5 months and counting with open wounds (Tram flap)

Hi, uma ~  I also had an open wound as the result of an area of necrosis about the size of a quarter that had to be debrided after my Diep surgery.  I think it was one of the worst parts of my recovery because I get very squeamish around anything like that (I could never have been a nurse -- my knees get weak at the thought of blood!), and, like you, I had to clean it with saline solution twice a day.  As I recall, it took about 6 weeks to close.  It sounds like your Mom's is taking much longer than that, so I'm wondering if hers is healing properly.  Can you tell if the open wounds are making progress closing?  Is her plastic surgeon still checking her regularly?

I remember my PS told me it would be best if my wound healed by itself because it would close from the bottom up.  But I also got the idea that he could close it if necessary.  Has your Mom's PS ever suggested that?   

I'm also very allergic to most surgical tape.  I forget which one worked for me, but it sounds like you have that part of it under control.    Deanna

Wound vacs are suitable for most any wound, but are most frequently used for wounds that are having a difficult time healing. They promote healing from the inside out or deep to superficial - which is the way a wound should heal to prevent further problems. It would be a good question to ask your MD, as although wound vacs have been around for years, there are still some docs that are not all that familiar with them. Usually a wound care nurse or physical therapist will put it on (and it can be done in a home care situation), then they follow up for dressing changes. If the wound is draining severely, there is a container that captures the fluid and it may be something that you will have to empty/change between dressing changes. Wound vacs are great and often expedite healing very well. Your doc would not want to close a wound from the outside - that would cause further problems as the wound should heal from the inside out. Good luck and definitely ask.

MARCIA!!! I am always so happy to see you!

Yup.

I think you could say that I have experience.  385 days with open wounds on my chest.

It can be very upsetting, and depressing...and a serious, stinking drag.

WARNING: THESE PHOTOS CAN BE UPSETTING.  

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/IMG010.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/020_18.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/019_17.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/IMG010-1.jpg

Wound vac.  I think I would push for the wound vac.

It is also a drag...and, it's expensive.

However, 

After 385 days, my wounds finally closed.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/090.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/i5am5ladyt/091.jpg

Yes, m'am.  I do think I understand the misery.

I am so sorry your mom is having to deal with this.

My sympathies.

tl 

BLM with immediate DIEP on Jan 22.   Had 2 open wounds immediately. Once caused by blistering from tape on boob.   Those just healed in the past month or so.   Another wound, however, opened up in February and it is a tunnel wound.  Not too deep - the head of a q-tip all around. But, it still won't close up and it's driving me nuts, and I still can't swim until it heals!   My surgeon and I talked about going back in and stitching it, but it started making a little progress again so we're waiting. But, the progress is slow and frustrating!

I know what you're going thru uma. Hang in there! 
sue

Tl - thank you for those photos - I love the honesty!  So sorry you had to go through that - was that after a Tram? Diep?

TammyLou-

That looks like it was painful but I bet you were numb. I had a hole in my side that wouldn't heal and it was very depressing. It looked worse than it felt but kinda made me sick to look at it. It took 3 months to heal because there was a seroma under it. After the seroma was dried up (thru multiple aspirations) it did heal. The scar is worse where the hole was though.

Thanks for the photos of what can go wrong. How are you doing now?

The honesty of non-healing wounds are shared bravely and generously here. Thank you TL, and many wishes for an easier time here out. Pictures say a thousand words: your willingness to share  breast cancer chest wall reconstruction helps educate the general public and reminds physicians and team that it's never just a "walk in a park" type disease. I'm glad your wounds finally healed up.

One thought for everyone, please always make absolutely sure you are not a undiagnosed diabetic, a common condition which plays havoc on wound healing. A simple blood test, HgbA1c (hemoglobin A1c), reflects how one's blood glucose has ranged over the last 3 to 6 months (established norms and abnormals). A fasting and one hour sugar, or even better (some may not think necessary) a three hour blood glucose test, is not unreasonable when wound healing is difficult. 

With encouragement and admiration of your strength,

Tender

Nordy,

   I was a smoker prior to my procedures (30 yrs) I believe if I had been in better health and a non smoker for more than the 4 weeks prior, I wouldnt have had any healing issues. I was just unlucky, but in the end I have NO scars from those wounds...0 ...nada...nothing!

Hugs ,sweet one~

Marcia

my friend did the wound vac and swears by it. Says it cut her breaking time down by almost half.