(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best gauze & pads

I love projects like this. Your furnishings feel much more your own, and they take on a sense of permanence you can't get with big box furnishings.

A heat gun and putty knives work very well to remove the stickers. Use a low setting, don't keep the heat focused on one area for too long and keep an eye out for browning, singeing, smoking, and fire. You've got lots of space to work with so skip around to allow the wood to cool. You'll potentially be removing whatever finish is on the couch if you are too heavy handed and or use too much heat. If you plan on refinishing use the heat gun and putty knife to remove the finish.

You can try just scraping with a razor blade to remove most of the stickers and then saturating the area with full strength degreaser, such as D-Limonene.covering the area with a paper towel to keep the degreaser in place.

A couple of razor tools to consider: 4" wide short handled for large areas with thick layers of stickers. Smaller razor scrapers with metal and plastic blades. Plastic detail scrapers might be useful too.

Instead of using Goo Gone I like pure D-Limonene solution. It's a potent degreaser extracted from citrus peels and contains no petroleum distillates, unlike Goo Gone. It also comes in food safe solution - though to be safe for digestion it really does need to be quite dilute.

Use the putty knife and rags or gauze to clean the adhesive from the wood. Large Woven Gauze Sponges are more scratchy and will give more traction with absorption. Rolled Stretch Gauze Bandages have the same great absorbing properties but they're softer and great for detail work. You'll get to know what you prefer - I'm partial to gauze sponges. They're cheap and I just toss them into the compost bin as long as they aren't too bummed up with adhesive top.


To remove the degreaser dish soap and rubbing alcohol work well. I like Dr Bronner's castile soap diluted for dishwashing. Wipe down with 90% Isopropyl Alcohol. You should be good to move on to your next step, probably sanding and smoothing, patching any holes or gouges to prep for staining and finishing or painting.

I linked a whole bunch of products to give you an idea of what will work for certain applications. There are definitely other ways to achieve the same goals, this is just how I tackle this task. Please don't order everything listed here at once, see what works from you. I link Amazon because they have everything but locally owned small businesses are an invaluable resource and great when you get stuck in a project.

Don't forget your PPE'S!

Dust Mask - I like this one as you can vacuum the filters out to extend the life and reduce waste. It has a smaller profile too - my husband actually doesn't complain about wearing it, just puts it on.

N95 Respirator
Replacement filters available on Amazon

Comfortable Safety Glasses or Goggles

Heat Resistant Gloves

Long Cuff Gloves Disposable

Some type of work gloves

Good luck!

Hey everyone, I cringe when I see the cost vs contents of most first aid kits on the market. Too much unnecessary stuff and only the highest priced kits have clotting powder, which I’ve used on the trail for controlling bleeding with large abrasions and deep or tangential lacerations. I put together my suggestions, with an eye toward maximizing usefulness and minimizing per unit cost. IMO this is superior to most kits costing 2-3x more. Light enough for the discernible backpacker, but makes a great gift for family and friends to throw in the car pocket, the boat, ATV, or carry along to kids sporting events. Feel free to add, subtract or substitute to customize your own.

Ever-Ready First Aid Adhesives, assorted sizes, 280ct $6.95 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0179S0IAW
Self explanatory, enough for 2-3 of each size per DIY kit.

Vakly Stretch Gauze: 12 pk 4” x 4yds $7.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTQFPA6
1 pk per kit and 4 left over for the home medicine cabinet.

McKesson individually wrapped sterile gauze pads: 50ct $5.17 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002C5P9J8
6 per kit, throw them in a ziploc baggie to protect against moisture.

Woundseal clotting powder: 20 pkts $28.06 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RUJXR6
Remember that compression alone, when done properly, effectively controls most bleeding. But when a member of your group is on aspirin or other blood thinners, or sustains a nasty cut that won’t stop bleeding, this stuff is awesome.

