Adhesive TAPE - help need to find non-allergic
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Kicks - he sounds adorable. And what a great idea to find a feed store. We used to have several just a couple of miles away, but with the continued growth, it looks like I'll have to drive a ways. I'll put in on my list for when i head that way.
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@ Kicks Puleeeze, extend some tickles to your affectionate "schnuggle bunny'/ VELVETEEN RABBIT from me.
Love it when you get what you call, "wordy"! I certainly do intend to Google: Rabbit Agility. Thanks for the tip.
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Baton down the hatches!
Here's wishing all you folks being visited by Hurricane Harvey the very best and hope you were able to get supplies before they sold out AND that you don't have any medical appointments for anything at all. MinusTwo is from Houston . . .
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Well, it's official: cancer has returned to my LB. I will have surgery on October 17th. Although the area is larger than before, as a retired senior, I have again chosen to have a lumpectomy and not to have chemo, etc. therapies.
This will provide a big test for 3M Cavion Barrier Film which I am pleased to report that my surgeon will make sure is on hand and correctly applied. Unlike previous surgeries, I have been informed that I will have many lymph nodes removed from under my left arm. BTW, my female surgeon and I had super interaction.
I am so grateful for those who have shared videos on YouTube about Lymphedema prevention and therapy. Bookmarks, bookmarks, and more bookmarks! Quite frankly, I do not understand why instruction does not actually begin before surgery. Assurances that medical staff will tell you how to deal with post surgery care pushes everything into a hypothetical magic wand time. I will also try to find a BC thread about Lymphedema prevention and therapy.
I live alone and am non-plussed as to how I will properly care for my wounds, particularly regarding washing. I have viewed the procedure for emptying the Jackson Pratt Drains, which I have already been informed will be inserted. Emptying the drains seems pretty straight forward. However, I would appreciate any tips regarding cleansing the skin areas, just plain washing myself, and, of course, anything particularly relevant regarding adhesives in this situation.
I suppose I will have to wait until my official meeting with my PCP, to learn where my HMO and Medicare fits into all of this.
Thanks in advance.
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Trickling - I'm so sorry to hear that you're in for another round. Is this the same side as before? I live alone and just needed someone for the first 24/48 hours while I was on heavy pain meds. Maybe they'll let you stay in the hospital an extra day? It wasn't too bad stripping the drains. My doc let me shower as long as I kept the drain sites dry, so I hung the bulbs around my neck on a lanyard, wrapped myself around with Glad Press 'N Seal, and sat on a shower chair. Of course that means you will need a detachable shower nozzle.
The usual advice is still good - make sure you take things down from the highest cupboards so you don't have to reach your arms above shoulder height for awhile. Be sure you have something to counteract the constipation from pain meds. Drink LOTS of water. Stock up on easy, quick foods.
Yes, it will be a great test of the barrier film. Hope they will also use Hypafix tape. I think it's better than Medipore. I'll be thinking of you.
The link below about LE was created with lots of input by some very knowledgeable BCO members. It's a great starting place. Yes, get measured first if you can and be sure your LE PT is certified/trained (info in the link). There are lots of LE threads on BCO & great sharing. I learn new things all the time.
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Forgot to discuss the wounds. I had glue & steri-strips that gradually softened & fell off. Luckily they didn't irritate my skin. So no major problem keeping clean. I did put a kotex pad or 'lite day panty liner' in my bra/camisole rather than using bandages & tape.
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@MinusTwo I have emailed my surgeon a request for the use of HYPAFIX tape. This weekend, I will purchase a detachable shower nozzle (I had one in my previous apartment.). I have been meaning to purchase a shower stool, so, I'll add it to the list for this weekend -- also, a supply of Seran Wrap.
You got it: practical tips, just what I need!
Yes, it is the LB, which has had several lumpectomies, some for cancer. It is also the scene of late effects (took 6 years to appear) of radiation and who knows what else, which led to my having to have [successful] hyperbaric oxygen treatment. I have had cancer elsewhere; however, it wasn't diagnosed as metastasizing from breast cancer and have not had serious after effects.
