Have You Been Told: Despite appropriate care, wounds continue to worsen! Anticipate patient's demise in 1-2 months

This 62 year old female presented with 7 full thickness (tendon/muscle/bone exposed) “non-healing wounds”.  One was on her buttocks and the other 6 on her left leg below the knee. She was infected with two organisms: one of which was MRSA (methacillan resistant staph). Her recovery was further complicated by partial paraplegia and multiple cardiac issues. She had been told that there was nothing more that could be done to help her so she was placed in a nursing home on supportive care. She underwent progressive wound management.

Have You Been Told: We don’t know why your wounds won’t heal – Put this medication on them!

This 87 year old male presented with “non-healing wounds” and a rash over most of both legs from the knees down and of over 4 years duration. He had been treated without success at 4 or 5 different facilities. He opted for progressive wound management
at ETI.

Have You Been Told: With a wound this involved skin grafting is the only option!

This 12 day old infant presented with a full thickness wound over the top of his left foot as a result of an adverse reaction to an IV. The parents were told by five physician specialists that grafting was the “only viable course of treatment” and “that it would most likely result in a permanent loss of ankle function.” To avoid the risks and trauma associated with the surgery the parents chose progressive wound management instead.

Have You Been Told: You have a genetic disorder!

This 45 year old female presented with multiple "non-healing" wounds, with a continuous duration of 10-12 years. After seeing multiple specialists she was diagnosed with Hailey-Hailey disease an incurable genetic (congenital) skin disorder. The total wound surface area was approximately 14" by 14". The severe pain and aggravation from the chronic drainage at times left her nearly incapacitated. She had undergone many failed treatment attempts, including topical medications, multiple types of dressings, and laser surgery. After years of unsuccessful treatment she opted for aggressive wound management at ETI Wound Healing Center.

Have You Been Told: You have an infection – amputation is your only option.

This 61 year old male with a history of diabetes and non healing ankle fracture underwent a below the knee amputation which also was “non-healing”. After approximately 2 months of unsuccessful treatment at another facility he began progressive wound management at ETI. The wound had been progressing well until 7 days into it. On that day while at home he fell and completely disrupted the end of the residual limb. He was told by his family physician, orthopaedic surgeon and infectious disease specialist that he had to be admitted to an infectious disease unit and would need to undergo an above the knee amputation. After consulting with ETI he opted to continue with progressive wound management.

Have You Been Told: You have poor circulation – amputation is your only option!

This 59 year old female underwent amputation of the toes on her left foot due to “toes turning dark”. She also underwent a surgical revision of the amputation site approximately 2 months later due to continued “non-healing” of the wound. She had not walked since November of 2008 due to the wounds/surgical procedure. Over the course of several months she also developed a wound over her left heel and was told that she must have a below the knee amputation due to “lack of circulation”. She underwent a stent placement to restore blood flow to the leg but was told that this “did not work and she must have an amputation!” She was opposed to this and chose progressive wound management at ETI.

Have You Been Told: Your skin graft failed - amputation may be the only option!

This 68 year old male presented with a full thickness wound over the top of his foot of approximately four months duration. A skin graft closure attempt two months prior had failed.  He had been told by his family physician and his podiatrist that amputation may be his only option. He chose the route of progressive wound management at ETI.

Have You Been Told: Your wound won’t heal because of your chronic swelling!

This 37 year old male presented with severe leg wounds of more than two years duration. His condition was complicated by diabetes and obesity. He delayed seeking treatment because he feared he would need an amputation. He was treated with progressive wound management.

Have You Been Told: Your wound won’t heal because you have diabetes!

This 76 year old insulin dependent diabetic male presented with a “non-healing” diabetic ulcer of approximately 16 months duration. Wound care at several other facilities was unsuccessful so he opted for progressive wound management at ETI.