As a former patient of the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center, I applaud the article about it. (A CT hospital treats ‘worst pain you can imagine.’ Why 1,200+ patients need it each year, Feb. 2).
In my 20s, yes I foolishly tried to burn out a tree stump using gasoline.
I suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns on my arm and was admitted to the burn unit. I gained the highest respect for the nurses who needed to inflict pain to promote healing and prevent infection pain.
Getting the dead burned skin removed (debrided) with a scalpel was very painful.
People with burns over a large part of their body were immersed in large tubs filled with saline solution to loosen up with dead skin. I still remember your screams as the wounds were debrided.
After a successful skin graft, I was discharged in a week. Connecticut is fortunate to have such a world class burn center.
John Montalbano, Middletown