Leg Wound Pain

[Daisy222]

I have had a leg ulcer for the last three years that has been treated by a doctor on a weekly basis. The clean the wound and bandage it weekly and they have provided me with pain medication to help with the very bad pain. My leg has finally made a lot of progress and my doctor has released me from seeing her on a regular bais. They have also taken me off al medication since I am not being seen. In the same leg I also have a history of DVT so I have valve damage and my leg swells a lot by the end of the day which is very uncomfortable. I also have a lot of scar tissue where the wound has been. I am not taking anything for a the pain for a couple days now but it is really uncomfortable and I am not sure if it is related to the scar tissue or the swelling but I am not sure what I can do for it. Even though I don't have an open wound I have sharp pains that shoot up the wounded area and the leg overall throbs when it swells daily. What are my options on dealing with this pain? Do I need to address this with the doctor again?

[sandee1818]

Hi,
I would definitely speak with your doctor concerning this. Why did your doctor release you? Your obviously not completely well and also just because the doctor released you does not mean your not having pain.
The swelling is cause for concern with your history of DVT. I do recommend you go see your doctor.
If you feel your doctor is not treating your pain or addressing these important concerns you have maybe it is time to find a new doctor.
Please let us know how your doing:)

[Daisy222]

I spoke with my doctor and they said we might need to see a pain management specialist. I think she released me because she is a wound care doctor and the actal wound on the surface is healed but that is only a guess. I think there are some office politics going on as well.
The swelling from the DVT is not because there is another one but because at the time I had them it was three very large DVT that caused permanet valve damage. Therefore, the swelling will alway be there and does cause discomfort.
I am not sure if seeing a pain management specialist will really do much. I have never been but I don't want to pay and take the time for them to tell me to elevate my leg.
Does anyone have feedback on the pain management receommendation?

[sandee1818]

Pain management doctors will help you more than any other type of doctor. They deal with pain patients day in day out and keep up with the new treatments. I feel you would greatly benefit from seeing a PM doctor. Ask your doctor that released you to refer you.
What state do you live in? There may be another member from your area that has some recommendations on a good PM doctor in your area.

[Daisy222]

I live in San Diego, CA and would love a recommendation at this point.