Trouble getting out of the bathtub

[condor]

A couple of weeks ago I struggled to get out of the bathtub due to a shooting pain in my left leg. It started as a general joint pain in my left big toe and then came close to excruciating as I used my left leg then kneeling to exit the bathtub. Blood test showed no to gout and artritis and another no to a diabetes check from a few months earlier.

Cause is likely to be trapped nerve, but a visit to the Doc's today only had a couple of the symptoms - no ankle refexes when hit with one of those relex hammers and numbness to the side of the big toe. However, I have no back pain and could lift my legs easily to a stand-up position when lying down on his examination couch.

MRI scan on the back is the next likely step - although I've suggested trying a 10% gel on the toe that I've used previously for tennis elbow.

However, getting to the crunch point - who do you call when you get stuck in the bathtub and can't get out? ...and when do you decide to fit a bath lift in case the eventuality ever arises?

[Hoofy]

Sciatica?

Can you install handles on the wall to help you pull yourself up?

Time to start upper body strength training, I guess?

[ikarl]

Probably best to call the A-Team. If you can find them.

Failing that, if I didn't have any family that could help, I would ensure that I had a towel and clothing within reach so I could dry and dress the best I could, then probably call NHS24, understanding that I may be there a while if I needed help from an external source

[condor]

Hoofy said:

Sciatica?

Can you install handles on the wall to help you pull yourself up?

Time to start upper body strength training, I guess?

Possibly Sciatica - but the ability to lift left leg up and down easily makes it not a likely possibility.

I have bath handles like most people as they come with the bath - but I think a bath lift is the most obvious addition, if needed.

[condor]

ikarl said:

Probably best to call the A-Team. If you can find them.

Failing that, if I didn't have any family that could help, I would ensure that I had a towel and clothing within reach so I could dry and dress the best I could, then probably call NHS24, understanding that I may be there a while if I needed help from an external source

I do now take mobile phone and jersey tracksuit to the bathroom in case of such a problem. I think I'll add a list of phone numbers to call if I get stuck.

[Hoofy]

condor said:

Hoofy said:

Sciatica?

Can you install handles on the wall to help you pull yourself up?

Time to start upper body strength training, I guess?

Possibly Sciatica - but the ability to lift left leg up and down easily makes it not a likely possibility.

I have bath handles like most people as they come with the bath - but I think a bath lift is the most obvious addition, if needed.

Can't really help with the medical condition but hopefully your doc gets to the bottom of it.

I don't trust standard bath handles. Also they're not placed in the most convenient angles if you really need to rely on them - at least on my bath.

I would practice trying to get out of a dry bath without the use of your legs. Try placing your forearms flat against the sides (one wedged against the wall assuming your bath is against a wall) and pushing upwards then using your right leg to help raise your body? If you have access to a gym, I'd focus on tricep dips and single leg squats.

Edit: that said, I'm not a doctor nor am I a personal trainer so maybe handstand push ups or a double orchidectomy might be what's required for all I know.

Edited by Hoofy on Monday 14th October 17:57

[condor]

Bath is against the left wall - so will give that a go

Thanks Hoofy

[Hoofy]

condor said:

Bath is against the left wall - so will give that a go

Thanks Hoofy

Good luck. I'd get one of those rubber bath mats down to give you more grip. The last thing you want is to slip in the bath! Just aim to get yourself sitting on the side of the bath I guess.

Mind you, perhaps one of these things is a wise idea so you're not so "deep" inside the bath tub. http://amzn.to/1cOFeeR

[condor]

I've got a little wooden stool that I could use

Will now have that in the bathroom as stand-by

Thanks hoofy

[Hoofy]

I'd give it the Ronseal treatment otherwise it might rot if it gets wet. TBH I'd sit on the stool and wash myself with a shower attachment rather than sit in the bath if I couldn't be certain I could climb out of the bath afterwards...

[insideimsmiling]

You are right to get medical advice in regard to the cause and also doing the right thing by taking the phone into the bath with you. As previously stated a non slip bath mat may help with transferring from the bath, however a bath lift would seem unnecessary unless there is confirmation that this is likely to be a long term condition.
If no one else is at home when the bath is used then arrange for someone to have a key to gain entry and consider calling the ambulance service to assist you out, as anyone lifting you could potentially injury both themselves and you if they are not trained in lifting and handling.
Hopefully its going to diagnosed as a short term issue that can be easily remedied, with perhaps physio helping to build up muscles to assist with future transfers.