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tushnurse ( member #21101) posted at 7:49 PM on Friday, February 14th, 2014
sorry to jump in on your question to PJ, but I can tell you from my experience as long as the foot is viable, warm, pink, with blood flow, and usable they will watch it.
If they are doing the soaker hose thing that can last from anywhere around 8-36 hours, depending on his response, and how it looks. They may also take him back to "clean things up" again, this can be done a few times to make sure that they are giving the blood room to flow.
Vascular surgeons, at least in my experience are not anxious to amputate limbs. Now sometimes, esp in younger people they will, because they know they will recover, and rebound, and sometimes it's a relief for the patient because the pain is better/gone, and the body can heal.
PJ? Your thoughts?
Me: FBSHim: FWSKids: 23 & 27 Married for 32 years now, was 16 at the time.D-Day Sept 26 2008R'd in about 2 years. Old Vet now.
SisterMilkshake (original poster member #30024) posted at 10:38 PM on Friday, February 14th, 2014
Got back from the hospital just a bit ago. Brother looked comfortable & responded to his name when I spoke to him. His status is critical but stable, had 3 pints of blood today & while I was there, the orthopedic dr came in to evaluate Brother. His statement was that if we do surgery, it probably won't be until maybe Monday, maybe even Wednesday. He also was not too optimistic, but wanted to wait & see how things go. I like that he is conservative & willing to wait & see.
This is what our sister just posted on FB.
Thanks again, tushnurse. I don't think they are doing the soaker hose thingy. Also, earlier our sister said that his leg down to right above his ankle is much better and pink, but from a little above the ankle down is not doing well at all. My brother is in his later 50's, not quite young, but not elderly.
BW (me) & FWH both over half a century; married several decades; children
d-day 3/10; LTA (7 years?)
"Oh, why do my actions have consequences?" ~ Homer Simpson
"She knew my one weakness: That I'm weak." ~ Homer Simpson
purplejacket4 ( member #34262) posted at 10:44 PM on Friday, February 14th, 2014
They want to watch the foot, ankle and leg for several days to see what is viable (the tissue that has survived and can be used); at that time they will decide if there will be any amputations. Most surgeons wait at least 72 hours after the initial surgery and complications to see. I would think sometime early next week (Monday or Tuesday) will be telling. If the tissue is very bad and it seems that he is getting sicker from it (the area has such poor blood flow it has become infected sending the infection to the rest of the body) then they will quickly amputate.
Me: BS 50
Her: FWS 53 (both family med MDs; together 23 years)
OW: who cares (PhD)
Dday: 10/11: 11/11 TT for months; NC 8/12
Limboconsiliationish
"band aids don't fix bullet holes" Taylor Swift
I NEVER mind medical ???
yearsofpain25 ( member #42012) posted at 11:16 PM on Friday, February 14th, 2014
Sending your brother and you positive thoughts and strength.
"I remind myself of this. I am a survivor. I have taken all this world has dished out and am still here. So there is no reason to be afraid. Whatever happens, I will survive. So now onto living. It is time for me to thrive." - DrJekyll
dameia ( member #36072) posted at 12:39 AM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
Sending healing thoughts his way!
Me: BS
D-Day: 7/7/12
Trust is like paper. Once it's crumpled it can never be perfect again.
PricklePatch ( member #34041) posted at 12:59 AM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
I had a paul.binary embolism after d day
I was on con. For a year
Sorry can't spell it right. Will keep your bro in my prayers.
SisterMilkshake (original poster member #30024) posted at 4:45 AM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
Brother took a turn for the worse. His foot is completely, horribly black.
They will be amputating tomorrow. He doesn't even know what is going on.
BW (me) & FWH both over half a century; married several decades; children
d-day 3/10; LTA (7 years?)
"Oh, why do my actions have consequences?" ~ Homer Simpson
"She knew my one weakness: That I'm weak." ~ Homer Simpson
SisterMilkshake (original poster member #30024) posted at 4:48 AM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
Thanks all for the good information and for all the well wishes for my dear brother. This is going to be a tough road for him. He does have a wicked sense of humour so hopefully that will get him through. I can just hear him bitching that he has to buy two shoes when he only needs one.
BW (me) & FWH both over half a century; married several decades; children
d-day 3/10; LTA (7 years?)
"Oh, why do my actions have consequences?" ~ Homer Simpson
"She knew my one weakness: That I'm weak." ~ Homer Simpson
Jrazz ( member #31349) posted at 4:52 AM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
Oh Sister, I'm so sorry. That's so scary. I'm glad that he's in a place where they can look after him and give him the best treatment possible.
(((SM and Family)))
"Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest." - Deeply Scared's mom
SisterMilkshake (original poster member #30024) posted at 2:39 PM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
You are so kind, Jrazz. Thank you.
As I am typing this, they are cutting off his leg. I know things could be worse. He is alive and getting good care. Many can and do live good full lives missing a leg (or two!), I just hope Brother doesn't get depressed and angry.
Thanks again all who have reached out to me, I so appreciate you taking the time.
BW (me) & FWH both over half a century; married several decades; children
d-day 3/10; LTA (7 years?)
"Oh, why do my actions have consequences?" ~ Homer Simpson
"She knew my one weakness: That I'm weak." ~ Homer Simpson
dazdandconfuzed ( member #11692) posted at 10:40 PM on Saturday, February 15th, 2014
Sending healing thoughts to you and your brother.
tushnurse ( member #21101) posted at 12:25 AM on Sunday, February 16th, 2014
Sister by today's standards he is young. He will do well as long as he can stay positive. Today's prosthetics are amazing and if they eliminate the problem he can really focus on healing. If he is a smoker he must absolutely stop completely. He has to get healthy with his diet and lifestyle and he can excel and have a very normal life.
I am wishing you peace, your brother strength and healing and the Drs and Nurses a calm steady quiet hand and mind to provide him the best care possible.
((( and strength)))
Me: FBSHim: FWSKids: 23 & 27 Married for 32 years now, was 16 at the time.D-Day Sept 26 2008R'd in about 2 years. Old Vet now.
itainteasy ( member #31094) posted at 3:48 PM on Monday, February 17th, 2014
Any updates, Sister? How's your brother doing today?
He's in my prayers.
SisterMilkshake (original poster member #30024) posted at 1:46 AM on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014
I am so sorry, itainteasy. I didn't notice a new post on this thread.
I started a new thread. Lost a Leg? What Do You Say?
Thanks for asking, itainteasy.
BW (me) & FWH both over half a century; married several decades; children
d-day 3/10; LTA (7 years?)
"Oh, why do my actions have consequences?" ~ Homer Simpson
"She knew my one weakness: That I'm weak." ~ Homer Simpson
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