3M Duct tape: 1.88in x 30yds $3.89 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013B1XHE
Countless uses for the backpacker / camper, from tourniquet, fracture splinting, reinforcement of wound dressings, fashioning a moleskin barrier for blisters, not to mention tent, pack or sleeping bag repair. Grab a few extra straws from your local fast food joint, trim them to 2 inches, then roll up 4 to 6ft lengths of duct tape around the straw. The straw in the middle doubles as a pocket billows for fire starting.

Rensow white petroleum jelly 5gms, 144 pkts: $24.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAGT85M
Lip balm, burn treatment, also apply to rashes, blisters and abrasions to keep gauze from adhering. Doubles as an excellent fire accelerant for bushcrafting. I squeeze some on a cotton ball to use with my tender for catching a spark.

Kirkland anti-diarrheal (loperamide) tablets: 400ct $9.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPY004
Put 12 per kit and keep the rest for that week-old lasagna that you should have thrown out.

Ibuprofen 200mg tabs: 2x500ct $3.93 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1NJAJS
Put at least 40 per kit as this is likely to be the first supply used.

Diphenhydramine capsules 25mg, 100ct : $4.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00080CKDW
Useful for allergies, insect stings, contact dermatitis, and doubles as a sleep aid for those restless nights in the hammock. 12 per kit should do.

Triple antibiotic ointment 0.5oz 144 pkts: $12.18 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H2T9K3K
6 to 8 per kit should do, and keep the rest for replen.

Ziplock snack bags, 40ct (for storing meds): $2.73 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U9ZFFCY
Please clearly label each baggie using an indelible marker with name of med, adult dose and expiration date. Pediatric dose optional. Individual “gas station” packets are much more expensive but if routinely carried in vehicle this may be a consideration (law enforcement doesn’t like unlabeled pills floating around in baggies).

First Aid Bags (empty), Alazco, 8 bags $32.82 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182MQ4MU
Highly optional but nice for making your kit look pretty if you’re giving these away as gifts. I double wrap mine in gallon ziploc bags for moisture control.

A printable first aid primer: https://s3.amazonaws.com/yohsresourcelibrary/First+Aid+Quick+Guide.pdf
Certainly not a comprehensive guide, but has some key information like helpful reminders on how to properly perform CPR on kiddos and babies 👶.

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple, Stupid. Words to live by!

Gloves. Just your standard Nitrile gloves. I have a box in my closet with about 5 pair in my truck. Although with Texas summers here, I'd bet they've melted together by now. I should really check on that...

Safety Glasses Any brand will do. Just look for ANSI Z87.1. You'll probably never use them, or 90% of what's in your bag, but they're nice to have on hand.

Knife w/seat belt cutter & window punch. This is mine. I keep it on my trucks visor when I'm driving, and on me when I'm not. Cheap and useful. A little big though.

Simple Breathing mask. Always good to have around.

Gauze Rolls & Gauze Pads. I've used these a couple times, all on myself. I have the uncanny ability to fall when running outdoors. It's truly a gift.

Large SAM Splint. Surprisingly I've used two in only a year of building my kit. Once for myself, colles fracture from tripping, and the second time for a friend who slipped in my kitchen. We're not the most coordinated bunch.

And if you're feeling adventuress (sp?), Emergency Blanket, Cold Pack, & a Hot Pack. These aren't necessary, but nice to have if you have some extra $$$ to burn.

This is all i carry in my truck medical wise. It's also a good idea to have a flashlight on your vehicle or in the bag. Don't waste money on anything "fancy". You'll never use them and if you do you'll probably get sued.

I received a pre-stocked jump bag from a family member as a gift for getting my EMT cert. Came with OPA's, C-Collar, Adult/Pedi BVM, & a couple suture kits. These are no-no's. Good Samaritan laws won't protect you if you use these. DON'T BUY/USE THEM WHEN NOT ON A RIG! (The suture kits are another matter...just don't) I took these out of my bag completely.

TL;DR K.I.S.S. Avoid anything a non-EMS person couldn't use.

