Good thoughts

We've had a wee bit of a set back. When I went over to change the dressing yesterday, her leg was hot to the touch, so we ended up in ER. Guess what, the leg is infected. She got IV anti biotics in the ER and I have to call the IV day hospital and get her an appointment for today and tomorrow for another round. It may be more, we'll have to wait and see on that. She wasn't happy with me when I told her she had to go, but I said if we waited it could be worse. It was a very stressful day for her yesterday and she was in bed by 7:15 and I bet asleep before we all left. We had really great service in the er, right from the doctor on duty to the nursing staff. One of the nurses' on duty was actually at the hospital on Monday when she first went in and saw the cut. Whatever she did, she cut the leg down to the bone. The leg was x-rayed, and the bone was fine. I don't know how much more she can take! She's been asking for my hand when we're walking and until the fall she never did.

Sorry to hear about this. I hope the antibiotics work quickly and she recovers very soon. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

My thoughts are with you Cindy. You are a wonderful daughter, and you need to remind yourself of that often. To look after your parents is such a hard task, one that you cannot fully understand until you actually go through it. Special hugs to you.

Jac

She has another 3 days of the IV anti biotic starting today. After yesterday's treatment, we went back to the er for reassessment. The doctor said at least 3 more doses. I don't know how much more she can take!

Oh no, sorry to hear it got infected! Thinking of you, all of you!

Well no more IV anti biotics for mum. Doctor today says she doesn't need any more. The leg is looking a lot better, still red and hot to touch. She will stay on the oral anti biotics for another ten days. We see the family doctor this Sat. and hope the stitches come out. She is so afraid of falling on his steps again. I told her Steven would go with us.

That is a step in the right direction. Hope they can remove those stitches.

So glad to hear her leg is looking better. I too would be afraid I'd fall again in that same location!

So, the stitches did come out yesterday. According to our family doctor, they should have come out a few days ago! When I showed him the first picture I took 4 days after the fall, he said he should have done it himself. He said he would have done it differently. Since he doesn't have the stuff to re-dress it, he sent us back up to the ER. He called ahead and told them to expect us. Ma was not a happy camper when she heard that! He did tell us that because of what happened to her, he was looking for a new place! Yay!

So we get to the ER and wait. The doctor we were to see was in the or and just finishing up. Unfortunately, it was the same yo-yo who did the stitching in the first place. Wasn't happy to hear that! As he's looking and taking the stitches out, mum asked him if everything was ok, and he said no, not really. Because of the infection, he's pretty sure the wound is going to open again. He drew a line around the infected area and told us to keep an eye on it. If it seems to be spreading above the line, we need to take her back up. If it opens, we have to take her up. If that happens, she's not going to be happy. She feels guilty enough because of the stroke, now this. She can't take any more! . She asked the doc at the hospital if she could lose her leg, and he told her it was a possibility. You don't say that to an 83 year old scared to death patient! When we got back to their place, she said she wished we lived in the building so I could spend more time with her. Dad said I didn't need to spend more time, I'm there most of the time. Haven't missed a day since the day after she fell. I don't mind, she's my mom!

My dad is going to do the dressing change today and I'm taking the day off. ER doc said it's probably going to be at least 2 months before it's completely healed. If I didn't think it would gross some folks out, I'd post the pictures I have taken over the last couple of weeks. My sister keeps saying "law suit" and I have to admit, the thought crossed my mind too. But I think we'd have to prove he intended to do damage. We'll just wait and see what happens.

Thanks for listening.

So sorry to hear about this. She has been through so much, and so have you right along with her. It is good your dad realizes you need a break.

Wow Cindy I'm very sorry! Not at all what you were expecting. If she has to be seen again does she have to see that same doctor in the OR? You all have no faith in him. Bless you all!

I've told the parents to call me if needed, so I'm not totally off the hook if something happens. Dad called me about an hour ago, but it was just to ask what the doctor said about the results of the urine test. She's been going an awful lot and we were concerned so mentioned it to our doctor and he told us to tell the ER doctor.

Melinda, I hope like hell we don't have to see him again. His bed-side manner really sucks! I think if we need to, we'll just go back to our doctor. We like him. He feels really bad about not doing the stitching himself. Don't blame him at all.

Dad says the infection hasn't spread so far and the incision hasn't opened. That's all good.

I'll keep you all posted.

I think Mum's leg is finally on the mend permanently! The infection hasn't spread, the incision didn't open and the heat in the leg is going. She still has to sit with the leg up and is complaining about that. I'm still going over to change the dressing. I think I'm going to talk to my Dad about me doing it every second day. My sister is going over today, so Steven and I can take in some of New Brunswick day festivities.

I think my sister must have talked to dad about going to the Patient Advocate at the hospital and lodging a complaint about the doctor who did the stitching, and he said no. He said the dr. was just doing his job and we can't put mum through that. So, I guess we just have to accept the nasty job he did. I take pictures of the leg every couple of days, and it is definitely healing, just going to take a long time. She's done with her anti biotics either today or tomorrow and the ER doc said not to renew them. There is still some infection, so Dad is going to make an appointment with our doctor to look at it.

We FINALLY had Extra Mural Physio Therapy come in and talk to mum yesterday! Very nice young lady; was there for about an hour. Since the leg is still healing, she wants to wait and see what the doctor says mum can do before starting anything strenuous. She did tell her to practice reading more and working with her hands as her writing is still iffy. Carrie, (PT) told her to get in some extra walking just in the apartment. All-in-all, a good visit!