Pressure sores ... xpost ... looking for information

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

P.S. I continue to lose weight; I'm down to 135. I don't over-exercise. I consume about 2000 calories a day. I have a 40 carb, 30 protien, 30 fat ratio.

Is the tissue on your tail bone area getting broken down and open? I did not have pressure sores develop but I did have alot of pain in that area for the first 1 -1 and 1/2 years after wls from the loss of fat in that area. Now, at over two years postop it has gone away.

If you sit alot try using a special foam pillow with a cut out area for the tail bone to lessen pressure. Sounds like you are eating well, I bet you will gradually stop losing soon, if you are still concerned try adding a small amount of calories gradually to your diet each wee****il you level out.

Sher

Hi Sher,

I actually have redness and a dry 'scaly' patch as though it's windburned or chapped, which I believe means that there is deterioration of the skin tissue. It begins from the inside out and then heals the same way. I don't want to end up with any open lesions.

I'm using a pillow and will continue to look for solutions.

Thanks for your support,

Barb

HI Barb, I realize this is an old post, but I need your advice.  I am 18 months post op RNY and 3 weeks post op extended tummy tuck.  My tailbone has hurt for more than a year but now after the TT it is almost unbearable.  I had my husband look at my tailbone for me last night and he said I have a open sore that looks like a cut or split in the skin and he can't imagine me sitting on it.  I have been using a donut pillow but it's not much help.  What happened with your issue?  Did you ever resolve the problem?  Any advice?  Thank you.

Since you have an open lesion, I'd see about giving your PCP or dermatologist a call right away because you don't want to risk developing a staff or other type of infection.

I didn't have an open lesion, just very chaffed, chapped skin. My doctor suggested that I use something called Triple Cream which can be found in the Baby Care aisle at CVS. I'm not sure where else you can find it. It is a miracle worker and resolved the chaffing issue overnight. My daughter's dermatologist also recommends it for her and she has incredibly sensitive skin.

I no longer have an issue with chaffing and pressure sores on my tailbone. I think that's due to several issues. My gluts are more defined, which actually lifts the tailbone from hard surfaces. Also, I'm not as thin as I was then and I think that helps as well. It's not that I'm significantly heavier, but just a 5 lb. gain made a huge positive difference.

Wishing you all the best,

 Hey Barb! 

I was glad to see your post as I often have issues with my tailbone.  I really appreciate the WLS grads space where I can post it and not tick off the pre-ops who can't imagine such a problem.  I am sitting here at the computer as I type in pain.  The lack of fat makes it feel like "the princess and the pea" on everything.  I have had redness and soreness, but no skin break down to date.  

I hope you find some answers and if so, please keep us posted.

Thanks for posting this - I don't know if you'll get more replies - but I'll be watching for them... 

Barb - I've got the same thing - let me know if you find out any answers!

Build up the muscles in your butt. Squats and lunges ...you can do both at home, and the muscles will react very quickly .....I'd highly recommend 3 sets of 20 squats, and 3 sets of lunges with weights (10-20 reps on each side)....also you can do the stair master, but lunges and squats will build the muscles faster. Make sure you get in extra protein for muscle repair....1 gram for every lb of ideal body weight.

Scott