When Cribben was diagnosed with a venous leg ulcer, an open sore in the skin of his lower leg, it had a profound impact on his life. The once active and outgoing man soon became depressed, was anxious about losing his leg and miserable from the pain. So much so, that many of his friends advised him to get off his feet. But he found this to be virtually impossible - he had a business to run after all.
For nine months, he went to the hospital two to three times a week for wound care and application of compression therapy. But the bulky compression systems prevented him from wearing the orthopedic shoes that had become a requirement for his job and many of the bandages slipped down his leg, rendering them ineffective.
Finally a nurse recommended he try the new 3M Coban 2 Layer Compression System. "I loved it," said Cribben. "It was comfortable, stayed in place, fit under my clothes and enabled me to wear my orthopedic shoes again."
According to friends and family, Cribben was back to his old self within just a few days - he was back at the counter with cooking tips for customers.
Patients like Cribben use compression bandages until the wound heals, then replace them with compression stockings worn daily to prevent wound recurrence. But with proper treatment, patients can get back on their feet again.
Prevention tips:
• Elevate feet above the heart
• Use compression therapy
• Avoid smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Keep ankles mobile
• Take the butcher's advice and stay active.
- News Canada