[greenrobin]

We just got a beautiful little guy and his lil' sis last night. E had a "yard accident" that resulted in the loss of the little toe and connecting bones on one foot. No one seemed to know when it actually happened. Everything is healed and the skin graft looks pretty good, although it is really red. There is a place at the end of the scar that looks a little...........pointy? On the point there is a small scab in the center of what looks kind of like a blister. E is rightfully touchy about the site. Tonight, second night here, he was claiming that the area was very painful--so painful that it hurt him even when we looked at it very hard! I put a bunch of gauze pads over it and taped the wad to his foot. This seemed to cure the pain. I know that putting his shoe on this morning was painful for him. He is 4.

Can anyone fill me in on caring for his foot? Our school nurse suggested moleskin or gel pads for the area. E's been through PT and walks relatively well. He played all day without saying anything. I'm wondering about physical vs. psychological pain.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[goodvibes]

It could be the phantom pain (the nerve "thinks" the toe is still there and hurting). I wish all the best to your brave little guy.

P.S.: I hope MomRaine and Abdulina will visit this thread, they know much more than I do.

[momraine]

I would check with the doctor, one problem if a bone is amputated through the bone rather than through the joint is something called bony overgrowth. It will grow often to a point and sometimes right through the skin, Before it pokes through the skin the body will form something like a blister around it. This would need to be surgically resolved. The best bet would be to see an orthopedic doc. If you have a Shriners or Scottish Rite hospital nearby those are often very good. Texas Scottish Rite is where my kids go and it's awesome.

[pg13209]

Hi there. I would get him to his Pedatrician Pronto. I do not mean to scare you it could be a variety of disorders ranging from Celluitus, osteomylitis(infection in the bone very serious) abcess that can turn to noth of these items. Is the sore open? And is it draining purlent( pus) drainage? I am an RN on a Med/Surg unit and unfortunatly we see this stuff all the time. Staph one of the tiny little bugs that lives on everyones skin can be not so friendly when introduced to the blood system. Bottom line DONT wait take him in to be seen.

[greenrobin]

The spot isn't draining. It's a raised bump with a sort of scab in the center. It resembles a blister in form. He stopped complaining of pain and was tooting around at full speed yesterday. The scar is not hot and E has no fever.

I'll leave a note for the cw. She's picking him for some kind of interview today. This county apparently doesn't believe in informing fp's about anything in advance, lol. Maybe she'll be able to get him to the doc before bringing him home. Otherwise, we'll go to the ER.

Thanks for the info!