I've been struggling with mild bedsores on and off since last summer. Do others struggle with these?
I'm not bedridden, but I'm not very mobile either. I spend most of my day seated, reclining on the couch. While I try to change positions frequently and try to get some circulation to the area, my tailbone area just becomes very susceptible to developing a sore.
Once I have one, my husband and I have a cream that is very effective in healing it quickly. I feel really good about our ability to handle them once they develop. But, it does take energy (not to mention feeling emotionally frustrating) to deal with these.
I'd really like to do better at preventing them. I've been experimenting with cushions to relieve the pressure on the area, or any other ideas. Not having the most luck.
I just tried a new "coccyx cushion", but I'm heavy enough that it just flattens out. The best luck I've had is sitting on an inverted neck travel pillow, with the open end facing the back.
Just wondering if anyone else deals with these, and if you have any ideas? Any special cushions you like?
Posts: 232 | From Oregon | Registered: May 2010
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Get some wool pads to help prevent the pressure ulcers. They're sometimes called "sheep skins" so you may need to google both names to find a pad or cushion that you'd like.
Make sure that you are getting enough protein in your diet and are staying well hydrated. These are very important for healing.
You may also need to try using a protective dressing like the "Mepilex Border Sacrum" to help protect against shearing. (I don't work for this company, they are just known for quality wound care products.)
Good luck Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Thanks Sammy. That's helpful and I appreciate your response.
I do get plenty of protein and tons of water, so that's covered but I'll look into the others that you mentioned.
One question on the sheep skins: I've seen these recommended in other places but I didn't know if these would help with the seated position, when one particular spot is getting so much pressure?
I guess I was thinking that the pressure on one point would be the same, whether it were "softened" with the wool, or not. But, perhaps I'm thinking of the benefit of the wool incorrectly? Do you know how the sheep skins help?
Thanks very much for your help.
Posts: 232 | From Oregon | Registered: May 2010
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
It's the wool that works by reducing pressure, regulating temperature, absorbing extra moisture, and by reducing shear and friction.
You can get wheelchair cushions or small bed pads made of wool (aka medical sheepskin). They are made specifically to help prevent pressure ulcers. You could use them in bed or any chair that you want to sit in.
These things are pretty expensive but they have been proven to help. You should shop around online to compare quality and cost.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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philly78
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 31069
posted
The sheepskin is great, but the best devices aren't going to prevent ulcers. You have to relieve the pressure throughout the day.
You could try doing 'weight shifts' every so often. Every 15 minutes would be ideal if in the sitting position. You just lean to one side, then the other, relieving the pressure from one buttock at a time. You could also try leaning forward too. Each lean should be for 30-60 seconds. Simply crossing your legs and leaning towards the crossed leg briefly, relieves pressure as well.
Are you also sleeping on your back? If you are comfortable sleeping somewhat on your side, you can get a wedge that will help keep you in the side lying position...at a 30 degree angle. Not on the hip though, but on he cushion part of your buttocks.
You also need to try and sit as straight as possible. You can try supporting the back with a cushion to promote natural alignment of the spine. When you sit with your back straight and lean slightly forward, it takes the pressure off of your tailbone. There are numerous types of pillows made for this.
As for your using the neck pillow, I'm not so sure that is a good idea in the long run. Seems like it would work almost like a donut cushion would and they are not recommended. Or maybe I'm getting the wrong idea from ur description.
Also make sure your skin is hydrated with a moisturizer but not wet as either skin that is too moist or too dry can lead to pressure sores.
Do you have an ottoman or something similar to put your feet out on? I see you say you recline on the couch but another option that would promote proper alignment would be to sit straight with legs up on an ottoman or something similar. Reclining in the chair places pressure on the area you are trying to not get the sores.
Good luck with all of this!
-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
Thanks to both of you for your help! It sounds like the sheepskin is something that could help. Even if it helps just alittle, I'm up for that.
Philly, thanks for your ideas. Most of what you mentioned has been on my mind, but it's helpful to have it reinforced. It gets me thinking more clearly.
I do try to change position fairly frequently. I sleep on my side usually. And, I've worried about the neck pillow too for the reason you mentioned -- it just has been the only thing that I've found that helps at all.
My position on the couch is with an ottoman for my legs. The couch itself leans back a bit though. I like your idea of maybe using some pillows behind my back to try and prop me up more upright. I know this would help.
It's just hard on my worse days to be too upright, as I get woozy that way. Also, need to lean back when I'm on the edge of seizuring (which is frequently).
But I'm going to try the back pillow. Also, when my current bedsore gets better, I'll start using some moisturizer. I think that would help, as the area usually feels dry otherwise.
Posts: 232 | From Oregon | Registered: May 2010
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I'd really like to know if others get bedsores as I'm sure I'm not the only one not able to move around a lot.
Also, it would be helpful to know if you are someone who isn't able to move around much, but don't get these. Perhaps my circulation is just much worse than for others?
Posts: 232 | From Oregon | Registered: May 2010
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