I just had knee surgery and I need a bath?

I have this weird cast like thing on, it is not hard cause my whole knee is swollen but it keeps my leg straight. People have said use a bag and duct tape, but it is very crucial I not get it wet and i am afrais water will swwp through somehow and infect my knee!! am I being over cautious?

taking a bath after a surgery or while having a cast is a difficult thing. You don't want to get it wet for a couple of reasons. First, of course, is you don't want to get anything in it. Your skin acts as a barrier to prevent things from getting into your body that can cause you infections. At the surgery site, your skin is open and is an avenue for infection from what you are washing off your body. Secondly, getting the site wet, especially when you can't dry it effectively, can cause the tissue around the site to swell with water and soften. If you have stitches, this can cause them to tear loose more easily.

The drug store has a sleeve that can be worn on your leg that will help prevent water from getting into the wound while you take a shower. Ultimately, at least until the stitches come out or the wound heals, it's probably better to take a sponge bath. It's no where near as good as a regular bath, but remember that it is only for a short time and you want your knee to heal properly. Getting an infection in your surgery site is more than unpleasant - it's painful and can cause you further complications. Don't take the risk. The fact that it keeps your leg straight makes you a prime candidate for falling while in the shower, you don't want to risk a fall and damaging the work they have already done on your knee and having to endure that again. Settle for the sponge bath until you are more mobile and able to enjoy your shower.