I have always been fortunate to have great bowel movements. Scary thought that constipation scene . . .
I will visit that lymphedema prevention and therapy link when I return home, this evening.
Thanks bunches!
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Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment for those of you who are unfamiliar with the term is the same kind of treatment that is given to divers who ascend too quickly; to people who have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning; and to people whose wounds are having trouble healing, for example, diabetics. Animals both small and large (think horses, etc.), also receive hyperbaric oxygen treatment. I was fortunate to participate in a group setup in the Chicago area.
Real spaceship or Captain Nemo kind of stuff! I dubbed us the "bubble heads". We were a congenial group. BTW, a medical staff person also had to suit up with us each time.
Here's a similar link for a human group in Atlanta http://hyox.com/
To see animal setups, do a Google search (then click on images): hyperbaric oxygen treatment for animals
I just double checked the Google search and saw a CAMEL! It must be very difficult for animals because of the noise from the air pressure adjustments. At least we humans could discuss what we were experiencing.
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Interesting about the hyperbaric O2.
Be careful to get Glad Press 'N Seal. It works very differently than Saran Wrap, and actually create a seal with most anything.
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@ Minus Two You caught me in time regarding the superiority of Glad Press 'N Seal! Fortunately, my plans for going shopping did a flip-flop and I ended up doing something else, entirely. Believe it or not: I there was a good chance that I would have picked up whatever kind of "Seran Wrap" type product is carried by our local Dollar Tree store.
As for the bathroom tools, I found ordering from Amazon a big help. Earlier this year, I decided to enroll in Amazon PRIME. Enrollment has proven itself as I depend on public transportation. Additionally, I now live in a building which not only has an elevator but an front desk with security.
Thanks for the link, http://www.stepup-speakout.org/ which has tons of facts.
I am going to post a separate reply regarding PLASTIC WRAPPING :-)
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!!! Attention !!! This post is for all fellow PLASTIC WRAPPING Arteests !!!
Thanks to Minus Two, we now know that as we wrap our persons due to surgery, we should consider the superior sticking qualities of the brand, Glad Press 'N Seal.
Well, aside from soon picturing myself wrapped in strange and bungled ways, I immediately went to my bookmarks for sculpting where I knew I had tucked away for easy reference the use of plastic wrap as a medium. We are talking sculptures here not the neat painting technique with "Seran Wrap", with which many of you are probably familiar.
In general, feel free to do a Google search: plastic wrap sculptures.
A real "How to sculpt" YouTube treat can be found at a channel by a guy, who is a natural teacher. I mean he really loves sharing his techniques and in a naturally humorous and educational manner.
WARNING: I, myself, am not into gory Halloween stuff and can appreciate how some people would not want to see the following videos for a variety of reasons. . . . . Alas, :-( I have not yet found videos of the excellent techniques for textures, coloring, form filling, etc., with plastic wrap for sculptures in any other context than Halloween gore.
>>> Do NOT click on this link if you are sensitive to gory stuff even though Halloween gore is beginning to fill the stores and cloak our neighborhoods.
BTW, for people who are interested in faster alternative to using paper mache, go to his video, "Build with Sticky Paper [self-made sticky paper]".
>>> This is it, last >>> WARNING <<< After all, the title is "Plastic Corpsing" . . .
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Trickling, Im so sorry! Crap, thats not fun. My hint for you is when "stripping" the drain tubes, use an alchol wipe (the small square ones) They wont be on your skin, just the tubes. It clears the tube with little pull on the tubing. Just hold the tubing up near the skin where it comes out with one hand. Then put the wipe around the tubing with your other hand, and slowly pull the wipe down the tubing squeezing as hard as you can with your fingers. Thus removes the clots in the tubing. You start up where you are holding the tubing. Dont let go, because pulling on the tube hurts. LOL. Also theres about 2 feet of tubing inside, so if you do jerk the tube, it wont come out that easily, but it will hurt like the dickens! I had tubes after half of my surgies, for 3 to 6 weeks. And my surgein did not let you take showers! LOL
Much love!
