Surviving My Latest Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers

Around the first week of March, yet another foot ulcer broke open. In a previous post I wrote about zinc sulfate and how taking it helped my wounds heal more quickly. When that wound healed, I continued taking zinc sulfate in the hopes that it would prevent new wounds from forming. Sadly, that did not happen. Though this newest wound is not healing near as rapidly my last one did, I am, however, not suffering with as much pain.

When I get a new wound, there is usually a month of sleepless nights because the pain is so bad. Thankfully, I haven't gone through that nightly torture this time. In fact, the pain has been rather minimal. So, while this wound is not healing as quickly as the last one did, the pain has been drastically lower than normal. Is this reduced pain a result of taking the zinc sulfate? I don't know; but it has me wondering.

I know I have a great many posts about my foot/leg ulcers; but there is reason behind my madness. For any readers that may be suffering through the same thing, I like to share what is and isn't working for me. It is my hope that something I write about may benefit someone else and allievate a little suffering. These wounds can be a depressing and painful complication to endure; so any tidbit of info that may help, even in the slightest degree, is a good thing.

As I frequently say: be strong my friends. Find joy where you can. Life is worth living.

Until next time.

Sickle Cell Leg Ulcers & Zinc Revisited

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.

Night and Pain: Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers

Well, the good news is the set of ulcers on my right foot that broke out on my birthday have totally healed!!!! The bad news is I have seven new ones on my left foot. The first broke open around the end of August. As is typical, the skin breaks down around that first wound, causing several others to break open. They kind of look like a chain of islands.

There are several things I find odd about these wounds. The most odd thing is the fact that they seem to hurt the most from around 9pm to 5am. When my ulcers are at a certain stage--the stage they are presently in--I am awaken up one to three times during the night because of the burning pain. I have to get out of bed, clean them, put some lidocaine on them for the pain, and redress them.

I often wonder if this is typical; if other patients who struggle with ulcers experience the same thing. It's can be difficult to remain positive when one is extremely sleep deprived. But, I am doing my best. I know these wounds will heal eventually.

Return of the Sicke Cell Foot Ulcer

My recent move has kept me distracted from making regular posts. Fortunately, during the most active part of my move, I was free from all foot ulcers. In total, I went about five months without a wound. Unfortunately, on my birthday, a new foot ulcer broke open. It’s always a bummer when I get a new wound. However, I felt very blessed that I did not have any wounds to take care of during my move.

In all, I have seven wounds on my legs right now. Six ulcers are on my right ankle, and one on my left; the one on the left ankle just broke open a few days ago. In spite of this, I count my blessings and give thanks to God.

I’m grateful that I didn’t have any wounds during my move. I’m grateful the Lord gave me a much needed break and allowed me to go five months without having any wounds. I’m grateful that the wounds I have right now haven’t been as painful as others I’ve previously had.

These wounds can cause so much pain and with it depression. I have accepted that these foot/leg ulcers probably are going to be a recurring problem the rest of my life. All I can do is take care of them the best I know how and hope God gives me an occasional break from having the wounds—like He recently did.

I try to look at the recurrence of these wounds like I do every other complication that arises in my life; “things could always be worse.”

Stay positive my fellow Sickle Cell Warriors. Life is worth living. There is joy in life. God loves you. 

Grateful with Sickle Cell

For nearly four years straight, I have struggled with constant foot ulcers. One would heal, another would pop up and take an addition 3-6 months to heal. It was a depressing cycle; one that I sometimes felt was never going to end. THANKFULLY, for the past five months, I have been foot ulcer free!!!

There are so many things we take for granted, like wearing shoes. I wasn't able to wear normal shoes for almost five years. Its such a joy to be able to put on socks and shoes and not be in agony. Who would have imagined that wearing shoes could bring such a pleasure.

My feet have tons of scar tissue; they kind of look like leopard print socks. They also become dry very easily. My wound doctor suggested I use Viniferamine Skin Renewal Cream.  It is the best skin cream I have ever used and I have converted my entire family to it. It does not leave you feeling oily, and keeps my skin moist longer than any other cream or lotion I have used.

As you can tell--other than plugging the above mentioned skin cream--this post is just to share how happy and excited I am to be foot ulcer free for five months. I pray it lasts.

