The Wound Is Healed

It has been a long long 12 weeks. 

It started when we were in Las Vegas in early June.  Gary picked a callous off the little toe area on his right foot. It began to bleed; infection set in.

The antibiotics he took the next week while waiting to get into the doctor did not do much to eliminate the infection.  The result was that the little toe was amputated on June 19. 

The recovery period began when he returned home on June 21.  Wound vac.  Home health care.  Appointment with the infectious disease doctor. Weekly appointments with the podiatrist at the Wound Clinic.  Restrictions on leaving the house so as to not tempt more infection and to rest the foot and let it heal.

Finally today he was released because the wound is healed.

Hallelujah!

However... (and there is always a however, isn't there?).... there are many blisters across the top of his right foot.  The podiatrist, his nurse, and every other nurse who has worked with him in the last few weeks are puzzled by the cause of those blisters.

A few weeks ago I suggested to Gary that the best remedy might be to let the skin breathe and the blisters heal.  Instead the doctor and all of the nurses insisted on applying gauze or Telfa pads (OH NO!  NOT TELFA PADS!), or web roll.  The results were that the blisters were still a mess or that new ones had formed.

Now also he has a rash on his arms and legs.  He is slathering hydrocortisone cream on his limbs constantly, just to relieve the itching and to prevent scratching.  It is obvious that he is allergic to something or something is causing a reaction on his skin.

At the appointment with Dr. Hart on Tuesday next week we hope to find some answers or a new remedy for that issue.

But for now---he is thrilled that his 'house arrest' has been lifted.  He is excited that the wound is healed.  He can now take a shower without a plastic bag on his foot.  He can wear socks and shoes without working around gauze and webroll.  He no longer needs the services of the visiting nurse.  We can go out for dinner again!  He doesn't have to be afraid of someone seeing him out and about and taking the home health care services away. 

But most of all, he seems to be healthy again.  His blood sugar has been better.  His appetite has been good.  Maybe life can be back to somewhat normal once again, and we can return to enjoying the days and nights like we were before Las Vega.