What other things? Water, food and fuel seem pretty basic. Is suffering some sort of prerequisite goal? Can a person not be comfortable at the South Pole in order to go about their business?

Showering at Antarctica is a luxury. As the humorous article made clear. And we're not even talking about the South Pole station. I do wonder what showering regime applies there.

People who can't shower don't suffer. They sponge bath. If you value showering so much, Antarctica is not for you. That's ok.