Two weeks post op

and I found out that I'm allergic to the surgical glue they used to hold my incision together. I developed a red, blistery rash not only where the glue was, but it started creeping up my shoulder as well.

I went in to the device clinic on Friday to make sure the antibiotics are doing their job. Thankfully the infection is gone. But when the nurse saw the rash, she immediately said the glue needed to come off too. After peeling most of the glue off, she discovered that between the infection and the rash, the incision hasn't closed fully and the stitches have already disolved.

Now, I have two layers of steri-strips keeping the incision closed. Hopefully I don't react to them and they do the job. I go in on Monday for a check up.

On the upside, I now wake up rested and don't get as tired during the day. It's amazing how much better I feel. And it's nice not having to worry about passing out.

4 Comments

Like the surgery wasn't enough, right?

by WiredandTired - 2017-06-25 05:44:26

I'm glad your infection healed and that you're feeling better.  I used to wake up with headaches every morning. Oxygen much?!   Here's hoping your steri strips get the jobs done.  Good luck.

Allergic to adhesives

by Gotrhythm - 2017-06-25 15:50:59

I too am allergic to adhesives, and yes, I've had blisters, but thankfully, never in a surgical wound! Sorry you've had such a hard time.

But now you know. You will need to be vigilant, make sure it's put in your chart, but also tell anyone who tries to stick anything on you. Lots of times they have a choice about what to use, but they won't know unless you tell them.

I've found that the longer my skin is in contact with the sticky, the worse it is. I seem to be okay with steri-strips, but I remove any bandage as soon as possible. I've learned to carry alcohol wipes with me to the cardiologist so I can pull off the EKG things as soon as the tech takes off the leads, and I wipe off any residue.

Allergies

by Grateful Heart - 2017-06-25 20:00:49

Yes, I'm allergic to adhesives, medical tape and steri-strips. 

I needed a lead revision about 7 years ago and ever since my scar will erupt 4-6 times a month for no apparent reason and still does.  Any time day or night, it will even wake me up.  I can feel it erupting at the incision site and it gets full blown.  It looks blistery but there is never any fluid in it. 

I posted a photo in the gallery when I was trying to get some answers back then.  That is when I found this site.  You may want to see if it looks similar to yours.  I never did find any answers.  Now I don't even mention it to the doctors, I just deal with it.  It's very sensitive, itchy and uncomfortable when it occurs.  It returns to normal anywhere from 1 hour to more than 5 hours.   

It's in my medical charts now too.  I just had 2 skin biopsies about 2 weeks ago.  The doctor covered it with a band-aid.  The skin on my hand looked like it was burned where the band-aid adhesive was...I had to use sterile gauze and sensitive skin paper tape (medical) while it healed.  

Stay on top of the open incision.  Hope you get it resolved.

Grateful Heart 

Adhesive allergy

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-06-26 06:18:34

There are silicone sterile bandages that work well too.  They are expensive compared to other bandages but really help to prevent skin breakdown.

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