EDIT: Formatting

I guess Imgur isn't so friendly on links so I'll put them here as well:

1. GoRuck Echo, Black :: http://www.goruck.com/echo-black-rucksack/p/GEAR-000064
   
2. Morale Patch, "Regular Guy" :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014N0NK7M
   
3. MOLLE Grimloc caribiner, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LEEAMXA
   
4. Jogalite Reflective Band, White :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KGATL4
   
   ***
   
   
5. Batman button :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00273934C22
   
6. GoRuck Sternum Strap, Black :: http://www.goruck.com/molle-sternum-strap-black-/p/GEAR-0001023
   
7. Sharpie, Fine, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFHD/
   
8. MOLLE Web Dominator, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LEEAMXA
   
   ***
   
   
9. Dell Inspiron 13" 7000 :: http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/productdetails/inspiron-13-7378-2-in-1-laptop/dncwsab5104h2
   
   ***
   
   
10. GoRuck Padded Field Pocket, Echo, Black :: http://www.goruck.com/padded-field-pocket-echo-black-/p/GEAR-000368
    
11. SanDisk Ultra Fit 3.0 flashdrive, 32G (x2) :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LLER2CS
    
12. Sea to Summit Dry Sack, Small (4L), Green :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q3KKCS
    
13. Rowkin Bit wireless earbuds, Space Gray :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KBQ6GQ4
    
14. Kindle Paperwhite, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQVZDJM6. MOLLE Grimloc caribiner, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LEEAMXA
    
15. Dell AC Adapter, 45W, 19.5V (came with laptop) :: http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/productdetails/inspiron-13-7378-2-in-1-laptop/dncwsab5104h2
    
16. Building/server card keys, varied
    
17. Building/server room keys, varied
    
18. REV battery, 4,000mAh :: who knows
    
19. Anker PowerCore battery, 10,000mAh :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194WDVHI
    
20. Tzumi PocketJuice Endurace battery, 6,000mAh :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TXBHT7Y
    
21. USB to Lightning cable, 4" :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/B010U3XJNG
    
22. USB to Micro-B cable, 4" :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YKX6WM
    
23. StarTech USB Ethernet adapter :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095EFXMC
    
24. VanQuest FATPACK Gen2, 4x6, Black :: http://shop.skinnymedic.com/FATPack-4x6-Black-Gen-2-Bag-Only-fatpacksmallblk.htm
    
    ***
    
    
25. Uni-Ball Signo 207, Fine, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HNZ5SW/
    
26. BIC Roundstic, Medium, Blue :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010DS4DK6
    
27. Sharpie, Fine, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFHD
    
28. Toothpaste, travel :: Grocery stores
    
29. Toothbrush, travel :: Grocery stores
    
30. Contact lense case :: Grocery stores
    
31. SKYN condom, Original :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TTXA7I
    
32. Renu soft lense solution :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016IZ4BO69
    
33. Planters NUTrition, Wholesome Mix :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C37SX70
    
34. Nail clippers, large :: Grocery stores
    
35. LARABAR, Cashew Cookie :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NMDY38
    
36. Visine for contacts :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00099E9D6
    
37. Advil, 200mg :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZCT1M2
    
    ***
    
    
38. North American Rescue Compressed Gauze, 4.5" x 4.1 yard :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ED3H778
    
39. North American Rescue Pressure Bandage, 6" :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7OCCNC
    
40. North American Rescue Bear Claw gloves, Nitrile, Large :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L9W7T1A
    
41. Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Tube, 28Fr :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003950R2E
    
42. Sharpie, Fine, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFHD
    
43. Benchmade 7 :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013QVC1Q
    
44. Mylar blanket :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IYIYFE/
    
45. North American Rescue Compact HyFin Vent (x2) :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K533FB2
    
46. Alcohol prep pad :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MEE2MHK
    
47. North American Rescue CAT (tourniquet), 7th Generation :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LCJCBTA
    
    ***
    
    
48. Stealth Gear USA Ventcore, Appendix :: http://stealthgearusa.com/holsters.html
    
49. Kershaw Shuffle II :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TAD2P8S
    
50. Cardstack Slim Wallet :: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247503194
    
51. LAMY Al-Star, Graphite, Fine, Blue :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R309UQ
    
52. Field Notes, Graph :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CQT2KU
    
53. Timex Weekender, original Blue/Gray stripe replaced with standard 20mm leather NATO strap :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VR9HP2, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012UTRAFG
    
