Amputations

Posted on: Tue, Oct 27 2009 6:22 AM

Posted by: Tony Posts: 1,521

 Many know me, sorry for not being around to meet the new people. Thanks to all the people that sent me tips on what to look for with my mother who suddenly lost her leg.

 Well......I really need some input here. After they amputated moms' leg she was doing great, transferring with no problem etc,,,,her spirits were good. She went home last Wednesday and by Thursday or Friday at the latest she developed an infection. It was not noticed by the home health nurse though my sister questioned her about the new odor. The nurse said that and some leakage was normal.

 I did not go to her house until Sunday since I was trying to help with cooking. I noticed as soon as I walked in the door something was not right, though it was very faint I did for one second get the smell of an infection.

 Took mom to Dr unannounced Monday morning, her leg is infected and they admitted her the same day. Now........they are going to have to remove 2-3 more inches this afternoon. This will give her very little left before they have to take her leg all the way to her hip.

 Angry? I was, now I am just......sad. It should not have been missed on Friday, she could have been started on antibiotics and maybe not needed more surgery. I do not trust my family to notice these things but how could the nurse miss it? Now she is weaker from the first surgery so who knows. If I was overseeing her care I would not have missed this....but I am not. Long story....as is this, sorry.

 So.....now what? Is there anything out of the ordinary I should know about? She is diabetic and has severe arterial peripheral deases so why did they not keep her on antibiotics? Should I insist on it this time? Insist she stay longer in the hospital this time? Insist on a special home health nurse?  I am really worried this may kill her. ARGGGG, yes I am still angry!!!     

Tony

Posted on: Tue, Oct 27 2009 7:24 AM

Posted by: mcjane Posts: 1,288

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Tony ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

That's a cyber hug in case you don't know.  So sorry.

Posted on: Tue, Oct 27 2009 8:52 AM

Posted by: morethanable Posts: 288

Tony:

 I hear ya. After my amp, I was In the hospital about a week. Then I went to a nursing home for two months. It beat being homeless. Can mom self-exam? By this I mean she can run her fingers over her amp and check for anything unusual. Understanding she probably has neuropathy like me. But if she feels a bump over what should be smooth skin, somebody needs to look at it. I question every little bump on my body, and my aide checks it out.Bast hopes!

morethanable

Posted on: Tue, Oct 27 2009 1:39 PM

Posted by: PerfectlyImperfect Posts: 1,581

Tony, I am so sorry! I really pray everything is okay soon. How are you doing also? Please don't tire yourself out too much. I can understand giving your all to care for her, but don't push yourself too far or you can't help at all. You and your family are in my prayers.

Posted on: Wed, Oct 28 2009 2:03 AM

Posted by: Gypsylady Posts: 277

Dear Tony Wow  this hits close to my heart and my heart goes out to your mom and you . My close friend had lots of complications with her amputation 's both legs just below the knee  She was Diabetic We were room mates when I was in a nursing facility

Her diabeties levels changed like the tide up and down  I think this weakened her immune system causing her to be more sensitive to germs and stalph infections .

All I know is I am sensitive at heart and I feel for the pain your mother is going through  This happened to 3 friends I knew .

Hugs Give your mom a hug from me

Sincerely ;

Gypsylady  

Posted on: Wed, Oct 28 2009 10:04 PM

Posted by: Debbie Posts: 4,691

 hi tony,  how is your mom? are you ok hon? i'm sorry to hear what you are all going through. i did my own bandaging and cared for the healing of my leg. her dr. should be teaching you both what she should do at home. try a second opinion and ask him questions.