About Us: The Story Behind the Pattersonpouch

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008-2009. After a lumpectomy, I needed further surgery and underwent a double mastectomy.

I awoke from surgery with four surgical drains which were inconvenient and uncomfortable, but necessary. The medical staff’s suggestion of pinning the drain bulbs to my clothing or at- taching them to a ribbon around my neck when I showered did little to help the situation. The bulbs pulled my gown and clothing as I walked and got in the way when I tried to sit or lie down. When I showered, they hung over the surgical site, making it difficult to clean. They had to be unpinned and pinned each time I measured their volumes.

My husband, a doctor, was surprised that no one had developed a better solution. After searching for alternatives, he purchased a canvas nail pouch to use as a bulb holder. After much laughter, I realized my problem was solved! Thanks to that pouch I was able to move about more freely. The bulbs were supported and out of the way when sitting, resting, and showering. Measuring the contents was simple and quick and they were easily hidden under my loose tops. Such a simple idea really made a big difference!

Remembering my experiences, I wanted to design a product that would help other people undergoing surgery, particularly those with breast cancer. With the help of my family and friends, I created a better solution for the care of post-surgical drains. The original canvas pouch was slow to dry after showering, so these are made of a fast drying latex-free mesh. I also tried to make them more attractive than the original.

I know how difficult it is to have major surgery and I hope that my product makes future patients’ recoveries just a little easier.

Deborah Patterson

 

About Pattersonpouch

Pattersonpouch is a small, family-owned business dedicated to improving post-surgical care routines for medical staff and patients alike. The Pattersonpouch was designed in partnership between a physician and a recovering surgical patient, so you can feel confident that our product will meet the needs of doctors, nurses and patients.

Unlike most other products designed to hold post-surgical drains, the Pattersonpouch is registered with the FDA, and designed for hospital use.