Pressure Sores.....

Looking out for pressure sores is a part of my daily routine that will continue as long as I am in this condition.

A pressure sore a sore area of skin that develops when the blood supply to it is cut off for more than two to three hours due to pressure on it and lack of movement. As the skin dies, the pressure sore first appears as a red painful area, which in time turns purple. Left untreated, the skin can break open and become infected. A pressure sore can become deep (ulcerate) and extend into the underlying muscle. Once a bed sore develops, it is often very slow to heal. Untreated pressure sores can become gangrenous or seriously infected. Pressure sores are also called bed sores because they are a major problem for patients who are confined to bed and are unable to move themselves. However, the term "pressure sore" is a better general term because these sores can also develop in someone who is confined to a wheelchair or who wears a cast.

With this routine in place I am able to catch them when they're just a small red spot, however due to riding the bike over the last few weeks I have gotten yet another stage 2 ulcer.

A stage 2 pressure Injury is a partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis partial-thickness loss of skin with exposed dermis. The wound bed is viable, pink or red, moist, and may also present as an intact or ruptured serum-filled blister.

I say another because you may remember a year ago I had my pressure ulcer surgically removed after having it for a year and a half. It was very time consuming having to clean it, dress it and keep watching it so it did not get any worse than it was which was a stage 4.

A stage 4 pressure Injury is a full-thickness skin and tissue loss Full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed or directly palpable fascia, muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage or bone in the ulcer. Slough and/or eschar may be visible. Epibole (rolled edges), undermining and/or tunneling often occur. Depth varies by anatomical location.

They are also deadly if not taken care of. So I am on bed rest until mine is gone. I will be ok in a few days.