54. Springfield Armory XD Mod.2 Sub-Compact, 3", 9mm, FDE :: http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/xd-mod-2-3-sub-compact-9mm/
    
55. Verizon iPhone 7 Plus, 128G, Black :: https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-7-plus
    8+. Otterbox SYMMETRY, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K6PBSK4
    
56. Xikar Allume Single, Black :: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYK11W2
    
57. Lightning to 3.5mm adapter :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXJFMGF
    
58. Chapstick Classic, Medicated :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AIECQG
    
59. Transcend JetFlash, 128G :: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKATVM4
    
60. Car, House keys
    
61. SanDisk Cruzer, 32G :: Who knows

I like these wet wipes a lot. They get very high marks for biodegrading/composting quickly and they're actually flushable unlike many brands of wipes.

I wouldn't overthink your first aid kit too much. Bring along some cloth medical tape, a bandanna, and some NSAIDs and you'll have enough of a kit to deal with injuries at least until you can get real medical help. If you are blister-prone one or two pieces of this paper will be plenty for your trip.

I'm not sure on the legality of this in the UK but I would also consider a small folding knife a good addition to your first aid kit.

I like to bring along a pair of sandals or something similar for camp shoes. It REALLY hurts wearing the same shoes all day.

You might also want to buy a small hand torch if you plan to make camp after dark. This is the one I just picked up.

A food bag like this would be good for snacks - I would just stuff it in the webbing above your seat pack.

Sorry for all the amazon links. Your setup looks great. Beautiful bike!

I'm two weeks post-op.

People here all have fantastic suggestions so far!
I used:

1. Fruit of the Loom bras from Wal-Mart, look like this. They were cheaper at the store vs. Amazon. I specifically like this bra because it's shaped like a tank top -- not a racerback, which means I can wear more clothes with it without straps showing.
   
2. Curad Non-Stick pads that look like this. That's what my doctor shoved in my post-op bra, so I just got more of them. Now I don't need them anymore. I didn't even finish the one box of 12.
   
3. Husband installed this bidet for me. The dignity of cleaning my own butt after such a challenging surgery was nice.
   
4. Someone else said heating pad -- yep.
   
5. Consider pre-making some food -- something really healthy and easy to eat. I made a diet soup that is meant for a cleanse because it had a ton of fiber (cabbage, lots of other veg) and was easy to heat a little at a time. I can provide the recipe link if you want it. I also took psyllium fiber tablets every day and drank dark coffee each morning, while drinking as much water as I could. And I lost some extra weight with the soup, too. For breakfast, I only ate oatmeal with cinnamon and bananas since that's so easy to digest. I had no problems, uh, getting the job done with all that fiber.
   
6. We installed a handheld shower head. I had my husband around to help me bathe, and it made things easier for both of us. I sat in a shallow bath and he helped me clean with the shower head. In the shallow bath, I used some scented epsom salts to help me relax. The first couple of baths were uncomfortable and awkward and it helped.
   
7. Tylenol. I weaned myself off the drugs after 3-4 days. In the morning, I took half the dose of Tylenol (which is every 3 hours vs. 6) to see how my pain was, then I'd either take another one on time, wait a while, or take half a pain pill. I did this until I was using only Tylenol and eventually nothing or only one dose a day of it.

I second this. Even the cheapest patches get really costly pretty fast if you're using them frequently. Cutting up larger bandages is definitely the way to go. I thought bandaid brand worked really well, but the adhesive was a bit too strong for my face. I always felt like it took off some skin (this was pre-tret). (They were perfect when I got a deep gash on my hand though. That thing stayed put through handwashing, showers, taking gloves on & off, etc., & completely sealed the wound.)