Sometimes, with all the complications Sickle Cell throws at us, it can be easy to become depressed; to feel as though there is no hope things are ever going to improve. But there is always hope. Some trials last longer than others. The only thing we can do is cope with them the best we can and keep a positive outlook. Finding things that bring joy to help counteract the negativity of our illness is a must for our mention, emotional, spiritual and even physical health. I hope you, my readers, find things in life that bring you joy. Like wearing shoes!

Yet Another Sickle Cell Foot Ulcer

Well, for the past thirty-one days, I’ve been struggling with a new foot ulcer. This one has been very strange. For the past several months I’ve had what I can only describe as minor cracks on the top of my left foot. They have been located on my left foot in between my big toe and index toe, and below the knuckle of my index toe. For the past several months I’ve used my red-light daily on it along with Viniferamine Skin Renewal Cream. 

The cracks were small scabs that looked like tiny black threads in my skin. They didn’t grow, deepen, or cause any pain. They were just there. My wound doctor suggested the above-mentioned cream to help keep my skin healthy. When I began using the cream and the red light on them, they appeared to start healing. Some of the scabs even began to fall off at the end of April and I was no longer concerned about them breaking open into wounds.

Then, about a week after my hospitalization, and for no apparent reason, the following happened. I woke up one day, May 1st I think, with my left foot in HORRIFIC pain and minor swelling. The pain was so intense that, when I needed to stand, I could only put weight on the heel of my foot. For two days I was in terrible pain.

On day three, the spot where the cracks were in between my toes, they broke open into a foot ulcer. At first it was the size of the head of a Q-tip. However, like most foot ulcers have done in the past, it continued to expand. It seems like, if there is any damaged or weakened skin near a new break out, the wound will engulf that area and beyond. In a week’s time I went from having no wound, to one that was about three inches long and two inches wide. It’s across the top of my foot and up long the inside of my big toe.

In the event of wound outbreaks like this, my wound doctor has been kind enough to leave me with refills of the antibiotic he prescribes. When the wound broke open on day three, I began taking the antibiotic and made an appointment to see my doctor. Thankfully, after the third day, the horrendous pain I first experienced began to diminish.

Due to the wound’s location, I’ve not been able to use Manuka Honey, which is what I prefer using; my wounds appear to heal much faster when I use Manuka Honey. So instead, I began using Silversulfadizine Cream for the first two weeks of my wound care. I also have been using my red light on and around the wounds; I use the red light about five times a day. It really helps with the pain.

After about a week, the wound stopped growing. Around week two, I stopped taking my antibiotic and saw my doctor. He advised me to start using Santyl on the wound to help remove the slough and promote healing. He also said I was right to take the antibotic when I did. 

 I followed my doctor’s advice and used Santyl. After about a week and a half, I could tell I needed to go back to using the Silversulfadizine Cream. Four years of daily cleaning and managing these horrid wounds, I have developed the ability to know what to use on my wounds and when. This wound is the eighteenth wound I’ve had in five years. Before that, I never had a single one.

Today is a month since this new wound began giving me problems. I feel like the foot ulcer is looking good and already showing signs of improving. Some areas have healed. As for the bulk of the wound, the build up of slough is thinning more and more with each passing day. I’m beginning to see spots of red-flesh through much of the slough; which is of course good progress.

I feel my red light is helping reduce the pain and improve healing time. In the past, my foot ulcer would grow, expand, and remain the same for two months before I saw any healing. Here I am at a month and I’m already seeing signs of healing. That is remarkable. Also, the pain involved in cleaning the wound is not as high as in the past. I also attribute this to the red light. 

This new wound has left me a bit discouraged. I had hoped the red light would totally prevent new wounds from forming on my feet. Sadly, this has not been the case. However, it has helped prevent some wounds from forming; it has/does help with the pain; and improve healing time and have other benefits. So that’s something.

The battle wages on.

Red Light: Less Pain from SC Foot Ulcers

So here is a bit of irony for you. Hours after I made my last post stating that I was 90% certain that the spots on my foot would “NOT” become open wounds, they broke open and became open wounds.

