Top Surgery Recovery Updates (a place for all members to update after surgery)

[Bimmer Guy]

Yep, it is all about silicone.  That is what the studies keep showing.  Mederma doesn't work.

I was using the Scar Away strips (and had no problem with them staying on at all..they curved up easily...perhaps you were using a different brand, Jay?), but they irritated the surrounding skin.  Scar Guard flakes off.  I have now been using Scar Away Serum and have planned to stick with that.  However, today I started reading about InviCible Scars  http://www.inviciblescars.com/  It has good reviews.  It has silicone as it's main ingredient, plus aloe, Vitamin C, and a couple of other things.  I am considering ordering the one month supply for $9.99 (it would have to be pretty good for me to pay $40/month, though).  I also like the idea that it is a lotion.  I am tired of waiting and waiting for this serum to dry before putting on my shirt and it is freezing here in the Northeast right now!  Studies have shown that you can use a blow dryer without impacting the efficacy, but the old ass blow dryer left here from an ex is too hot to blow on my skin.

The other reason that I like that it is a lotion is that my incisions are getting a bit dry.

The Bio Oil was helping with the dryness some, but I just read this today:  http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/160511/Bio-Oil_Scar_Treatment/ so stopping that.

Anyway, I am still contemplating ordering the InviCible Scars.  I actually planned to do a search on this site tonight for it.  Has anyone heard of it?

Jay, what is the product you are using now?

ETA:  As an aside, I just want to tell you guys I really appreciate the this thread and the conversations here (and the encouragement I have gotten from everyone).  You guys rock.  I am really glad I joined this site!  Thanks for being so accepting of someone new.

[AdamMLP]

http://pansy-boy.tumblr.com/post/19403813763/scar-treatment#notes

This is the person talking about silicone lube.

[Jeatyn]

Had a cat emergency this morning. Getting him in the box to go to the vet was no easy feat, he escaped about a thousand times D= it was a lot of pulling and pressure on my chest and I had to keep chasing him around and picking him up >.> not ideal, but the cat was my priority. Back at home now, had some pain meds, feeling very achey.

He's in surgery now getting all stitched up, he basically had a big gaping hole in his chest. I've heard of pets and owners looking like each other but this is madness xD He makes me look like a right pansy, here I am on bed rest for weeks with my chest and he was scampering around the house not giving a hoot about the big hole in his o_o

[Bimmer Guy]

http://pansy-boy.tumblr.com/post/19403813763/scar-treatment#notes

This is the person talking about silicone lube.

Very interesting.  I wouldn't use any lube unless I knew all of the ingredients because you don't want anything that can be bad for the scars (like Vitamin E is, for example).  Thanks for posting this idea and link.  I continue to think about how this thread will be useful to people who get top surgery in the future.  This is a good example of that. 

Jeatyn, you could certainly see if you can get all the ingredients of the lube from your health center at uni and run it by your doc. 

Anyway, what the hell happened to your cat?  A hole in his chest?  Damn.  Sounds like he is ok, though.

[Jeatyn]

Very interesting.  I wouldn't use any lube unless I knew all of the ingredients because you don't want anything that can be bad for the scars (like Vitamin E is, for example).  Thanks for posting this idea and link.  I continue to think about how this thread will be useful to people who get top surgery in the future.  This is a good example of that. 

Jeatyn, you could certainly see if you can get all the ingredients of the lube from your health center at uni and run it by your doc. 

Anyway, what the hell happened to your cat?  A hole in his chest?  Damn.  Sounds like he is ok, though.

Absolutely no idea what happened, I woke up and he was just chilling on the window sill bleeding all over the place acting like nothing had happened >.> it was a huge scary hole, I could see inside D= but apparently he was lucky enough to have totally missed anything important. He's in recovery now bless him and totally fine.

I'm gonna grab some of that lube tomorrow and check out the ingredients. It's worth a shot!

[aleon515]

I tried silicone lube. Now I have a nice big bottle which isn't useless because, ok, you might know why. Anyway, conceptually it's fine, I guess. The stuff I got is called Pjur and is pretty much 100% silicone. There are no vitamins or anything else in this. But is slippery silicone and never never blends into the skin. You can have it on for hours. This is nice for sex in the shower, let's just say, but less nice over t-shirts and so on. I used it when I wore pjs so it doesn't matter so much. If you always wore t-shirts underneath I guess it might be okay. Just goopy and so on. (The kid mentioned the anal lube. This has some other oil in it, the regular lube does not.)

I'm trying out the invici-scar stuff (review in another thread). Pretty much do not like anything else I have tried and that's pretty much why I tried it.

BTW, ScarGuard has vit E, probably not much.