Duoderm is the classic medical brand for real (non-acne) wounds. I used to buy these on amazon & cut them up and they worked well. If you're going to use enough to make it through a whole box, these come out cheaper than the bandaid bandages even though they're on the high end for large medical grade hydrocolloids. There's 10 4x4 inch bandages per box for ~$20.

Dynadex is a good dupe for Duoderm. I switched to these b/c they're half the price and work just as well. ~$10 for ten 4x4 in. bandages.

I would disagree with other users here, building your own kit will save a decent amount of money

What are you looking to put into these IFAKs? Here are some links that a 'basic' would have

4 pack of chest seals $29.19 (one in each kit)

20 count 5x9 combine pads $7.99 (two or so in each kit)

Isreali Bandage (non-amazon link as there have been many issues with amazon selling Isreali bandages and people getting knock-offs, youll want the 4in 'new manufacture' which come in a grey outer pouch, open the outer pouch and put them in the IFAK like that (they are double sealed/this will leave them sealed in a see through rip away plastic which can be used as an occlusive dressing) one in each kit.


2 Hemostatic Gauze $19.97 (open outer pack, put one 'inner' pack in each kit)

12 pack of 2in roller gauze $4.80 (one, maybe two in each kit, can be replaced with a triangular bandage instead)

12 Triangular Bandages (Cravats) $6.80 - these are multi-use, bleeding control, securing a dressing, TQ use etc. most opt not to have them but theyre a great 'multi-use' item I carry in every IFAK (one in each kit)

2 pack trauma shears $9.99 (one in each kit)

2 pack CAT tourniquets $53.98, one reason to go with amazon is the easy returns, which is a double edged sword, a lot of people will buy fake CATs for cheap, purchase real ones for $$ then 'return' the real ones with the cheap fake ones, look up lot codes when you get them if it doesnt look the part return it. Stay away from the thin elastic "pocket tourniquets" (one in each kit)

Rip away IFAK MOLLE pouch $14.99 each, depending on color. I prefer these over just a MOLLE pouch, unbuckle and use or throw to someone else without having to lug w.e. equipment the pouch is attached to - or leave off the MOLLE backing and put inside a pack loose


Personally I dont put airway in my IFAKs but do in a larger kit thats nearby - if you want links to NPAs a pretty good general size to go with would be a 26, dont forget lube or really you can just spit on them. Same with a decompression needle, not going to be in my IFAK.

More importantly than any of this stuff is training, you can do a lot more with training than you can with a 'be all end all kit'. Dont be afraid to adapt a kit to your environment, for example if you're going far away from civilization consider you might do wound packing and need more hemostatic gauze, but if you're right down the street from a hospital you probably wont want to pack a wound with a homeostatic agent but that will depend on the situation.

The purpose of an IFAK is to get you to a larger first aid kit/medical help.

(I purchase medical supplies for the EMS company I work for, Amazon prices are generally cheaper than buying from a distributor unless you're looking to build dozens of these kits and even then certain items will still be cheaper especially factoring in shipping) Any questions feel free to ask

Get some nexcare Tegaderm transparent bandage dressings. The edges peel up but they don’t leave lint rings like the patches. They stay on and so do the patches under them. On amazon they’re pretty cheap. Good for 5 days or so depending on how you rotate your patches. I’d recommend one patch one tegaderm. I love them cause I have dry skin and my patches fall off in a day otherwise

Tape your feet. Everywhere you get hot spots or typically get blisters. If you blister like me you may look like you are wearing a tape sock LOL.



Also like every one said, the two sock system. Someone recommended trying a nylon (panty hose) along with the black liner or instead of. I haven’t tried that trick yet



For after, definitely only cover the blisters if you are in shoes. If you can walk around barefoot or in flip flops that’s perfect. Good padding if you need to see shoes or boots. Also don’t wear the same boots or shoes that caused the blisters the next day. Lastly soak freshly blister feet in Epsom salts to disinfect and clean them. It may burn but it’s a good burn.