Normally once a wound breaks open, the first four weeks—or more—are weeks where the wound continues to grow larger and larger. Then there’s a few weeks or month of it staying the same. Then there is a month or more of healing. Here is the amazing part of this story. This wound is doing something no other wound has done before; it’s already healing!

Three weeks ago, February 17th, 2015, the would broke open. Like I wrote in my previous post, I’ve continued to use my red light on my wound about four or five times a day for at least five minutes each time. I also treated my wound with Manuka honey twice a day.

The first two weeks of my new wound, the ulcer grew slightly larger. Normally they grow significantly larger and are exceptionally painful. With this wound, there has been very little to no pain. That itself is amazing.

Four days ago I saw my wound doctor. He instructed me to stop using the honey and use Santyl instead. [Santyl helps debris the wound from slough.] I followed his instruction like the good patient I am. Three days ago, I noticed my wound was showing signs of HEALING! Today, during my morning cleaning, I noticed the wound showed significant signs of healing. It’s beginning to close and new skin growth is readily apparent.

Never, in the four years I’ve been constantly dealing with these Sickle Cell foot ulcers, has a wound behaved like this one. 1) There has been little to no pain; 2) Never has a wound stopped expanding in a period of two weeks; and 3) Never has a wound begun to heal and begun close three weeks after it broke open.

I am entirely, thoroughly, completely, and utterly amazed by what is taking place. If the healing continues to progress as it has, then my wound may be healed in a week; two weeks at most. It’s flabbergasting.

I am totally convinced that the combined benefits of the Manuka honey and the red light treatments have GREATLY accelerated the healing time on my newest wound. I don’t know what else could explain it. In case you couldn’t tell from my post, I’m super excited by this development. I may have finally found something that not only helps prevent new wounds from forming, but also accelerates healing time on any new ulcer that do form.

I’m quite certain the red light has already helped prevent two other wounds forming. I had suspicious discoloration on two places on my foot. But by using the red light on those spots as frequently as I have, it halted the progress of potential wounds.

I know the red light I bought was kind of pricey; but for me, it has been well worth every penny. If you suffer from chronic Sickle Cell leg and/or foot ulcers, I highly recommend you look into investing in a red light. I will keep you updated on my continued experiences with this treatment and technology.

I’M SO EXCITED!!!

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: My Wound Care Process

I’m still struggling with foot ulcers. I don’t know why, but the last 5-10% of a wound always takes the longest to heal. If 90% of my wound heals in two months time, the remaining 10% will take two addional months. Don’t ask me why. Nor can the doctors explain why.

I thought in this post I would explain my process I use for cleaning my wounds.

1.  Lay out your supplies in an organized way.
2.  Have a clean work area
  a.  I have a fairly large plastic tote with a lid that holds all of my cleaning supplies. I place a clean hand-towel on top of the lid and rest my foot on top of the tote; it’s my “work area”.
3.  Have something to collect your waste
  a.  I have a small trash can that I line with plastic grocery bags.
4.  Sterilize your hands and/or use gloves.
  a.  Though I never use gloves, I always sanitize my hands before starting.
5.  Carefully remove the old bandage
  a.  Sometimes it hurts to remove the tape that is on my skin. To make it less painful, I’ll lightly spray the tape with my wound cleanser. This helps a lot.
6.  Clean the wound
  a.  Using gauze sponges, I remove the bulk of the medication. I then spray the wound with wound cleanser; I use MicroKlenz.
  b.  I then pat the wound dry with clean gauze pads. For me, using a swiping motion with gauze is agonizing. I gently place the gauze on the wound and dap it.
7.  Lidocaine
  a.  The pain from cleaning the wound is usually pretty severe. Lidocaine jelly has been a wonderful blessing. A little lidocaine goes a long way.
  b.  Using a q-tip, I apply the lidocaine to the wound. It takes only a few minutes for it to begin reducing the pain. I leave it on for about five minutes.
8.  Second cleaning
  a.  Using q-tips, I remove as much slough from the wound as I can. I also clean the area around the wound and remove as much dead tissue as I can. Keeping the wound and surrounding tissue as clean as possible is vital.
  b.  I then use gauze pads to remove remaining lidocaine.

