Wednesday Mar 19, 2008
Wednesday Mar 19, 2008
Or, more specifically, my skin is. As a result of the nipple installation I need to attached protective devices to the area, and my skin does not respond well to tape. Medical tape is making me cranky.
I've tried three different types of tape - paper, cloth and the regular first aid variety. I continue to move the tape around so it isn't always in the same area. Regardless, I have broken skin and welts everywhere tape has been stuck.
Bottom line is I'm finding this part of reconstruction process really tough. Who would have thought? How is this more challenging than a mastectomy/reconstruction surgery? Maybe it has to do with expectations....I was prepared for that to be a big deal, and it really turned out not to be anywhere as bad as I expected...and in this case I wasn't prepared at all for the tape issues around nipple recovery.
I didn't write this post to complain and elicit sympathy (however feel free if you are so inclined), but to ask all my blog-o-sphere readers if anyone has any suggestion? I can't possibly be the only person in the entire world who has faced this!! Any and all help welcomed....
Sorry, I don't have any good advice about the medical tape. I can give you sympathy though! :) I hope you recover quickly and get this behind you.
Posted by melanie gao on March 19, 2008 at 06:07 PM MDT #
It will probably be the adhesive that you are allergic to, rather than the backing material. Being a man, I don't have a great deal of experience in this area ;-) but I'd try asking your drugstore if they have any hypoallergenic tape.
Good luck, I've been watching your progress with admiration :-)
Posted by 192.18.1.36 on March 19, 2008 at 06:43 PM MDT #
I had a biopsy done on my side, and I had the same issue. No matter what tape we tried it bothered my skin :-( Never had the issue before, and I don't have it now so I suspect that the skin around the wound was more sensitive to irritants than usual. What worked best for me (ie did the least irritation) was the extra large cloth bandaids. The largest ones could just cover the wound once I could stop using the pads on it.
Posted by Liam Greenwood on March 20, 2008 at 07:36 AM MDT #
Mel, Anonymous and Liam,
Thanks for the comments. Always nice to know we aren't alone, and some good advice...!
I'll look at the allergy issue -
Thanks! Barb
Posted by Barb on March 20, 2008 at 08:47 AM MDT #
Barb
Try the pads that are made for nursing mothers, they cover the nipples to prevent leaking into the bra, they are cloth and soft and will protect your new nipples, but wear a tight, supporting bra so they do not move around.
Good luck, and I am missing you, was hoping to be seeing you a lot more but boo hoo...
Dora
Posted by dora on March 21, 2008 at 07:49 AM MDT #
oh man, medical tape and irritation - totally. Dealing with two ostomies & lots of sticky stuff post-surgery, it's been such a joy. :) David's skin is holding up well so far, but I can't IMAGINE having that irritation around the nipple-esque area. That would drive me NUTS. I'm sure you've tried everything I would suggest (vaseline, moisturizers, bandaids?) but if I come up with anything else, I'll let you know. How's your new place?
Posted by christin on March 22, 2008 at 09:53 AM MDT #