Mistake by Nurse - advice please

AI Overview
No, normal saline for irrigation typically does not contain preservatives. It's usually formulated as a sterile, preservative-free solution of sodium chloride in water. This is specifically for topical irrigation and cleansing of wounds, including deep wounds and burns, as well as for eyewash.

ferry23

I understand why some of you think I should be taking a complaint further and if I were advising someone I'd probably say the same. But right now, it's difficult to see further than managing the pain and moving forward with the treatment. I'm so debilitated by it all I just can't add another layer of something else to deal with.

I did do some research into using tap water as I was quite surprised when one of the nurses told me it was perfectly ok to use it. This is from The Wounds UK Journal and is a conclusion to a review undertaken by a Tissue Viability Specialist and a Plastic Surgeon (Leeds General Infirmary) -

Several recent trials report that tap water (TW) of drinkable quality is as safe and effective as normal saline for the cleansing of acute traumatic wounds.

The findings are backed up by several others, published in the BMJ and suchlike.

We apparently don't have Tissue Viability Specialists in my part of the country, which is why the next step is probably vascular.

Re using tap water - I've got a minor injury right now (ie just had an ingrowing toenail removed) and the podiatrist said to me to clean it daily whilst it heals by using half a cup of (previously boiled) water and 2 teaspoons of salt.

Obviously - you can't use salt in your situation - but I would say, from that, that it sounds like a good idea to boil (and then let cool) some water - rather than just using it straight out of the tap.

Keep appt. / do as you said.
Do not leave surgery till you are seen by GP
Refuse to leave
Complain in writing after the event & make your feelings heard. We are all too compliant. I sometimes feel people forget the “Service “ part of the NHS

Although what is said now won’t affect your outcome it is important to have your say.
And people just need to listen! I had a similar experience; cut to the front of my calf (walked at speed into a coal bucket 🙄) which was treated with silver infused dressings for a couple of months, despite me telling everyone that my body doesn’t like silver.
Long story short, it ulcerated and I ended up with compression stockings… still protesting about silver.
Finally one nurse realised that an area previously healed had broken down under a silver dressing and changed to using zinc. Within two weeks the bandages were off.
One nurse was so brusque (rude?) that I refused to see her again.
Leg now healed and no issues, but the area, although not scarred, is very discoloured- well known side effect of using silver.

Sorry to hear your experience SueEH.

Yet again - showing that we're not necessarily being treated as individuals. How did that happen that you found out they'd used the wrong dressings - ie did you wear them for a while and then realise you were reacting badly/they'd given you the wrong ones?

It almost makes me feel glad that the doctor I went to in my 30's complaining about aches and pains on my hands/arms/shoulder area said "Normal - to be expected at your age" - as I've been distrustful ever since and don't automatically believe the medics are right (yep...those aches and pains were related to my job - and were nothing to do with ME personally and I found the absolute proof subsequently of that fact). So I've spent about the last 40 years thinking "They may not know....they may not care.... and there's a high chance they won't listen properly to the person inhabiting the body that's being complained about.

you poor thing - your situation sounds horrible When I had a really bad cut on the front of my leg (ended up with about 20 stitches) it took forever to heal - but medicinal manuka honey was prescribed after a bit, which really did seem to promote healing. I always keep some in the house now. I do hope you get your problems sorted out as soon as possible so that you are in a less scary position healthwise.

Well, some of you asked me to keep you updated. I've hesitated in doing so for the past day as I am starting to sound as if I've started a Moany Old Woman podcast.

The compression wrap was removed on Thursday as it was causing too much pain. Dressing changed and bandage with wadding applied.

By Friday evening I had bandage trailing behind me. Good job I noticed as I could have tripped and done even more damage.

By yesterday lunchtime the bandage had fallen down my leg and whatever I did it wouldn't stay put. All the wadding was coming off in clumps and was all over my floor. I put in an emergency call to my cousin who kindly drove to me with her husband.

She had a load of NHS out of date bandages which we tried to put on over the original bandage just to keep it on place. We ended up using self stick sports tape around it as micropore just kept peeling off.

Sadly two hour later the bandages we coming off again and I found a crepe bandage which I haphazardly wrapped around my leg and used more sports tape. I daren't hardly move otherwise it all falls down and more wadding comes out.

At the moment I can see the discharge has seeped through the dressing, the wadding, 4 layers of gauze bandages, the crepe bandage and the sports tape. I'm dreading getting myself lunch in case it falls again and the chances of making any sort of meal tonight are zero.

I should have been going to a really lovely event today with family and friends which we go to annually and have a wonderful time. No way I could go so I'm feeling even more miserable knowing I'm missing it and had been so looking forward to it.

Not sure if I'll be able to get to the surgery tomorrow for my dressing change under my own steam, which means an expensive taxi trip.

I feel like I'm losing the will to live - in fact my own self is getting fed up with my own moaning .

This enjoying my retirement lark has turned out to be not quite what I expected.

Sorry for the moan again, but right now, it's the only place I can let out all the moans!

So pleased you have updated us ferry.
I was hopeful that the dressing put on on Friday would be okay.
I'm so sorry this has happened.
You must be feeling very low today missing the annual event you normally enjoy so much.

