Just posting for a bit of reassurance really. My partner has already lost a leg to vascular disease/diabetes and has been battling with foot ulcers on the remaining foot for the last few months. The vascular department at our local hospital has been monitoring things and looking a photos provided by district nurses, of the progression of the wounds over the last couple of weeks.
We received a phone call from one of the specialists today advising that he needs to come in tomorrow to be admitted for vascular review. They are of the opinion that there is little chance of healing the wounds, which have got steadily larger, and that it’s time to amputate the leg before any infection sets in and further complicates things.
We have both had this at the back of our minds for weeks, but it was still such a shock to realise that what we’ve been dreading is now more or less upon us. My partner has cardio vascular disease and is high risk for surgery, so will be reviewed by an anaesthetist to determine the best way forward. The last amputation was done with an epidural rather than anaesthetic, which seems to be the likely outcome here. I’m really scared and wondered whether anyone has had a similar experience, and if so, any advice. The surgery is likely to take place in the next couple of days, once his fitness has been reviewed.