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External Fixator Device - Pin Infection

Posted , 5 users are following.

mary51013
mary51013

Hi all,

I was in an accident and had ankle surgery on Aug 6 for an Open dislocation of my ankle.  I have been NWB and taking care of the pins as I was told but one oozed a bit.  I was told this was normal.

I took the last of an anti-biotic prescription last evening (BACTRIM) and this morning woke up in pain.  The pin is infected and feels worse than the broken ankle ever did.  I phoned the Shock Trauma Clinic who have quickly represcribed another anti-biotic and I was squeezed in to see my surgeon Tuesday - with instructions that if anything changes I am to call again on their 24 hour line.

This pain is something new and I expect that once my husband gets home with my medication and I get a couple of doses in me I will feel better.  What causes the pain in an infection?  My foot is warm to the touch, the area is still oozing (a little), my foot is pink.  I am seeing that the recovery process is 3 steps forward 1 step back.  

Thanks,

Mary

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure mary51013

    Posted

    Wow Mary! I hope this will be over for you soon. Antibiotics should help you feel better once you start them. So sorry that you were hurt in the accident.

    get well and a full speedy recovery soon!

    • mary51013
      mary51013 hope4cure

      Posted

      Thanks.  I am just scared right now and want to get better - as we all do. :-)
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure mary51013

      Posted

      I totally understand. It is scary and painful. How this changes life as we know it makes us feel vulnerable. 

      Also when I  in a bad accident I asked for antidepressants. It helped me feel emotionally so much better and heeling was faster as my attitude was so positive . Depression is a normal emotion after accidents and Drs don't usually address it.

      Peace & Heeling biggrin

       

  • chris17683
    chris17683 mary51013

    Posted

    Wow!  You truly are having problems.

    The reason your foot is hot is due to the increasing infection. 

    Seriously, my advice would be to go to A & E and get the trained staff to deal with it.

  • shantell03710
    shantell03710 mary51013

    Posted

    I am so sorry to hear about your infection. I was prescribed the same medicine Batrim its working i guess.make sure that you keep a eye on your incision and you can also clean it...i wish you the best in your healing process
  • hope4cure
    hope4cure mary51013

    Posted

    Mary just checking back with you. Are you doing better today?
    • mary51013
      mary51013 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi. Thanks for checking in. My one pin started oozing blood/fluid/pus so I went to the emergency room. I have been here over 3 hours but just got moved to back for treatment. Blood was drawn to see if infection crossed into my blood system (yuck).
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure mary51013

      Posted

      That sounds like a really stressful situation. I am so sorry to hear that this has happened to u.ER is so slow and frightening sometimes. I hope you are back home and on your journey to recovery soon. Use hand sanitizers and be sure Drs and nurses do too!

      i hope a course of antibiotics is all that you need. Sometimes a IV is faster.

      many prayers and blessings sent your way. This is a difficult situation & they will get you back on track soon. 

      plz keep me posted. 

      Gentle Hugs

      H4C

    • mary51013
      mary51013 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi H4C,

      Am home after 5 hours in ER then transfer and overnight to my original hospital with IV anti-biotics and prescription for Augmentin.  I have Cellulitis (an infection of the skin) that apparently is not uncommon.  Glad to be back home though.  No more ER for me!

       

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure mary51013

    Posted

    So happy to hear your home. Wishing you many heeling blessings sent your way.

    take care 

    H4C

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