We just returned from the surgeon’s office and the news is not good. The foot is pretty much deformed- there is little healthy bone left according to the films, but an MRI is to be scheduled ASAP to see how much infection there truly is. The surgeon said that at this point there are several options but that we shouldn’t fool ourselves, this is a serious issue here.
choices are once the MRI results are in:
Surgery to go in and remove the infected part of the bone of the foot. He will then be placed in a cast for up to 8 months and walk with a brace for his entire life. That’s the best option-
Surgery to go in and remove the infected part of the foot and what the surgeon suspects is more infection further up. If the infection has spread to the ankle, they will have to remove the foot completely. If the infection is still just contained in the foot, they will remove all the infection and take off more bone so that Mike won’t be so susceptible to more wounds and abscesses. He will then be placed in a cast for over a year and walk with a brace for the rest of his life.
There was talk about vascular surgery- all the major veins to Mike’s foot are shut down- clogged up heavy and if they believe he is a good risk for this surgery, he may be referred to a vascular surgeon so the surgeon can clean out the veins and get good blood flow to the foot and start the healing process. This is the riskiest surgery because of the time he would be under anesthesia. He has no pulse in his left foot. The now refer to his leg as Elephant Man Syndrome.
The surgeon said that this isn’t a matter of rebuilding Mike’s foot- it is a matter of salvaging what is there now. The Charcot’s Disease that the other doctor suspected he had, this surgeon says he doesn’t think that is the case but what Mike has right now is a lot of trouble and it can be life-threatening. Not what I wanted to hear, but what I sort of suspected we would hear.
If he gets stubborn (the surgeon’s words not mine) and says no to the surgeries then he will be put on antibiotics for the rest of his life which is also not a good option. He will be fitted for a brace and monitored carefully. Even on antibiotics he will still be susceptible to the wounds he’s been getting. The only difference is the wound’s won’t become so infected. The surgeon said this option is like putting a small band-aid on a very big wound.
So we are waiting to hear about the MRI and when it is scheduled. I did ask about the upcoming radiation treatments and the surgeon said that Mike’s foot takes priority. We go to see the radiation specialist tomorrow- a new one- the last one upset Mike to such a degree that I lodged a complaint and they have put a new one on his case. The complaint was valid and severe and I was told the doctor will be held accountable for what occurred-
Hi, have been reading but not posting off and on for a few months. So sorry about all the kitty stress and losses, and sorry also for so many medical complications with Mike.
I am not religious (nor airy-fairy new-age-y), but I feel tremendous sympathy for you, and hope that Mike’s foot can be saved and healed as well as the doctors can manage.
Also wanted to say how much I admire the work you do and your perseverance. I am a former foster/rescuer, although there is much rescue “residue” (aka “permafosters) still being cared for. Because I found the work ultimately too emotionally, physically and financially challenging – and because I had too many other huge sources of stress in my life – I had to retire. And the past year and a half with some of my pet cats has been Cat Hell. Lost three of them in unlikely, hideous ways – including one young cat who died of heart failure last week.
Anyway, the above was just to introduce myself, not to play “you think you’ve got it bad?”. Best wishes to you, Mike, and all your kitties.
Thinking good thoughts for you and Mike. Hoping for the best.
Purrrrrsss & purrrrayers to you and Mike.
I pray for the best for Mike and for you.
Jan
We are sending our strongest prayers and purrrrs to Mike and you.
We are praying for you and Mike.
We are sending tons of purrs and purrayers and hugs for Mike’s foot and the MRI and the option that you choose to take.
Luf, Us and Maw
I hope they can help him. I also want to throw something else out. If they are going to take anything off where he may need a prosthetic. Meet with the dr and get a list of option then a prosthetic maker and get a list of suggestions before you make your decision . My husband has a prosthetic. he was born with no right foot. His lg goes as far as a ankle and he does not have the big bone knee down . He is very long limbed. It is harder to get a good foot that is natural because of his length. Now, with a lot of work we have a great leg and foot for him. And he is very active. If it comes to it ( which I hope it does not) the Dr will give options on what they want to do and speaking to the Prosthetic maker before the decision will let you know what kind of leg/ foot options are best for you husband and maybe help make his life long term better. I think I may have not said this right and hope you understand. I hope he heals well and this can be avoided.