I have gangrene in one toe, of three+ days approx., and I have no funds to see a doctor or to amputate. I am away from my home country and alone with no chance to ask for advice here (Egypt) or to admit myself to hospital for IV treatment, debridement surgery etc. I am very much aware of how serious my current condition is and how essential it is to obtain professional health-care now... but I have three weeks before I can fly home to do so and no chance of any form of assistance. As an ex-RN I should know better than anyone just how serious this is.
The toe became gangrenous after a small injury to the front part of my (sole) foot and I was treating that with Sol Hydrogen Peroxide (15%), Iodine (10%) and applying Oxytetracycline HCI topically.
When I saw that the toe was becoming gangrenous and oedematous I immediately began (with antibacterials with me) on 750mg Metronidazole QDS.
The toe is not black but is white and has leaked the usual fluid (though no real smell) for 20 hours and stopped. Blood supply is very seriously compromised (obviously) but it appears that it is not fully necrotic tissue, yet. In fact, the toe has slightly decreased in size and the oedema appears not to be progressing. Skin has begun to fall away on the toe, slightly. Topical application of ABs has made no difference it seems.
My concerns are obvious. I found Benzylpenicillin for IV administration (but not enough) and I am more than fearful of injecting that (infusion) without medical personnel and equipment necessary if the worst were to happen. I only have one choice at this point and that is to try a further antibacterial orally.
My questions is, what type of Penicillin G should I try. It's a poor option but I must try. I am still on Metronidazole 750mg QDS for the next 2 or 3 days.
I have never seen PenG tablets/caps but they may be available in Egypt - should I ask for Penicillin G Potassium, Penicillin G sodium, Penicillin G procaine?
Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
John