Hi, does anyone have any experience of this please? Otherwise known as a vacuum dressing? I’m going to have a mastectomy (and full lymph clearance) in a few weeks and my surgeon is using this device. I’d be really interested to hear people’s experiences.
Thank you.
Doris x
Hello @Doris74
I am sorry that no-one has replied to your post as yet.
Unfortunately this is not something I have experience of myself but hopefully my response will move your post back up the feed and someone else may be able to offer some assistance.
You could also try reposting in the “Ask the nurses section” of the forum, a nurse will always respond to posts in that section. forum.breastcancernow.org/t5/Questions-about-primary-breast/bd-p/primarybc
Alternatively you can call the number at the top of the screen if you would like to speak to someone?
kind regards
AM xxx
Morning Doris.
I had the PICO dressing on for a week after my first lumpectomy. At the time I found it quite annoying as it was buzzing….A LOT! I had to get some earplugs to be able to sleep at night and popped it between some cushions in an attempt to mask some of the vibrations through the bed! After 2/3 days the buzzing eased and was more intermittent.
However…The positives definitely outweigh the negatives. I was amazed when they removed the dressing and I saw my scar. It was perfectly healed after one week!
I am now booked in for a mastectomy, after two failed lumpectomies and really hope my surgeon uses the PICO again.
I wish you all the best for you journey and for a speedy recovery
Cookie x
Hi Doris I had a pico dressing . It did lose some seal after a couple of days and started alarming but I managed to reseal it . The bcn did tell me to switch it off If it kept alarming. My wound healed very well With minimal pain . Good luck x
Hi Doris
Sorry to hear about your situation .
I haven’t used one of these personally but my Mum was given a negative pressure vacuum drain for a leg wound a few years ago . I thought she would hate it but she was full of praise for it , felt it helped the wound heal and was able to manage it at home ( though it was only on at home for a short time ) with some input from the District Nurse service.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your surgery and recovery .
Joanne x