How a Small Ulcer Became a Limb Threatening Infection

It all began in April 2019 when Brenda Weaver developed a small ulcer to her right heel. What started as a small wound to her right heel, quickly evolved into a larger wound and severe infection requiring hospitalization.

“What started as a tiny wound, almost caused me to lose my foot,” said Brenda.

Brenda also has diabetes, which can cause poor blood circulation making wounds more difficult to heal.

“I started seeing Dr. Worley as soon as I could tell the small spot wasn’t healing quickly,” said Brenda. “He would clean it regularly and worked to close the wound.”

Dr. Gregory Worley is a podiatrist with the Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Dr. Worley told Brenda to keep a close eye on the wound and gave her instructions to clean and change the wound’s dressing.

“I will never forget that night in October,” said Brenda. “I was changing my dressing and my heel was black. It happened overnight.”

Brenda had a temperature, and she had noticed some inflammation going up her leg. She immediately went to the Emergency Department to have her foot examined and the team admitted her that night. Dr. Worley visited her early the next morning.

“He was very honest and told me I could lose my foot,” said Brenda. “I had surgery and Dr. Worley removed five cubic inches of my foot – almost to the bone.”

Brenda had surgery to open up the blood vessels in her leg to help increase circulation. She also had advanced skin graft substitute therapy to increase circulation to her foot and restore tissue. She was in the hospital for two weeks and in short-term rehabilitation for three weeks. She could not bear any weight on that leg and was confined to a wheelchair as her foot healed.

After discharge from short-term rehab, Dr. Worley treated Brenda’s wound weekly and removed any dead tissue. Dr. Worley recommended that Brenda begin hyperbaric oxygen therapy to accelerate the healing process. This began a series of 53 treatments of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions.

“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was amazing,” said Brenda. “Not only was the team amazing, but I would also see huge improvements each week.”

During her treatment, Brenda remained in a wheelchair to give her wound time to heal without the trauma of walking or weight-bearing. She attributes her success at the wound center to the team of doctors and nurses. She also credits her success to her husband, Brian, who helped her follow her doctor’s instructions.

“If he said don’t walk on it, I wasn’t going to walk on it,” said Brenda. “Brian helped me do everything because I was in a wheelchair. He also changed my wound dressing regularly. I don’t know what I would have done without him.”

Brenda then started physical therapy at home and began weight-bearing exercises. She quickly moved from needing a wheelchair to a walker, to a cane, and then walking unassisted.

“Although part of my heel I was removed, I am moving and doing very well,” said Brenda. “I am outside walking and enjoying life.”

Brenda can’t say enough good things about the team at Patrick T. Birrer Wound Care Centers at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, “They are amazing. They included me in the plan of care and kept me informed at every step.”