Savi catheter incision not healing

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Any suggestions on best way to get an incision under the breast in the crease to heal? It's been almost a month since I finished the bracheatherapy (sp?) savi catheter radiation and the incision is still open - and rash all around it. Surgeon said it "looks good" slapped some bacitracin on a latex bandage and said "okay see you in a few months". The rash is worse. I'm using gauze with bacitrin and tape for sensitive skin. Thinking of getting home health nurse to start coming again when I get out of work. Can't wear a bra - it irritates the rash so am wearing camisoles

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  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited January 2019

    Luanne, sorry to hear of your healing problems. I had SAVI and it took several weeks for the wound to seal before healing started. Your's sounds like it is in a difficult place to heal and it sounds like you are reacting because of your sensitive skin. Have you tried using no latex bandage--no adhesive--and trying a different antibiotic? Sometimes allergies to adhesives and antibiotics can contribute to rashes. It's probably a hard place to dress the wound without adhesives, but maybe a gentle sleep-type bra, or extra large sports bra could hold gauze in place while healing occurs. I didn't use a bra, but instead wore a breast binder to hold plain gauze in place instead of adhesives. Let me know if you have questions about what I wrote. All the best for healing. Ceanna

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2019

    I was going to say the exact thing ceanna did regarding allergy - I am very allergic to topical antibiotics and adhesive - can't tolerate the vast majority of either. I would recommend changing to Povidone topical (unless you're allergic to iodine) and hypoallergenic bandaging. You might consider Xeroform petrolatum gauze also - all of these can be ordered on Amazon, or as mentioned above you can even use a panty liner or thin sanitary napkin held in place by a cotton lightweight sports bra. I would ask your surgeon for a short term prescription for Atarax (hydroxyzine) to control your rash - you will not heal appropriately while the area is inflamed. Good luck! Also, make sure you have adequate protein intake, aim for 100g a day - good sources are meat/fish/dairy, eggs, Greek Yogurt, quinoa, fortified cereal, or protein shakes.

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited January 2019

    I second SpecialK's comments about adequate protein, and would add Vit. D which is so important for the immune system and healing. Also, just keeping the area dry.

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2019

    Wow - thank you so much. Where would I find a breast binder?

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2019
  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited January 2019

    Luanne, my hospital sent me home in this breast binder and I found it so useful, I bought a second one so I could wash one, wear one. I just wore it instead of bras to hold the gauze in place while healing (without adhesives), and continued to wear it when I could, once I was healing--just because it was so comfortable. I happened to have my surgery during the winter months, and the binder was warm and cozy, although holding everything firmly in place, so wore it under a tank top with a fleece jacket on top. Even though I'm a DD, I could get away with no bra. It comes in different sizes and colors. I found the same one I used on Amazon if you can't get thru your hospital or medical supply.

    https://www.amazon.com/Expand-a-Band-Breast-Binder/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_10418528011?ie=UTF8&node=10418528011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Expand-a-Band+Breast+Binder

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    Hope the rash is improving. Let me know if you have any questions. Ceanna

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2019

    the rash is starting to go away. How long did it take for your incision to close? It will be a month tomorrow since they took the savi out. Did you keep gauze and bacitracin on 24/7 until it closed? I'm not getting a definitive answer from my surgeon -- he says put bacitracin on and bandage. (when I told him the bandage caused rash). I'm going to check Amazon again for the breast binder. for now I'm putting gauze, bacitracin and wrapping a large strand of gauze around my lower breast to hold it in place. Bra's are irritating so I'm trying this for now. Thanks again

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited January 2019

    Hi Luanne, I think it was about 5-6 weeks for mine to close, and more weeks to truly heal over. Mine was on breast, not in a crease like yours so that may make a difference also. I did not, however, use any antibiotic ointment as I react to so many things including adhesives. Sounds like you have a plan with the gauze strand so maybe don't need to binder. Use what works for you!! All the best for complete healing soon! Ceanna

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2019

    it's only been 4 weeks since they remove the Savi catheter so I guess I'm good seeing it's in the crease it probably will take a lot longer thank you and happy healing to you too

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited January 2019

    Luanne, I'm fully healed from where they inserted SAVI four years ago. Just a small pink spot on breast which seems to get less noticeable each year. That's a couple of inches away from my LX scar which will probably never go away. I do have a small empty spot in breast where LX was done--from the internal radiation--doctor said I could do fat grafting, but I have chosen not to take that extra step. Although problematic right now, you will probably be glad not to have a noticeable scar because it's in the crease. All the best for healing. Let us know how you're doing.

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2019

    4 year survivor -- God bless you!!!!!

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited February 2019

    luanneftlaud, wondering how the rash and healing is going. Hope you are recovering well. Please update us when you can. Take care. Ceanna

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2019

    The incision finally closed and turns out the rash was a fungus from the bandages and dr. said to use vinegar and water -- amazing!! all healed Thanks !!!

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 5,270
    edited February 2019

    Fungus. Oh, my!! Never heard of that before! Glad you healed up and are doing well. Stop back when you can and pass along your experiences to those in need. Take care. Ceanna

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2019

    will definitely keep checking in -- this group helped me a lot. Now for my scans end of March and follow up with MO & surgeon and by May hopefully I'll be a SURVIVOR - yay!

  • luanneftlaud
    luanneftlaud Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2019

    yes, allergic to the latex bandages caused it.

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