Advanced Wound Care That Changes Lives
For some people, a scrape or cut on the arm or leg might call for some antibiotic ointment and a bandage. But for others, it may require something much more complex.
Channel Evans of Hattiesburg is a Type 2 Diabetic. While working at Camp Shelby, she was unaware of a small nick on her toe which had become infected and continued to get worse. It’s one of the maladies that diabetics face and must keep a close eye on.
Channel was referred to Forrest Health’s Wound Care Center in Hattiesburg following the amputation of her third toe on her right foot. Her big toe was debrided and saved, but a large incision at the bottom of the third toe was slow to heal and was spreading infection throughout her foot. The Wound Care staff started out with general wound care where they worked through traditional treatments with medications and wound dressings. But the process was slow going and they recommended her for more advanced treatment, which would speed up the healing process.
At only 33 years old, Evans was a good candidate for treatment using one of the most successful and sought-after treatments in wound healing - hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO).
Evans, a slight bit apprehensive, didn’t know what to expect from her first treatment. She had been told about the pressure on one’s ears, similar to when flying at a high altitude or diving underwater. Each treatment lasts for two hours at which time the patient is continuously monitored, especially during the first 15 minutes when any pressure problems would occur.
During her time in the hyperbaric chamber, she watched movies. “They have a pretty extensive collection of DVDs you can watch,” she said. At other times, she fell asleep.
Evans said she saw a difference after every one of her visits. She said the experience was great, and she made a full recovery. Once her treatment was complete, she underwent physical therapy to help with some balance issues she developed as the result of losing part of her toe.
These days, because she is diabetic, Evans has to keep a watch on her feet for other wounds. She’s about ready to get back into the work force after getting her balance issues back on track. She’s thankful for the help those at the Wound Care Center provided. “They were lovely to work with, always available to answer my questions, and being there for two hours a day for four or five days a week for two months or more, we became very acquainted,” she said. “It was a big commitment, but worth it.”
Forrest Health’s Wound Healing Center in Hattiesburg and those located in Picayune; Poplarville and Tylertown specialize in the treatment and management of complex problem wounds.
Term Dictionary - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBO increases oxygen in the patient’s blood, allowing oxygen to pass more easily through the plasma and into the wounds to heal them. The patient receives treatment in an HBO chamber, which delivers 100 percent oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This provides elevated systemic levels of oxygen to enhance the body's ability to heal. Patients will usually receive 20 to 40 treatments.
