upcoming BKA

[Esther Lumsdon]

Joy -

You must be local to me, since your address is also @pagesz.net

You can reach the Triangle Amputee Support group through Wilma
Miller, and you can call me at home,  380-0585.  I live in Cary, NC.

You can also make an appointment with a couple of local prosthetists,
to get a free consultation before amputation.  Some of them have
materials to hand out to you.

As for home safety, you'll probably want to buy a shower chair.  Your
hsuband will probably be able to navigate the house on crutches part
of the time, and a wheelchair part of the time.  

I am not a trained peer counselor, but I'd be happy to visit with you and
your husband in the hospital.

--  Esther

> I would like some helpful input from the group.  My husband, 47,
> diabetic, with cardiomyopathy and on dialysis was just told today that he
> needs a BKA immediately (in 3-4 days as soon as he is medically stable)
> due to a diabetic foot ulcer with osteomyelitis.  He is in the hospital on
> Vanco IV with a temp of 102-104.  I understand they will do this with a
> spinal.  
> 
> I don't know what to anticipate...hardly know what to ask.  How do we
> prepare the home for safety.  I am told he will be home 3-4 days after the
> amputation and I am not sure how we can possibly manage.  The sutures
> don't come out until 3-4 weeks and a prosthesis can't be fit until then? 
> What is entailed with driving?  He has a BIG truck that is quite hard to
> step up into.  
> 
> There are so many unknowns right now that I am hoping that your support
> will help me to get through this.  I am feeling very overwhelmed.
> 
> Please feel free to answer direct to me if you wish.
> 
> Thank you in advance,
> Joyce 
> joyyak at pagesz.net


-- Esther Lumsdon   esther at pagesz.net  Speaking only for myself
Software Testing Engineer with lots of UNIX experience, some WinNT
experience, looking for work in Cary/RTP/Raleigh area.