Post by sherry on Feb 2, 2014 17:02:16 GMT -8
Lαrα you have some pretty amazing information on pressure sores. Info, prevention ... I especially like the 50 minute YouTube presentation ("Pressure Ulcers Can Wreck Your Life! Preventing and Managing Skin Problems After Spinal Cord Injury"). Great review of very important information!!
In 2009, I took a university course in pressure sores and the only info that you have that I didn't know about was the hypogonadism ( testosterone) and how guys should be tested every two years.
Even though I have all the information on prevention and treating, I have a red spot (all red spots should disappear within an hour, if not then they should be considered a stage 1 wound. I don't necessarily agree with that because we would often have pressure sores. But I am vigilant and checking my 'problem spots' every day.
So for the past 2 months I have had this red spot on the bone of my outer big toe of the left foot. Since I hurt my shoulder I have only slept on my left side so I know for a fact there is no pressure on it. When I was bedridden for a week (no shoes or support stockings) and it didn't go away. It is a bit better but it is very slow healing. I imagine my very poor foot circulation plays a big part it the healing. Perhaps I am not taking enough protein, I will look into that. I may check with our OT at work if I can borrow a bootie for when I sleep on my right side.
As for my curling toes, I have bought a pair of toeless support stockings and will give them a try when I get them. The support stockings may not be helping either.
What I do now at home is I wear these warm wool slippers and try to be careful to not bang my toes. I also wear crocs also when not wearing the slippers.
I am a delinquent because I don't do my pressure reliefs when in my w/c. They taught us every 30 minutes and see you guys mention every 15-30 minutes.
Ouff, I have a ways to go when I don't even do them every hour!!! I have had a sore on my upper coccyx but I believe the breakdown was more due to skin breakdown because it was not dry there, or I may have banged myself while transferring. It's all gone now thankfully. It is so much easier taking a picture of it with your cell phone to show it to your doctor.