What are some tips for managing a chronic wound?

Hi, !

I am sorry you are dealing with a wound that just won't heal. I am surprised that a wound care specialist wasn't able to help. I do hope the dermatologist is able to offer you some lasting relief and healing. You don't have to answer these questions, but do you have other conditions that may be affecting your body's ability to heal? Are you on medications that may impact your body's wound healing? Because, while I know that Lupus can cause some issues with scarring and wounds, I have not come across another case like yours. I do hope community members may be able to offer some advice and support. Also, you may seek a second opinion on your situation and also think about asking for testing for other conditions if your wound continues to not heal properly.

Best, Erin, Team Member.

Hi Erin,
Thank you for your reply and support. I don’t have any other conditions except for lupus. My rheumatologist took 12 vials of blood recently and tested for everything you could imagine from rheumatoid arthritis, chrons, etc…. She has said that none of my medications will affect wound healing but that lupus can certainly affect the healing process. I’m pretty much nearing my breaking point. If the experts told me right now that they’d have to amputate my leg from the calf down, I’d consider it. I know it’s a drastic measure. I’m trying to hang in there. I pray it doesn’t come to losing my leg but am very tired of dealing with this. No one seems to have any answers including the wound care specialist and the dermatologist. I am definitely going to seek a 3rd opinion soon. Thank you for your concern.

Hi Doreen,

It’s soo nice to be able to vent my frustrations here. However, I think we finally found the solution! I have venous reflux and insufficiency. It’s where the blood flows backwards due to a faulty flap in my vein that is causing the wound to not heal. My goodness! I would like to believe that this is in fact the answer as to why my wound won’t heal. I’m going to need to see a vascular specialist next. Please keep me in your thoughts. I’m approaching 6 months with this non wound healing.