AIBU - Is it fair for me to live like this?

redhead56 I had a basil cell carcinoma cut out and the district nurses came to my house twice a week to dress the wound

My dad had leg ulcers it was a nuisance having them dressed all the time. My dad was helped a nurse visited him everyday this was in the 80s NHS resources were more available.

My mum developed a few ulcers but she was not visited by a nurse to have them dressed. I took her to the hospital outpatients and it was done there a few times a week.

What we found was a help to keep dressing in place was light elasticated tubing you can buy it most places. You cut it to size and put it over the dressing it’s like a long sock and keeps everything in its place. It’s flesh coloured elasticated and light weight I hope it’s available near you.

Hypergranulation is not uncommon - DH has had it and trimovate is good. Her comment suggests a lack of experience. Do you have compression stockings?

My husband has had leg ulcers for over ten years and I recognise exactly the soaking dressings, leaky legs etc. You are at risk of infection tracking back into the wounds. If there is any smell that needs treatment with antibiotics. Luckily I am here to change the dressings. His treatment now includes atruman dressings, kliniderm pads and most importantly, soft stockings with external Velcro fastened wraps, which provide compression but comfortably.
These have helped tremendously and it’s only getting an infection which has stopped them healing.
Please talk to the doctor, ask for the referral to be hurried up and ask if dermatology might help?
Good luck xx

ferry My personal opinion is that you should be hospitalised because you cannot cope with the wound as it oozes fluid very quickly. Hospitalisation would at least get the would dressed x6 if needed.

You need to see a GP asap and get this sorted. I would love him to see your wound at its worst, and not beautifully dressed and intact for five minutes,

I cannot believe the way you have been treated and you should not be paying £20 to get to the surgery and home again.

That was a lovely offer from another GN. Please give it some thought.

Kiwiqueen123

So sorry to hear your sad tale. Is it worth trying to push to find out when the vascular appoinment might happen, may be find out who you've been referred to and ring the consultant's secretary. On a more positive note my DH was treated with Trimovate for his leg ulcer and it was almost miraculous so I'm hoping for the same with you.

That's interesting. I apparently may have hyper-granulation and the nurse who spotted it on Friday said she had only seen it once before but after three weeks of the trimovate, she was amazed at how quickly it speeded up the healing.

I'm truly willing it to make some difference.

So sorry to hear your sad tale. Is it worth trying to push to find out when the vascular appoinment might happen, may be find out who you've been referred to and ring the consultant's secretary. On a more positive note my DH was treated with Trimovate for his leg ulcer and it was almost miraculous so I'm hoping for the same with you.

Wishing you all the best, ferry23.

My dad is going through a similar problem - seems as though it's been going on for ever.

I hope your doctor's visit yields some results.

Chocolatelovinggran

Good morning ferry: I am not surprised that you are feeling as you do. This has caused you a very long stretch of discomfort and inability to engage with the world.
On a practical note, I think that I recall that you are in East Kent. If that's correct, I live near and would be happy to help if you would want that - pick up a prescription, visit you or...?
Wishing better days ahead for you.

Oh goodness. how very kind. I feel like crying!

Thank you everyone.

I have tried changing the dressing at home, but given I have to hold the pads onto my leg (I can't have adhesive) so the nurse can pull the stockinette up, it's just impossible to do it alone. Plus I have arthritis in my fingers so I'm next to useless some days.

As long as I only have to drive straight to the surgery and straight back, I can usually manage to drive. Fortunately I live in a small place so not a lot of traffic to contend with. If it's particularly bad I have to get a taxi there and back which costs me £20 a time.

I think I'd have more luck requesting a visit from the King than trying to get a District Nurse down here .

But thank you, thank you. I just wanted confirmation that I wasn't being a moaning minny.

I've now submitted the online form to my surgery asking for a GP appt. to discuss a more robust treatment plan and some support in getting out of what is feeling like a downward spiral into depression.

You absolutely shouldn't have to be putting up with this. Are you diabetic,is this a Venous ulcer, they are the very devil to try and heal up. How do you actually get to the surgery.? Could the surgery teach you how to do the dressing, save you the journey, maybe take pictures of the wound. Good luck

What a kind and thoughtful offer from Chocolatelovinggran!

I'm so sorry ferry.
This has gone on far too long and, no, you shouldn't have to live like this.
You've probably asked but is it possible for you to be treated at home?

I really can't say anything constructive to help but just know that many on here are thinking of you and wishing you well.

Good morning ferry: I am not surprised that you are feeling as you do. This has caused you a very long stretch of discomfort and inability to engage with the world.
On a practical note, I think that I recall that you are in East Kent. If that's correct, I live near and would be happy to help if you would want that - pick up a prescription, visit you or...?
Wishing better days ahead for you.

I’m so sorry you’re having to endure this ferry23. It sounds an utterly miserable situation.

Apologies if I’m repeating what might have been previously asked in your other thread but have they not discussed the possibility of a district nurse visiting you at home for dressing changes? It sounds very unreasonable to expect you to travel to them in your current state.

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all.
I read your other thread and hoped that you would soon be seeing improvement to your leg but sadly, this hasn't happened.
It sounds thoroughly miserable for you and it doesn't help that you can see no end to it in the near future.
When they have finished bandaging your leg it must look fine to them but you have so many issues with bandages slipping and the wound weeping that isn't helping with your recovery or general wellbeing. Could you take photos?
I wish you well and will be very pleased to read your post saying you are back to full health.

Morning ferry.
I can feel how frustrated and sad you are from reading your post.
What I’m going to suggest might sound bizarre but I do know someone this treatment worked for. She was in your same situation for 2 years.
It’s leeches.
I listened to this program on radio 4 some time back.
It’s worth a listen.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b07m5gwr

This sounds like an absolute nightmare , I've no advice but you shouldn't have to put up with this

I'm sorry you are still going through all this ferry- it must seem never ending and I really feel for you.

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all- but quite justified in your situaton.

Do you have friends who visit? Someone you can ring when you are down?

I think it is just as important to care for your mental health in these circumstances.

I know my sister had a fall years ago and hurt her calf. It did take a long time to heal but it's no good my saying just be patient.

I am sure you will get lots of messages of support here- and I hope it helps but I can't help thinking there is no replacement for real people...maybe speak to your GP? If you are in the surgery three times a week they should have got to know you pretty well.

Being honest I am pretty mystified that there doesn't seem to be some improvement- are you even allowed to have the dressings off and just let some fresh air get to the wound?

Or maybe I'm being unreasonable...?