Mom is developing bad pressure sores on her bottom. We have tried everything: various zinc oxide creams, gabapentin, seen dermatologist and gastroenterologist. All doctors say to move more, get up and walk often, sleep on her side. Mom is 108 yrs old, and mobility is becoming an issue. Just gathering the energy to get out of her chair is hard, and she can only stand or walk for short times...minutes. Sleeping on her side is difficult, as it puts pressure on her old hip replacement, causing discomfort. She is in constant pain (primary doc terms it "chronic idiopathic anal pain", and admits there is no cure. Has anyone used a Roho cushion for this? It was recommended by one doc, but they are pretty expensive, about $400. Any suggestions?
Good of you to care for your 108 year old mom. I know its hard to find a good solutions sometimes. I know the pillow is expensive, but I would give it a try.
I hope others can add more.
Can you put a thin but firm pillow, or foam cushion under her when she sleeps on her side? Nurses also doubled up pillows and put them between Dad's knees, as he was skin and bones toward the end. I noticed they used doubled up pillows quite frequently to help support his body and provide protection against other body parts or the alternating pressure pad on the bed.
We definitely also use the clameseptine with every depends change like others said.
Mom's nurse (visits once a week to monitor the progress) makes the point about extra protein but the 3 bites of tuna or scrambled egg is not enough to make a difference .
I suggest trying the roho ... it's inflatable insert let's you choose how much give it has ( came with a hand pump) Mom was using a gel cushion when increased immobility lead too both buttocks having open sores. We did buy the less expensive Roho Mosaic and I figured if it wasn't enough I would exchange for the more $$$$ model.
Just my 2¢...Good luck !!!
When she is out of bed does she sit in a wheelchair? A recliner if she would accept it is a better choice with her legs up. Do you have a hospital bed? She does nt have to lie completely on her side just enough to take the pressure off and plenty of pillows for support like FF said.
At 108 she is on her final journey however long that takes so there is no recovery. Of course a high protein diet is a good idea but anything will help that she likes and can swallow. She has earned the right to do as she pleases and there is no changing her now. Just do all you can to relieve the pain. Now I have to look up Roho cushions as i haven't met that one
I hope you can find a solution for your mom.
$14.99 for a 4 oz jar. A little goes a long way. I always followed this with a barrier cream and the one my DH seemed to prefer was Selan Silver, both available at Amazon.
I tried everything with DH's first pressure sore and the Colloidal Silver Gel was the first and only thing to actually start it healing. I don't know how to explain the need for the Barrier Cream but I used it faithfully and he never got another pressure sore. As soon as DH would say his bum was burning, this is what I did, starting with using diaper wipes to make sure there was no 'incontinence' caused by expelling gas.
This past year, when I had to clean him, I used the Selan Silver faithfully, following every single cleaning.
I also purchased the Beautyrest 3" Convoluted Foam Topper for the couch and his lift-chair. He said it made him a lot more comfortable. I later transferred it to his Hospital Bed when he was put on Hospice. I bought mine at Walmart, around $30 and easy to cut to size.
Bless you - 108? I only wish my DH had lasted that long - he passed 2 weeks ago, 4 months shy of 97.
Hope it works, God Bless!!
Air mattress was recommended to my client.
For wounds in diaper area I would use what I did for my kids - a Rx hemorrhoid cream [ I use proctosedyl ] with a silicone barrier cream on top which prevents the urine from bothering the skin - I have witnessed it clear mild diaper rash in just 1 diaper change - our family had been using this for nearly 40 years & we swear by it
OK. The answers here have been great. I just want to add a couple of things I didn't see in the previous answers. FRESH AIR: The healing power of air is often overlooked in wound care. First, the wound needs to be clean and as dry as possible. Then, just let air do its healing work. It can be inside her bedroom. Maybe this can be your mom's time to talk about whatever she wants. The longer the air has a chance to work the better. MATTRESS: Hospital beds, even with special pads, are unbelievably uncomfortable. I recommend buying her a Tempurpedic mattress, one of the simple ones (without a pillow top). This mattress will help her sleep more easily on her side as the memory foam mattress will help cradle her hip. I know these are expensive. Maybe the manufacturer will give you a deal if you explain why it's needed. CALMOSEPTINE: You said you were already using this. It's the wonder ointment! But, sometimes, it's hard to remove it completely. I use (and check with her wound care specialists on this) baby oil to take it off easily. Then, after the "airing out" period, I really lather the Calmo on.
In the nursing home they turn residents every 2 hrs and use several pillows to keep them there and comfortable.
I'd get a wound ream on it so it doesn't get worse. They have to be watched like a hawk so it doesn't worsen. Good luck.