Advice please!

[sue32]

Hi oh knowledgeable ones. My daughter’s dog has injured my lower leg today, right on the shin. When we finally stemmed the bleeding and put butterfly stitches and large dressings on, I managed to get my compression stockings back on.

Do you think it would be ok to leave the stocking on overnight? Just this once I mean, so the wound can be compressed and less likely to bleed again. I’ve always been a ‘bleeder’ so there was a lot of blood. We didn’t go to A&E cos I’m a retired nurse and I knew what to do.

Thanks folks....Happy Easter to all....💐😘

[Lynora]

Ouch! Sounds like you have it all under control. Keep a beady eye on the wound as it might require antibiotics.

Were you wearing compression at the time of the incident? If yes, then check the fabric is not torn.

[sue32 in reply to Lynora]

Yes, he scratched while I was wearing my stockings, but they are OK, just blood soaked... My skin is sooo thin and I'm always cautious, but obviously not enough this time...🙄Thanks for your reply...

😘

[DeadfootMo]

If the dog incident happened whilst you were wearing compression, I hope you managed to remove it and to thoroughly clean the wound. If you want to wear compression I would suggest lighter compression to what you are accustomed to just to protect the wound. Also it could be that if you don't change your compression sock that any germs from the dog would still be on your compression sock, so it is wise to change to clean socks.

You will need to keep an eye on the wound, for swelling, changes of colour , pus and also any movement you make should be without any additional pain. If you experience any of these then a course of antibiotics would be a good idea to prevent celucitis and infection of the skin layer. I would also check that your tetanus is up to date when you have a pet, as any infections or animal viruses can lead to lock jaw and other complications.

I know that I lost the use of my left hand for about 8 weeks when a cat I had attacked me and scratched me. The hand and wrist swelled up, and was very red and felt hard to touch. I went to a walk in centre where my hand and wrist was treated by being steeped in an antiseptic solution with warm water. Afterwards, my hand was wrapped with a cold compress a bandage and a sling. A few days later the swelling had gone down but my hand was badly bruised and still in pain. i went to see my GP who promptly gave me antibiotics and gave me a dip tet and polio jab. Approximately, 3 - 4 weeks later my frozen hand was booked in for some physio to get it moving again and working for me, as a teacher I use both hands to type, find resources or create resources. My hand recovered but the process felt very odd.

Sadly, I also disclocated, the elbow of this same arm, on the 13th Jan 2020 and this took around 6 months to recover completely from. Today, I have had no further accidents with it but every now and again, I get the most perculiar nervous twinges and tics between the hand and elbow. Very weird. I do know though that had it not been for physio in both instances, I don't think I would have regained full use of my hand or a full 180 degree stretch on my elbow.

Look after yourself Sue32 and if your wound looks odd, feels odd and you are worried, give your gp a call.

[sue32 in reply to DeadfootMo]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, I was wearing my stockings at the time but we were able to roll the stocking down in order to deal with the wound. Cleanliness rules!!! Luckily I have 2 pairs of compression stockings so I was able to swap them ASAP....

[DeadfootMo]

That is really good to hear. i hope you are alright now.