--Jay

[Bimmer Guy]

I tried silicone lube. Now I have a nice big bottle which isn't useless because, ok, you might know why. Anyway, conceptually it's fine, I guess. The stuff I got is called Pjur and is pretty much 100% silicone. There are no vitamins or anything else in this. But is slippery silicone and never never blends into the skin. You can have it on for hours. This is nice for sex in the shower, let's just say, but less nice over t-shirts and so on. I used it when I wore pjs so it doesn't matter so much. If you always wore t-shirts underneath I guess it might be okay. Just goopy and so on. (The kid mentioned the anal lube. This has some other oil in it, the regular lube does not.)

I'm trying out the invici-scar stuff (review in another thread). Pretty much do not like anything else I have tried and that's pretty much why I tried it.

BTW, ScarGuard has vit E, probably not much.

--Jay

Jay, are you saying you reviewed invici-scar somewhere on this site?  Are you referring to my question about Invicible Scars?  I couldn't find anything in search.

ETA:  Oops!  I'm sorry, Jay.  I should have looked through the whole board before opening my mouth!

Jeatyn, you have one wild cat there! 

[aleon515]

It would be kind of hard to review them after so short a time. My review is really just how I like using the product, i.e. it's nice to use. I'm sort of giving them a temporary thumbs up until I see how long the bottle lasts. I think that's the big if to me.

--Jay

[Alexthecat]

Hey what is good to disinfect the drain holes with?

[aleon515]

Dr G said to cover with neosporin. That should work as it is a triple antibiotic.

--Jay

[Jeatyn]

I think I might have an infection  that leaky hole I mentioned isn't scabbing over at all, and my incision line is all lumpy and painful around it. I gave the lumpiness a bit of a poke - not like a full on squeeze, just a poke to see how swollen it was - and more white stuff came oozing out the hole. I feel sort of off, I guess, a bit tired and trouble concentrating but that could just be lack of sleep - I don't feel full on ill. I am hot and clammy though, I mentioned how hot and humid it is today to my partner and he says it isn't, he reckons it's freezing.

I've called the doctors, but they can't see me until next Thursday. Should I be concerned and insist they see me sooner?

We don't have Neosporin in England...I'm gathering it's some sort of antiseptic cream? Is Sudocrem the same thing? I've been using Sudocrem on the area and covering it with a bandaid.

[SaerJoe]

update post one month visit to surgeon:  Doc Raphael thinks everything looks great, and I would have to agree other than a little assymetry going on with the left side.  Truthfully, I'm so happy to be gone with the boobs that I catch myself smiling several times a day when i realize they're not there anymore!

The report on the muscle pain is the awakening of the nerves.  I am doing more stretching (went to the American Cancer Society's website on stretching post-mastecomy) and this is helping quite a bit.  Doc did answer the question as to how long the internal stitches take to fully heal:  6 months.  Did say motorcycling was ok at 2 months.  No softball for 6 months, though.  No need to wear a compression vest or any at all for that matter, although i read on many sites that compression on the chest can help the final result there. 

So anyway, onward and upward on the healing process.  I guess I was really lucky in the healing department with not having drains--had no external bruising of my chest or anywhere up top.  Tons of bruising on the lower work (thighs, flanks, knees) that Arnica Cream took care of like it was nothing. 

It's great to follow this string y'all.  Just can't tell you how happy I am fitting in 501's again, and to be able to wear cotton tanks without feeling like .....  a girl.  Nothing against girls of course, except my dream's always been to marry one, not BE one : ) 

Cheers to you all---  if anyone has pointers on how to post pictures, I'm all ears.

[Kreuzfidel]

I think I might have an infection  that leaky hole I mentioned isn't scabbing over at all, and my incision line is all lumpy and painful around it. I gave the lumpiness a bit of a poke - not like a full on squeeze, just a poke to see how swollen it was - and more white stuff came oozing out the hole. I feel sort of off, I guess, a bit tired and trouble concentrating but that could just be lack of sleep - I don't feel full on ill. I am hot and clammy though, I mentioned how hot and humid it is today to my partner and he says it isn't, he reckons it's freezing.

I've called the doctors, but they can't see me until next Thursday. Should I be concerned and insist they see me sooner?

We don't have Neosporin in England...I'm gathering it's some sort of antiseptic cream? Is Sudocrem the same thing? I've been using Sudocrem on the area and covering it with a bandaid.

I personally would insist on them seeing me earlier than that.  If they can't, perhaps a visit to the A&E. 

