Posted by shasling on May 26, 2006, at 7:18:56
In reply to oh heck. my first foot sore as a diabetic., posted by Dinah on April 10, 2006, at 18:50:11
> Apparently those waterproof bandaids aren't a good idea, because I think it's infected.
>
> So... Clean it good with peroxide? Some neosporin? And keep it uncovered as much as possible?
>
>Dinah, I don't want to sound alarmist, but have to share this with you. My brother started with a small sore on his toe and did not go to the Dr. Took care of it himself with peroxide, etc. The sore didn't heal, got a little bigger/deeper, and when he did go to the Dr there was too much dead tissue to heal. After 3 years of hell, unimaginable pain & extended hospital stays, and after 6 different amputations, his entire leg is gone now up to the hip. Dying tissue is apparently unbelievably painful and he'd get where he was begging them to cut more off because he couldn't take the pain anymore. ...And this was after already losing his other leg to the hip - both legs gone now due to minor foot wounds that escalated. He never learns... If it has not healed, please find a wound specialist - not the regular dr.
What I did learn during this time is that diabetic wound care is VERY technical. At least google diabetic wound care or gangrenous wound care and know what you are dealing with. Briefly - it should NOT be uncovered or dry - it must remain moist and absolutely sanitary in order to heal. If self-tending you should have sanitary gauze, new neosporin and some sanitary wound cleaner. Lots of hand washing when dealing with it - stuff like that. It should never get wet or in water - too many critters in there.
If your diabetes is of any magnitude, please take even small wounds very seriously. Never mind the loss of the legs, my brother really truly suffered during the whole episode.
Take care and good luck.
Suzie
poster:shasling
thread:631515
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20060330/msgs/648730.html