Reaction to surgical tape

[msbug 0]

The last few times I've had surgery (gallbladder, appendix, and 2 c-sections!) I've gotten blisters from the surgical tape they use to cover the incisions. Is there any way to avoid this when I get my band?

[Tamyrn 0]

You will be asked if you have an allergies, tell the nurse, surgeon, and anestesologist (sp?) about your tape reaction. Don't just say you are allergic to tape say,"I get blisters from tape".

Lots of people say they are allergic, but you really are.

[3loves 0]

I agree with the advice Tamyrn gave. I found out shortly b4 my surgery while doing my stress test that I was allergic to the tape. I told everyone and they made sure to use the really good tape. They said it was the best tape in the hospital. I had no rash or swelling....all was well. ~ Good Luck~

[pplqueen 0]

They do have special tape. I am a nurse.

ask for it.

[NewSho 20]

I have this issue too. II always tell the hospital, surgeon and anyone before any surgery. Before my LapBand surgeries they listened, but before my Plastic Surgery procedure, I ended up with tape blisters. (Maybe it was only tape or staples, in which case, tape was better, but...) I really hope these heal, this time, the tape took some skin off right in the middle of my incision and I do not want to lose pigment in that part of my incision. UGH!

Happy Band (And Life) Journeys To All...

[Wheetsin 714]

I told them I was allergic to most adhesives (thinks like band-aids "melt" into me, leaving big welts), and sensitive to prolonged exposure to latex. They still put tape over my staples, and sure enough - when they pulled the tape off, my skin came with it. Those "wounds" caused me more discomfort than my actual incisions.

Going from my own 20/20 hindsight, just press the issue with them. Ask what they have as an alternative. Make sure your admitting nurse documents it on your chart. I wish I'd been more persistent in getting it recognized, but I assumed...

[informednomore 0]

bug,

I too got the blisters (from surgical adhesive-surgical glue). Second surgery they made a note in my chart & I reminded them just before going into pre-op. They used alternative measures to close me up (old fashion stitches). Hospitals/surgeon are used to dealing w/ allergies that they are aware of and prepare accordingly...I think most people run in to trouble when medical staff are unprepared/unaware/unexpected prior.

Hope that helps

[LindaV 0]

I am horribly alergic to any surgical type of adhesives. There is a product called Bards Skin protector that you put on before the adhesive goes on and it forms a barrier between the adhesive and your skin.

I need to use it even for IV tape.

Doctors can order it from the hospital pharmacy for use during your surgery. I insisted on it! It is most ofter used by colostomy patients so, generally healthcare professionals are familiar with it.