Thank you

[gbn_]

Hello. Just wanted to say thank you, for the support and "lending an ear" once in a while. It's very re-assuring knowing that someone is there to help and listen. Sometimes, like now, the anxiety with this comes out and it gets a little tough to deal with. The latest development here with me has been a very small, actually tiny pit that has taken place on top of my right foot. It almost looks like a very tiny ulcer, about the size of a pin head. I am still wearing my knee-high circulation stockings daily. I put some peroxide on it and put on a stick-on bandaid over it, and I've been wearing the sock still. I know the stockings are supposed to help with circulation, but, has anyone else come across this type of thing? My son mentioned that maybe I shouldn't have it covered and I should not try to dry it out, just a bit confused. One thing I can say, my legs and feet have become somewhat discolored, kind of like freckles since having afib and wearing these socks.

[JaneFinn]

Hi gbn, I agree, it’s such a relief to have this lovely bunch of people to be able to share concerns with, and all the experiences and wisdom that people are kind enough to write are so helpful.

And I think many of us understand the anxiety (often health anxiety) that can grip us, out of the blue sometimes, I certainly can. So mainly I just wanted to send my support.

I’m sorry I don’t have any knowledge about the issue of covering or not covering a sore patch of skin… I can see why you would cover it, as you have to put your support socks over it (I assume they are feet-in socks, so your foot is covered?) in which case you want to keep the sore patch clean and protected. But also I’ve heard of first-aid advice about sometimes letting the air get to it, so I’m afraid I’m no use whatsoever!

But my advice to you if you were in the UK would be to try to see/speak to a surgery nurse, or failing that a pharmacist, for advice, as they can look at it and see what the problem is. And advise about leaving/covering. They can also comment on your concern about the discolouration from the support stockings etc. To me, though I’d hate being a nuisance and worry they’d think I was making a fuss about nothing, it would still be far better than wondering and worrying that it might be the start of an ulcer, or whatever else that is in your mind. (Not that I think it is an ulcer or something else worrying, just to be clear.)

But I see you’re in the US, so I don’t know what the equivalent would be for you? Someone medically trained who can cast an experienced eye over it and advise you? That would be a great way forward to me, if it might be possible?

Sorry not to be more helpful xx

[gbn_ in reply to JaneFinn]

Hi, JaneFinn. Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply, very much appreciated. I'll just have to keep an eye on this and if it gets worse I will call my cardio doctor office and see what they suggest. Yes, health anxiety sure does at times take it's toll on our nerves, no fun.

[Buffafly]

I have speckled lower legs and have been told it is the result of leaking capillaries due to poor circulation and age 🙄 As you wear support stockings I assume you have the same. Anything on your lower limbs that looks like an ulcer, no matter how small, should be seen and advice on appropriate treatment given by a medical professional. You could speak to a pharmacist first but they would probably suggest seeing a doctor.

[gbn_ in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you Buffafly, I'll be keeping a sharp eye on this, hopefully it gets better on it's own. If not, I'll call for information from cardio doctors office.