I use my contacts when I'm in water...pools and showering. The reason being that I have really poor vision and I wouldn't be able to see a thing if I didn't wear them. Wearing glasses in the shower really isn't an option.
I wash my contact lense case out with warm water and soap.
Did your doctor tell you what to do in these circumstances (blind if you don't wear corrective lenses in the shower, how to clean the case, etc.)? I'm curious because I am slightly more worried after hearing your story!
And I'm so glad that they were able to catch it. I hope that you have no remaining problems from this and it can all be put behind you.