This is an interesting thread and I can relate totally to your situation. At one time I let my hair and beard grow from early May through the first of the year. Why? Because I had this thing about looking like a real Santa Claus from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

I no longer do it because the last time, 2007, to shower, wash twice, rinse once, brush and blow dry both hair and beard, just became too much of a physical challenge.

I recommend you use and nice quality lightweight hand held shower, full shower chair with back. This controls the power of the spray so it doesn't feel like taking a shower with severe sunburn if you also have neuropathy.

Tell your DH times and you have changed, you're cutting your hair to a manageable length for your health. Wash your hair as you would normally but only shave your legs every other shower that you may not wash your hair. Do what is most convenient and comfortable for you. He will love you just the same.

From start to finish including brushing my teeth with a power tooth brush, shaving with an electric razor, taking a shower and I now use body wash and a phoo phoo thingy for the ease vs. a bar of soap, it takes a full 2 hours. Normally it is THE one thing I have scheduled for the day due to the resulting exhaustion and fatigue. This carries over to the next day too.

When dealing with a chronic, debilitating and progressive disease, both the patient and the caregiver have to make constant adjustments. Doing things just because that's the way it's always been or something (selfish) like not wanting you to cut your hair, holds no merit anymore. JMHO

thank you everyone. we're going through a lot of changes right now and i wasn't able to get my mri results yet (get them this wed). till then i am a nervous wreck. just so tired of tight muscles and pain.

Feel better soon Snookie..

used pert shampoo/conditioner. arms ached but it didn't take as long as it usually did, thanks. forgot to not use hot water though until i was 2/3 done with shower. last two days haven't been as bad thank god. still stiff, numb but not intolerable.