Last visit to Wake Forest

Tuesday 18 September

yesterday Roberto and Florence took 'Sela to Wake Forest to what, we hoped, was the last visit.  She wore no bandages, for the foot looked healed and dry, no oozing, and the spot where the tissue was taken for the graft, was bandage free!  So, the day dawned gray and windy, and then it started to pour.  Roberto came and we got things moving, got the wheel chair in the car, pillows, etc...  And off they went at about 11:30 am.  I did not go because I've started a heavy schedule this year, and had new students coming in.  At 1:30 pm I called and they had arrived safe and sound, with Florence's instructions.  At about 2:20pm Florence called to ask me if I had other questions for the surgeon, and I mentioned the use of Mederma for the scars.  So at 5pm they arrived, under sunny skies this time, and here's what they had to say:

That the foot is all healed, but the pain she feels is because the tissue underneath needs more time.  That she needs to walk as much as she can, toe to heal, heal to toe, to stretch the new tissue, that she can put Neosporin on it.  The thigh burns are healed, the tissue is still dark pink, but smooth.  She can put Vaseline or any cream she wants to keep it from drying up. The scar from the tissue for the graft is also all right, but it will take time for that tissue to go back to its normal color.  So, all in all, things are finally coming together and the healing is almost done.  She can go back for a 6 month appointment if needed.  Oh, no Mederma, a waste of money, Dr. Craig said.

Thank you for all your prayers and concern.  Today, we get Loreen, a Social Worker to stay with Sela, while I have a 2 to 7pm schedule this afternoon.  I need to 'put up' the dog, I'm told, while she's here.  I guess Otto will have to sit in class with me, oh dear.  The nurse comes back Wednesday to see her one more time.  We will miss the nurse Crystal and the 'bather' Pam, and her constant challenges with 'Sela.  Let's see what she has in store for the social services aide.

Here are some photos of what her foot looks at this date:

Foot

Tissue for graft

Right thigh

Left thigh