For all of you out there with serious spinal issues that keep you from being

able to bend:

One of the worst problems that I was having that was causing me to re-injure the

supporting muscles in my spine over and over again, was the issue of 'cleansing'

after going to the bathroom.

There are a lot of handy tools that you can usually find at medical supply

stores and online, but they are not that easy to find and are very pricey

(usually between 40 and 75 dollars). I found a great solution.

At the grocery store, in the soap and lotion section, I have been able to find

wooden bath tools that have a net bath scrunchie on the end of them (they are

supposed to be for back washing). The stick is about 25 to 30 inches long. I

removed the scrunchie from it and found a hole in the end of the stick the

perfect size to push a wet wipe into it (Charmin Wet Wipes are the best, but

Cottenelle works, too). This has been the biggest life saver for me of all as I

was always injuring my back and did not have any other option rather than having

to get assistance (which is really hard to do...even in a hospital).

These bath tools usually cost about 6 to 8 dollars, and the wipes run about 2.75

for a box of 40. If you cannot find them in your grocery store, I have also seen

them in drug stores, too. In the section that sells things like loofah sponges

and bath mittens. Remember that you must cut off the net scrunchie. It is

usually held on there only by the tiniest piece of string.

- PA

[Guest guest]

Cheaper are the baby wipes in the multi pack. They come in all sorts, scented,

unscented, larger sizes. I never use the restroom without cleaning with one

after. Most are 65 to 88 count in each pack and less than 2 dollars each.

Interesting idea with the back scrubber handle.

Jennette

[Guest guest]

Dear Jennette:

I agree that the baby wipes can be cheaper, but most of them are not flushable. 

Some of the toddler wipes are, but it's hard to find actual baby wipes that

are.  Many of the store brands of wipes like charmin or cottenelle are cheaper,

too but I find that they are usually also smaller and harsher.  I particularly

don't like the s brand wipes because they are so small, although sometimes

if the budget is tight I will get one of those cheaper ones rather than not

getting any at all.

Another thing that baby wipes can be useful for is sponge bathing in between

showers or baths.  They are sterile and have a cleansing agent on them and can

really be handy.  I used to get those purse packs of them for camping (in the

old days when we could still do things like that). 

I was quite surprised the last time that I was in the hospital.  The hospital

that I was in used nothing but disposable wipes for daily bathing.  They were a

lot thicker than normal baby wipes, and the nurse would warm them up, but it was

still disposable wipes.  The days of the plastic kit of basin, water pitcher,

glass and vomit tray are over.  Disposable water bottles and wipes now.  The

only way I could get ice was to ask for a soda. 

Another convenient thing that I forgot to mention about the scrub brush handle

is that it comes with a little rope on the other end

to hang it up.  So all you need is a little hook next to the toilet roller or

wherever it is convenient to hang it it out of sight. 

Easy to clean, too.

- PA

[Guest guest]

I know, I have to be very strict about flushing anything but human waste and

toilet paper. We have a septic tank and it's our job to maintain. I keep a

trash can with a flip lid and a plastic grocery bag in it that I take out to the

trash every day or two.

I read a recipe for making your own baby wipes using viva paper towels that are

cut to the size you like. I'm sure that would be much cheaper than the

commercial ones. I'll see if I can find it.

Maybe someone else here has the recipe.

Jennette

> wrote:

Dear Jennette:

I agree that the baby wipes can be cheaper, but most of them are not flushable.

[Guest guest]

I use Walmart own brand wipes - they've recently even improved them to softer

and seemingly a bit larger and they're flushable.

Cost $1.27 for 48 in refill pack, so I put them in re-usable wipie container.

AND, at each 'sitting' after toilet tissue, I rip one wipie in half so I get two

clean swipes.

I don't think making your own out of paper towels can be cheaper because paper

towels are expensive, plus you'd need to moisten with, what? - I would think

Witch Hazel. Also, they're not 'flushable'.

---Jennette wrote:

> I read a recipe for making your own baby wipes using viva paper towels that

are cut to the size you like. I'm sure that would be

much cheaper than the commercial ones. I'll see if I can find it.

> Maybe someone else here has the recipe.