[Bimmer Guy]

I think I might have an infection  that leaky hole I mentioned isn't scabbing over at all, and my incision line is all lumpy and painful around it. I gave the lumpiness a bit of a poke - not like a full on squeeze, just a poke to see how swollen it was - and more white stuff came oozing out the hole. I feel sort of off, I guess, a bit tired and trouble concentrating but that could just be lack of sleep - I don't feel full on ill. I am hot and clammy though, I mentioned how hot and humid it is today to my partner and he says it isn't, he reckons it's freezing.

I've called the doctors, but they can't see me until next Thursday. Should I be concerned and insist they see me sooner?

We don't have Neosporin in England...I'm gathering it's some sort of antiseptic cream? Is Sudocrem the same thing? I've been using Sudocrem on the area and covering it with a bandaid.

Gosh, Jeatyn, I don't know what to advise at this point.  I sure wouldn't want to wait until Tuesday, though!  I think you should push things a bit there.

Neosporin is a brand of antibiotic ointment.

-------

SaerJoe, I am glad your appointment went well and you are feeling so good!  And I agree, there is nothing like a pair of 501's!

I don't know how to post pictures, my girlfriend did it for me.  She used photobucket.  I have no idea how to do that stuff.  Hopefully, Jeatyn or someone else will chime in.  I really want to see your results!

[AdamMLP]

I think I might have an infection  that leaky hole I mentioned isn't scabbing over at all, and my incision line is all lumpy and painful around it. I gave the lumpiness a bit of a poke - not like a full on squeeze, just a poke to see how swollen it was - and more white stuff came oozing out the hole. I feel sort of off, I guess, a bit tired and trouble concentrating but that could just be lack of sleep - I don't feel full on ill. I am hot and clammy though, I mentioned how hot and humid it is today to my partner and he says it isn't, he reckons it's freezing.

I've called the doctors, but they can't see me until next Thursday. Should I be concerned and insist they see me sooner?

We don't have Neosporin in England...I'm gathering it's some sort of antiseptic cream? Is Sudocrem the same thing? I've been using Sudocrem on the area and covering it with a bandaid.

Neosporin isn't antiseptic cream, it's antibiotic, which means you'll not get it over the counter here. We've cottoned onto the fact that having antibiotics freely available everywhere is a bad idea due to increasing MRSA. The best you can do really is use an antiseptic like Sudocrem or Savlon, but they won't really beat the infection if there is one. Make sure you're eating properly, your body needs nutrients to be able to fight it off, and try to get an emergency appointment at your GP. They should be able to give you one, and you need one if it is an infection.

[Jeatyn]

Just got back from the hospital, didn't want to wait until Thursday. The area was getting more and more swollen and painful so I decided to squeeze it last night, an unholy amount of puss came out D= the pressure release was much needed. The nurse said that was a good thing to do - if I hadn't of done it she would have, so I saved them the job there was still more to come out so she sorted it out, then cleaned it all up and I have dressings back on, along with some antibiotics. Gotta go back on Friday to see how I'm getting on.

As for posting pictures, you need to upload it somewhere first, like photobucket. Once you've uploaded it on photobucket there will be a box that says "direct link" on the right hand side, click in there and copy the link. Then on the forum you click the little photo button, first one on the left hand side, underneath the "B" button; and paste the image link between the "img" tags.

[Bimmer Guy]

Just got back from the hospital, didn't want to wait until Thursday. The area was getting more and more swollen and painful so I decided to squeeze it last night, an unholy amount of puss came out D= the pressure release was much needed. The nurse said that was a good thing to do - if I hadn't of done it she would have, so I saved them the job there was still more to come out so she sorted it out, then cleaned it all up and I have dressings back on, along with some antibiotics. Gotta go back on Friday to see how I'm getting on.

As for posting pictures, you need to upload it somewhere first, like photobucket. Once you've uploaded it on photobucket there will be a box that says "direct link" on the right hand side, click in there and copy the link. Then on the forum you click the little photo button, first one on the left hand side, underneath the "B" button; and paste the image link between the "img" tags.

Hi, Jeatyn.  I am glad you came back to update, as I was wondering about you.  I am really glad you didn't wait and went to the hospital.  So it is officially infected?  Did the nurse say why she thought it may have gotten infected?  I mean, your incisions were closed at that point.  Also, did you take a round of antibiotics after the surgery?

I also meant to ask you if you ever made it back to school and how the bus/carrying of books is going for you?

Thanks for posting as to how to do a picture for SaerJoe.

