Nephew had leg amputated, what next?

[spastic]

  Hi Forum Family!!!  I'm sorry I haven't been on in awhile again, things have gone from good to horrible in a matter of days.  My diabetic nephew was rushed to the hospital a week ago, his blood sugar was at 383 and his kidneys were starting to fail.  An ulcer on his foot had turned out to be much more than that, osteomyelitis had virtually ate away the bone in his left foot and ankle.  By Sat, he was stable enough to do the amputation from just under the knee.  I am so worried about him and now my brain is racing trying to figure out where and how my family are going to get his house ready and how emotionally this is upsetting for him.

  There has to be emergency grants to get, I just don't know where to turn to first.  We just don't have the cash flow to get what needs to be done, done.  Any ideas?  I thought I would start here.

  Work is going good, the stress of the past week seems to be bringing on a flare though and I am afraid of telling my boss that because I have been gradually increasing my hours as my energy level has been great and my pain has been non-existant.  I have been losing weight like crazy and I know that is just another sign of a relapse, so I am very worried about this putting me back to where I don't want to be.  

  I miss you all very much and I will try to be on a little more when time allows.  

Love You All!!!

Ada

[Lulu54]

Ada,
Be sure that someone close to him is in regular contact with the Social Worker and making his needs known - don't just assume that the rehab people see the whole picture.  

Take it easy and stay cool!

Lulu

[michelleric]

I am so sorry to hear about your nephew.  That is indeed sad and awful, although I do hope that will stop any more spreading. Diabetes is an awful disease. I am sorry he has it.

I hope the rehab will help him much, and I am thinking of you and your family,
Michelle

[spastic]

Hi!!!  You gals are so right about the social workers at the hospital, my nephew is going to a rehab center for the next couple of weeks and I think that will give us enough time to get things done.  A friend of the family offered her rental house if we don't have the house finished in time, so thats the backup plan for now.   It is gonna be better now for him, I have to give it to him, his sense of humor is still there, he definately gives me inspiration.

I have today off so I am taking it easy, its going to be hotter than hades here in the heartland and I think I'm gonna get caught up with emails and enjoy the air conditioning.  I know I've been overdoing it big time, theres nothing like trying to catch up on the last two years and then an emergency like this to slap ya around a bit and remind ya that you need to slow down so you don't go into a full blown flare again.  

I can't tell ya how much it means to me to be able to come to my forum family after being away for so long and feel the love that is always here.  

Love Ya Gals :)

Ada

[sllowe]

WOW!

I had to readjust my eyes!!!! Soooo very nice to see you Ada, though I'm very sorry about your nephew.  I wish I knew off hand the immediate resources, but think like mentioned, the hospital is a good place to start and then the state itself.  

None of this can happen fast enough though to make you feel better I'm sure. Are there a couple handfuls of family and friends to put together a list of helpers. Like hour long shifts at the house or something once he's back home? That may make everyone feel better and not get so overwhelmed individually.  Attitude of those around him and therapy will be key to his future.

Don't add on anymore hours Missypoo, don't do it.  Maybe you can ward full fledged off somehow.

Stay as strong as you can, Ms. Ada.  You've been missed very much!

Love and hugs,
Shell

[Wobbly]

sorry to hear about your nephew... it will take time for all to adjust to the change.  It's nice to hear from you and know that your doing alright... take care of yourself and don't work too hard.

take care
wobbly
undx

[Lulu54]

Hi Ada,
Its bad news that your nephew had to go through this amputation, but the plus side is they are usually able to head off the spread of infection.  I sure hope they have stopped this for him.  

As for services and assistance, you are absolutely right that there will need to be help to ready his home for his return.  the hospital should have a team of people available to work through this with him and the family.  There should be rehabilitation and occupational therapy for him in an intensive way before he is sent home.  It may even be that he goes to a rehab  unit at the hospital for a longer stay before he is released.  

In the hospital there should also be a social work staff - I would contact them aand make sure that someone is assigned to his case to help through all the logistical needs.  That is what they are there for.

Now for you, young lady- please try to take time every day for Ada.  Even f that is just a quiet walk or time spent alone meditating or relaxing.  If you go back into a flare you will be of no use to anyone.  Of course you know that, but sometimes we need the friendly reminders.  :-)

be well,
Lulu

[SharJ]

Ada, it is good to  see you back on mh, I am not on all the time. I am sorry about your nephew and the amputation of his leg.  If you need to talk email me and I will call you, okay?   There has been a lot going on here, too much to write down.  It is nice to hear you are not in pain now:)

I have missed you so much, I would love to talk to you.

Love ya Bunches, Shar