Worsening sore
 

Hello, everyone! My mother, age 71, has MDS, moving closer to AML, I'm afraid. Her platelets have bottomed out over the past four months or so. The lowest platelet count has been 3. She usually has three transfusions a week, plus blood, chemo, and iron.

She frequently has blood blisters in her mouth and nose bleeds. Over the past month, a blood blister on her wrist has developed into a horrible sore. In this time, it has turned black, has opened up and is oozing blood. In the past week, a hole in the middle of the sore has developed and has the smell of deteriorating flesh.

Has any heard or known of this? It is so worrisome and is causing her a lot of pain.

They should have a wound specialist look at the sore and possibly start antibiotics. They can culture it too. Can I ask why is she getting iron? Each red cell pack provides about 250 mg of iron. Bacteria thrives in an iron rich environment.

Zinc can help with wound healing. Her zinc may be low but it can be difficult to know its true status.

My husband had a sore like this first. Before Dx of MDS. This is how we actually finally got to the dx of MDS. Thought it was a spider bite...long story. It was not a spider bite. It is/was a type of ulcer caused by an underlying condition. My husband's underlying condition is MDS.

Not saying that she has what he had/has...He had Pyoderma Gangrenosum. Just putting it out there if she hasn't found any answers and/or relief.

Thanks for this information, Kathy!

My mom lost her battle with this cruel disease on May 1, but not before a fight to the end. The MDS progressed to AML. The sore only worsened. With the prognosis of AML, there was little to do as far as treating the wound. I am glad to know the name of the skin/ulcerated issue. If I can, I will post a photo.

Prayers for your husband. By the way, my mom was treated in Anderson, S.C.

That sore looks horrendous and oh so painful! I'm so sorry your mum had to live with that on top of MDS. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Michael. You can take comfort that she is at peace and resting now.