9.  Apply prescribed and/or preferred medication.
  a.  When I go to the wound clinic, the nurses always put the medication on the Telfa (non-stick gauze bandage) and then put the bandage on the wound. I dislike this method of application for the following reasons. 1) It puts medication on the healthy skin as well as the ulcer; 2) it causes the healthy surrounding tissue to become macerated (wet), weakened, and break down; and 3) it makes a mess.
  b.  When I apply my medication, which is Silver Sulfadiazine cream most of the time, I use a q-tip to put medication on the wound and only the wound. I clean all medication off the surrounding healthy tissue.
10.  Bandage the wound
  a.  Telfa is a non-stick gauze bandage. This means it doesn’t stick to the wound and is not painful when removing it.
  b.  When I cover my wound, I cut the Telfa to fit my wound. I don’t use a massive pad to cover a small wound. By cutting the Telfa to fit the size of the wound, it helps protect the healthy skin and keep it from breaking down. So if my wound is boomerang shaped, I cut the Telfa in the same shape.
  c.   Be careful not to use too much medication, whatever it may be. It can get very messy, gooey, and cause healthy tissue to break down.
  d.  If I am using manuka honey, I have to use a larger size telfa bandage than I do when using silver cream. The honey will leak all over the place if there isn’t a big enough bandage to contain it all.
11.       Tape the bandage
  a.  Everybody’s skin is different. For my skin, the 4M paper tape is best. I use as little tape as possible because it saves on tape and protects my skin. Using a lot of tape that really adheres to the skin is painful to remove and risks damaging the fragile skin around my wounds.
12.       Wrapping the wound
  a.  Depending on the wound’s location and circumstances, I wrap the wound using a conforming gauze roll.

Though it is often painful to do so, we have to take care of our wounds. Some days I just dont feel like messing with my feet. But I suck it up and clean them anyway. Normally I clean my wounds twice a day. Sometimes, due to the pain, I have to do it three or four times a day. I just have to clean the wounds and apply lidocaine to reduce the pain they cause. 

These wounds suck. They are awefully painful. They are frustrating to deal with. It plays with your emotions when you get wound after wound and it seems unending. But, it is what it is and we have to deal with them. Keep your wounds clean. Keep your skin healthy. Avoid dry skin. Be strong and have faith.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: A New Round

As I wrote in a recent post, new foot ulcers have formed on my left foot. Initially, three small spots formed. Now I have a total of five wounds. One is on my big toe; I have no idea how that one formed. It’s as though once the skin begins breaking down in one spot, all the skin in the surrounding area becomes compromised.

For the past couple weeks the pain associated with the wounds has been much higher. Keeping my foot elevated as much as possible helps, but waves of pain still strike for reasons that are unknown to me. I’m grateful I have lidocaine available to me. It really makes a difference.

Initially, for a period of about three weeks, I used Manuka honey on my wounds. When I was finally able to see my wound doctor, he instructed me to stop using the honey. To help get the wound growth under control, he told me to do the following for the next two weeks:

1.    Take an antibiotic twice a day,
2.    Use Silver Sulfadiazine Cream in place of the honey, then resume honey use,
3.    Clean and dress the wounds three times a day.

When it comes having these wounds, I am fortunate that I do not have to go to a job every day. I can’t imagine having these wounds and not having the time to care for them the way I do. If not properly cared for, foot ulcers can go from not so bad to nightmarishly bad in a very brief period of time. At times the pain is comparable to that of badly burning yourself; standing on the wounded foot is agonizing; sleep is interrupted due to discomfort; pain medication doesn’t touch the hurt the wounds produce, only lidocaine helps; and shoes are unbearable to wear.

¶ Two years ago when I first began having a serious problem with my wounds, I was buying many of my own bandages myself at the dollar store; and it was costing me a lot of money. When I saw my doctor, the nurse asked if I had bandages and such, I said yes not realizing what they were asking. It wasn’t until I talked with my sister whose a nurse, that I learned that doctors can write prescriptions for wound care products and my insurance will pay for it.

Before I came to this realization I had spent nearly $100 of my own money on wound care products. Once I got a prescription, I received all the things I needed through my insurance; I no longer had to personally buy only the things I could afford. I felt so stupid. I didn’t realize what my nurse was asking me. Thankfully I wised up. Now, the only thing I have to buy myself is the honey, which admittedly isn’t cheap.

