Happy leg!!!!

[ellen_datlow]

Saw Dr. P today and when he opened the bandages to my shock and relief, the wound was about half the size it was a week ago, and mostly filled in. YES!!! No more unaboot but some gel and bandage (which I can replace tomorrow when I buy BIG bandaids). I have to keep the leg raised over my heart as much as possible to keep the swelling down and continue the healing --which is a bit inconvenient. For example, I cannot do it while working on the computer but I can do it while reading, laying on the couch with leg up against the back of the couch.

I had him photograph the wound this time. Will download at some point and/or email to anyone who'd like to see.

Comments

[adsistla.livejournal.com]

yay!

[glvalentine.livejournal.com]

Awesome news about the leg! *cheers on the healing process*

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Thanks. If it continues this way I won't have to find a doc down in Florida when I go March 11th.

Also, I can take showers--he says getting water in the wound is not bad (although I'm guessing it would hurt)--I'll just pop more gel and a new large bandaid over it when I'm done. So...after I buy the gear tomorrow I'll be shower-ready :-) Anyone need a protective boot (that should be arriving Wed)? I'll sell it cheap!

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Would the boot do anything for pedal edema?

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what that is, so don't know--it's basically a pressure bandage swathed in pink (calamine) meant to keep the wound moist while it's healing.
Here's what wiki says about it
Unna's boot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unna%27s_boot) although the official box says "unaboot" so unfortunately German dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna is no longer honored for his invention.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Fluid retention in the feet. Judging from the link it might help, but it would be overkill. Thank you for offering it, anyway.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Oh you're confusing two things. The unaboot is the bandage the doc has been wrapping my leg in.

The other "boot" is a plastic protective covering for someone to shower with. The latter is what I'd be selling :-)

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Ahh, that makes more sense. ;)

[albogdan.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear it's healing up nicely!

Yeah, I was told to keep my leg raised when I had gout. It's a weird way to try and spend the day.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Dunno how I'm going to do it in bed. Telephone Books, pillows and extra blankets? That cats will try to climb the "tower" I rig :-)

[n5red.livejournal.com]

Obviously you should install an eyebolt in the ceiling above your bed.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

You're right--but I ain't doing it..uh uh. No way.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

My doctor suggested boards under the mattress to elevate my head. Maybe boards on the other end would help for feet?

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I'd need a lot of them.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Sleeping in a recliner might help, but it's not the most comfortable option.
I usually use pillows. Not great, but better than nothing. Foam rubber might give better support, if you have any.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Here's an Official Solution, but it's kinda expensive for a temporary problem: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regProduct.asp?order_num=-1&WRN=-213893352&sku=13506175

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I'm already out the $30 for the boot I don't need. Uh uh. ;-)

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

Yay, great news!

P.S. Maybe you can auction that protective boot in a future fundraiser...

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Only used. I can't imagine anyone would care for an unused one (unless they really need it!)--turns out my sister could use it but it would be expensive and difficult to get to HER in a timely manner.

[charlesatan.livejournal.com]

You could always sign it... (or have your cats play with it for a while)

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

True!

[sarcobatus.livejournal.com]

Whoo-hoo! Good news! Glad to hear your wound is doing well.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Me too!

[maryrobinette.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's such good news!

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[readingthedark.livejournal.com]

Yay for the time for the big bandaids!

[vylar-kaftan.livejournal.com]

Whatever you didn't do to your leg in the first place, don't do it again!

[czakbar.livejournal.com]

Hurray! Glad to hear it's doing well.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much all of you.
Hey Vy, if I knew what it was, I wouldn't do it again ;-)

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Actually, I just remembered that the doc said as long as I keep the ace bandage on tightly the leg/foot shouldn't swell much anyway... I think he thought I just wanted to get rid of it --which I do--but if it's between twisting myself out of shape to keep my leg up and keeping the ace bandage on..I think I'll choose the latter.

[barb-krasnoff.livejournal.com]

Excellent news!

[pgtremblay.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_twilight_/]

I imagine your wrists must be tired from walking on your hands to accomplish this task. ;)

[tamiam.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you have a happy leg. It might be better to be reading than typing anyway, and I'm glad they make BIG bandaids for these things.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

thanks :-) Well, yes, but still...it is a lot of my job.

I had one BIG bandaid in my medicine cabinet--have no idea where it came from, but I used it a month or so ago--so I have seen them. Non-stick is essential!

your wound

[(Anonymous)]

Yes, I'd like to see the wound. I'd like to have seen it before it healed. Too bad the doctor didn't take a picture of it then.

Love from your Mom

Re: your wound

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

You DO? I can email the earlier photo to you and the new one when I download it from my camera.

[jeffpalmatier.livejournal.com]

It's great that the healing is going so well. You can be pleasantly surprised by your body's ability to heal and how quickly it can do it.

sleeping with your feet up

[themadblonde]

I've had to do this on occasion for back issues & when I sprained my ankle last summer. My suggestions, fwtw: use rolled blankets & pillows; make the support wide enough that your foot doesn't fall off when you shift in your sleep; make sure your knees are also well supported, which will cause less stress to your back & joints.

Congrats on the progress & good luck w/ further healing. Enjoy the shower!

Re: sleeping with your feet up

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice. Will try it. I did pile up some stuff last night but it's not really as high as it should be.

one more tip

[themadblonde]

if you have a bunch of stuff piled up, lay a spare sheet or blanket (or big towel if you can sleep on terrycloth) over it all & tuck it in all 'round. It will be less likely to shift apart & more comfortable for you.

Re: one more tip

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. That makes perfect sense--as it did keep falling apart last night.

[stephanieburgis.livejournal.com]

Hooray for healing and moving on frrom the unaboot!

[cinriter.livejournal.com]

What a relief. So glad to hear that, Ellen.