9 replies to this topic

[LovingSister]

I feel like the most hopeless caregiver on this site, one problem after the other. The fact that I soak up guilt like a sponge is totally working against me more than ever.
I can never get Ronny to drink anything without nagging him so I backed off, he understands the consequences. I am not the type to sit and coax and beg a grown man for any length of time. I noticed his urine looking more orange and noticed some sediment. He came home on Cipro antibiotic and has been done with it about 5 days now. Tonight I am up because he has a 101 fever and I am worried. I am worried that I may not be cathing him correctly and may have caused an infection?
Two nights ago I put him from the wheelchair and into bad I noticed 2 blood spots, he now has a small sore on each side of his tail bone. I can find a million sites about preventing pressure sores but not much about treating them. I made him spend the day in bed, no wheelchair for a few days to keep him off his butt. I have been spraying his bottom with a saline solution, blotting it and smearing thick zinc oxide all over his bottom. To cover or not to cover, that is the question? And what works better than zinc oxide? Of course I turn him every couple of hours day and night.
I sat in his wheelchair tonight and the seat felt hard as a brick with no give at all. I weigh a lot less than him but this has to be way too firm. It is a loaner chair with a Roho seat cushion. Does anyone know the correct way to adjust this type of seat? I can't help but wonder is this is why he got sores. Do any of you all stay in your wheelchair all day? Without use of your arms how do you readjust yourself throughout the day?
I know I ask a lot of questions but I am trying to learn a lot of new things.
Thanks! Laurie

[AussieBrad]

Hey L/sister,
I have been told the best way to deal with pressure sores is "stay off it" and get as much fresh air and sunshine to help dry out the area.
A friend of mine had a pressure sore on his bum and was bedridden for 3 months and when he was able to sit in his chair it was a progressive thing, half hr sitting then back to bed and so on, making sure to check the area.
I would be getting your physio to check out his cushion to check the air pressure is correct.

As far as uti's I suffer from them all the time and cant find out why. I cath correctly and drink plenty of fluids.
So I think some of us are just destined to have them.

I hope this helps a little.

[airart1]

i know when they pressure map me its less air in it than more, even though i like it a little firm i try my best to keep it spongy, the rule of thumb is while he's in the chair u can get 2 fingers under his bum between it and the chair bottom.....and yes keep him off of his bum until he's healed, it will be worth it, trust me on that one, but neosporin and cover them like u would a cut with bandage, and he should heal up, might take a few weeks, pick up his protein levels.....don't let them get out of control, might even go on and see a wound specialist at least they have some good stuff to apply to it to heal faster, but he has to stay off it til they heal, i'd say get a shower and bowel routine and then get off his bum until they're completely healed, he will be proud he did.........

[xxm]

The Sores:
Immediately off the chair. He must be on his sides no more than 2 hours on one side. I treat my sores allways with Povidone-iodine gel. First it is cleaned with Hydrogen peroxidе 3% and then Povidone-iodine gel. I was teached to do so by a surgeon and results have always been excellent.

The Roho:
Pressure is checked by blood pressure gouge and must be less than systolic blood pressure with him sitting on it.

Keep in touch
Rudy

[qbounce]

If his sores are bleeding, your talking open wounds that need treatment. Take him to the doctor and get a referral for a wound care specialist who can properly assess his ulcers. His spiked temperature could be AD from the pressure sores and not necessarily from a UTI.

Orange urine and sediment are indicative of not drinking enough fluids, as you already know. But, while at the doctors, get his urine tested too.

Edited by qbounce, 23 August 2010 - 09:23 AM.

[xxm]

The Sores:
Immediately off the chair. He must be on his sides no more than 2 hours on one side. I treat my sores allways with Povidone-iodine gel. First it is cleaned with Hydrogen peroxidе 3% and then Povidone-iodine gel. I was teached to do so by a surgeon and results have always been excellent.

The Roho:
Pressure is checked by blood pressure gouge and must be less than systolic blood pressure with him sitting on it. As low as possible provided that his sitting bones area is at least 1 inch above the hard base of the chair.

Keep in touch
Rudy
[/quote]

Edited by xxm, 23 August 2010 - 09:52 AM.

[guido]

Do you have to be the main care giver? I ask this because sometimes we are most difficult with the people who are closest to us. You may know what is good for him, but it's easier for him to disregard you than a paid professional. To his own detriment.. but also to yours.


Another cushion option is the SpanAmerica "Isch Dish"


If you put "span america" into the search box - including the quote marks - there are 13 threads about this cushion.


I bought one and had them ship it to me here in the UK because of advice and opinion on this site and have found it excellent.


Most of all DO NOT WASTE YOUR ENERGY WITH GUILT. This is the most corrosive of emotions and does absolutely nothing. Live and let live. You only help those who help themselves or you get trapped yourself. If you allow your own self esteem or confidence to be eroded, you are no good to yourself or anyone else. It is a gradual process and most don't notice it going on until too late and they feel they cannot do anything. Watch it. Be aware. Look after yourself.


Best wishes


Guido

[Millard]

Hello Laurie,

There are two products that should help. One I have not tried but you should be able to find it, Miracle Mist. The other is Microcyn what was approved in the US in March, 2010. It is available in Europe, Asia, Mexico and Canada by different names but is the same product and is the one I use. It has absolutely no side affects, bacteria cannot become immune to it and you can use it on a wound as often as you would like. It will even kill (virus) HIV and MSRA (in the US a super resistant bacteria). You can read about Microsyn here: www.oculusis.com.

Good luck.

[Bobz]

Laurie

Protien, vitamim C and Zinc are great for healing.

[airart1]

if his sores are bleeding it can also be blood in his urine from his body trying to absorb it and flush it, he definately needs to see a dr. as soon as possible........septis is a very bad thing and can sure destroy his heart or his life.....or both....