Trying not to Panic

Mom checked into the hospital this morning.  It was determined a couple of weeks ago that the toe had to go.  It just wasn't healing, had a MERSA infection that wasn't backing down (we have one antibiotic in our arsenal now), and bone was now showing through the wound.  None of this is good news.  So the toe has to go.

She'd gotten x-rays and ultrasounds.  We had one last consultation last Thursday, but really, it was a formality.  The doctor wanted to make sure Mom knew what was going to happen and why.  There were tears and a little bargaining, but in the end, I think she understood.

The transit company picked her up on time and we got to the hospital very quickly.  The driver was wonderful, pushing her all the way upstairs to the large waiting room.  In no time, the nurse called us back to pre-op.

Mom is ALWAYS freezing.  The home is kept at 75 degrees, but she is always decked out in her watch cap, shawl, gloves, sweater and various blankets/snuggies.  Imagine her dismay when asked to change into a thin, skimpy hospital gown!  Happily for her, they had this warming blanket.  It looks like something you might see on the space shuttle.  It hooks up to a hose that blows warm air into it.  She was nice and toasty while we went through the IV placement, blood-taking and other vital chores done before a surgery.

Her stay is going to be for a couple of days (at least).  Today's procedure was an angiogram to try to get some blood flow to her foot/toe area.  Necessary for healing after an amputation.  It did not go as well as we hoped.  The doctor got one side opened up, but the other remained collapsed.  And there's a chance the one he opened wouldn't stay that way.  He's going to try again tomorrow before the amputation, but if he can't get both sides flowing her toe amputation could turn into a foot amputation.  I was told she basically didn't have blood flow below the knee - which means this could even turn into a below the knee amputation.  

If that happens, I'm not sure what happens next.  Rehab, for sure, but then what?  Mom is 84 years old and in frail health.  She's not very strong and the loss of half a leg might do her in, mentally.  She might just give up.  And if she doesn't, can she stay where she's finally settled in and started making some friends and getting with the program?  Or will she have to move to skilled nursing, which severely limits her, keeps her in bed and costs about double what her current situation costs?  

I'm trying not to panic.  As her Health Advocate, I make that decision.  I want to talk it over with her, but I don't want to scare her or have her decide not to do it at all (risking sepsis and death - with a lot of pain).   Send positive vibes/prayers our way.  We could sure use them.
 

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