FAQs

I had Heart Bypass Surgery. My Surgical incision is not healing properly. What should I do?

Sometimes, even with the best hospital and physician care, some surgical wounds will not heal properly without specialized treatment. It is important that you communicate with your surgeon, let him know the problems you are having with your surgical wound. Ask your surgeon if a referral to the wound care center might be beneficial for you. One of our physicians that specializes in wound care, will be happy to address your wound care needs. For more information you or your physician may contact The Wound Centers.

My legs are red, swollen and painful. I noticed blisters on them. Why?

You may be experiencing complications from a vascular disorder called Venous Stasis Disease. Wounds caused by this problem are due to the swelling in the legs. It is important to communicate this problem to your primary care doctor and ask him to refer you to a physician that specializes in treating this condition. Good wound care can control the wounds caused by the disease. In addition, compression therapy can reduce the swelling caused by the pooling of fluid in the lower extremities. If you want to make an appointment, you or your physician can contact The Wound Centers.

I have a bone infection in my foot. Will I need an Amputation?

That is a tough question to answer without assessing your wound. Amputation may be appropriate in some cases but sometimes with the right combination of antibiotic therapy, wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy your foot can be healed. You should discuss this problem with your physician to determine if a referral to the wound care center would be beneficial for you. If you or your physician has any questions contact The Wound Centers.

Do you treat scuba divers that have the bends? How do you know you have the bends?

Yes, we treat patients with decompression illness. If you suspect you have symptoms of decompression illness you need to seek medical attention for a thorough exam. 70-80% of patients that have decompression sickness complain of joint pain. Patients may have a mild onset in the shoulder, hip or knee and the pain may become deep and penetrating. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat decompression illness. If you or your physician have question, please contact The Wound Centers.

I have a quarter size wound on my leg. It’s been there for over a year, it will not heal. I’m not a diabetic. What should I do?

You need to see you primary care physician if you’re not seeing him already. Sometimes a wound will not heal if there is an underlying condition involved. The wound may need to be biopsied if it is not healing with standard treatment. A biopsy of the wound may reveal a basal cell carcinoma which can be treated appropriately to help heal the wound. Ask your primary care physician if a referral to the wound care center will be beneficial for you. You or your physician can contact The Wound Centers for an appointment or questions.

I was bit by a spider a few days ago and the swelling and pain is getting worse, what should I do?

Spiders in the United States are generally harmless, but there are a few that can cause serious medical problems. Keep the culprit if possible. Identification of the spider will help determine the appropriate treatment. If you continue to experience problems, ask your primary care physician to refer you to the wound care center where a physician can assess your bite and treat it appropriately. Sometimes venomous bites need to have damaged tissue removed to help promote proper healing. If you want to make an appointment you or your physician can contact The Wound Centers.

I received radiation therapy for cancer treatment. How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help me?

In the case of head and neck radiation patients, oral surgery is sometimes necessary. Hyperbarics is a prescribed treatment prior to oral surgery and immediately after surgery to prevent problems with healing of the jaw or tooth socket. Hyperbarics is also a prescribed treatment in cases where radiation has damaged the surrounding tissues. If you have had radiation therapy and you are experiencing complications from the radiation, or need oral surgery, ask your physician if a referral to the wound center for hyperbaric treatment might be beneficial for you.

My husband is a quadriplegic and has a bed sore. The home health nurse comes out a few times a week; can he come to the wound center?

Yes, most certainly. You can speak with your primary care physician and ask him if a referral to the wound center might benefit your husband. Your husband will be assessed by a physician that specializes in wound care and will instruct your home health nurse on the appropriate treatment. The wound center physicians and nurses will work hand and hand with your physician and home health nurse to help promote healing of your husbands wound. If your want to make an appointment you or your physician may contact The Wound Centers.

My foot and ankle was crushed in an accident. The wounds are not healing. What should I do?

The wounds associated with crush injuries are difficult to heal because the tiny blood vessels are damaged. The damage to the blood vessels causes a decrease in the amount of blood and oxygen supply to the wound. Wounds must have oxygen to heal properly. The best course for these wounds is to ask your primary care physician if a referral to a physician who specializes in wound care is appropriate. At the wound center, you will receive comprehensive wound care, which may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help those wounds heal more quickly.

I am a diabetic, why does it take so long for wounds to heal on my feet?

Over time, diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels that supply the tissues with blood and oxygen. When those tiny blood vessels are not functioning properly it may cause you to lose the protective feeling in your feet increasing the risk of developing wounds. This damage to those tiny blood vessels can also make it more difficult for your body to heal wounds. This is why it is important to control your diabetes and inspect your feet everyday. You or your physician can contact The Wound Centers for an appointment.