Sometimes life is so unfair. At about 2AM this morning my wife and I were awakened by my grandfather. (he is 90) He was complaining about his leg hurting. From his knee down to his toes on his right leg was cold to the touch and going white.

I put him in the truck and off to the ER we went. The ER docs looked at him and called in a vascular specialist. When the Dr got in a couple of hours he examined my grandfather and had a grim look.

It was explained to my grandfather that he probably had a blocked artery and would need surgery. It was also explained that he may possibly lose the leg.

Before the Dr closed him up he called me and explained what we were up against. My grandfather had a large embolism behind his knee and the 3 arterial vessels(?) were totally blocked.
A bypass or arterial transplant was discussed but we decided against it to to my grandfathers age and having been on coumadin for over 30 years. (He was in too high a risk group and may have bled out during the surgery)

Needless to say there was nothing he could do and my grandfather is now facing an amputation. (most likely above the knee as it is artificial)

Here in lies the tough part. I knew when he came out of the anesthesia and looked down and saw 2 feet he would figure he was all set. His words were "glad that is over"

In a couple of hours (after the effects of the anesthesia have totally worn off) I have to go back in and see him and explain how his leg will be coming off in the next couple of days.....

Sorry to read this Mac and i hope all turns out for the better.

Tough news,,,,, I really wish your family the best,,,,

I am facing some things with my dad right now.

I can't say enough to everyone ,, Enjoy life while you can and don't take ANYTHING for granted,,,,

geez Dave sorry to read that...good luck with the upcoming surgery

Sorry Mac, it's a very tough thing to take care of your parents.
P+T sent.

:( Mac, I feel for you man.
That is a tough one.
I bet he understands because he knows you have his best interests in mind. Dan and I were actually talking about you guys today as we drove thru the center on the way to D&R. So sorry to hear this, I hope something positive comes from it. Let him know we are pulling for him. Best wishes.

Sorry Dave ,,, need anything give me a call ..

Man that sucks. I'll say a prayer that he takes a turn for the better and makes an amazing recovery.

That's a very sad thing Mac....
but i hope he gets well
and still has some quality time left.

Thoughts and Prayers going out to
you and your Gran-dad.

hoping for the best....

Sorry to hear this Dave. You take great care of your Grandfather and always have his best interest at heart. You are a good guy Dave and I wish you and your Grandfather the best through all this. Hopes also for a speedy recovery.

Dave, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

sorry to hear that Mac ; thoughts and prayers :)
derf

Good luck to him, you & your family. I went thru a similar thing with my father’s cancer. It's never easy.

Dave

wishing the best for all involved // sometimes ya never can do the right thing ::::;

Dave my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He didn't get to be 90 because he was a wuss ya know!

Dave,
Take, I know you have his best interests in mind. he'll be much better off without it and the complications he has had to deal with.

Wishing you and grandfather the best. T&P.

Dave sorry to hear this very sad news,
Please give him a huge hug and tell him it's going to be OK

VB

Dave, my thoughts are with you and your family.. I went through this in the spring with my grandfather and it wiped me out. Life isn't fair
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Hang in there Dave, Gramps is very fortunate to have you caring for him.

Thoughts are with you and your family Dave.
It is not an easy road you are on, and respect to you and your wife for staying the course.
All the Best for you all.

sorry to read this Dave. my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and hopefully a speedy recovery for your grand dad.

Dave, best of luck and a speedy recovery for Gramps.

It's never easy, Mac - best wishes for Grandpa

He's in good hands, I know, with you and Mary there for him

I hope it works out well for him. Its sad what can happen as you get older. Just when you really need everything you have just to combat the slow deterioration from aging , you are also at high risk for these types of catastrophic events. God Bless him!

sad news bud. best of luck to you and your grandpa

Very sorry to hear this Dave. You and your wife have been a Godsend for him. Best wishes for the best possible recovery.

The doctors removed his leg yesterday and he came through the surgery ok. Now hopefully he goes through therapy well and we can get him back home where he is comfortable.

Thanks everyone for the kind words.

Thinking of you Dave and as many have said....hoping for the best.