Packing a wound; nurse suggested different dressing?

Question

I had a (repeat) c-section two weeks ago. The staples were removed after a week, about a week ago, and there was a section of the incision that was not closed. The doctor said a hematoba (sp?) under the skin kept it from healing properly, and now it has to be packed twice a day. Every morning  a nurse comes to do it, and every evening my mom stops by after work to do it again (she has medical training). 

Right now they're using what I assume is a "normal" packing strip for it. However, this weekend one of the nurses said that she was going to suggest to my doctor that they start using a different kind. I didn't quite catch the name of it, but she said it was basically a dry packing strip that had "salt" on it already, and that it would help to dry up drainage and promote healing. I believe the name was pronounced "mee-sol" or something. 

I wanted to look this stuff up, and assumed I could find it listed on some sort of medical supply website, but I can't find anything that sounds like what she described. Does anyone have any information or experience on it? I go back to my doctor tomorrow and I'd like to be a little more informed so I know what questions to ask. 

Thanks!

PooPooLaTrash · Accepted Answer

She was talking about a Mesalt wound dressing. 

More info here: http://www.directmedicalinc.com/wound/mesalt.html

Anonymous · Answer

hi, you poor thing i know what you are going through as i had it happen to me the very same problem only mine opened up in the middle after my sister came to visit me all the way from scotland and she had me in fits of laughter the whole time and i felt a burn sting feeling after visiting time was up, nurse looked and sure enough it had opened about 3 in gap in the middle. it wouldnt stay shut for ages and ages regular packing and plastic stitches strips and in the end my nurse put me on iodine dressings and within forst week of having new dry dressings pre treated with an iodine in some form or other and hey presto wound healed ,so im not sure what you had mentioned but thought maybe mine might help you too, good luck and get better soon.

karen b · Answer

i suspect your district nurse meant try packing your wound with sorbsan it is made from the calcium salt of alginic acid,and when comes into contact with wound exudate forms a soft hydrocollied gel.The other dressing which is called mepore is a common dressing used to cover the wound.i assume you are in the usa because as a nurse myself i wouldnt have to consult a doctor to change what is a simple dressing,in fact they wouldnt have a clue

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Packing a wound; nurse suggested different dressing?

3 Answers