I'm so sorry that you had to endure that and that you're feeling so unwell right now. I usually don't feel well enough to shower due to the energy it requires, all while standing. So I take baths instead. I'm thankful to have my husband to help me when I'm really weak but most of the time I'm able to get in and out myself using handrails. I'm unsteady on my feet so making sure to have a dry mat on the floor is important too. In between baths I use dry shampoo when needed. There's a brand called "not your mother's" and it has decent smells. I also use fresh scented body wipes made for adults and daily lotions. I was buying deodorant the other day and saw that they are now making deodorant sprays labeled "for the whole body". Some people use shower bath chairs. I haven't been able to get one myself yet, but maybe that could really help you? Hopefully you can find some solutions to help you during flares so that you can stay as independent as possible. I hope you feel much better soon! ❤️

Taking showers is a challenge for me too. Especially, during a Lupus flare, after I take a shower, it feels like I just ran a marathon. It leaves me totally exhausted. I drink coffee and I take vitamin B however, I am still fatigued throughout my day. People who don't have Lupus don't understand our challenges. They either think we're lazy or crazy.

Joy, I'm really concerned that you are feeling so weak! Please call your rheumatologist and request an urgent appointment, as you may be developing an organ flare.

Aah yes, the shower. In addition to chronic symptoms, I often get lightheaded and dizzy so taking a shower makes it worse. Since this began I shower my body and hair separately.

No one will understand this until they’ve experienced, not even other Lupus patients since every one has different symptoms.

Couldn’t wrap my head around when I found myself in my early fourties, not able to shower as frequent and thorough as I used to. It’s such a frustrating/sad feeling.

My rheumatologist told me I wasn’t trying hard enough, that it was probably just depression, which in part it was! How can’t someone not get depressed when not being able to do basic hygiene routines!

In my case, joint pain and stiffness interfere with my hygiene routines, showering, brushing teeth as usual. But also, as other have mentioned, fatigue plays a big role.

During a flare, showering can feel like the most strenuous job!

Wet wipes are a must in my toiletries, dry shampoo. I also went ahead and installed a life-saving bidet (the ones connected to the sink are usually inexpensive and easy to install) or you can get a portable bidet in Amazon/Temu for just couple of bucks too.

And on those days you can’t do any of those things.. do as the French do… perfume yourself away!