I don't know how much more of this I can take. Please Help.

[carolyn]

I have a large open wound on my tummy, from major surgery did not heal. I have had it for 12 years. Well yesterday the wound blew open a hole, as big as to fit a childs fist in. Not that I am going to. I have to put up with this all the time. The smell from it is disgusting, and the stuff that it discharges is gross. I clean and dress it 2-3 times daily I have been doing this for 12 years and I am better than any nurse dressing it. The pain is terrible I live on morphine.
Does anyone know of anyone else with this problem? I have had 12 operations to close the wound but it just bursts open again and again. Any help or advise would be greatly accepted. Thanks in anticipation. Caz.

[Joeprep4820]

I had to have my appendix taken out a few years ago, the stitching got infected and I had to let it close up by itself. Left a real nasty scar, but it was completely healed up about 8 weeks after the surgery.

[poodlebone]

I don't really have any advice but I want to say that's it's unbelievable no doctor has been able to fix that for you. What about a skin graft? Would that be a possibility? I'm sure that doctors will tell you it's worse because you have diabetes. They like to blame everything on diabetes.

[yannah]

carolyn,

I am so sorry, and yes that does sound diabetes related. and yes I have seen people log in with that type of thing going on somewhere.

alot of the people I have seen in log in with this type of issue I am not sure have hung around.

I would love you to stay with us!!!!

hopefully someone will come along with a similar story or some encouragement or advice.

I am so sorry this is happening to you. you deserve better than this. and I feel sad this is happening..

Kelli

[Penny]

I just complained to my doctor that my toe has not healed, 8 months after the toenail was removed. I honestly think it is a combination of Diabetes and getting older. I have had surgeries and cuts when I was younger and Diabetic that healed as quick as non Diabetic people. Just in the last few years that there has been a change.

[thisstinks]

12 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

YOU COULD HAVE BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR BY NOW

[princesslinda]

Have you ever been seen at a wound care center?

I'm so sorry you're having to go through all of this. Hard to believe in this day and age this can be allowed to continue for this long. What does your doctor suggest? I'm assuming you've seen multiple physicians about it?

[Tribbles]

Talk to Diabetes UK and find a consultant who specialises in this area. If you have a general surgeon it probably isn't good enough.

[xucub]

There is a device in the U.S. called something like a wound-care vacuum. It entails covering the wound area with a piece of tagaderm (non sticky variety). There is a hose that comes out of the tagaderm which goes to a pump. Any drainage is pulled away from the wound, and healing is improved by something like 25%. It is probably worth investigating.

[rak1978]

No advice to give, but I wanted to say that I'm sorry you have to go through this awful situation. I hope you find proper care soon/immediately! So sorry!

[SueM]

I have a large open wound on my tummy, from major surgery did not heal. I have had it for 12 years. Well yesterday the wound blew open a hole, as big as to fit a childs fist in. Not that I am going to. I have to put up with this all the time. The smell from it is disgusting, and the stuff that it discharges is gross. I clean and dress it 2-3 times daily I have been doing this for 12 years and I am better than any nurse dressing it. The pain is terrible I live on morphine.
Does anyone know of anyone else with this problem? I have had 12 operations to close the wound but it just bursts open again and again. Any help or advise would be greatly accepted. Thanks in anticipation. Caz.

Carolyn,
If it smell like that and oozing muck then you have an infection which needs treating urgently.
Can they not use an internal patch like they do for a hernia to close the wound?
Please go and see your Dr or call the after hours Dr so you can be treated properly.
Best wishes
Sue

[davef]

Caz,

None of us could possibly understand what you have had to deal with for 12 years. I got a wound infection after my appendix was removed, they to reopen the wound and allow it heal, took 10 weeks of dressing - I can't imagine 12 years.

But if it is oozing and smelling, that surely can't be a sign that all is well? My suggestion is that you try see another surgeon, specialist, plastic surgeon, harley street?

[shiftzor]

You are a strong person don't give up you can and will get through this. What does your endo/dr have to say about it? Can they refer you to a specialist? If it's really bad now go to A&E at least they can clean it up and possibly give you better care than just putting another dressing on it. If all they want to do is put a dressing on it then explain your situation, it's not good enough to just "ignore" it and hope it goes away. I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

[Mich]

Carolyn,

Ask your doctor to refer you to a wound center at a teaching hospital. There have been enormous strides in healing wounds just like yours in the last 3-4 years. You didn't mention if you had been treated by vacuum wound healing. You sound like the perfect candidate.

Make sure it is a well-recognized hospital, even if you must commute. I wish you luck so you can get on with your life.

Mich

[fgummett]

I agree with all the posters above that this is unacceptable... perhaps your own Doctors have run out of ideas but that does not mean that they can stop looking... please insist on getting referred elsewhere.

How is your BG control in all this? Probably the least of your worries but I'm sure you appreciate how good control can help with healing... especially when you do find a Doctor/Clinic/Hospital who can help you... and I'm confident that you will :cool:

[DanG]

12 years - W O W !!
If you have been under the care of a physician for 12 years with no positive satisfactory results - you really are patient, as shiftzor said. You will make it through this, certainly. Try to find the specialists others have mentioned.

