Evening Sqad

[gness]

You're in demand....;-)

I had a call from the home this afternoon. My ninety year old mother has developed a Grade 3 pressure sore on her bottom. It seems to be more than the staff are able to deal with so nurses are coming in daily to dress and pack it.
If mother lies in bed all day she is on her side but won't eat or drink. When they can get her up they do, but then she is sitting on the sore.
I can't see how this sore is going to heal given that, and the state she is in physically.
So....what happens with these sores? I guess there is the risk of infection but will it spread? Is it possible that it can heal with treatment?

Thanks...Gx

[marje]

When I worked in a care home there was a lady there who was pretty much comatose so didn't move by herself. To stop pressure sores a night sister there used to soap her hands until she had a good lather, then rub it into the buttocks of this lady until all the lather had disappeared. Lady never had pressure sores whilst I was there.

Sorry to hear about your mother, it must be really hard for both you and her.

[gness]

Thanks Tony...not so bad for me since she went into the home... just want her to go now...no life and no dignity....x

[tonyav]

I understand, gness.

[gness]

Thanks Marje...interesting about the soap and something to bear in mind. x

[woofgang]

Sorry to go Ot but sending prayers and good thoughts for Redman, as well as for you and your Mum Gness.

[gness]

Woof...that's nice...thank you. x

[DaisyNonna]

Together is a lovely word.

[sunny-dave]

I feel for you gness - there is a school of thought that says "any pressure sore is, by definition, bad nursing care".

All I can say is that the people who say this have never worked with people with late stage dementia - fragile skin, not a jot of compliance with care (actually very often deliberate anti-compliance) plus highly complex co-morbidities and drug regimes. Sores are not inevitable, but they are damned difficult to avoid completely.

Freed from the constraints of the (slight) political correctness I had to uphold as a professional, I can say (as a dave) that I just hope your wishes for a speedy end to your mother's suffering are fulfilled.


Rowan - please tell redman to get better quickly - there's a pint in the pump for him at the PO Vaults and it needs drinking before it evaporates.

dave xx

[gness]

Spot on, Dave. I think the lady today may have been concerned that I was going to question the severity of the sore....I looked after my mother til she went into the home so I know how very difficult she is for them.
Seems bad to say that I hope the next call is to say she has died...but I really do. Thanks...x

[DaisyNonna]

Lost my father to "the frailty of old age". He did not know me, fell out of bed in hospital, twice because the sides were not raised. Heartbreaking when you realise there is no way back.
Understand gness, you pray for a swift end whilst dreading it.

[gness]

Thanks, Daisy....x

[pixie373]

Hi gness. Any pressure sore above grade 1 needs reporting. It is quite serious. She needs to be turned every 2 hours and just put on her back for eating/drinking. Manuka honey (£10 a pot) is very helpful with pressure sores. I'm not into alternative medicines, but have seen "miracles" with this.
I wish you and your mum the best, in whatever way that means xx

[gness]

Hi, Pixie....they told me they are turning her regularly through the night which I'm sure they will. She won't really eat and just drinks milk...when she feels like it but they try.
Thanks for your good wishes....x

[pixie373]

Not easy. Take care xx

[DTCwordfan]

Hiya all - my best to Redman and you Rowan, I'm afraid that this maybe a case of two steps forward and one back that you face for the imminent future but you will come through!

Love to you gness; as we know, it's never easy........I agree with Dave's assessment on this; oh, the joys of things to come.

[Ann]

Love and hugs from me too Gness ........... and Rowan. Thinking of you xx

[phleb]

From personal experience with my nan these sores dont heal they get worse start decaying and often get very smelly. Im sorry Its not nice but its the truth.my nan died after 2years bedbound! All u can do is make sure the area is clean and gets plenty of air turning the patient in different positions.

[phleb]

It can be a sign of bad nursing if not turned in alternate positions and being left in the same spot for a long period of time it does happen

[gness]

Thanks all....x...and Headers.....oh this is my mother....with dementia! :-)
When she was herself she was just as awkward and cross...but wish she could be comfortable...x