A comment on the Sentinel Tag removal recovery and a suggestion for pain relief.
On Dec 1st I had LIS/hem's/sentinel tag taken care of. I was absolutely shocked at how PUFFY the surgical areas got. I should have known, but still, it was a surprise. Happily, in my case at least, after a few weeks, especially on the LIS side the puffiness had gone down tremendously. In fact, for most of the time the "hemmy" looking LIS area is kind of tucked under my bum.
However, the Sentinel Tag (ST) portion really is a different matter. It still gets puffy, but nowhere near as bad as before, and I suspect this is because the fissure itself is not yet healed. Aside from being puffy the skin itself feels way more sensitive then the LIS area. Possibly b/c of how ST was taken out (I haven't a clue if cut, well, probably, or cauterized.)
I had purchased Calmoseptine cream upon the recommendation of postings on the AF site. I was wary b/c of the menthol in it, and also of the comment on an AF posting that ran along the lines of how it felt, so great (!) like having a Vicks Vaporub places on the area. Yikes! No thank you.
Anyhow, I ran this by my CRS and he said to try "Vaseline or Calmoseptine" and while I'm not sure how Vaseline would help with discomfort from ST/LIS, I finally got up the urge to try the Calmoseptine. They say to use a little bit, and the first time I used too much. Trust me, take what you think you'll need, and half it.
I wanted to use this product to reduce inflation (check) and take away pain (check...with correct dose.)
I found it soothing, numbing and basically it took my mind off the situation. Most of the AF group postings seem to be a few years old (usually not a problem) but perhaps they've change the product a bit, as it easily washed off my hands, and hasn't stained clothing (although I'm using just a titch.) Also, I'm only using once or twice a day, just to make sure it doesn't start to irritate the area.
I also wouldn't use this on the ST/LIS area that may still be only a few weeks old and not yet on the way to healing.
http://www.calmoseptineointment.com/I too, would like to hear the lowdown on how people progressed with both ST recovery.