Staying dry

I am just two weeks into having a pm and I am going on vacation in one week. I am trying to find a way to shower and go into the pool without wrapping myself in plastic wrap. So here is my idea: What if I put a small patch of plastic wrap over the stristrips and then cover the whole thing with a product called second skin. I am thinking the plastic wrap would keep the second skin from sticking to the strips and pulling them off when I remove it. I could really use some feed back on this idea or maybe a better idea. Thanks

7 Comments

All wet

by AgentX86 - 2019-05-24 15:08:53

After two weeks, getting your incision wet shouldn't be a problem. My EP said 48hrs was good, then just make sure the shower didn't hit it directly and to pat dry. No rubbing. But, no bath for a month and NO SWIMMING for at least two months. There is nasty stuff growing in lakes and pools. You don't want any of that growing in your heart.  Don't do it!

pool after pm

by islandgirl - 2019-05-24 15:29:03

I would check with your dr.

I could shower after several days. My incision was glued shut and I had some kind of a clear bandage on it that peeled away after a couple of weeks.  I could not go in the water/ocean/pool/hot tub/bathtub for 6 weeks.  

Holiday Pool

by Bethanne - 2019-05-26 19:09:50

I had the superglue stuff and it worked really well but I didn't get it wet and I think I'd be nervous of any holiday pool.  I suppose the worry is infection getting in?  Also swimming isn't recommended for several weeks.

Glue

by RedRocksGirl - 2019-05-26 21:43:00

I had the surgical glue on the outside of my incision as well.The first pieces started coming off at 4 weeks and it took 6 weeks for all of it to finally come off. I was able to shower right away though. They just said not to soak in a tub/pool till it was all off. 

infection

by Tracey_E - 2019-05-27 17:07:49

I would not take any chances with pool water! My doctor didn't want me swimming or even working up a good sweat for the first month. You don't want an infection, that could mean the whole thing having to come out then start over again on the other side when it heals. Not worth it.

Tagiderm

by karbear6556 - 2019-05-27 17:48:23

There is this stuff called tagiderm. It’s kind of expensive but if you put a cotton pad over your incision then put the tagiderm over it, I think you would be fine. It really sticks to skin so be careful when taking it off but it’s waterproof and sterile. Maybe talk with the dr and make sure, but it’s an idea! You can usually find it at any drug store such as riteaide or Walgreens. 

Tagiderm edit*

by karbear6556 - 2019-05-27 17:50:00

Also, beware of sweating underneath the tagiderm. I would change it at least once a day and let it breath just to be sure. 

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