One month ago I wrote that new wounds broke open on my foot. The process that is typical for me goes as follows: there will be about six weeks of the wound getting worse; another six weeks of it staying about the same; then another month or two of healing. Three to four months has been the average time of my wounds; though I did have two last well over a year.
As I mentioned in previous posts, I began taking zinc sulfate, 220 mg--once a day--as directed by my doctor. However, I decided to try something different this time around. When these newest wounds broke open, I used Manuka Honey on them; additionally, I upped my zinc intake to 220mg twice a day. But to prevent the nausea it previously caused me, I used a pill cutter to cut the tablets in half, and I took half a tablet four times throughout the day. This worked in preventing the nausea.
So, it has been a month and a few days since my wounds broke open and already they have gotten as big as I think they are going to get, and the have begun healing. So in one months time, my wounds are well on they way to healing. This is a DRAMATIC difference.
Eventually, due to the wounds size, location, and amount of pain they caused, I had to stop using the Manuka Honey and revert to the tried and true Silver Sulfadiazine Cream; which is what I am still using. Based on how quickly my wounds are healing, I am hoping they will fully heal in another two to three weeks. We shall see.
My point in sharing these things is this...it is important to follow doctor's advice. But it is also important to experiment with things yourself, follow your intuition, and see what works for you. I am really encouraged by what has taken place this past month. Don't get me wrong, as there always is with these wounds, there is a period of time where the pain they cause is excruciating. The pain interrupts sleep, daily activity, and can be quite depressing. However, that phase of my wounds seems shortened this time around because I tried something different.
For me, unfortunately, I think the recurrence of these wounds is going to be a life long problem. Over the past six years I probably have had nearly 30 different separate wounds. I don't think I am going to stop having foot ulcers. So, the only thing I can do is consult my doctors, follow my own instincts about how to treat them, and take care of them the best I can.
If you have problems with sickle cell foot ulcers, find what works for you. Experiment with different things. Research what works for other patients. Pray for guidance. Get medical professional input and treatment. And most importantly, try to stay positive.
