The gore continues

I've never had a burn this size before and it brings out all sorts of burn stories, each more cringworthy than the other. It started out with my coworker's story of a 6" burn on her leg, then the friend of a coworker whose entire backside was burned after she went back into her burning car to save her child, then to a man who was burned on 85% of his body who then spent time going around speaking to futures doctors of America telling them that it is merciful to let people die, that quality of life matters, that excruciating pain makes life miserable. This man was blind from the fire and going deaf from the antibiotics used to save him.

Then the stories of the burn ward of a military hospital and the associated smell.

I'd already been feeling fortunate that the pain is not unbearable and that it was me who was burned instead of Sam. I could live without the other stories.

The pain? It's bearable. The only time it's really bad is when I'm changing the bandages. The thing they don't tell you is that the special non-stick material they use on burns sticks. A lot. And when it comes off, a whole lot of other stuff comes with it including a nice layer of what may be skin but who really knows. And then it bleeds. And weeps. I'm always putting a nice fresh layer of gauze on top of the whole mess to sop up the fluid. The process of changing the bandage on my foot takes at least a half an hour, including the soak time, so I can't imagine the pain and agony of bandage changes for people with very large severe burns.

But how does it heal when it seems as though any new skin growth gets removed with the bandages?

Yesterday I had to go to the doctor for a follow up visit. It wasn't exactly what I'd call a helpful visit because instead of giving me any indication of what I should be looking for or doing over and above what I was told at the emergency room the main purpose of the visit appeared to be sympathy and gawking. Every single person asked me what I did then expressed awe that tea could cause such a mess. They didn't really seem to know how to dress it either although eventually they figured it out. The bottom line is that it's not infected but I knew that already.

I'm supposed to go back when we get back from FL (oh, did I mention we're going to FL next week so posting will be sparse to non-existent) for another check up but if it's going to be as helpful as the one yesterday I may just skip it entirely.

Oh, and it hurts more now than the day after it happened. I'm guessing it's because the scar tissue is beginning to form and the skin, such as it is, is getting tight and itchy.

My dilemma is shoes. Right now when I have to wear shoes (and I avoid it as much as possible) I wear my hiking boots with the lace off except for the very top spot, just to keep it on my foot. Somehow I'm guessing that won't really be the best shoe for FL though. Sandals are out. Maybe cheapie keds without a lace? Hightops? Suggestions welcome!