[Bimmer Guy]

Scar Treatment Update

I have adjusted what I am doing for my scar treatment.  Last time I talked about this I said that I did Scar Away serum after shower, bio-oil for massage after getting home from work in the evening, followed by Scar Away serum before bed.  I mentioned in another post recently that I learned that Bio Oil had some serious toxins and I did not want that being absorbed into my body (so I need to find something else).  I mentioned I started with Scar Away scar strips when I first got my surgery, but the strips irritated my skin.  Well, although I feel confident that the serum is useful/working, I am aware that there are times that more may need to be applied during the day (which I can't do because I am at work), I sometimes put my shirt on for work in the morning before it is fully dried, etc.  The stuff takes 4-6 minutes to dry and it is too cold here in the Northeast to sit around to let it dry much of the time!  Anyway, I am not feeling confident that my approach at this point is the best, so I did some revision.

When I was getting irritation from the scar strips, I had been wearing them 24 hours per day.  I have found that when I only use them for 12 hours, my body can manage it.  I don't have to be as conscious of the strips as I do the serum, so I thought it useful to add the strips back in.

New Approach

1) Scar Away serum in morning after shower.
2) 9x6 Pure Silicone Personal Lubricant after work for massage treatment (on order). *
3) Scar Away scar strips to bed.
4) When possible (like on a weekend in the morning before shower), I will use a Coq10 moisturizer as that is supposed to help with cell regeneration.

So far (the last 3 days), the strips have not irritated my skin.  I was looking for an essential oil for massage (and still may pick some up), but realized that if the massage could be done with the chemical that is supposed to decrease our scars (silicone), why not use it!  I will just wipe it off after/clean the area (whatever needs to be done), so that the scar strips will cling when I put them on later.

Anyway, the reason why I am so focused on scar treatment is that I know that the earlier you start, the shorter time it should take and the better chance of light, flat scars.  I don't want to do this forever!




*Hypo-allergenic
Will not cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. Contains NO additives, fragrances, fillers, vitamins, colors, water, liquids or any variety of other cost savers. There is no testing on animals in developing this product.  No parabens, no phosphates, etc.

[SaerJoe]

Hey Brett--all~~. Thanks for the rundown on how to post pictures.  With your help I think I can figure it out.  Will post the work of art LOL tomorrow when I have access to DropBox (like photobucket).  Thanks! 

Sounds like you're healing well, Brett.  Would like to see your result as well if you would share a link.  I've used the gels and have had the best luck with the 1.5x7 Scar-away sheets.  Sorry you've had reactivity to them as they're so easy. (I tape them down when they get weak).  Within 12 hrs the knotted up collagen relaxes and settles down so much flatter for me than the topical things.  The other thing too is that the silicone on the strips gets much diminished after 2-3 wash/wear cycles.  (Says to hand wash them).  On the most recent application of some new ones, I just left them on ---even in the shower, and through today it's 2 showers.  I'd read that in one of the reviews for the things on Drugstore.com.  Another thing you might consider is using polyurethane sheets instead of silicone if you're having sensitivity to it.  Clinical trials are saying that it does what silicone does, but faster.  They are pricey, but then again, in the scheme of life, maybe worth it.  The other thing the surgeon recommended was the lymphatic message, and that too seems to help things along.

Well, I'm counting the days to "Day 56" or that 8 week milestone where I can get on that bike.  We're plenty warm down here in the SW, and 65 is riding weather in my book (I'm from the Northeast also and have business up there----so cold this year!).  Dosing back up on T a week after surgery and feeling just a little better every day, I'm busting at the seems to get lifting and get going!  Most days are good despite a reminder here and there I need to slow down.  Without thinking....Friday morning I rolled across the bed to hug my wife like I always have, and was shocked at how great I felt.....no pain or strange sensation!  But later that day, I could have really used a nap, and I'll admit, I'm glad I did this in the winter where the early darkness has me unapologetic about going to bed early.  We just have to follow the body's needs, and not be afraid to baby ourselves a while. 

Well, off to make some snacks and get ready for another football Sunday.  I wish speedy healing for all!

SJ

[Bimmer Guy]

Hey, Joe (is that the name you want to be used, or your full screen name).

I use the 7 inch, as well.  It just makes more sense.  Is there a reason why you don't remove the Scar Away strips and wash each day (24 hours) as directed?  You are also supposed to change to a new set each week.  I have found that they are wide enough that I can cut them down the length of the strips to get 2 sets.  I do find that after I remove them (about 12 hours), my scars are flatter (they raise later after I have them off for awhile). 

Do you have a link to those clinical trials for polyurethane sheets?  I would be MORE than interested.  I have yet to hear that one and I am Mr. Research!

What are you using for massage?

My photo is on the first post of the thread (I started the thread).

My scars are wider than I would like.  I swear they are slightly wider than a week ago.  It really may be in my head.  I have to measure the width and create a baseline.  I really don't understand it.  I am very cautious (less so now, but I really hardly lifted my arms for the first one-two months).  Anyway, I am a bit disappointed by all my efforts.

Glad you continue to post.

I bet you ARE looking forward to riding!