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Trickling - are you still set for surgery the 17th? I hope you'll stay overnight just in case since you live alone. Moon's given some good advice for the drains. i don't think you'll have any problem. We will be waiting to hear next week that all went well.
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@ Moonflwr912 and MinusTwo Thanks for your input and encouragement! Yes, T October 17th is set for my surgery. I will be thinking of you.
It took me many grateful viewings of the shared YouTube videos about the care of the drainage tubes before I was able to compile most of the advice that Moonflwr912 typed up in her single paragraph. Toot! Toot! Moonflwr912. Believe it or not: the wiping with alcohol was often absent from the demonstrations in the videos.
Although I followed the tip and have already purchased a box of GLAD WRAP rather than Seran Wrap, it looks at me with its secrets and I still look at it, dumbfounded as to how I am going to wrap myself if I am told to shower.
Keep scrolling below for a very good link.
While the following quality link does not deal with showers, combined with the the above typed tips from Moonflwr912 and MinusTwo, it should save some folks a lot of searching time:
?? Did I ever post that my surgeon will make sure 3M Barrier Film is used? She is all for trying it.
Hope you are having relaxed days with few medical issues.
It will be a while before I get back to logging in.
LOL to everybody.
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Trickling - if you bought the 'Press N Seal', you'll be amazed at how easily it stick to your skin & itself. i'm thinking you could do an over the shoulder diagonal wrap (thinking 'serape') instead of around the entire chest since you're only having lumpectomy on one side.
I understand it may take you awhile to log in again, but we will be anxiously waiting & keeping you in our thoughts.
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@ All Surgery of T October 17, 2017, went well. Great interaction with medical staff. Hospital food was GOOD! Will have the big post-surgery meeting with surgeon on Monday at 1:00 PM. Will give more details next week. HOORAY for 3M Cavilon Barrier Film (swabs)!
LOL
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Trickling - so glad to hear everything went well. And especially that the Cavilon Barrier Film is working for you. Take it easy girl and we'll be waiting with you for the report next Monday.
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Trickli g, thinkig of you. Hope all is well with fadt healing!
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Trickling - I'm thinking of you too. Anxious to hear how the skin barrier wipes worked for you. What you used to hold the bandages in place. How at least a partial shower from a shower chair has worked.
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Will post super good LB news, tonight + unexpected visitor that makes me think of panning for gold!
This Yankee says, "LOL y'all"!
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I share the following details because they are important and to emphasize that some details demand persistence on the part of patients as well as medical staff AND that the superior qualities of 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS have made themselves known and respected in some spectacular escapades.
Post-lumpectomy for recurrence of LB cancer: On M October 23, 2017 (1:00 PM), I met with my [terrific] surgeon. %%% Lymph Nodes %%%% I learned that due to an abundance of scar tissue from past surgeries, the images and the hand manipulations by my surgeon were erroneously larger than the actual new cancerous area. That is, the cancerous area was smaller than expected. Furthermore, as my surgeon went in for my axillary lymph nodes, she encountered a lot of scar tissue. After removing 4 lymph nodes and having them diagnosed as benign, my surgeon concluded that she would probably be doing me more harm than good given the abundance of scar tissue and and the benign results. Therefore, instead of my having 30 or maybe even more lymph nodes removed, I had only 4 lymph nodes removed. She had a big grin and you could have knocked me over with a feather!
%%% 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS %%% My surgeon made sure 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS were available and applied correctly. A nurse told me the tape was 3M transpore medical tape. I later found out that they actually got the 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS from the wound department. I had invested in a box of 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS from Amazon.com. They came in mighty handy during my visits by the home nurse. The home nurse used more than one kind of tape, including something that looked like an over-sized band aid. The 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS, held the adhesive at bay. I stressed the proper manner of application. I had my suspicions that the home nurse did not wait at least 30 seconds for each layer of the film to dry. In my opinion, it was only after a blister appeared at one of the corners of a tape, that the home nurse really took to heart the importance of the manner of application and my repeated admonition that "if at least 2 layers of film were applied in a radius of '50 ft', the radius should be extended to '60 ft' ". I am resolved never to go to a medical appointment without bringing a couple of the 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS.
