Negative pressure wound therapy on c section wound d

[DermotOLogical]

Has anyone had this?

C section won't heal and it's been suggested to help. Not sure if I could do with the machine plus a newborn but willing to try. Any experience would be useful.

[MuffinMad]

Yes I used one on an ulcer I had on my tailbone. It was about 10 years ago.
It was called Vacuum Assisted Closure. I had to be 'attached' to it for about 4 months, to give the ulcer a chance to heal.

At the beginning,the ulcer was very infected so the VAC machine used to smell nasty,but that went away as the ulcer grew smaller.
The container collected the body fluids from the tube that is attached to the wound. It kept it dry and forcing the blood flow to the wound area which helps to promote healing.

It was awkward at first, but I got used to it. The machine had a long strap which I would carry around like a shoulder bag. I had a district nurse come every day to change the dressing and re-attach the VAC machine.

It really did work. It was thought at first that my tailbone would have to be removed because the infection was so bad, but using the VAC stopped that from happening.

No problems since.

Hope this helps.

[DermotOLogical]

Thank you. It's useful to hear from someone who has had it before.

My wound doesn't sound as bad as yours, what an ordeal. How did you manage sleeping with it?

I'm hoping to only be attached for a couple of weeks. My wound just needs a kick start into healing.

[MuffinMad]

The machine had a habit of giving off little 'burping' noises,which were more noticeable in the dead of night.
Husband wasn't very happy! What I had to do was place it between some thick towels and put it in the wardrobe with the door just open enough! The tube is long enough to be able to do it.
The district nurse told me the noise was because the seal around the wound wasn't completely air tight.
It never came off completely though.
I managed ok through the night. I don't remember being uncomfortable with it.
This is the one I used;

[DermotOLogical]

Thanks muffin. The long tube is something I am both glad and worried about. I'm Co sleeping with an 8 week old and the potential for tangling is high! It might enforce some kind of sleep training at this rate.

The machine looks similar to the one I'll have. Did you get a bag to carry it in?

[MuffinMad]

Yes, you do get a bag to carry it in. It can go on your shoulder.
If I remember right, it has a rechargeable battery. I charged up overnight.
If I ever went out, I put on my jacket over it. No one could tell it was as there.

I can't comment on the co-sleeping, sorry. You really will have to talk about that with your nurse.

It's a very costly affair,too.
I was using the machine in the early days,but the infection in my wound was so bad,I had to be admitted. In all the fuss, I forgot to inform the VAC company. They charged the NHS £50 a day! And that was 10 years ago!

One of their representatives tracked me down in hospital and took it back,only to give it back to me a week later.

I must of cost the NHS a small fortune. 😕

Did the job though! 😄

[Lilybensmum1]

From a medical perspective the machines are now much smaller with virtually no noise, they are amazing for wound healing, I haves seen some fantastic results in practice. Good luck op.

[DermotOLogical]

Thanks both.

Had it fitted and managing so far. Co sleep is going well, I'm draping it off the foot end if the bed so clear of me and baby.

I can barely hear the noise which is good. Not made the alarm go off yet either!