Wound not healing still open

HopeWins

Meow13/Trishyla - I was also paying attention to this thread because the places where my drains were removed just wouldn't close up. They never seemed infected, just leaky. Also as my surgical glue has started coming off, I'm springing little leaks everywhere. I suppose that's because as the glue that is ready to come off tugs a little on the glue not quite ready, it's creating superficial wounds. At any rate, I bought some Medihoney from Amazon and within a couple days, the angry, sore drain sites and the leaky spots starting healing almost immediately. I'm just rubbing it all over my incisions every day now. I just put a camisole over it all and it doesn't leak beyond that. It sticks a little to the camisole but I can gently pull it off without any pain, not like the gauze that would adhere to the scabs.

Thank you Meow for the thread and Trishyla for the recommendation!

exercise_guru

My my port infected and pitted out. They wanted to mess around with it at the cancer center but my plastic surgeon called the hospital and told them to send me to the wound center.

The wound center was on top of it and handled it far better than the other care I was given

First they debried it then used this sterilized pig alloderm like product (sorry can't remember the name) had it fill in and build new skin. Then applied mepolex to it . I was in chemo so it healed slowly and has a terrible scar. I would day it was 6 to 8 weeks before it was totally covered with new skin.

I was in chemo so it took a lot of time and healed slowly.

StellaStarr

Just found this open wound topic. It sounds like most of you have open wounds due to recent treatment. I am on Year 3+ with my latest open wound which is once again at the site of the mastectomy incision scar. It ripped open due to mistreated lymphedema (LE) that caused lots of swelling in that area. Yes, certified LE-PTs can and do botch MLD/bandaging treatment. With one such LE-PT, my arm ended up swelling to a massive 27.5" at the upper arm!

Because of radiation back in 2009,my right chest area just doesn't heal. That, and the fact that I had a massive infection after my 2nd mastectomy surgery when the first one did not have clear margins. Had a Wound Vac for months back in late 2008-early 2009...So! Here I am, 10-11 years later, still dealing with so many issues related to the initial BC treatment. I've seen Wound Care providers oodles of time. It still won't heal. That open wound has caused many episodes of cellulitis. My most recent was just a few weeks ago, but at least I didn't end up in the hospital which was a relief.

Not one of my many health providers has mentioned Vit C or even checked my vitamin levels -- like Vit D. I will give the Vit C a try. Suggestions on what type of Vit C? Drops? Pill, Capsule?

Meow13

Stellastar, so sorry to hear it is pretty frightening when things don't heal. I know macb04 has been through alot and got some relief she mentions vitamin C.

Mine wound has finally closed it was a raging infection under the skin on my ribcage. It is still red but the infection appears to be gone. I am going to take my vitamins now.

Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and advice it was very helpful.

SpecialK

stellastar - probably intravenous Vit C would be what you would need - not sure oral supplementation can provide enough help, and you might also look into hyperbaric therapy, if you haven't already tried that. If you get stable healing to the area you might consider fat grafting to provide some integrity to your rads damaged skin - it can make a real difference and helps the skin stretch, but I wouldn't try it until you have some time with healed skin.

Edited to add - try to eat 100g of protein daily, and possibly supplement with bromelaine and zinc - both can help with would healing, but it would be worth possibly seeking out some professional help with this

exercise_guru

I would research vitamin c infusions and vitamin D shotz. I would insist on the wound center and look at nutrition facts. Org for more skin healing nutrition and supplements

Hmbscit19

Hello, this is my first post so hope this is the right place. I had bilateral mastectomy on Oct 8 and left incision is still not healed enough to start my chemo. I'm getting worried about the delay. What to do to speed things up

VickieLeeNYC

I just had a lumpectomy on Dec. 2nd. The wound is not showing improvement, and I have redness all around it as well as pain in my nipple area. The doctor examined it and sent me home with a recommendation not to use tape and to cover the wound with Neosporin. This has not really helped and I still continue to feel discomfort. I read some responses here, and started taking Vitamin C and will consider going to a wound treatment center. I know as a diabetic this will take more time to heal than others, but want to get some pain relief too while its healing. How long should I expect this discomfort to continue?

Spookiesmom

Where is your a1c? Get that to around 6.5 if it’s not. That will help it heal. I’m t2, on insulin. Keep mine there, or lower. Don’t have any problems healing after surgery.

Moderators

great suggestions from Spookiemom. Also a very good idea to go to a wound healing group. You certainly want to make sure not to get an infection.

santabarbarian

Hyperbaric oxygen is wonderful for wound healing.

Anonymous

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY!!!

kickin-cancersbutt-2014

For all those who have undergone the hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healing from a flap / reconstruction, what were your experiences? side effects? claustrophobia? how did you handle the pressure?