%%% GLAD Press and Seal %%% My surgeon removed my drainage tubes on October 23rd. She told me I could shower in a couple of days. When I held up my box of GLAD Press and Seal, she told me that because of the way she operated on me, that I would not need to use a covering. She also told me that she did not know how it would have been possible for me to wrap myself by myself had the use of GLAD Press and Seal been necessary. >>> Therefore, <<< if any of you know how to wrap yourselves in GLAD Press and Seal, I hope you will make a video [It could be with your clothes on] to demonstrate the proper self-application of GLAD Press and Seal.
%%% Panning for gold! %%% Get the scene correct folks! Practically walking on air, I leave my surgeon and catch a bus going east. At a major intersection, I disembark and decide to to pickup a few groceries and eat a lovely salad while in Mariano's. The weather is gorgeous. I take my time and catch a bus going north to my apartment building. Early that evening !!! WHAM !!! I experience significant pain in my lower right abdomen. ?? WHAT IS GOING ON ?? I throw up what obviously was my lunch. To make a long story short, pain and vomiting continue throughout the night. Around 6:30 AM, I phone a Yellow Cab and ask to be picked up at 8:00 AM to go back to the hospital and visit with my PCP. It is windy and rainy and chilly outside. >>> Believe it or not: I am informed that the hospital is too close to schedule a timed pickup, i.e. about 8:00 AM. THAT DID IT. Yours truly phoned 311 and for the first time in my life I am whisked to a nearby hospital by ye handsome fire fighters. I get all kind of tests + a CAT SCAN. One of the emergency room nurses becomes seriously interested in my 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS. [Remember my resolution? = I shall never leave for a medical appointment without some.] I go through my whole spiel of the absolute necessity of how to correctly apply 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWABS as she prepares me for an IV -- the needle in my right arm was held in place by the usual Tegaderm tape after the application of 3M Cavilon Barrier Film SWAB. She keeps the empty foil and if her look means anything, the emergency room will have some in the future or contact their wound department for some! LONG STORY SHORT: I have a kidney stone and it is practically ready to be dumped into my bladder. I was discharged as the pain had stopped. I am told that my golden streams may yield a prospectors stone or the stone may pass out un-noticed! This old prospector rode home in a taxi and is still taking things somewhat easy -- trying to get her energy back to normal.
BE ALERT. I had to continually be alert to medical staff wanting to do things to my LEFT arm. Emergency staff are so focused on fast emergency responses. When I say NOTHING done to my LEFT ARM, I mean it.
I almost forgot: When I arrived at the emergency room they soon were launched into one of their real life type drills. I understand someone was done up with a knife sticking out of their chest and fake blood all over the place. The nurse who was preparing me for an IV was reminded of the situation. She responded by telling them [off] with "I have a real live emergency patient, here!"
>>> The MYSTERY OF HOW TO WRAP oneself in GLAD Press and Seal REMAINS <<<
It will take a lot of Halloween buffoonery to top these past weeks.
Happy Halloween.
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2 LINKS re 3M Cavilon Barrier Film (I prefer the swabs.)
(1) 3:48 min 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film: Usage & Application(2) 2:36 min Tegaderm™ Film 1683 App with Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film
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Trickling: So glad your surgery was much smaller than expected. Hooray. On no - a kidney stone when you're trying to heal from surgery! Great to have your testimony about the Cavilon Barrier Film. Isn't the difference amazing?
As for Press N Seal, I first heard about it from someone who had a knee replacement. Then from someone who had a pic line. Then someone with a cast on a broken leg. Then read about ostomy patients using it. Turns out many ortho docs & sports medicine people recommend it. Since I had a bilateral mastectomy, I wrapped it around my whole chest. You really can shower with no water getting to the wound. Below is a review (from Amazon) for another use that I never thought of - using instead of tape. I'm going to try it next time I have a cut somewhere that's hard to bandage - like a finger.
