A question for anyone in the medical field
 

I have an aunt that lives in Florida. She's been in a rehab center for about a month after suffering a major stroke after having bypass surgery on her neck. I just got an email from my uncle saying that she lost her big toe to gangrene. How does gangrene start? And how do you get gangrene in a medical facility?????? :(

She's supposed to have heart bypass surgery, but I don't think she's healthy enough yet.......

Thats fucked.

Gangrene only gets in when the said person isnt taken care of very well. I am guessing she was a victim of sheer negligence. Sue the staff.

It comes from infection and if her immune system is shot due to other medical problems an infection can easily occur. ESPECIALLY if her circulation is bad. It COULD be negligence but it could also be her body being unable to fight off infection.

That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure. I think I'll be calling my cousin tonight to see if she's doing anything about the way they're treating (or not treating, in this case) her Mom.

Thanks, V. Remember I said earlier I was having a crap day at work? This is part of the reason.

True.

But they could have dealt with the infection. She was in the MC, not at home.

Very true, but suing may be very difficult because she already had medical complications that can reduce bloodflow and weaken the immune system. I'm not saying the medical center isn't to blame but I think it could be tough to do anything legally to them unless you can show specific signs of neglect.

Just heard from my uncle again, and he said they tried to put a stent (sp?) in her foot, but were unable because the arteries were too clogged.

Thank you V and Despare, for the info.

Yep. And right now her health is more important anyway.

I just hope the toe took all the gangrene with it. If even one cell remained back, it would spread further. Fast.

I hope she is under specialists' care, Margie. My best wishes to her.

Thanks, Avi. I try not to call my cousin because I know she's dealing with a lot of stuff right now. My Mom has a very large family - she's 1 of 12 kids, 10 of which are still alive. I just wait to hear from my uncle or my other aunt who's down in Florida with the sick aunt. But the waiting is very difficult........

As far as I've known that device is a small screen, they go into an artery and inflate an angioplasty balloon with a stent around it. They remove the ballon but the sten stays in place keeping the artery open and letting blood flow freely.


_V_ is right, your Aunt's health is what's really important and I wish her well. Let's hope the medical team is good.