Hey Boo
Glad you wrote and updated us. I soooooo understand how you must be feeling. I have had some real nightmare experiences with these ER doctors. I even once had one yelling at me for daring to question him. He totally ignored my medical history which was on file at the hospital and then totally ignored what my ID instructed him to do. My ID doc was hot - he reemed this guy a new body orifice. Thank God your regular doc started you on those antibiotics.
One thing that I use are abdominal surgical pads. They seem to be expensive until you figure in the cost of regular gauze pads, bandaids, tape etc. They are sterile, thick (absorbant) and give good protection to the wound.
The bad thing is that you can't get them at a regular pharmacy. I order them (10 to a box) from the same company I order my pleurz catheters from.
Instead of using tape. I keep them on by using a gentle wrap to keep them in place. I (1) put the pad in place (2) use rolled sterile gauze wrapped around the leg and then (3) use a regular short stretch. For me it works great. If the infection is gone, then it should be safe for you to try this - check with your doc too for their opinion. You'll need to try and keep the swelling down as much as possible so that the wound isn't stretched from the swelling. that in itself can really effect how fst the wound will heal.
Swimming is my very favorite sport because not only am I able to do it, but it is so helpful in getting some of the swelling down.
Here is metro Atlanta, there isn't a river that I would dare swim in - and public pools for me at absolutely forbidden. But, years ago we did have some lakes that were safe during he earlier parts of summer. Then, they started issuing bacterial warnings on them - so ended that for me. I really really miss swimming too.
Please don't accept this denial from SSI - appeal, appeal and appeal. Try to get your doctor involved in documenting just how much you are restricted and unable to do things as you are. Have them send in every possible, helpful medical record you can.
SS does not recognize lymphedema as a condition causing disability. So, you have to go on what all the complications are and have done - how it limits you - how it effects you ability to even carry out day to day self care and maintenance.
That numbness you are describing really needs to be watched. That can often be a sign that the nerves are being compressed by possible edema in the tissues. i went through quite a spell of that when my arms and hands started to swell.
At least for me that is one bright spot. While the LE is clearly still there the right arm is now normal size and the left one has only mildly swollen.
hang in there my friend - remember, we're always here for you - anytime
Pat