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Any Podiatrists about? Need urgent advice please. Warning! Gross pics included.

12 replies

KiraLoo · 06/11/2019 14:06

Apologise in advance for the long post.

About 6 weeks ago I had a total nail avulsion with phenolisation because of an awful ingrown toenail. About a week later I saw my GP because it wasn’t looking too good. I was put on a course of Doxycycline for 2 weeks.

After 2 weeks it was looking even worse so I went back to the GP. She sent me straight to A&E. Swabs were done and I was admitted for three days. I was put on IV antibiotics (Linezolid) and there was a bit of progress so they discharged me and sent me home with 5 days worth of oral Linezolid.

Once the course was finished my toe looked worse than ever! I went back to the podiatrist and they put Manuka honey on it and dressed it. Told me not to touch it for three days. They gave me silver mesh to put over the wound and told me to redress it daily.

10 days later I went back to the GP because it was still looking awful. She sent me back to A&E but called them first and they confirmed that the swab had grown MRSA. The orthopaedic surgeon looked at it and has given me another 7 days worth of Linezolid. I’m 5 days into the course and it still looks awful and I’m still in a lot of pain. This is what it looks like today (I’ll send pics). There is also a bump forming that wasn’t there before. Maybe an abscess? I think I might have oral thrush too, my tongue is white and bumpy and my throat is very red and painful.

I’m so run down, I’m in so much pain and I’m completely miserable. Do you think surgical intervention is now necessary? I’m otherwise healthy but I’m allergic to penicillin. I’m definitely not diabetic.

Any advice would be so appreciated!

OP posts:
KiraLoo · 06/11/2019 14:08

Pics from this morning

OP posts:
Nat6999 · 06/11/2019 14:12

That looks to me like it is tracking, could you draw round it so you can see if it is spreading? Are you allowed to get it wet? If you can, soak your foot in water with Epsom salts in it, this will draw out any infection & hopefully ease your pain.

KiraLoo · 06/11/2019 14:17

@Nat6999 Thanks for the suggestions. I was doing exactly that for the first three weeks but I have now been told I can’t get it wet at all. I had to buy something from Amazon that keeps water out when I shower. I have now drawn a line around it to keep an eye on the spreading.

OP posts:
byefeliciabye · 06/11/2019 14:21

I would definitely get myself to A&E soon. I think surgical intervention may be the best thing at this point. I hope you feel better soon OP x

KiraLoo · 06/11/2019 16:41

@byefeliciabye thank you x

OP posts:
KiraLoo · 06/11/2019 16:44

I got a last minute appointment at the hospital where I was admitted. I’ve just got home. The ortho doc completely fobbed me off and told me to keep taking the antibiotics and come back next week. I’ve completely lost faith in the ortho team at this hospital. There is a bigger (much better) hospital not too far from me. Would it be unreasonable for me to go to their a&e and see someone completely different for a second opinion? I’m so scared of losing my toe.

OP posts:
Nat6999 · 06/11/2019 16:50

You haven't anything to lose by trying another hospital. The worst thing they can say is the same as the one you have already been to.

byefeliciabye · 06/11/2019 16:52

@KiraLoo I would go to the other hospital for a second opinion. As you say, it's not worth losing your toe! Make the journey and see someone different. This has been an ongoing issue now - a stay in hospital, two lots of antibiotics and a whole bunch of pain and suffering. I think the wound needs to be cleaned out and dressed at the very least. I'd also be inclined to swab it again. Best of luck and push for answers, be your own advocate x

MustardScreams · 06/11/2019 16:53

I’d definitely be getting a second opinion. Infections like that can lead to sepsis quickly, so I’d want to get it under control ASAP. Hope you’re ok op.

GinaCarbonara · 06/11/2019 17:06

You poor thing, worst case scenario it's a wasted trip and they say the same thing?

redchocolatebutton · 06/11/2019 17:38

go for that second opinion

Luckingfovely · 06/11/2019 17:47

Yes, go, get a second opinion. These things can escalate very quickly. Wish you well Thanks

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