'I am eternally grateful'
"My journey began over eight years ago with complication after complication, but all of that changed when I came to the Wound Healing Center at Beauregard Health System," says Charlotte Hood, a patient at Beauregard Health System's (BHS)Wound Healing Center.
Hood, who has diabetes, had been in debilitating pain for years because of an ulcer on the bottom of her foot that would not heal. Two years ago, she met Brian Benson, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon, and the team at the Wound Healing Center. That's where the real healing journey began, she says.
"I have never had a doctor so involved in my care," says Hood. "Dr. Benson never let up; he explained the options that I had and explained the challenges that we would no doubt face, but also promised to be with us every step of the way."
A long journey
Dr. Benson soon realized that her case was severe, and a below-the-knee amputation was a possibility. Healing the ulcer on the bottom of her foot was the first step toward recovery.
"This was not an easy process, especially with the development of charcot, a rare complication of diabetes-related neuropathy, which can make injuries and infections much more serious," says Dr. Benson.
Hood also developed osteomyelitis, a serious infection of the bone, which led to a total reconstruction of the foot, performed by Dr. Benson and his surgical team. They were able to save her foot, though—avoiding amputation altogether.
The road ahead
Hood's goal at the beginning of this journey was that she would one day be able to get up and walk again. After two years of treatment, she's on track to meet that goal. She's in a brace and will soon start physical therapy with the team at BHS Advanced Therapy.
Keeping Up on Wound Healing Strategies
Tracy Winkley, MPT, CWS, CLT, FACCWS, DAPWCA, Clinic Coordinator of the Wound Healing Center at Beauregard Health System, was a featured presenter at the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists Annual Symposium, held in Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 8–9, 2023.
Categories: Wound healing
For more information or to make an appointment with the Wound Healing Center at Beauregard Health System, call 337.462.8592.