left foot

[herbie]

My friend is having his foot amputated tomorrow due to gangrene hes only 54 and had a stroke last year down the right side,has anybody on here gone thruogh this op or had relteives that has ,how do you /they cope and do you think i should visit tomorrow? he has nobody else and i just feel so for him

[cruella]

herbie
I am so sorry to hear about your friend.
He will be quite unwell after his operation and only you must decide whether to visit.
He may not even be aware that you have visited the day he has his op.
I would call the hospital and be guided by what they say as to regards visiting.
I know people through my work who has had this done, or worse, but eventually after physio when he is well enough, he will be able to pick up quite a bit. It also depends how well he has recovered from his stroke.
Just be there for him and I wish you and your friend all the best. Hope he makes a speedy recovery. xx

[herbie]

Have just rang and they said he sleeping so not going tonight he didint recover at all well from his stroke and hasent been able to walk properly since seems the back part of his bain which controlls balance dosent work although physio said with practice another part will take over?? any idea how long it will take to heal before he can get a falsie?thanks xx

[cruella]

herbie
Each individual is different with recovery time.
It may be a good idea to make an appointment with his Doctor or Surgeon at the hospital.
OR, when you do visit him, ask the Charge Nurse. Think his recovery time will be down to him now. He may actually require one or two different fittings as the amputated limb shrinks.
Just be there to support him.
Glad to hear he has had his op.
Wishing him all the best. You seem to be a good friend. xxx

[campbellking]

Hello Herbie, not sure from what you've written at what level your friend has had an amputation, but am assuming it's across his tibia (a below knee amputation). Time to limb fitting is normally around 2 to 3 months depending on speed of patient's healing , however if he wasn't walking that well before, it may well take longer as he will need good balance to sucessfully mobilise.
Good people to contact for support are the Limbless Assoiation, whih is run by amputees for amputees. They will send out an amputee to talk to your friend and give practical advice if he wishes (although this is not a counselling service)
Hope this helps