My newest obsession is Allevyn padded dressings. I bought them off amazon after seeing them at a paramedic conference. Amazing comfort for walking around after. allevyn bandages on Amazon

Hi! For what it is worth, recent research shows that standard horizontal incisions actually fare better for women of size. I am fat AF, have had 2 c-sections, and am a research scientist for my profession. Back in the day they would use the vertical incisions for women with larger bellies with the theory that the healing would be easier. Turns out, this was not the case. This site does an amazing job of summing up the clinical findings:
https://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com/search/label/cesarean%20incision?m=0

A personal tip from me would be to use a tefla pad instead of a menstrual pad for keeping your wound dry. The maxi pads work amazing for women who do not have any belly overhang bc the sticky side will sit right up against fabric. If you are anything like me and have some hardcore belly action, these pads with no adhesive fold right on in like a dream:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XCTDYG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

You’ve got this!

1. Wash area with hibiclens generic walgreens. The generic one at walgreens does not have dye. He can use this stuff like a mask and rub a bit on after cleaning the area, and leave it on for a few minutes. This will take care of the acne. Do this twice a day. However, if it gets dry from using this, I would follow it up with Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel as a moisturizer on the area.
   
   If he picks and pops the area a lot, I would say buy some sterile lancets from walgreens or cvs like these
   
   After cleaning the area, he can gently use the lancet on the pimple(s) in question. He doesn't have to squeeze them. Then apply a hydrocolloid bandage over the pimples, and wear it for 12-48 hours. This will draw out all the puss and fluids and will heal them quicker.
   
   Good luck!

After Seeing a few friends die in car accidents I decided that I needed serious first aid availability. I have, what I consider, the most important part of car, in between mine, and my passengers legs. It's designed in the idea of the diver's triangle, something I can't seem to find a good link to show. If you draw a triangle, from your shoulders, to your groin, this is basically the area you can reach with a single hand, without body movement. This is the area you want your emergency equipment, because if your car flips, and you are pinned, then your trunk first aid kit will be worthless.
I have the following in the pictures my normal summer set up. Winter includes blankets and food.

• • -
    Under my seat:
    
    

• Seatbelt/fabric ripper
  
• 5 ft. of duct tape
  
• American ranger/special forces tourniquet
  Under my passenger:
  
  
• Combat gauze
  
• Compressed Gauze
  
• Israeli bandage
  
  All of this stuff will save life from serious hemorrhaging and dismemberment for hours. I am military, so I was trained and got all of this stuff for free, but if you have a military friend, you can easily get all of this stuff for free as well, there is loads of it on every base.
  

• • -
    I keep the seat belt ripper and CAT under my seat because the first part of aid is helping yourself, so you can live to care for others. The duct tape on all of the packages is so the ripping open is easier. You would be surprised how hard it is to open a sandwich bag with your hands covered in blood/car fluids, let alone medical packaging. Also inform your passengers what is between their legs, you might die from the accident, and if they know there is medical saving equipment in your car they could live even without you.

We bought these gauze rolls:

Gauze Bandage Rolls - Pack or 24,... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BN5NSKG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

We at first bought precut gauze pads and would open a new one every night. We run it under hot water, wrap it around our finger and then run it along his gums. After a while we realized we could buy the rolls and cut our own instead of paying more for individually wrapped ones.

Side note, my 7.5 month old teething son loves getting his gums rubbed every night. (My dentist said that they don’t need to be cleaned every meal, just once at night.) He actually opens his mouth when he sees us wrapping it around our finger. He’ll chomp down on it a few times and think it’s hilarious, but I think it also makes him happy because it’s acting like a soother.

