It's been 32 days since I've had the wound vac on! It's been a very difficult time and an adjustment to say the least. When I got home on day 1, I went right online to find a blog so I could talk to other people about what to expect... yet, I found nothing! So I decided to start one myself!! I'd like to think that after 32 days I could be a big help to others struggling with this very awkward machine!
KCI Wound Vac on my calf
Exactly 3 weeks ago my fiance's dog (a 100 pound Old English Bulldog) attacked me out of no where. I was sitting on my couch and from across the room he started to growl. My Fiance (Kevin) said "Stand up, let him know you're the boss". So I did. And the next thing I remember I was pinned to the ground as the dog was ripping apart my leg. I was rushed to the Emergency Room and needed 49 stitches to put my calf back together. For the next 3 weeks my doctor had us cleaning the wound with soap and water. After the stitches came out we continued to clean it everyday and started using Silvadene Cream, which was very relieving as it had a cool feeling (I believe this is used for burn victims). By week 4 I finally saw a Plastic Surgeon! I had a very bad infection at this point and a big chunk of the wound was black. He cut the dead skin out and we switched to a wet/dry treatment which was horrible for me! By week 6 the black skin came back; he removed it another 2 times but the tissue was just not healthy enough. That's when he suggested the wound vac, thinking maybe just 2 weeks of it would help me. But here I am, 32 days later with it still on!! My wound is finally healthy, yet it's not closing. I have a ton of drainage every single day and the Surgeon thinks I might need the Vac another month!! I've had enough!!
I was very frustrated to get such little information before seeing my nurse that first day. I had NO idea what to expect. I knew she had to change the tube but was not prepared for the type of pain I was about to experience! She rips that tape off so fast that it brings me right back to the moment when I was being attacked. The pain is so so bad, and I hate to say this to those who are new to the Vac, but you never get used to it!! Luckily, I have a very patient nurse who I just adore! After she leaves, I'm pretty much out of commission for the next few hours. After 32 days my skin has become so irritated from the tape. I can't even touch the skin because it's so sensitive. My nurse has started to put the tape on in a different direction each time to try to help my skin but it hasn't helped too much. Oh by the way, she comes every other day!!! So I don't have much time to relax before I'm tortured again!!
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!! It's a hard thing to have to go through, but like anything else, with support you just feel so much better!! I have lots more to share with you regarding blockages, leaks, and the smell of the vac! If only I had someone to prepare me... I hope I can prepare you!
~Kristen
