Should I persue a claim

[telimaD]

What is the name of your state?PA I am a 43 yr old female. In Aug. 2005 I got a blot clot in my R great toe. A Doctor told me to allow him to remove the toe. A second opinion was received and the Dr said he could save the toe. On Oct.22, 2004 surgery was performed on the R common iliac artery and a 9X20 Smart stent was placed. The results of a balloon and stent were stated to be good on a 70-80% blockage. Noted was that 63ml of contrast was thought to be used but when they looked back it was 51 in the injector. The next day I began having trouble at home and called, was told to stay in touch. By the 3rd day I was in the ER and sent back to the surgeon group an hour away. On Oct 27 they performed a second surgery placing a second Smart stent 8X40, reporting large amount of white thrombus removed and plenty more remained. Also stated was the surgeon did not have any equipment that he felt would be long enough to get into the R foot from the L groin. Fear that I was allergic to heparin was noted ( tests showed I was not). At surgerys end, excellent flow to the ankle was noted but poor flow to the foot and prognosis for foot salvage was guarded. I was released to get a second opinion and spiritual guidance when I was told by surgeons it was too late. On 10\31 I told surgeons I could no longer take pain. They scheduled the surgery to remove the foot on 11/2, they took the leg above the knee. It began with they could save my toe and I lost my whole leg and by waiting from 10/22 until 11-2-05 the phantom pain has been and still is unbearable, I have constantly considered taking my life. I can not wear a prostesis due to the pain. I have found it is known that the longer one sits with muscle death the worse the phantom pain, they never mentioned it. I called them recently and told them I could not take it and they said they were only surgeons and could not help me. I thank you in advance for any advice you give me and help in this matter.
telima

 

[panzertanker]

What is the name of your state?PA I am a 43 yr old female. In Aug. 2005 I got a blot clot in my R great toe. A Doctor told me to allow him to remove the toe. A second opinion was received and the Dr said he could save the toe. On Oct.22, 2004 surgery was performed on the R common iliac artery and a 9X20 Smart stent was placed. The results of a balloon and stent were stated to be good on a 70-80% blockage. Noted was that 63ml of contrast was thought to be used but when they looked back it was 51 in the injector. The next day I began having trouble at home and called, was told to stay in touch. By the 3rd day I was in the ER and sent back to the surgeon group an hour away. On Oct 27 they performed a second surgery placing a second Smart stent 8X40, reporting large amount of white thrombus removed and plenty more remained. Also stated was the surgeon did not have any equipment that he felt would be long enough to get into the R foot from the L groin. Fear that I was allergic to heparin was noted ( tests showed I was not). At surgerys end, excellent flow to the ankle was noted but poor flow to the foot and prognosis for foot salvage was guarded. I was released to get a second opinion and spiritual guidance when I was told by surgeons it was too late. On 10\31 I told surgeons I could no longer take pain. They scheduled the surgery to remove the foot on 11/2, they took the leg above the knee. It began with they could save my toe and I lost my whole leg and by waiting from 10/22 until 11-2-05 the phantom pain has been and still is unbearable, I have constantly considered taking my life. I can not wear a prostesis due to the pain. I have found it is known that the longer one sits with muscle death the worse the phantom pain, they never mentioned it. I called them recently and told them I could not take it and they said they were only surgeons and could not help me. I thank you in advance for any advice you give me and help in this matter.
telima

You state spirituality in your post, so I highly suggest you talk to someone from your faith for emotional support.

I also suggest you go see a psychiatrist ASAP.

Good luck.

 

[ellencee]

What is the name of your state?PA I am a 43 yr old female. In Aug. 2005 I got a blot clot in my R great toe. A Doctor told me to allow him to remove the toe. A second opinion was received and the Dr said he could save the toe. On Oct.22, 2004 surgery was performed on the R common iliac artery and a 9X20 Smart stent was placed. The results of a balloon and stent were stated to be good on a 70-80% blockage. Noted was that 63ml of contrast was thought to be used but when they looked back it was 51 in the injector. The next day I began having trouble at home and called, was told to stay in touch. By the 3rd day I was in the ER and sent back to the surgeon group an hour away. On Oct 27 they performed a second surgery placing a second Smart stent 8X40, reporting large amount of white thrombus removed and plenty more remained. Also stated was the surgeon did not have any equipment that he felt would be long enough to get into the R foot from the L groin. Fear that I was allergic to heparin was noted ( tests showed I was not). At surgerys end, excellent flow to the ankle was noted but poor flow to the foot and prognosis for foot salvage was guarded. I was released to get a second opinion and spiritual guidance when I was told by surgeons it was too late. On 10\31 I told surgeons I could no longer take pain. They scheduled the surgery to remove the foot on 11/2, they took the leg above the knee. It began with they could save my toe and I lost my whole leg and by waiting from 10/22 until 11-2-05 the phantom pain has been and still is unbearable, I have constantly considered taking my life. I can not wear a prostesis due to the pain. I have found it is known that the longer one sits with muscle death the worse the phantom pain, they never mentioned it. I called them recently and told them I could not take it and they said they were only surgeons and could not help me. I thank you in advance for any advice you give me and help in this matter.
telima

Consult with a pain center and ask about receiving a nerve block to stop the pain.EC

 

[shell007]

What was their explanation for doing an AK amputation in the first place?

