Hi all. I've been a big advocate of Sitz baths but lately I've been wondering if they're really that helpful or not. First, let me clarify that a Sitz bath should be about 20 minutes long in a shallow pool of warm water with some Epsom salts added. I think my problem is that I've been sitting in a whole bathtub of boiling hot water for about an hour everyday. I've heard that it can be therapeutic to go from a hot bath directly to a cold bath (the "cold dip" offered at spas and hot springs) but I only have one bathtub. What I'm trying to say is that it might not be so great to have a prolonged soak in really hot water as it might increase the circulation too much in the afflicted area and lead to more swelling/spasms. I've even shortened my post-BM showers and it seems to be helping. As nice as it is to sit/stand in really hot water, it may be prolonging the condition. I was seeing that my spasms were worse after getting out of the tub and it got me wondering. Sometimes the insistence on certain cures reminds me of the phrase, "I cut it twice and it's still too short!" I hope this helps. Hang in there everybody!

LOL, Ed - love the subject title. lol lol
I don't like baths. I don't like sticking my rump into any kind of pool of water, unless it's a pool with chlorine - and even then, I'm not that fond of it. Now, if I needed to soak myself, post surgery, I would - but as yet, I've only tried the sitz a few times, and it didn't seem to feel that relieving.
I have to agree with your sitz assessment . . . for me, it's just not that comforting.

The little plastic sitz that goes over the toilet is useless!! It puts too much pressure on the area. The tub is far better, and if you are having surgery, it is needed. I soaked in the tub at least 4 times a day 20-30 min for the first 5 days and dried off and just let everything air dry for the first whole week. I did not put any underware on at all, just a big t shirt or night gown and I nerver had to shove cotton or guaze up my butt after. I swear it was the baths and the air.

Sue, if it comes to that, I'll certainly hop in the tub. I'll probably do exactly like you've done.

Anything you do to excess will not be good for you. Too much sugar salt booze etc. I have got so skinny that I would freeze sitting in a few inches of water so I would fill the tub up and it was not working as well and dried my poor skin out. I took a small electric heater and put it in the room and that worked. I also have started reading again. I keep a clock so the time does not get away from me. I just know what works for me. Hope you find what works for you.Also a radio. If I make sitting in the crapper more tolerable it makes it easier to go in there.

Sitting in the hot bath is about the only thing that gives me any relief after a bm. I just had surgery 2 days ago. I think I must have had a wonderful doctor.....im not in half the pain I thought I would b.

sterling -
I don't have problems with my BMS, too much - but I am trying to relax, read, keep my body less tense.
Mrs.inpain - Let us know how you progress. Baths are supposed to be good after the surgery.

Hey all- I talked to my ND in Portland yesterday and he said hot baths are A-OK for treating spasms- so there ya go! You may now soak with confidence.

I broke down and bought a toilet with a bidet in it. Yea. I found one. My husband has a project for this weekend.

My doc said no baths and to even keep showers to just 5 minutes. I don't have spasms though.
He said to keep the anus as dry as possible (lube is ok though as it isn't water based).
But I am like sweet, I don't like to get wet anyways. I figure I must have been a cat in a previous life! lol
-woi