Ertl Amputation Day 18
Previously I wrote that we seemed to have progressed beyond a turning point. Since then we have regressed? Actually, for the most part the days haven't been too bad, however the past couple of nights have been really fairly bad. The night before last Carol had just constant pain. Last night was more of random spikes of pain that work her up. The problem is that the spikes were about 20 minutes apart pretty much all night long.
On Friday, Carol, Jade and I all went out to dinner. It was the first time Carol had been out of the apartment since the surgery. She is going seriously stir crazy at this point. The kids have been here all week and they have really done great with Carol. We haven't had any incidents of accidental collisions (ouch).
Tomorrow we have the follow-up with Dr. Ertl. Carol is really hoping to get rid of Wilber (the vacuum thing) because he has really become a source of pain. The nurse came on Friday and changed the vacuum tape. She took some pictures that are below. They are graphic. The wound really hasn't closed yet. Carol and I are both a little concerned about that. We aren't really sure if it should be closed or not.
hey Tim I am no doctor but I think you should get some immediate attention from someone other than that nurse, it looks very swolen, and shiney, Carol should only be a couple of weeks from starting to have some proshtetic fittings. Listen, for a dressing underneath the Vac Bandage they should be using Acucel, of Acticoate. that way they would only have to Change it every 72 hours. I think you said you see Dr. Ertl tommorow, make sure she is very specific as to what kind of pain she is haveing, if it is not Phantom pain make sure it is not describes as that! What kind of meds do they have her on? She should be at a point where Atasol is enough for pain. Listen I hope everything works out but you really need to make sure she gets control of the swelling elevate it and put some kind of a pressure wrap on it, is She wearing a Stump Shrinker yet, if not ask the Doctor about that tommorow!!!! Best of luck!! You can liase with me on your blog I check it regular, if you want I can give you my E-mail just say the word, Keep you chin up, things will definiatly start to get better.
Lloyd
I agree with Lloyd! I don't like the look of her stump either. Being an Orthopadice Nurse as you well know, the swelling and the pain are also a concern to me. Let me know what Dr. Ertyl says.
Hugs!
Jenn
Thanks Lloyd/Jenn. See the next post (day 19 and 20) for a response to your concerns.
As far as a prostetic goes Dr. Ertl said it would be approx 2 months from when the wound is healed. He stated no concerns about the wound.