This product can be used to seal wound dressings instead of using tape. The great thing about Glad Press'n Seal is that while it adheres to the skin very well, preventing wound contamination from both material and liquid, I've found it also lifts more easily than most any medical tape which can tear tender skin, or, in some cases, even weaken skin if multiple dressings are being changed and applied to the same area frequently, i.e., to a bed sore. As with any endorsement, you should use your own judgement as to whether or not it should be used if you are treating a serious wound (or, ask your doctor or wound care therapist), but I can tell you that in treating and changing dressings twice a day for an elderly patient with a serious sacral area bed sore, as well as very tender skin, this product has proven its value many times over. I made this discovery accidentally, but as I realize I'm not the only one whose had to face the tape, lift, tear problem, I just hope this will make life easier for you... and the patient you are attending. After cleaning and dressing the wound correctly, applying whatever gauze, non-stick pads, etc., as necessary, I seal the entire wound area by applying enough Press'n Seal to leave an inch or two border on all sides. The seal, if applied evenly and flat to the skin, has generally proven to also repel any contaminant liquids, including urine (if the patient is incontinent, for example). Good luck!
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Thanks for all the practical examples and hanging in there, MinusTwo! Without naming you, I sent the examples to my surgeon with whom I will meet next week. I hope we get some feedback from medical staff and patients.
?? I wonder if VETS use it for animals?
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Wow, I thought it was just me..after my 2nd biopsy, my chest broke out in red splotches. The radiologist thought it was the tape. So after my 3rd biopsy, they used minimal tape, avoiding the chest. Sure enough..no splotches or rash.
It didn't even occur to me that for my surgery I should find non-allergic tape. Thanks so much for posting this!
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I think vets use vet wrap.
Hmm..which makes me think, I wonder if we can bring THAT, to subsitute for tape?
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@swg Yes, constant attention has to be paid to TAPE because of the adhesive substance differs from one to another but also can differ within a brand. HOWEVER, I hope you picked up on the value of ALSO using a barrier film such as 3M Cavilon Barrier Film (I prefer the swab applicators) applied in the proper manner. I invested in a package from Amazon and consider it well worth the investment.
I am resolved not to immediately make known that I carry one or two with me to a medical appointment. I do push for their availability and do not hesitate to suggest that if a given department does not stock them, that they contact the WOUND department to see if the WOUND department has some 3M Cavilon Barrier Film.
I vaguely remember from a long time ago that someone alerted this thread to Vet Wrap. I just did a SEARCH = vet wrap and see that it has popped up in several locations relative to human use.
Good luck and let us know how things evolve for you!
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trickling - how's your recovery coming along? What's next? Thinking of you.
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@ MinusTwo I have my next meeting with my surgeon on Monday. As to how I am doing = great with quality of life as a focus!
True story as to how I'm doing =
This morning was a beautiful fall day with heavy mist. I was among a packed crowd at Newberry Library, Chicago, across from an emblazoned Washington Park, for a free 10 AM presentation by the Pulitzer Prize winning author, Nathaniel Philbrick. He had us wrapped around his finger -- ever so engaging as he elaborated about Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution. As we made our way out of the presentation hall, someone announced that the books were all sold out at the bookstore. You can imagine the collective groan from so many of us. Nevertheless, I decided to poke my nose into the bookstore. I could hardly believe my eyes when I noticed 2 copies of the book resting on the checkout counter and only 3 people between me and the counter. In the blink of an eye, the top book got taken and to my utter amazement the 2 people ahead of me were attracted to other purchases. There I was: holding the very last copy of the book! Purchasing went smoothly and I made it back in time to have the author sign the book. You should have seen his face when I hit him with the double whammo of my not only having purchased the last copy but having found out about the event at 2:30 AM, this morning (when I checked my emails after neglecting to do so for at least a day). The deadline for registering online was 8 AM. Take it from me: Nathaniel Philbrick's manner of writing matches his presentation and the book oozes with even more details in readable fashion.
LOL
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Trickling - sorry I missed a week. How is your healing? Please send an update when you get a chance,.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqRRA15eCUc