Whats wrong here

Posted , 4 users are following.

It takes a small miricle to get me to a doctor. But 5 months ago I knew I had cellulitis and needed help. I wrapped my leg in gauze hoping to keep my pants dry.Yes, , it was announced i had cellulitis. I was prescribed bactrim awaiting results of the cultures. I was wrapped back up "in the same gauze" and told to come back in a week.The week begore the first appt. I dpent 6 days knocked out with a high fever and pain. The second appt. My leg from the foot to knee on right side looked like burnt cheese pizza, my skin was gone. The cultures concluded the infection was in the skin only and i was perscribed keflex? Not sure of spelling. They told me not to unwrap the gauze as i began to, they didnt need to see it. When asked of pain i said most of the pain is in my ankle.bthey poked everywhere except the ankle statng amazement i wasnt in pain.i asked how to clean and dress it and answered with" well, how are you cleaning it. I said being homeless i find a house where i can and rinse it with water. Water is good i was told. The wound was bathed in peroxide the first visit and i stated i used peroxide every few days. Peroxide is good iwas told.i was then sent to the vampires for blood. After 30 minutes and 6 attemts they told me to come back when i thought i could produce some blood. On top of the week of fever i had also lost 30+ pounds in 3 weeks and im guessing that causedthe blood problem. After the 2nd appt. I feltthings werent right and asked Dr. Google for help. It took minutes to find a picture of my ankle on line. Skin ulcer where i stated most of the pain was. After a good cleaning i discovered a hole to the bone and shockingly removed 10 maggots over the next to days. Ive researched as much as possible how to care for this. It was doing real good for a while. But there are times supplies are not affordable and up to 24 hours  between dressings has occured which makes a mess. But progress was still noticable. But the last 2 weeks ive developed new sores in all the places ive used tape for the gauze pads. How do i dress my wounds? The worst is onmy outer ankle and i can barely see it. How big of bandage do i use on these wounds, how much bigger than the sore? In the mornings especialy the scabs thatvhave grown are a ugly brown/ yellow and moist. A couple of times i scrubbed them away as it was very embarrasing. But mostly i just wer clen gaze with my homemade saline and par them down then pat dry them. I refuse to go to the doctor again and really would appreciate some true words of wisdom. THANK YOU.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Please go and visit a medical professional. You have stated that you have a wound to the bone, previous infections.... This doesn't sound like something you can just put a bandage on.

    From what you describe you may benefit from being seen by a specialist tissue viability nurse and vascular. All the best

  • Posted

    You have to see a doctor. I understand your situation as I was homeless for 3 years. Try to get some betadyne and apply it to your wounds to dry the wound put in your case you need to keep it covered but the best way to speed up the healing is to expose it to air to dry it out. I had mine for 8 years. I caught cellulitis last September and needed 6 weeks of antibiotic infusion 7 days a week (outpatient) they usually hospitalize you for this but I went to the only hospital in the city that does it outpatient. I am in NYC I went to NYPQ they have an excellent wound care clinic off site! My ulcers are fully healed and I had 9. My advice to you is though, go to a Dr. or emergency as soon as possible especially since you say it's down to the bone you may develop osteomylitis (infection of the bone) and if you do have it and it doesn't get treated in time the next step is amputation. Not trying to scare you, these are facts.

    • Posted

      Hi blackydee

      what is the name of the hospital you went to?   My mom has developed a sore on her ankle and leg. She really needs a good doctor.  I do not think she is getting the attention that is needed for this ulcer.

  • Posted

    You also need to cover it with gauze and a roll on gauze bandage. Then tape the rolled bandage. Do not apply the tape to your skin.
    • Posted

      You can also use honey as an antiseptic you can get honey packets for free from a fast food restaurant.
  • Posted

    Hi ishky

     my mom is in need of a good place to go in NYC.  She has developed an ulcer on her ankle that is showing.  Do you have the name for a good NYC clinic?

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