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

[Pooka1950]

I'm not Sqad (obviously!) but just wanted to chip in to say my late Mum had the same thing when she was in a care home. The head of nursing who was there when she first went in said pressure sores were a sign of poor nursing. Unfortunately he left shortly after but I'd be interested to know if any of our medics agree. My sympathies to your Mum.

[gness]

It's a difficult one, Pooka. My mother has dementia, is doubly incontinent, refuses most food and drink and is quite violent so it is a problem for the staff who are looking after her. I really have been happy with the care and the biggest problem is her non-cooperation. That is what was their concern when they called today...she is so hard to help. x

[Svejk]

Sorry to intrude Gness but any news on MrsO?

[Pooka1950]

My Mum was in exactly the same situation gness. Dementia is such a cruel illness for all concerned. I loved her to bits but to be honest l was relieved when her suffering was over. I'll be watching this question with interest and sending you my heartfelt best wishes.

[Connemmara]

Hi Gness - is that Ma you are talking about. Bedsores are sometimes "not" a thing of negligence but they are very painful. Sorry, can't offer any more advice. Perhaps Sqad will help. xxxConne

[gness]

Hi Svejk.....won't get any news on Mrs O for a good few days I think but one of us will post as soon as we hear...or indeed she will herself when she gets home....and believe me...they won't keep Mrs O any longer than they have to...! ;-)
Dementia is awful and I will be glad when it's over for her...it's no way to exist..s

[Sqad]

gness....90 year old, basically bed or chair ridden.....Grade 3, it will be a tribute to the nursing staff if they stop it spreading and a bloody miracle if they can heal it.

In a nutshell.

[gness]

Thank you Sqad...that is what I thought and from the tone of the voice on the phone today it seemed quite serious..they seemed to be preparing me for worse. No need really...I am a bit hard and prefer straight talking but they were being kind.
So could this kill her? Gx

[Sqad]

Could it kill her?........No.....well very unlikely.

[gness]

Okay...thanks, Sqad...on to plan B then...;-) x

[woofgang]

gness, I am sorry to tell you this. There is a condition called terminal cachexia where, broadly speaking, the body ceases to be able to make use of nutrients an as with your Mum, may also not be eating or drinking. healing doesn't happen, skin cells aren't replaced, natural skin oils are not made and so on. One of the symptoms of this is the development of pressure sores and, no they don't heal. Sometimes even the best nursing care can't stop it happening. You might now wish to start talking to the Nurses who dress the wound about the Liverpool care pathway. I know there has been much in the news about its misuse; but used properly for the proper reasons it really does help to facilitate a kind and peaceful end where this is possible. Some places will be able to provide pressure relieving mattresses and cushions to make the person more comfortable but some people don't seem to feel the pain anyway because they are too far gone on their journey.

[rowanwitch]

nice answer woofgang.. in theory the care would be side to side nursing in bed but then she will probably end up with another problem like a chest infection..if she stays in position of course . if she is not eating or drinking there is very little that can be done other than keep her comfortable as possible and keep the sore dressed and clean. Feel for you Gness

[gness]

Thanks Woof...I am going in tomorrow and will speak to them. They told me today about the equipment they have put in place to make her as comfortable as possible but it's the anger and fighting that is so hard to deal with. She is just like a skeleton now and I really wish she would go for her sake.....such an awful existence and so sad to see. x

[gness]

Hi Rowan...I don't know how she is still alive. She drinks some milk and a spoon or two of food and that's about it. She was extremely fit and healthy all her life and that seems to be against her now...keeping her going somehow.
How are things with you....love and a hug to Redman...x

[rowanwitch]

We struggle on me and mr bubblewrap he's got a ct scan tomorrow to assess how much air has leaked into his tissues and maybe find the leak. I hope it doesn't mean more surgery he'd really down at the moment

[Psybbo]

Gness and rowan, lots of love and best wishes to you both xx

[gness]

Oh, Rowan...wish I could do something. x

[rowanwitch]

Its ok we will get through it together..

[gness]

Together is a nice word....x

[tonyav]

Rowan, regards to Redman and all the best.



best of luck to you as well, gness x.