Day 45

Happy New Year! ~ Adios, 2017!

Wound

   Vacuum sponge changes are still happening every 48-72 hours, but there were a few instances over the holidays that the time between nurse visits was prolonged due to staff scheduling. So we hit a small speed bump during this morning's dressing change, and are going to see the doctor tomorrow to confirm if there is or is not a slight infection brewing (which could have happened due to the extended times between dressing changes over the holidays). Bob's also having some skin breakdown, which is likely a reaction to the skin barrier liquid that is applied to the skin before the clear draping is glued down to hold the sponge in place. 

   With the possibility of a wound infection combined with the skin breakdown issue, the nurse decided to remove the vacuum dressing until tomorrow morning's doctor visit. So for the rest of today, there is only a wet-to-dry gauze dressing on Bob's wound, which gives his skin a chance to breathe for a bit.  

Today's bandage shows how the wound has really decreased in size!

Overall, the wound's healing has been progressing great. Here's the latest measurements as of 1/1/18 (depth is under 0.5cm now!):

Happy 2018!