¶ To parents who have children who struggle with this most unpleasant complication, please recognize how painful these sores can be. If your child doesn’t recognize the importance, help them see how vital it is to properly take care of their wounds. As soon as one appears, get your son or daughter to the doctor as soon as possibly, preferably one who specializes in wound care.

To Sickle Cell patients: I encourage you to take care of your legs and feet; make the necessary social sacrifices to take care of your wounds; don’t wait to see the doctor; and be patient.

Yesterday I could have gone to see Jay Leno’s garage and to the filming of the Tonight Show, but I didn’t go. It would have been a very long day. Lately, my foot swells if I don’t keep it elevated. When it swells, the skin breaks down faster and my wounds grow larger. I knew if I went and did what I wanted, my wounds would be the worse for it. As much as I wanted to go do those things yesterday, I decided it wasn’t the wisest thing to do.

My point is, know your body, know how your wounds behave; know what makes them worse and what helps them improve; and have the courage to do exactly that.
Stay strong, have faith, and choose to be happy. Until next week my friends.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcer: Strikes Back

Well, it was nice while it lasted. My previous two-year bought with foot ulcers concluded joyfully in June of this year. Sadly, however, October brought with it a new series of ulcers. I’m not entirely sure what I did to trigger this wound.

About three weeks ago, the heel of my left foot became swollen. I think I may have hit it with the front wheel of my wheelchair, but I don’t know for sure that’s what caused it. An ultrasound ruled out a blood clot, so it’s not that, thankfully. But as I feared, the swelling caused my skin to break down in three places on my foot, and they evolved into three foot-ulcers. (That’s three separate ulcers; not ulcers three feet long. That would truly be horrific.)

A week’s worth of antibiotics has prevented infection but not the development of the wounds. While the wounds were still very small, I began treating them with Manuka Honey. I’m praying the honey will work as well has it did on previous wounds and cut down on healing time. But so far, they are still getting larger, as is typical.

I try not to allow myself to get depressed about the onset of these new ulcers. I know there are people out there who have dealt with the same ulcer for more than fifteen years. Others have lost limbs due to them. So I really have no cause to complain.
Overall, I think that’s the message of this post. 1) Remember, somebody out there has it far worse than you do. 2) Positivity of thought makes all the difference when coping with your newest trial. 3) Know what works with your wound and/or health care and do it sooner rather than later.

Be safe my faithful readers. Take care of yourselves and have faith.

SIckle Cell Foot Ulcers: They're Healed!

In spite of the difficulties I'm having with my hips, some positive things are happening. I mentioned in the post, "Blood Clot No More!" that the clot in my left leg is gone. So that's good. It's been two years since my last hospitalization, and it was six years before that. But what I'm most happy to report this week is the two leg/foot ulcers that I have had since March of 2012 are 100% healed!

From June of 2010 to June 2013 I have had a total of ten foot ulcers. When at their worst, nearly half of my left foot was covered with open wounds. When I had to clean them, the pain was so bad at times that it literally made my heart hurt. To go from never having had a single foot/leg ulcer in my life, to having ten very severe ones over a three year period...it's been a challenge.

I understand now why and how some people loose limbs from wounds like these. When they appear, they can go from not too bad to VERY bad in a crazy short period of time. If a person is unable or unwilling to: 1) take the time to properly clean them; 2) endure the pain of cleaning them; 3) receive proper medical care; and 4) stay off their feet...the wounds will only continue to get worse and heal time will be lengthened.

The past two years has certainly been a trial of faith and patience. Thankfully I've had countless people praying for me, I've had the support of family, and excellent medical care. I wish I could believe that I will never have another foot ulcer again; but the truth is, it is a new complication that I don't see ending any time soon. I'm certain another wound will arise in time. But until then, I will protect my feet and legs and manage my health as best I can.

While it is true that I am struggling with the reality of needing a wheelchair, there still are blessings in my life. In addition to my wounds healing and my clot being gone, I've had very few pain crisis the past two years. This has been a gift from God. With the amount of pain I experienced with many of my wounds, it should have thrown me into a pain crisis; but it didn't. With the high amount of pain I am having in my hips, that too should be triggering more Sickle Cell pain than it has.

