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<\/p>\nOn Thursday 17 November we’re talking about all things pressure ulcers as part of international Stop the Pressure Day 2022<\/p>\n
Here are some of the stories that people have kindly shared with us about their own experiences with pressure ulcers highlighting the different types of impact they have had on their lives and sharing tips based on their own experience of pressure ulcers.<\/p>\n
Dave Bracher\u2019s first-hand experience of pressure ulcers impacted not only him, but his entire family.<\/p>\n
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Dave told us how his first pressure ulcer was the result of letting his guard down just for a moment.\u00a0 This resulted in a pressure ulcer on his hip which he hadn\u2019t felt or noticed.\u00a0 For him the frustration of the situation was outweighed by the impact on his family.<\/p>\n
“Not only did my wife have to become a single parent again, much as she did when I was in hospital and then doing my rehab, she also had to look after me. \u2026 I could see the frustration in her eyes, and the relief was palpable when she could catch a break when the kids came to watch TV or read a book with me.”<\/p>\n
The timing of his second pressure ulcer was even worse and meant he was unable to join his family on a well-deserved holiday in Wales. After a long, hot day in London in a series of work-related meetings, he forgot about the need to do pressure relief and a small red mark on the bottom was the result. Relegated to bed rest he missed the long-awaited holiday and stayed in bed.<\/p>\n
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“And my \u2018single parent again\u2019 wife came home knackered and needing another holiday to get over the holiday.<\/p>\n
Dave’s advice based on his experience<\/strong>:<\/p>\n “My advice would be to stay aware, don\u2019t ignore symptoms and get your Emergency Care Plan<\/a> (ECP) together in case of emergencies.<\/p>\n “I have an ECP, so if I find myself in hospital, they\u2019ll know to find me a pressure-relieving mattress and give me some extra care and support to manage my condition and minimize the chances of any \u2018complications\u2019.”<\/p>\n Pressure ulcers are serious, and, in some cases, they can lead to life threatening situations.\u00a0 If you haven\u2019t ever had one before it can be easy to think it won\u2019t happen to you.<\/p>\n After 45 years as a wheelchair user, one of our support network volunteers, Graeme Rudd had never experienced pressure ulcers before so didn\u2019t think he\u2019d be affected by them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Home from hospital, Graeme\u2019s sweats and discomfort continued despite no longer having Covid, but strangely, only when he was sitting on the sofa watching TV. It was then his wife, Janet noticed marks on his backside and another visit to the doctor confirmed he\u2019d developed pressure ulcers. This explained why he wasn\u2019t experiencing symptoms while lying in bed or sitting on his wheelchair\u2019s protective gel cushion \u2013 the damaging pressure had come from his time on the sofa. After an appointment with his consultant at Pinderfields spinal unit, Graeme was told he was suffering from autonomic dysreflexia (AD)<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n After taking medication to relieve symptoms, Graeme was advised to stay off his backside as much as possible. After weeks spent lying prone in bed while ensuring daily time in his standing frame to relieve pressure, his body started to heal. He accepts he was blas\u00e9 about pressure ulcers and although he\u2019d experienced AD in the past, the symptoms were different this time \u2013 there was no pounding headache for a start.<\/p>\n Graeme’s advice<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been lucky to have come this far in life without skin problems, but my skin is getting thinner and less supple as I age. It\u2019s more susceptible to pressure ulcers. I\u2019m being much more careful now.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure you share your emergency care plan (ECP). I had one but didn\u2019t offer it. It was complete naivety! I\u2019d never had a pressure ulcer and thought I\u2019d be okay, that it wouldn\u2019t happen to me.<\/p>\n Sally Jones, 42, is currently fighting pressure sore number 23 after number 22 saw her rushed to A&E with osteomyelitis as a result of an infected sore on her foot.<\/p>\nIt won’t happen to me<\/h2>\n
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After suffering from clamminess and cold sweats earlier this year, he was instructed to visit A&E immediately as his vital signs were \u201coff the scale\u201d. It was there he tested positive for Covid-19.<\/p>\nRecurring pressure sores<\/h2>\n