poss leg ulcer: I have had a sore on my... - Hughes Syndrome A...

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poss leg ulcer

teadonna profile image
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I have had a sore on my leg which started as a blister which popped and i covered with a 5 x 5 plaster which just got soaking wet and slid down my leg. I was referred to the ulcer clinic which appointment was not till another 3 weeks. was told to use aaquagel and bandage the leg up. I have since then seen the ulcer clinic who did a doppler test and referred me to the tissue viability nurse. which i had not heard from so i rang to see if they had received the referral letter. I spoke to lady who at first could not find me on the system even thou i had seen the ulcer clinic in the same place and same floor/department. then she said she had found it and said the readings were really high and that she would have to re do the doppler test and whatever else she does. I just want some recommendation until i see her in two week. i keep the ulcer covered as much as possible and have been off a evening leaving it uncovered to get the air to it. I find the stinging pain unbearable any suggestions on how i can control this, i dont really want to take loads of pain killers, but is making me miserable and shot tempered.

any help would be appreciated

donna

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teadonna
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lupus-support1 profile image
lupus-support1Administrator

I am sorry to read this, but I think you have not been given the treatment you need!

IMHO, I think you need to see your GP as soon as possible & then have an emergency referral to see a tissue specialist.

I am not a doctor, but given your description, a great deal can happen in 3 weeks! You don't want to get an infection or cellulitis.

Failing this, take yourself off to A & E and they will call a tissue specialist down to take a look. I know you will be there for hours, but please don't ignore this as there is a special procedure needed to dress the wound.

With good wishes,

Ros

teadonna profile image
teadonna in reply to lupus-support1

Thank you for your advise, I have managed to contact the Tissue Nurse and have booked an appointment for Monday 6th August. As at the moment having issues regarding my knee replacements, Had had one nuclear scan on bones, and now due to have another nuclear MRI and also a Bone Marrow scan. I don't know if the ulcer is connected with this or not personally don't think so just co-incidence .

I just need something for the pain of the ulcer I have put a damp flannel to try and ease but I am working still and I can sit with a flannel on my leg, I leave it covered for the day whilst working so as to keep it clean, it just the pain.

lupus-support1 profile image
lupus-support1Administrator in reply to teadonna

It's good you have an appointment but you need to see a doctor asap.

It has to be cleansed and bandaged else it may become infected.

Please see your GP who will advise you. I am concerned that what you are doing is insufficient and may spread an infection. Don't use that flannel unless it has been thoroughly cleaned at a high temperature. Everything must be sterile!

Sorry to nag but your medical team are letting you down. You could contact that nurse, ask how to dress it and what you need!

With good wishes,

Ros

MaryF profile image
MaryFAdministrator in reply to lupus-support1

I agree with this advice, things can get very out of hand with a wound like that, with the underlying autoimmune disease added to the situation. I hope you find your GP fast tracks you to better help. MaryF

HollyHeski profile image
HollyHeskiAdministrator

Hi, from my experience with the ambo service leg ulcers need to be dressed and clean regularly. It probably hasnt helped in this hot weather!? It must be very painful.

Ive looked up the link with APS, AND i quote 'Leg ulcers in the antiphospholipid syndrome may be considered as a form of pyoderma gangrenosum and they respond favorably to treatment with immunosuppression and anticoagulation. ...'

Therefore I think a call through to your specialist would really benefit you?

Waiting weeks at a time and losing you in the system is not good enough, even with a person without an immune syndrome.

teadonna profile image
teadonna

Just to let you know the latest in the ulcer department etc.

I have now seen the Tissue Viability Nurse, who has photographed, tested with a dopler, and is arranging for me to get dressings etc from the doctor. She is also sorting out about compression socks, which I could not use even when I had the operation on my knee, she has said that is newer equipment and she has arranged for me to have a Velcro type compression that I have to use on both legs, (not looking forward to it) am just hoping they will be okay underneath my trousers for work. going to see her again on Friday to be shown how to put them on , not sure what happens after that, if I have to see doctors nurse or stay under them. She also took blood pressure in both arms and one was high then the other and said when I see my doctor/nurse which I have not got any appointment booked with them to tell them to check the pressure again in both arms. She did say to remind her when I go to see her on how to put the compression thing on, to check the blood pressure again.

Also had all the nuclear scans done over two days to check my knees and other parts of my body go to wait till after the bank holiday for the results.

I am more concerned at the moment of the ulcer and the area is very dark red/brown. I am just worried it going to get worse as I have had this since mid June, it is still weeping slightly, but just so sore, only have to move the leg and it agony. I don't know what else to do.

Sorry for having a moan, think everything is getting on top of me, my balance is playing up and I keep going dizzy and feel like my legs are going to give way. Just wish things would settle down and give me a break away from doctors, hospital etc. I know the nurse did say about putting leg up but I am working full time and don't get paid if I don't come in, so don't want the added pressure of not having enough money, so struggling abit, travelling to and from work from Essex to Mayfair London.

thanks for listening

Donna

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