My daughter has been bedridden for several months and is starting to develop bedsores, especially on her elbows and outer heels. Currently she only gets out of bed once or twice a week.
Does anybody have any ideas how to prevent and treat them?
Marla
Posted by JKMMC09 (Member # 15795) on :
Hi there,
So sorry your daughter has developed nasty bedsores... unfortunately, anyone who has had long periods of bed rest or bed confinement is high risk for these sores. Bed sores develop as a result of constant pressure on certain parts of the body, most commonly the bony areas such as shoulder blades, hips, heels, tailbone and elbows . Other factors that contribute to bedsores include excessive moisture from sweating and friction from rubbing against the lower sheet.
Is she laying on a "sheepskin" bed cover? They significantly reduce the chance of bedsores developing- studies have confirmed this. You can buy one at your local medical supply store- they are a bit pricey- about $80 for each one. You might also look into getting an air mattress for her hospital bed, your insurance should pay for the air matress if her doctor writes a prescription for one. The air mattress changes the pressure under her every few hours and conforms to her body, reducing the risk of bedsores.
They sell wraps at medical supply stores for the elbow's and heel's too.. you should ask your doctor how he/she wants you to care for the sore- usually there is a special spray and cream to use... Afterwards, use A hydrocolloid dressing (DuoDerm), which is a bandage made of a gel that molds to the pressure sore. These dressings can stay on for several days at a time.
Even if she is bedbound, you move her extremities and change her position at least every 2 hours or so. Bedsores are caused from putting pressure on the same spot for too long. This is vital to prevent new sores from occurring.
Bedsores can be very stubborn, it's important that you show these to her doctor and begin preventative treatments ASAP...before they go deeper and affect multiple layers of skin.
I hope that you get these sores under control asap, they can be very painful.
God bless!
[ 18. January 2009, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: JKMMC09 ]
Posted by She R Lock (Member # 18823) on :
Hi, Have your doctor check out the bedsores as soon as possible. He/She will let you know what will aid with healing them. In the meantime make sure your daughter is being moved frequently. A well banlanced diet is also important. Adequate protein, a multivit, Vitamin C and zinc are beneficial with wound healing.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Definately, the best thing you can do for her is to make sure she changes positions frequently. If she is on her back, roll her on to her side, then the other side next time, etc. Just moving an arm or leg randomly isn't enough of a change.
There are specially made foam heal protectors that you can get to protect the bony prominences of her feet. Probably similar products for the elbows.
Another important factor is good nutrition and hydration. Make sure that she is getting adequate protein in her diet. The body needs protein to heal. If unsure, a supplement shake might give her the extra boost she needs.
Also, it would be a good idea to do some passive range of motion exercises with her every day. This will help protect her muscles from further atrophy.
Good luck Marla.
Posted by ByronSBell 2007 (Member # 11496) on :
Tempurpedic makes a thin mattress pad that goes ontop of the bed, so it feels the same as a full tempurpedic mattress, you can always return it too...
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Make sure she is seen by a doc for the sores.
They can tunnel and become infected easily.
Often there is a wound care nurse or a physical therapist
Who your doctor may be able to write an order for
To provide this service in your home.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by 4Seasons (Member # 14601) on :
Thanks for all your good ideas. I will call her doc tomorrow. We just saw him and I didn't realize what a problem it was becoming until last nught. I think we've caught it at the beginning.
Unfortunately, she is too neurologically sensitive right now to be touched or moved while awake. I can prop pillows and such under her while she sleeps, but she moves around in her sleep.
We just started a new protocol and she is heavily herxing. Her fever hit 104 today. Poor girl, hopefully we will finally start to see some improvement.
Thanks again. Marla
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
marla, ouch for your poor daughter!!
i too was going to recommend SHEEPSKIN for under her body and feet and elbows! my late mom-in-law had them, and she LOVED THEM DEARLY.
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