Wound Care

I have a wound care home nursing specialist coming to my house this morning at 9:00. It has only taken a week to get this done. Dealing with the medical community is so frustrating in America. However, I have been to several other countries and our system is so much better! I will take the aggravation in exchange for good care.

Anyway, I have chronic lymphedema with open wounds. What this means is my lower legs are swollen due to the fact that I cannot elevate my feet as a result of orthpedic and joint pain. So I sit up all the time. The swelling gets so bad the skin breaks down and "leaks." Fortuately, I have no inflections, just some open places that drain. The home health care nurse came for the first time on Monday and sprayed the wounds with saline solution and blotted them to clean them. She then said she did not know what to do and I needed the wound care nurse. There followed a comedy of errors by the company, but supposedly that nurse is coming today. Fortunately, my primary nurse (translated: wife) had already started using the saline and blotting just like the visiting nurse. So we are making progress.

Anyway, this is one of those things they say will clear up when I can get my legs elevated. I am fortunate that the circulation in my feet and legs is very good. That is a very good thing and promises rapid healing.

We are now counting downs the days of the last week in preparation for surgery. Monday we will visit the surgeon and the anesthesiologist in preparation for surgery. Tuesday I will cut my hair very short, completely shave my beard for the first time in 9 years and shave my chest for the first time ever! Wednesday morning, June 10 about 6 or 7 am we will check in and have surgery at 9, God willing. Bring it on!

In the meantime, I am most grateful for all the folks who are praying for me. It has been overwhelming to hear from so many people. I am blessed.