While the pain crises are there--in fact, I've been having a mild one for about a week now--the crises aren't/haven't been as bad as I know they could be. So like I said, some good things are happening.

I pray you can also see, acknowledge, and give thanks for all the good things in your life. I am certain there are many.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: Nearly Healed

I am really encouraged by the state of my foot ulcers. The two newest wounds on my right foot have completely healed! The ulcers that I've had since March of 2012, they are very close to being entirely healed also; finally.

The wound that was nearly 2.8cm long as of May 1st is down to only 0.2cm. I'm hoping and praying that in a week's time, it will at last be nothing more than a memory. The second wound that what was about 2.0cm is now about 0.6cm long now. Each and every day it looks better than the last.

These two lingering wounds have been such a pain; pun intended. I know I have no cause to complain about these year long wounds. Some patients struggle with foot ulcers for ten or fifteen years! I have to say, when I read that, it both filled me dread and an appreciation for my situation.

As I've mentioned in other posts, Manuka honey has been working really well for me. I've learned that Manuka honey is a must have for treating these wounds. There are times when it slightly burns after applying the honey, but it fades after about fifteen minutes.

I am extremely grateful that an end to these lingering ulcers is at last in sight. I'm hoping--as I have many times before--that these wounds will all be healed in a month's time. I've been hoping for that for the past five months, but this time is different. This time I can see notable improvement in the wound's condition each and every day. Needless to say, that is highly encouraging.

Photos My Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers

 WARNING: If you have a weak stomach or suffer from Easily Regurgitatous, (a medical term I just made up that means, you throw up easily from gross things) you may want to bypass this post.

I've been debating for some time as to whether or not I should post my photo journal of my ulcers. The pictures are almost as unpleasant to look at as they were to have. Almost. However, I decided that it might help inform the uninformed about this painful affliction; and my notes may help somebody else suffering from similar wounds.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: Using Manuka Honey

I had to write about how amazed I am with the benefits of honey. The ulcer on the arch of my foot is entirely healed! I began using Manuka honey on it very early on. In less than two months time, it healed more thoroughly than any of my other wounds have, and in a shorter period of time. Sadly, the wound on my arch expanded to the bottom of my foot. The pain from that wound has not allowed me to use honey on it. However, the ulcer on my heel is also healing at an accelerated pace.

I haven’t been able to use honey for the entire duration of the wound on my heel. For the first several weeks, I was able to use Manuka honey; but after, that I had to shift to Silver Sulfadiazine Cream. In spite of stopping the use of honey, I feel it helped reduce how badly the ulcer became.

For anybody who struggles with foot or leg ulcers, I HIGHLY recommend using Manuka Honey, or MEDIHONEY, on them for as long as you can tolerate using it. My use of this product over the past month has...made me sweet on honey. Though admitted, I’ve always been sweet as honey.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: Their Progression

Well, it’s been about three weeks since my last update on my foot ulcers. The way my wounds behave, I’ve found that it’s best to clean and dress them twice a day. My doctor has told me that when using MEDIHONEY, I could change the dressing every other day. I tried that once and went back to twice daily. This is what happens: 1) the non-stick gauze that I use absorbs the honey over a period of time, and 2) as a result, slough begins to build back up if I don’t change the dressing every twelve hours.

THE WOUND ON THE ARCH OF MY FOOT
In the last post about the condition of my ulcers, I stated that I was treating them with honey. This has changed. Let me first talk about the wound on the arch of my foot. The ulcer first began as a small slit about 0.6cm long by 0.2cm wide. It’s now 3cm long and about 0.8cm at its widest point. Unlike most of the other ulcers I’ve had in the past, which were circular shaped, this one has stretched out lengthwise. Unfortunately, the bulk of it is on the bottom of my foot, which makes walking very painful.

Though the wound had become longer, it wasn’t very deep and it was looking pretty good. Then, about eight days ago, it appeared as though the honey was causing the left end of the ulcer to become overly moist (macerated). As a result, the wound kept growing in length when, days before, it looked close to being healed. At that time I felt it was best to stop using the honey and began using the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream. Since I’ve been using the Silver Cream, the oldest part of the ulcer began closing and the newer end of the wound appeared to be the same size; it’s not getting worse.

