Seeking Advice: Ongoing Wound Healing Issues Post-Surgery
I underwent a Haglundectomy on March 25, and initially, the procedure was successful. After the surgery, I was placed in a cast for six weeks, which was removed on May 5, and everything seemed to be healing well. However, on May 10, I began experiencing pain in my ankle, which led to the discovery of an infection. The stitches started to come apart, prompting my healthcare team to take a culture sample. I was prescribed antibiotics, which showed some effectiveness over a week. Subsequently, they applied a vacuum dressing, which was intended to assist with healing for five days. Unfortunately, due to important exams I had to take, the dressing was removed, and although the skin appeared to be closing up, it was not thoroughly connected beneath the surface. After my exams, another vacuum dressing was applied but it yielded no positive results. My doctor opted to restitch the area, providing support for another 21 days. However, upon removing these stitches, it became evident that there was still no proper connection of the skin, and the wound appeared significantly larger than it had at the outset. This situation is causing me considerable distress, particularly as I am only 21 years old and have been unable to walk normally for over three months. I am reaching out for any suggestions or insights, especially since I do not have diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 9:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your wound healing post-surgery, and your concerns are totally valid. The situation with your wound not healing properly after your Haglundectomy can be frustrating, especially considering the impact it has on your daily life. Here are some important points and actionable steps you can consider:
Main Points:
- Wound Healing Challenges: Ongoing issues with wound healing can be related to several factors, including infection, inadequate blood supply, or mechanical stress on the area.
- Importance of Monitoring and Care: Continued observation and appropriate care are crucial for optimizing healing, especially after the reopening of a wound.
Explanation:
Healing involves several phases, and various factors can impede this process. Infections, tension on the wound, and overall health (even if you don’t have diabetes) can all affect how well and quickly a wound heals. Given your situation in which you experienced pain, signs of infection, and reopening of stitches, it may be a sign that your current care approach needs further fine-tuning.
Next Steps:
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Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep the wound clean and dry. If instructed, gently clean the area with saline or water, and avoid using any irritants.
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Limit Movement: Try to minimize any stress on your ankle while it’s healing. Use crutches or a wheelchair if needed to keep weight off the foot.
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Nutrition for Healing: Focus on nutrition to support wound healing. Ensure you’re consuming adequate protein, vitamins (especially Vitamin C and Zinc), and staying well-hydrated. If you have dietary restrictions, consider speaking to a nutritionist to tailor your nutrition.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor: Ensure you have frequent follow-ups to monitor the wound and consider discussing options like additional dressings, potential growth factor treatments, or referrals to a wound care specialist.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a diary of any changes, should you notice increased redness, swelling, or unusual discharge, document these to discuss with your healthcare provider.
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Mental Well-being: Managing the emotional stress is also essential. Consider speaking to someone about your feelings or seeking support from friends and family during this tough time.
It's crucial to stay engaged with your healthcare team about your concerns, as they can provide tailored advice reflective of your unique situation. Remember to be patient with yourself as you navigate through this healing process. Let me know if you have any other questions or need more specific insights!
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