Quote1.) I don't have a shower I only have a bathtub I usually fill up a jug and throw it on my self...would I be able to do this after surgery as I sweat a lot so usually bathe after work. If not, how can I still bathe, I'm thinking of getting a cup instead of using a jug as the cup would be lighter, and also getting a cheap shower hose (those plastic ones that I can attach to the tap).
Probably best if you sit in the bath to wash everything below the dressings, and use a damp cloth/soap to do everything above with minimal water for the first 2 weeks. You don't want to get the dressings wet at all. I had to leave the same ones on for 2 weeks post op and had to keep them 100% dry. It was a pain in the ass but the results were excellent - keeping dry meant the incisions were well sealed by then. Getting the incision wet may cause issues - I was told not to get them wet at all for at least 2 weeks and to avoid any prolonged soaking for at least 4-6 weeks. For the first few days I used alcohol wipes for cleaning hard to reach bits on the upper body since arm mobility is limited. You'd be best to avoid hard sweaty work for a week at least post op anyway, probably two.
Quote2.) Can I bend over forwards to wash my hair and wash my face using my bathtub taps?
Sure, you can do whatever you mobility will allow. Just don't get the dressings or the wounds wet.
Quote3.) Do the drains go inside the arms or hands and am I able to hide this at work or if I go out in public? Can I still bathe with the drains inside me?
You probably won't have them in more than a few days. I had them in less than 24 hours, so they didn't leave the hospital with me. If you do have them longer I doubt you should be back to work immediately anyway, trust me, you're not going to feel up to it for a couple of days at least. They come out of the dressings and hang down, in my case they stitched the drains in temporarily and doing any major physical work risks yanking them out, wouldn't be a pretty sight. There are different kinds of drains depending on how much fluid is coming out, if its the small plastic bag type I guess they can be worn under clothing easily but again, they are delicate and too much movement is a problem. I didn't have those, I had two massive bottles that collected hardly anything, but there's no way I'd have been going anywhere with those, much less to work.
QuoteFinally, I will be having a test done for MRSA a few weeks before surgery? If I have MRSA, can my surgery be cancelled? Can dust cause MRSA? Should I wait until I get the MRSA results before I book my train ticket and hotel for my actual surgery appointment?
No. Everyone has these tests, it's just routine. If you have it it doesn't make much difference they just want it kept tabs on in case you do end up with an infection to know which antibiotics to give. They will give you an antibacterial sponge thing and tell you to shower with it before surgery in the hospital, although I think they do this for everyone. My friend who did have MRSA said the same thing. Dust doesn't cause MRSA it lives on your skin. It's the same staph bacteria that lives on everyone only it's mutated to be resistant to Methicillin. It's not a problem for healthy people usually. If you do have it they just give you some kind of cream to stick up your nose I hear. I didn't have it so I don't know exactly but there's no reason they won't do surgery because of it.
