Managing the holidays with a chronic wound
Many practitioners go on vacation, the lavish banquet with the family is coming up and the bandages are almost gone: Holidays such as Christmas or Easter are particularly challenging for people with a chronic wound. In order to give those affected a little more ease during this time, we collected some recommendations.
Chronic wounds need a lot of attention. The wounds, mostly caused by vascular diseases or diabetes, need medical attention several times a week, and the primary diseases must not be neglected. A chronic wound is uncomfortable on any given day. However, the days around Christmas and New Year, Easter or the holiday season in summer pose additional challenges for those affected, as many doctors’ offices are closed at least temporarily. For wound patients, this can mean a lot of worries and keep them from spending peaceful time with family and friends. In order to take away at least some concerns from those affected, we asked leading wound experts and provided specific tips on how to master these special days with a chronic wound.
Making it through the holidays together
Spending time with relatives and friends is often not that easy for people with chronic wounds. They are restricted in their mobility and the wound may also smell unpleasant. This can lead to those affected increasingly withdrawing from social life. But friends and family can help to ensure that it does not come to that. A visit around Christmas, an honest question about how you are feeling or a lively conversation cannot heal a chronic wound, but it can make it easier to deal with difficult life situations. If relatives have been trained accordingly, they can also provide good support to wound patients in changing the bandage and thus replacing a visit to the outpatient clinic.
Clarify and prepare carefully
For people with a chronic wound, it is advisable to consult with their professional caretakers before holidays and vacations. Questions such as how long the dressing can be left on the wound, who is allowed to change the dressing and whether dressing material and wound irrigation solutions are available at home should be clarified. Getting enough exercise and whether or not to elevate your legs from time to time can also play a role. Those affected should know what to do if, despite everything, a problem with the wound occurs. Once everything has been discussed and well prepared, the days ahead seem much more carefree. The practitioners can also adjust the care over the holidays, for example with bandages that can be left on the wound longer, provided that the healing phase allows it. They can also use special bandages that counteract the unpleasant smell of wounds.
Enjoy responsibly
A chronic wound is much more than visible damage to the skin and tissue. It reflects the general state of health. Therefore, the body as a whole should be considered. Wound patients can definitely enjoy a feast as long as they do so responsively. Drinking enough water after a glass of alcohol and following a heavy meal with a day of light food helps the body to keep its balance. It is important to keep an eye on the blood sugar level. Whether it is a holidays or a family gathering, people with a chronic wound should choose comfortable clothing and shoes that do not cause pressure points.
A good time despite the wound
Holidays are a time like any other for the wound itself, but they can be a cause for concern for the person behind the wound. However, with good preparation and support from therapists, relatives and friends, special days can truly become special in a good way.