Pressure sores

I would never have thought that I'd have this problem, but it looks like I'm developing pressure sores where my tailbone presses against my skin.

I know that people think I'm being silly about not wanting to get too thin, but this really is a problem for me. Has anyone else had this issue?

Barb

I know exactly what you are talking about I was in the hospital for 3 weeks and got a pressure sore in the same spot.  We used Total Care ( a nursing Company ) to heel it up.
Every time I went to the restroom we applied Silvadene cream it was healed within a week.
I am not sure why a burn cream works but it does wonders . 

Leslie

Hi Leslie ...

Nice to meet you! And thanks for the information. I'll ask my MD about it when I get home. Do you know if it's available OTC or does it require a Rx?

Barb

hi barb

Iam glad to meet you to.  I am new at all this and just started the process but I have been weelchair bound for 12 years.  ( Long  story )  I deal with this alot the cream is a RX I think it is for burns but it works wonderfully.  Good luck and I hope you heal soon its sad to have an owie on your seatie!!!!!!!

Leslie

My biggest complaint for the last three months has been butt pain. The end of my spine (****yx) is so exquisitely tender I moan if I don't sit down just right. I shift from side to side because of pain. Who would have thought?

Just a couple of suggestions. Carry a pillow or gel cushion everywhere to sit on. Be careful about scooting when you sit down or stand up, the shear force can cause skin breakdown. Nutrition (esp. protein) is important in healing so pump up the protein even more. If there is redness that doesn't go away when you are off your bottom for 5 minutes, then you do have a pressure ulcer even if the skin is still intact. The damage is happening under the skin.

You can buy Duoderm dressings over the counter. It is a spongy dressing designed to keep pressure off the skin and stop the shear forces. You can put one on 2-3 times weekly and just wash with soap and water over the top of it until the ulcer heals. One problem is being able to see the area clearly to watch for infection when you change the dressing. You need either a spouse, family member, or a REALLY good friend.

Good luck and happy healing!

Teresa,

Thanks so much for the information ...and the commiseration. At this point, I have redness and what feels like a windburn or chapped cheeks. I'm going to see about getting an air or gel cushion. I have a neck pillow I'm sitting on right now because it has 'donut' type shape. I actually get quite a bit of protien, so I don't know if that's an issue or not. It's something I'll be talking to my Dr's about though.

Thanks again,

Barb

Barb, I don't know anything about this, but just wanted to tell you I"m sorry you are having this problem and send you some ((((HUGS)))).  I hope you get it resolved soon!

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the hug and warm thoughts.

Barb

I would suggest exercises to build up your glutes, lunges, leg presses, etc.  Short term, this will not help the pain, but long term you need to build up the muscular cushion on your butt that supports your tailbone.  Mine doesn't hurt anymore, but it did until I got back into the gym.  In the mean time the creams and gel pillows will probably help quite a bit.

Just my two cents.
Take care.
Ellen

Hi Ellen,

I've been working on that and will continue do so. We'll have to see what happens.

Thanks for the support,

Barb