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Mastectomy
I recently had a double mastectomy and would like some specific information re wound care to minimize the scarring and help with the inevitable nerve damage
An effective remedy to take pre and/or post surgery is Homeopathic Arnica 6x which is available from health food stores from the brand Boiron Homeopathicsor a Homeopath. Arnica is a herb commonly used before and after surgery due to its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Arnica is known to decrease swelling, bruising and blood stagnation. It is best to take this remedy for at least 2 weeks after any surgical procedures.
Wound healing requires optimal nutrition, circulation, lymphatic flow and immunity. Using a topical cream would benefit the wound and inflammation present so that the area does not become infected, however improving the internal health of the body will also help to improve wound healing.
In regards to helping to ease any nerve damage following surgery and trauma you may consider taking a supplement which contains B Vitamins (specifically B6 and B12) and/ or the herb St John Wort (Hypericum), either as a herbal tincture or in a Homeopathic preparation. B Vitamins and Hypericum may help the nerve endings to heal and reduce any associated nerve damage and pain. If you are currently taking any prescriptive medication please speak to your Healthcare practitioner regarding use of this herb and always take any natural supplements at least 2 hours away from pharmaceutical medications.
Nutrients to assist wound healing, reduce inflammation and scar formation:
• Zinc is a common nutritional deficiency in many people and it may benefit skin by improving wound healing and decreasing inflammation. • Squeeze out the oil from a capsule of Vitamin E oil and massage into the area or use a cream which contains Vitamin E and Vitamin C to promote healing of the tissue and reduce the risk of scarring to the area.• Take the mineral Silica internally, this is readily available at a health food store. This mineral is an important factor in skin regeneration and may help to reduce scarring when used over time. You may also use Silica sheets topically on the area.
• Herbs used topically which may help to slowly break down scars and reduce inflammation are Rose hip oil, Lavender, Calendula, Aloe Vera Gel, Gotu Kola and Comfrey. Also taking these internally (except for Comfrey) may help the wound to heal faster.
• Vitamin C and bioflavinoids including Quercetin may help to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing due to their role in production of collagen in the skin. You may take a Vitamin C powder internally to improve immunity and also use it topically in a cream. Rose hip oil contains high levels of Vitamin C.
• Topical creams would be of benefit to improve wound healing, choose one which does not contain mineral oils (petroleum) as the base ingredient, instead choose one which is a aqueous (water) based cream or oil (Apricot oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil) based cream.
Diet tips after surgery:
Diet and food are an important way to increase immunity, healing and recovery. Be sure to eat plenty of foods rich in anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Zinc.
These nutrients promote healing, reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of infections:
• Follow a gentle cleansing diet and increase foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables
• Lemon juice in warm water
• Vegetable juices
• Miso soup and vegetable and barley soup
• Green barley powder
• Brown rice
• Nuts and seeds including nut pastes (macadamia butter, cashew butter or tahini)
• Olive oil, flaxseed oil, oysters, red meat, fish and grains
• Plenty of vitality lifting water
• Eliminate waste producing foods such as dairy, wheat, alcohol, sugar, preserved, refined and processed foods
Lifestyle factors post surgery
• It is very important to take care of your health, especially the liver and immune system after surgery as the shock, trauma and medications place a burden on these functions.
• Rest and relaxation is important for the body to release stress and promote healing. If you are able to take time out you will find that your immunity will not only increase but any health complications which may occur post surgery, such as infection will be minimised. The body will have a better chance to recover when we give it sufficient amounts of time to sleep, rest and heal
• Address liver function as anaesthetics will cause a decrease in liver function and bowel health
Emotional support in healing:
If you feel emotionally sensitive after surgery, which is quite common, you may find some subtle support from taking a vibrational Bush Flower Essence Remedy such as the Emergency Essence or Womens Essence. Bush Flower Essences help to gently heal emotional trauma and ease its effect on the body. The following is a link to the Australian Bush Flower Essences website where you can read more about remedies and choose one that appeals to you: www.ausflowers.com.au
Natural remedies for post surgery wound healing:
• Arnica cream to help the wound to heal
• Rosa's Scarless Healer or Fusion Health Dermaheal
• Manuka Honey
• Aqueous based creams containing Vitamin E, Vitamin A plus herbs such as Calendula, Golden Seal, Lavender or Rose hip oil
• Gently massaging a cream (at least 4 times/ day) onto the small wounds will reduce any chances of the area becoming infected or scarring
• The mineral Zinc is important for wound healing and may also help your immunity to build after anaesthetics
• Probiotics are important especially if you have had anaesthetics or antibiotic therapy as they help to rebuild the natural healthy bacteria of the immune system and gut