THE WOUND ON MY HEEL
For the past two weeks or so, the pain from both wounds has increased significantly. Like I said in a previous post, when using honey on wounds, it’s common to experience a mild burning sensation for about fifteen minutes; at least this has been the case with me. But, for whatever reason, the ulcer on my heel has evolved to the point where it’s very uncomfortable to use honey on it. As a result, I began using Silver Sulfadiazine Cream on that wound around the same time as the one on my arch.

I feel as though, because I did use honey on these newer wounds during the first few weeks of their formation, it helped prevent them from becoming as large and deep as other ulcers did in the past. Though I am now using the Silver Cream most of the time, I will still use honey on it every other day or so. I keep the honey on the wound as long as I can tolerate it. This helps remove a fair amount of the slough that’s built up. Then I will clean it and redress it with the Silver Cream. Overall, I feel the wound is doing pretty well.

THE OLDER WOUNDS
As for the other two wounds on my left leg, I’m still using honey on them. Though they are healing at a rate that is too slow for my liking, they are improving. I am optimistic that they will fully heal in the near future. Before I was given the Ultrasonic Mist Therapy, however, they were going nowhere fast. Now there is definite improvement, so that is encouraging. I need all these wounds to heal so I can have the first of my two hip replacement surgeries.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: Two New Ones

I'm sad to report that two new ulcers have formed on my other foot. One--the arch of my right foot--is in the exact location that I've had three other ulcers. The second is near the heel of my right foot. Unlike other ulcers that came as a result of dropping something on my foot or bruising it in some way, these formed spontaneously all on their own. Speaking with my Sickle Cell doctor, this is not uncommon. Dr. Bedros said, "Sometimes they happen for no reason and there's nothing you can do to prevent it." That was exactly what I wanted to hear. Not!

When my wound doctor saw the beginnings of these two new wounds, I asked him if I should wait until they break open on their own before treating them, or if I should immediately begin dressing them. He told me to start putting, MEDIHONEY, on them immediately. Again, following my doctors advice like the good little boy that I am, I did as instructed. Though it's only been three weeks, I believe, MEDIHONEY, is promoting healing at a more accelerated rate than what the Silver Cream has for past wounds.

In case any of my readers have not experienced the complication of leg/foot ulcers--and I pray you never do--let me share with you how I'm able to recognize the formation of a new one.

For me, new ulcers begin very small. A tiny scab, that has the appearance of a wood splinter lodged under the skin, will appear. Gradually, as the weeks go on, the scab will become larger and larger until it eventually begins to break open; sometimes that will take a month or two to happen. I have the habit of waiting, watching, and hoping it will improve on its own; but in reality, it continues to grow. The first ulcer I had grew to be about the size of a dime, before finally breaking open. When the ulcer was at its worst, it was large and deep enough that a quarter could have fit inside it. My ulcers typically take three months to heal. As for the wounds located on my left ankle which I've had for a year, the healing process has been hindered by the fact that I have a blood clot in that leg.

Last year when I saw the beginnings of a new ulcer, I didn't wait for it to break open. I began treating it with, Silver Sulfadiazine Cream (Silver Cream for short), while it was still very small. That was a wise choice. The wound did not get nearly as large as previous ulcers and it healed a bit more quickly as a result. Unfortunately, with my two newest ulcers, I didn't use as much wisdom.

The ulcer forming on the arch of my right foot was still in the tiny splinter-like phase when I began treating it with honey as instructed by my doctor. Though it has only been three weeks, I can tell this ulcer is not going to get very large, and it's going to heal fairly quickly. Truthfully, I think in another week or two, it may--and I'm thinking optimistically--be all healed up. One month verses three months...that's a big difference in healing time.

I began treating the second wound that's near my heel, at the same time as the one on my arch. I wish I had followed my instinct and began treating it while it was still tiny. By the time I began applying honey to it, the scab had grown to be about a quarter of an inch long and wide. After three weeks of treatment, it's now over an inch in diameter, and it may not yet be finished growing. I need to lock it in my thick skull that it's best to tend to these wounds early on and not wait. It will literally prevent a lot of pain and agony.