I, too, am alone and it can be so hard sometimes knowing no one is around just to talk to and get another perspective on an issue.
That is when Gransnet comes to your aid!
I'd certainly want to help you if I lived near you!

I'd drive you to A&E or Minor Injuries if I lived near you, ferry23 and sit there until someone who knows what they're doing has seen you. Someone needs a lesson in bandaging!

Do you have a family member who can take you?

Thank you Blue and Allira.. No I don't have anyone to drive me, they're all at the event I should have been going to!
Less than 24 hours to go and I'm back at the surgery. I shall then make it absolutely crystal clear that until I am as sure as I can be that the bandaging will last 72 hours, and that I know what their treatment plan is moving forward, I don't be going anywhere.

Oh ferry this is just awful. No wonder you are so fed up. I feel that you’re being badly let down. It makes me think of those sort of programmes that I sometimes find whilst channel hopping in which someone will have had a chronic problem for ages and the doctor in the programme puts them in the hands of experts and they are cured. It seems as if your standard NHS treatment isn’t working and somebody needs to think outside of the box. It’s so debilitating that your body is struggling to heal itself. I’m sure we all wish we could help you in some way. The skin on my shin has only just healed after weeks and weeks and it’s going to leave a scar; the skin is so thin in that area.

ferry23

Thank you Blue and Allira.. No I don't have anyone to drive me, they're all at the event I should have been going to!
Less than 24 hours to go and I'm back at the surgery. I shall then make it absolutely crystal clear that until I am as sure as I can be that the bandaging will last 72 hours, and that I know what their treatment plan is moving forward, I don't be going anywhere.

Do you need a skin graft?
My SisIL had to have one once, it took very well even though she was nearly 90 at the time.

Skin graft never been mentioned. And why would they, given it's taken 7 months and some very strong words from me to even refer me to a specialised unit

I’ve just remembered that a lovely old chap in my village cut his leg and a friend of his took him to a walk in centre that had a very good reputation because she felt that our surgery wasn’t dealing with it properly. Which it wasn’t.

Skin on shin is notoriously thin and difficult to heal, as you are finding. Continuity of care is critical and whatever the arguments here on Gransnet about the saline solution your lived experience is the only thing that matters . Having said that I would personally want to be using sterile water from an unopened bottle. Resources for tissue viability treatment sound very poor . Nurses will be doing their best and are likely to have more experience than GP about wound care but I would ask to see a specialist tissue care person urgently . This all sounds truly awful OP and I do hope there is a way forward for you . Rest your leg up as much as you can and make sure you are drinking plenty of water . I know getting to the loo may be hard but your skin needs it. You sound like a very determined and assertive person but this will be taking its toll on your confidence - being in pain makes it hard to advocate for yourself. You are not being a moaning minny or a nuisance at all. Stay in touch here.

Yes, thanks for the update Ferry and you have every right to moan- it sounds awful and I know I was once in hospital when a family wedding was taking place, and it was also my birthday.

I knew I couldn't go to the wedding but I did sign myself out for the evening so I could go for a birthday meal!

I know I wept buckets and told the staff that I would never forget that day- and I haven't, although I am very well now so I shouldn't have complained too much!

I really hope that this situation will be sorted for you soon.

Please keep sharing- we're all with you!

The heavens opened here around 2pm accompanied by thunder and lightning.

My cousin has just phoned me to say she's soaked through to her knickers, and unfortunately the event had to be abandoned before the main performances started, so I wasn't to sit here miserable thinking I was missing out.

I'm sorry for all the people that were there and who would be making a whole day out of it - it's such an event down my way.

However, a little tiny, teeny, weeny bit of me is thinking..........no...I'm not even going to admit to it....

ferry23

Skin graft never been mentioned. And why would they, given it's taken 7 months and some very strong words from me to even refer me to a specialised unit

The skin graft was on her shin, taken from somewhere with more flesh.

Allira

ferry23

Skin graft never been mentioned. And why would they, given it's taken 7 months and some very strong words from me to even refer me to a specialised unit

The skin graft was on her shin, taken from somewhere with more flesh.

Well that shouldn't be a problem. About 99% of my body has more flesh.

ferry23

Allira

ferry23

Skin graft never been mentioned. And why would they, given it's taken 7 months and some very strong words from me to even refer me to a specialised unit

The skin graft was on her shin, taken from somewhere with more flesh.

Well that shouldn't be a problem. About 99% of my body has more flesh.

😁

Glad you are keeping a sense of humour!

Ps my wrists are slim 😀

“However a little tiny, teeny, weeny bit of me is thinking………”

Well done ferry!
Amid all your pain and distress you’ve managed to keep your sense of humour.

I know this is not about your wound, but if you are unable to bath or shower I have found the Vivactive bed bath wipes from Age UK which I had delivered are excellent. One does most of me. I bought them really for DH but I use them when for whatever reason I can't bath.
Sympathies for your situation. I do hope you get better care very soon and heal.

They are called

Sorry ignore that last half sentence

You can get extra large baby wipes from most supermarkets now.
Sometimes called all over wipes.
Price About a pound in lidl or aldi.
Might be cheaper than things aimed at elders or disabled.
Likewise puppy pads for seats.