Alternatively - you might do some search about healing an infected wound. Years ago I recall reading that in europe they use lavender oils for disinfection purposes in hospitals and surgery rooms. I have no direct knowledge of euro medical practices, but lavender oils are readily available. We always have some handy for whatever wounds happen here. Since the pharma-medical conspiracy has not satisfied your situation, you might do the online research regarding lavender and other plant based products that have been successfully used by man for many more years than modern pharma has existed. After all - the pharma primarily tries to mimics what the plants of the planet have provided for medical care for millenia, i.e. white willow bark is what aspirin mimics, etc. Lavender oil may assist in killing an internal infection and may not be harmful to your body systems.

There are other alternatives out there also - someone else can probably speak up about other plant based disinfection. If you can get some food grade hydrogen peroxide 30% - that is also effective to infections. Since we are all considered terrorists until proven otherwise, people cannot obtain the 30% hydrogen peroxide - I have tried for years. If any one uses this product and has experience obtaining it - please tell me about it - thanks.

[carolyn]

Thank you all for your replies. I have been to a wound healing centre, in Wales. That is where I found out that I was Diabetic. I have also had VAC, vacuum assisted closure, in hospital, for 7 weeks but again no good. I have been to a few hospitals. The last surgeon walked out on me, after looking at my wound, after he operated on it. It was literally pouring out fluid. He said he couldn't do anymore but to go back if I wanted him to have another "go at it". Not with that attitude he won't. Some of these surgeons are so bolshy. Still, I'll keep at it. I am so very grateful for all of your support. Thank you so much.

[HollyB]

So sorry to hear what you've been dealing with -- hard to imagine.

This is a little gross, and I really have no idea if it's at all relevant to your particular case, but have you looked into maggots at all? I saw an amazing TV show about how they are starting to use them medicinally again, and they have proved especially useful in healing persistent wounds in diabetics and also antibiotic-resistant infections. Just a long shot, admittedly.

I do hope you find someone who can offer a new and more promising treatment option. Hang in there.

[sable_032592]

i have the same problem with my left big toe nail... it's been over 2 1/2 years and it's still the same... it bleeds, it oozes, it gets red, it hurts... no doctor has been able to help completely... i was just on 2 severe antibiotics for 2 weeks because they suspected cellulitis...

as for your condition, i would seriously give up on home treatments and go find another doctor or another hospital... it's getting serious, you could get gangrene in there... infection seepage into any organ... it's serious enough to warrant medical attention...

[yannah]

actually and seiously. I would - absolutley would try the maggot thing. saw this documentary about it and how it has worked. this one woman was going to have to have her foot amputated. she areeed to the maggot treatment and it saved her foot, completly healed. I would try it in a heartbeat. great idea.

[Jan B]

actually and seiously. I would - absolutley would try the maggot thing. saw this documentary about it and how it has worked. this one woman was going to have to have her foot amputated. she areeed to the maggot treatment and it saved her foot, completly healed. I would try it in a heartbeat. great idea.

I would too. After Holly mentioned it, I looked into Medical Maggots, and it was very interesting. Please look at the link below:

Monarch Labs, maggot therapy and Medical Maggots (http://www.monarchlabs.com/patients_videos.htm)

Bless you Carolyn. Please watch the video interviews, both about the procedure, and from patients.

[sweetlife]

So sorry to hear what you've been going threw with,honestly you are a brave person to me.Do not let you down please.I sincerely pray for you and I wish God will hear my prayer.

[yannah]

I would too. After Holly mentioned it, I looked into Medical Maggots, and it was very interesting. Please look at the link below:

Monarch Labs, maggot therapy and Medical Maggots (http://www.monarchlabs.com/patients_videos.htm)

Bless you Carolyn. Please watch the video interviews, both about the procedure, and from patients.

great videos Jan!

[Granny Shanny]

Very very interesting. Thanks, Jan. There's a patient in my extended family who comes to mind for this too.

I would too. After Holly mentioned it, I looked into Medical Maggots, and it was very interesting. Please look at the link below:

Monarch Labs, maggot therapy and Medical Maggots (http://www.monarchlabs.com/patients_videos.htm)

Bless you Carolyn. Please watch the video interviews, both about the procedure, and from patients.

[notme]

I have seen this method used in the hospital where I worked years ago and it was very successful. I know it sounds a bit barbaric, but it works.

Good luck Carolyn. This must be so so stressful for you.

[strack350]

WOW I'm sorry to hear about your problems, but please, please, please get to the hospital now. If I had a gaping, smelly hole in my stomach I would not be here talking about it:eek: :eek:

[yannah]

WOW I'm sorry to hear about your problems, but please, please, please get to the hospital now. If I had a gaping, smelly hole in my stomach I would not be here talking about it:eek: :eek:


okay well I would be here talking about it among friends.
please stay with us Carolyn.

[carolyn]

Just a little update. I am awaiting swab results and I am due to have more swabs taken on thursday morning. I'll keep you all up to date. It is so nice to have such a caring group of friends. Many thanks to you all for being there for me.

[strack350]

I hope all the best to you, and hope the wait goes by fast;) I know when I wait for labs to come back it can seem a long time, come here and read up, it helps me:D

[yannah]

keep us posted.