Though the ulcer near my heel has grown larger--as they typically do when they break open--I'm certain the honey is making a big difference. I'm not experiencing as much pain as I have when I've used just the Silver Cream; it hasn't yet become deep; and it appears to be improving rather than worsening. In the past, my wounds take a month to get to their worst point and then two months to heal. Like the ulcer on my arch, I feel as though it's quickly moving toward the healing stage. Based on what I've seen after three weeks of using MEDIHONEY on my newest wounds, I am totally sold on the benefits of nature's Manuka honey over medication.

I do have to note this about the ulcer that's near my heel: I am occasionally using Silver Cream. Though the pain I'm experiencing with this wound is far less than previous wounds, I am experiencing discomfort. For some reason, the greatest amount of pain seems to come at 3:00am while I'm sleeping. I'll have to get out of bed and redress the wound. Because Silver Cream is more soothing than honey, I often will apply it when the pain is at its worst. But then when I arise in the morning, I'll remove the cream and use honey during the day.

As I said before, so far I'm very pleased with the progress my wounds are showing. For anybody struggling with any type of leg/foot ulcer, I HIGHLY recommend using, MEDIHONEY.

Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers: Using MEDIHONEY

About three weeks ago, I completed my doctor's prescribed twenty-four treatments of, Ultrasonic Mist Therapy (UMT). As I said in my previous post about UMT, it helped my wounds greatly. I was a little disappointed when he didn't order another month of treatment. But apparently, studies have shown that the therapy doesn't help improve a wound any further after two months of treatment. So, for almost three weeks now, I've not been receiving the therapy.

For some reason, the last week of the UMT, a LARGE amount of slough began building up on my wounds again. It was pretty much back to where it was before I began the treatments. When I saw my wound doctor, he called me honey. Well, that's what I first thought. He actually told me to use MEDIHONEY.

As I mentioned before, the UMT really reduced the amount of pain I previously experienced. Though it's been three weeks since my last treatment, I still have very little pain from these ulcers that wound heal. This has allowed me to use honey, and not experience the excruciating pain I did the first time around. So, following my doctor's advice, like the good little boy that I am, I began using, MEDIHONEY, on my wounds. Much to my surprise, after a few days of using the product, the slough that had packed on there began to flake off during my twice daily wound cleanings. After a few days more, ALL the slough was gone and the red flesh beneath, was exposed; which is what is needed for healing.

Over the past week and a half, a thin layer of slough has appeared, but there is also a great amount of red flesh and granulation. I had hoped, since all the slough had been removed, that new healthy skin would quickly begin to grow. Sadly, that hasn't happened. However, like when I was receiving the UMT, the wound is slowly starting to close from the outside in; which is how you want wounds to heal. The progress is slow, but it's there. It certainly is improvement over the non-healing that was taking place before I began the mist therapy; I finally have hope that they will heal in the near future.

My Battle with Sickle Cell Foot Ulcers

In the section entitled "Know Your Illness," I briefly mentioned that foot and/or ulcers are a complication many patients struggle with. I counted myself fortunate that I never had to worry about this problem; that was until June 2010 when I got my first one. My first ulcer was located on the arch of my right foot and was large enough that a quarter could have fit inside it. It took about three months to heal.

Almost a year later to date, I developed another ulcer in the same location. Shortly after that ulcer healed, another ulcer formed on my left foot. This time it was on the top of my foot just below the toes. Before that ulcer healed, my skin began breaking down and two other additional ulcers formed on the same foot. For a time, nearly half of my foot was covered with these painful open wounds. I went many months unable to wear shoes and hardly able to walk.

It took about six months for all those wounds to heal. Unfortunately, since March of 2012, I still have two "left overs," as I like to call them. These two ulcers are the remains of a much larger one. All the other wounds healed. However, for whatever reason, these two wounds are being exceptionally stubborn, and I've had them for almost a year now.

In June of 2011, a blood clot formed in my left leg. They tell me the clot went from about the middle of my shin to the middle of my thigh. Though the clot is now smaller than it once was, a large portion of it is still there. I have little doubt that the clot is interfering with proper blood flow and consequently impeding the proper healing of these particular ulcers. On the Internet, I read of a Sickle Cell patient having problems with leg ulcers for fifteen years! I certainly can't complain about mine.