sometimes life....

[MAC]

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.....