Leg Ulcers treatment please?

Question

I have one for nearly a year

Answer 1

leg ulcers are usually due to poor circulation, without adequate circulation they cannot heal. Most often, wet to dry dressings are employed. You put a dressing on the wound wet, and allow it to dry thoroughly before changing it for another wet dressing. This does two things, it keeps the wound bed moist (promotes a healing environment) and when dry and removed the dressing will also remove dead or dying tissues which further stimulates growth of new tissue. Because the circulation is poor, be sure to elevate the affected limb as much as possible, maintain a sterile environment for the wound by using sterile supplies to prevent infection from anaerobic bacteria. Consider seeing an enterostomal therapist, as they are considered experts in the area of wound care and treatment.

Answer 2

I have chronic leg ulcers (these ones now I ve had since September 2015). I also have RSD/CRPS, which is a pain condition. I cannot tolerate any form of dressing or treatment on my leg. I have reached a point where I have requested above knee amputation because of the ongoing pain and I have a surgeon who in principle, has said yes. The problem I have is that he won t do anything untilt he ulcers are healed, but without treatment that can t happen. Yet I can t have the treatemnt that consistently seems to be pushed at me. I ve asked my GP for a referral to a vascular surgeon or tissue viability specialist. I was told I don t need it and the referral will be refused. He should also have referred me for prosthestics workshops and psychological testing but has refused that too; stating that any referral for sychological testing will result in someone telling my I m just clinically depressed and has told me that I already know what is available in terms of prostheses. That in itself is true, but urely when a Consultant requests a referral it should be done, no?!

Anyway, in the meantime, I have to get these ulcers healed otherwise I ll never get rd of the leg and will not have a full life again. I m only 42!

Can anyone suggest a treatment which is not physically in contact with the affected leg please? I m getting desperate.

TIA. Laura xx

Answer 3

Sorry but the RN is a bit out of date! That was an appropriate treatment 20 years ago. It's now recognized that wet dressings are generally bad for wounds.

You should consult a doctor, and obtain a referral to an ulcer clinic. There are a number of treatments available, but they depend on what is causing the ulcer in the first place.

Answer 4

God please do not do what the RN above said tat went out years ago, it could be that you have a leg ulcer due to circulatory problems but dressings are a lot more complex now you need to be seen by a tissue viability nurse your practice nurse or GP will refer you, You pracice nurse will start treating it so you dont have to wait fro treatment. If you do not have a GP or it is difficult there are Walk in Centres all over the country with nurse practitioners in them they will also start dressing it correctle and can also refer you for specialist care, you can find your nearest walk in centre on the NHS website.
Good luck be patient it will take time and most importand of all is follow the specialist advice and do not miss your appointment.

Answer 5

the only option is amputation