A walk-in bathtub for those who cannot walk?
In the end, I love my walk-in tub. Before getting this tub, I was exclusively bathing in a bathtub for a year or two already (no more shower, or shower chair). my only regret now, is that it pains my husband very much to pick me up from my wheelchair and place me inside the tub.
The company had financing... And so, with the contract in front of me, I asked myself, "should I be doing this?" Praying that I was making the correct decision, I signed the contract. When the confirmation phone call came in a few days later, I almost backed out. Many times since then, I wished that I did back out.
Like many things these days, I depend on my caregiver (my partner) for many things. This tub seats me high enough that he is able to wash my hair without bending down. Bending down is excruciating for him. I really need to continue to try and washed my hair myself, so I don't lose that function as fast.
The alternate route I could have taken is, a roll-in shower. But I have, for now anyway, put this idea behind me. I suppose it would have been the right thing to do to get a roll-in wheelchair with a shower wheelchair, but, only for as long as my arms still work.
My plan for the future is one of those inflatable baths that the bedridden can use, so I can wash my hair (or, more likely, have it washed).
I am very grateful to have this walk-in tub, so I don't have to completely lose that feeling of being in a relaxing bath. That, and when the water is turned on and it is cold, It isn't hitting my whole body the way a shower would! So grateful for that! (although, this kind of shock is supposedly good for circulation).
A curveball came when I had the supra procedure, which requires that you don't submerge in water, as in a bath or pool. So, only my legs & hands are in the water.
Another case of bad timing! I would have not gotten a tub if I had the supra first. That would have saved me a whole lot of money… But in the end, I am happy that I made this decision, except the whole ordeal is painful for my husband.
A note about the manufacturer and tub itself.
The tub comes equipped with about 12 different light settings (but I don't know why anyone would use anything other than the turquoise light)! Is reportedly made in the USA, and the lowest step threshold in the industry. My complaint nowadays is that the drain knob (which is about the size of the baclofen pump, and so I was transfixed & afraid looking at that thing before the operation!) is too far away, but I figure now, that is only because I cannot fill the tub up the whole way because of my supra.
