Richard Jones - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2012

Ready to Go - But...

My pack is ready, my re-supply boxes are packed and ready for shipment, I have my maps, trail shoes, and all other pertinent equipment needed for survival on the trail, I'm just waiting for the departure date. However, a small crisis has arisen that may cause an undetermined delay. When I fell from the ladder two months ago, I landed hard on my right elbow that caused a deep laceration in the skin. It's a wound that has never healed. It became a serious issue about a week ago, necessitating that I go to the Wound Clinic at the local hospital, to have it evaluated. I have a dime size hole in the skin, on the outside of the elbow, while underneath the skin, there exists a silver dollar size hole, that is constantly draining.

The orthopedic surgeon said this is a wound that is difficult to heal on its own. She's going to outfit me with a V.A.C. pump that is often used for these types of slow healing wounds. The pump is about the size of a grapefruit and can be carried around with a shoulder strap. The wound area is seal off with adhesive tape, into which a small diameter hose is attached. (The other end attaches to the pump.) When the pump is turned on, it removed fluids, stimulates blood circulation, draws the edges of the wound together, and in general promotes healing at a much faster rate than if the wound were left to its own natural healing processes. The pump is on 24 hours a day. Although the doctor says 4-6 weeks for healing, I'm hoping for a much faster recovery rate.

I look forward to meeting many of you on the trail

Rowboat

Entry 12 of 13
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