Message me if you want more deets. :)

Hello! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I also had to buy my own gauze and tape. I used Bandaid Cushion-Care gauze. I folded them up and put them on top of my horizontal incisions as (literally) a cushion. My post op bra compressed the incisions, which caused the most discomfort of the whole ordeal Gauze
I didn’t have any drains and was prepared for my incisions to leak. My plan was to tape those on with tape. Luckily didn’t need to do that, but I have found it helpful to put a small piece over my stitches when they surface to avoid snagging.
I couldn’t wait to get out of my post op bra, so once I got the go ahead I switched from post op bra to hanes. They are amazing. (My surgeon provided post op bras and they were horrendously uncomfortable)
Make sure you have your basics. Advil, Tylenol, stool softener if you’re going to take a heavy duty pain killer. These ice packs we’re very soothing for the first few weeks, just don’t put on top of any incisions.
I was very bored the first week or so. I watched some Netflix. Read a lot of books (if you have a library card check out the Libby app! It may only be in the US though, not sure where you are located) and I did a ton of the archived NYT crossword puzzles.
One other thing, leaving the hospital, I had to get into our truck. It’s a normal truck, but i usually have to hoist myself into it with my arms. That wasn’t going to happen post op, so I brought a step stool! Felt kinda silly, but it worked great! Feel free to PM me with any questions you may have!

Also carry a hemostatic agent, preferably in a gauze. Celox Z fold gauze is the easiest to use, and I think is the best.

If you get shot in the femoral artery or the shoulder or armpit and can't get a tourniquet high enough, this might be the only thing that will save you.

you may want to consider a saline wash spray or wound cleaning wipes to clear off any dirt/debris before you dress it up.

If you want to get fancy, pack some Telfa bandages:
https://www.amazon.com/Covidien-6017-Adhesive-Dressing-Peel-Back/dp/B00KJ6WXX2

Telfa is great since it doesn't stick to wounds, which is awesome when you get home and have to peel off that mess for a deeper cleaning.

I've gotten a couple pretty bad skinned knees recently. The best option I've found is vaseline covered by a nonstick bandage (something like this, I think I got mine at Target.) The nonstick bandage is key so it is easy to remove and doesn't heal into the wound.

Looking good!

The four main medications I make sure to include in a first aid kit are benadryl (allergic reaction/insect stings, sedative, cough suppressant- can be ground up, mixed in water and applied topically for itch/rash), aspirin (chest pain/heart attack/pain reliever), ibuprofen (pain reliever/inflammation), and immodium (diarrhea).

Make sure you've got enough gauze to control bleeding.

I'd recommend picking up one israeli battle dressing.

I have used this bandage wrap to keep dressings in place.

It's pretty comfortable because it stretches a bit, and sticks to itself, so no tape is required.

Looks like Duoderm to me, you can get it on Amazon

Edited for a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_0U5ZBbYERHNXE

Always include a tourniquet. Also these are good.

LEO plain clothes EDC - Top left, clockwise:

Cold Steel Braveheart in a custom kydex sheath

FOX SEAL chest seal

Safariland handcuffs

G17 mag, winchester 9mm hollow points

CELOX RAPID hemostatic gauze

Custom G17

Someone on this sub once recommended Moleskin in a thread about annoying shoes.

I used to never be able to wear flats because they would destroy the back of my heel/ankle.

Stuck some of this in my shoe in the offending spot (you can also stick it to your foot but I found it fell off really quickly) and I've been loving flats ever since!

https://www.amazon.com/Convatec-DuoDERM-Extra-Thin-Dressing/dp/B000PQ735Y/
This stuff is awesome for road rash, though not sure how it is different from saniderm

It depends where it ripped. For me, it was my foot while climbing, so I had to rely on my other foot and this kind of bandage. In your case, since it was around the belly button, maybe the next class use a tank top to cover up the area.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004YJ0TUY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1527537630&sr=8-3&keywords=non+stick+pads+with+adhesive&dpPl=1&dpID=51zhNx7i3PL&ref=plSrch

I am using these, sometimes I add tape.

I can grab you a couple things, is this good

Ointment

Bandage

Gauze

Duoderm Hydrocolloid Dressing 187955 4 X 4" Box of 10, Sand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zAQNDbD5QAE4N

I cut these up into the size I need. Expensive, but a box will last you six months.

Convatec DuoDERM CGF Extra Thin Dressing 4"x4", 10/Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FeCyCbGBVF7DF

I have the duoderm: https://www.amazon.com/Convatec-DuoDERM-Extra-Thin-Dressing/dp/B000PQ735Y/

You cut them to size and my box has been lasting forever.