The Hole

UPDATE 5/7/2014

These are the latest hole pictures. I’m told it is healing very well.

Update 12/31/14

The hole is as healed as it is going to get. It is pain free and doing well. I will forever have a divot in my back, but at least I didn’t die or anything.

Still not grossed out enough?

HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS HERE (<— updated as well)

HOLE FAQ

I developed an infected carbuncle on my back. It hurt a lot. A LOT.

A carbuncle is basically a large lump under the skin filled with infected fluids. If the bacteria enters the blood stream it can be very serious. Thus, it must be removed.

I had to go to the hospital for several days.

The doctor had to surgically remove all of the infected bits. The infection was large so he kept having to make the hole bigger and bigger until all of the infection was removed.

The infection is likely from diabetes and my poor immune system.

I am in much less pain than before the operation. It only hurts if I roll on it, snag it, or poke it.

I sleep on my side or stomach.

I was on powerful antibiotics to make sure the infection did not return. I am no longer taking them. The doctor said I am in the clear.

The hole is clean and free of infection. I have special soap that I clean it with in the shower. It will not kill me if it is exposed for a short period of time. Normally it is packed with moist sterile gauze and then covered and taped.

I did have nurses that came and checked on my wound every couple of days. Since the hole is doing so well, I do not need them to come anymore and my mom dresses my wound.

The hole could not be stitched and closed because of its size. It also needs to drain.

The hole will heal in a few weeks. It will take much, much longer to close up. Possibly several months. It will have a nasty scar.