Does your illness make everyday hygiene and cleanliness difficult?

Yes, I hurt my wrist and tendons in my dominant hand that already had successful carpal tunnel surgery. I did a bunch of overtaxing work projects around the house because I was motivated and was in no pain. I did several projects over one week's time and am paying for it NOW... In a brace 24/7, had to ^ my Prednisone, and cannot even wipe my butt! This happened years ago with my dominant side shoulder (same type of arduous 'work', and I spent good bucks on a wand that you can bunch up toilet paper and even wet wipes into, so that I would be prepared if this situation ever happened again, AND IT DID... The 'Buddy' has a discreet case so it is easy to store in the bathroom without anyone knowing my Problem;) If this is TMI for Carenity, just let me know... I don't have any other Community for RA, just email newsletters. XOXO Somya ;)

I know this embarrassing, but I get so busy with other stuff. I dont have time to shower or i just dont think about it

That resonates deeply. As someone living with several debilitating, chronic, rare diseases, there are days when even getting out of bed, just to use the restroom becomes so difficult I have to restrict fluids (Dangerous for me 😒). As for the grooming, the inability to do so on those days, ( and the pile up of other days) triggers my OCD/Scrupulosity which then sets off a whole new set of symptoms, the fun kind that are all in my head 😅😭 Ocd has many subgroups, my primary is Scrupulosity 😷😵‍💫🧼 which is pretty much shame centered. So, even before it's been a while, that shame and self disgust is already there. That inevitably makes it harder to to snap out of, even if my physical symptoms let up enough for me to have the energy to face that task, once I actually try to, I immediately feel overwhelmed and exhausted that it's not just one task at this point, it's all. Even if I can get clean and semigroomed, it still won't be enough for my brain to allow me to get out that door. The longer it takes to get myself back to baseline, the harder it gets and longer it takes for me to actually leave the house.

Yesterday was the first day I was able to leave my apartment since July, as a result of the shame.

So yeah, I definitely relate 🤣

I found it hard to shower and get ready every day. Not too long ago, i finally found a compromise of showering like every 4 days, and just wash up on the other days. That way i dont have to wash my hair every day and i dont have to struggle to take a shower every day. Much more managable!

yes, my diabetes management and related comorbidities - neuropathy, and incontinence makes it complicated to keep my blood sugar level, and managing everything having to manage my diapers and cleanup. And having to keep all this together take alot out of me.