Hi everyone, my brother-in-law recently had a minor stroke and became bedridden. He got a large bedsore on his left thigh (between knee and hip). Now he is just discharged to a nursing home and hooked with a wound-vac. I wonder if anyone has experience on this problem. Thank you.
Make sure the patient is eating lots of protein. But not sitting around eating all day. Last thing you need is for that woundvac to fail on you b/c the patient gains weight!
Good Luck!!
Your BIL will heal better if he turns every 2 hours. He will also heal better if he gets adequate nutrition, fluids, oxygenation, and circulation. Some of those are easy for staff to implement. Some are more difficult based on your BIL's health and his chronic health problems.
I'm sorry to hear of your BIL having had a disabling stroke. This is an unfortunate turn of events in anyone's life and in the family's who love them. I hope for his reaching full rehab potential and being able to return to a modified - independent life outside of a SNF, if this is an achievable goal.
I'm a retired RN and always worked diligently to prevent skin breakdown that results in bed sores. They are pretty slow to develop and take time to heal. For any family able to be with him, make sure that he is kept positioned with pressure off that wound site and don't feel intimidated about asking for cares or obligated to accept any below-par care provided for him. Don't be afraid to ask questions and gently but firmly advocate for him in all aspects of his care.
Wound Vacs are awesome and truly do aid in healing wounds by providing constant stimulation of blood flow and by wicking excess moisture and bacteria away from the wound while protecting the delicate healing taking place at the edges of the wound. Hopefully, the size and depth of the wound will continually decrease as healing takes place. The 'dressing' is changed every 3-5 days, as I recall, and it's key that the adhesive is fully attached to ensure the proper function of the Vac.; This is among the things that family can check on, as well as ensuring proper positioning, movement, nutrition with high protein (unless contra-indicated by other medical conditions) and hydration to promote healing.
If rehabilitation and a return home is a realistic goal, the encouragement of loved ones helps in large measure to provide the support and encouragement needed to reach every goal. Family also knows the personal needs of their loved one and if communication is impaired, can help him to voice his needs.
I wish your BIL, you and yours the best.
Why not give it a chance and see if the wound starts healing?
Good luck!