Are you diabetic?

Did you end up with an infection which involved the bones in your foot?

I have to say that an AK amputation is usually always a last resort? A BK amputation is preferred whenever possible due in part because of the better ability to use/wear a prosthesis more comfortably, and it functions better mechanically if you have your knee.

As for the Phantom pain...It has only been a little over two months. The phantom pain can last a very long time if not indefinately. The degree of pain should however lessen considerably over time.

With that being said....I am also confused as to how they even fitted you for a prosthesis this soon after your AK. Usually, the wound must be completely healed and swelling should be gone. They won't/shouldn't fit a prosthesis while swelling is still present due to the prosthetic device not fitting properly once the swelling does go down.

 

[ellencee]

What was their explanation for doing an AK amputation in the first place?

Are you diabetic?

Did you end up with an infection which involved the bones in your foot?

I have to say that an AK amputation is usually always a last resort? A BK amputation is preferred whenever possible due in part because of the better ability to use/wear a prosthesis more comfortably, and it functions better mechanically if you have your knee.

As for the Phantom pain...It has only been a little over two months. The phantom pain can last a very long time if not indefinately. The degree of pain should however lessen considerably over time.

With that being said....I am also confused as to how they even fitted you for a prosthesis this soon after your AK. Usually, the wound must be completely healed and swelling should be gone. They won't/shouldn't fit a prosthesis while swelling is still present due to the prosthetic device not fitting properly once the swelling does go down.

shell...don't go any further. Once again, your lack of "understanding of the physcial/clinical picture is seriously distorted. The poster has received advice from two certified medical experts. That is more than sufficient.
EC

 

[shell007]

shell...don't go any further. Once again, your lack of "understanding of the physcial/clinical picture is seriously distorted. The poster has received advice from two certified medical experts. That is more than sufficient.
EC

Hey EC...I don't recall talking to you, but now I am!!!

The Orthopedic Foot and Ankle specialist that I was an assistant to for many many years did BK amputations REGULARLY due to his high number of patients who were diabetic and due to dealing with SEVERE foot and ankle trauma.

Secondly...I have knowledge about amputations and phantom pain PERSONALLY due to my own father's amputation, which was done about 5 years ago.

Now...with that being said...do you have anything to offer the op medically that is different from my opinion other than pain management????

 

[shell007]

OP: Additionally, exercise can/will speed up the healing, diminish the pain, and prevent the muscles from degenerating.

I know all you probably feel like doing is sitting or lying around. However, that along with a depressed mental state, will not help the healing process.

Try and keep you head up as best you can!!! You'll get through this!!!

 

[telimaD]

Reply

I do owe you all an apology. Early in the post I had written 2005 when I meant 2004 for each date. I sincerely apologize for this error, looking back I only got the date right one time. It happened in 2004, it has been over a year and this is why I am writing, because the pain has changed very little over the last year.
I am seeking spiritual help and I am able to see a psychiatrist every six months. He did diagnos me with PTSD and so when I went to the pain clinic and they spoke of inserting a nerve block I had a panic attack. They said it may help or it may not, no promises and thats where I have left it.
The original surgery was for a blood clot in my R great toe which is thought to have occured when I fell down steps in my home and had severe hip pain. There was no infection that I am aware of. The wait between surgeries was so long that the tissue started to die in my foot and continued up my leg to my knee, thats how I understand it.
I did see two Doctors. The first one wanted to just remove the R great toe and be done with it, the second said he could save the toe by doing surgery. I sure wish I had listened to the first doctor, my life would be completely different now.
Based on the response I am guessing I have no recourse. I thank you in advance for your help and time to my questions and again I appologize for messing up the dates.
telima

 

[shell007]

I do owe you all an apology. Early in the post I had written 2005 when I meant 2004 for each date. I sincerely apologize for this error, looking back I only got the date right one time. It happened in 2004, it has been over a year and this is why I am writing, because the pain has changed very little over the last year.
I am seeking spiritual help and I am able to see a psychiatrist every six months. He did diagnos me with PTSD and so when I went to the pain clinic and they spoke of inserting a nerve block I had a panic attack. They said it may help or it may not, no promises and thats where I have left it.
The original surgery was for a blood clot in my R great toe which is thought to have occured when I fell down steps in my home and had severe hip pain. There was no infection that I am aware of. The wait between surgeries was so long that the tissue started to die in my foot and continued up my leg to my knee, thats how I understand it.
I did see two Doctors. The first one wanted to just remove the R great toe and be done with it, the second said he could save the toe by doing surgery. I sure wish I had listened to the first doctor, my life would be completely different now.
Based on the response I am guessing I have no recourse. I thank you in advance for your help and time to my questions and again I appologize for messing up the dates.
telima

No apology needed! When something as traumatic as this is going on in your life it's very easy to lose track of time. Probably seems like it happened yesterday.

Since it has been over a year since your AK...have you been back to your doctor or The prosthetic lab re: your prosthesis. Again...the more you walk/exercise...the better your leg/stump will get. Maybe you could get the prothetic modified in order for it to fit more comfortably so that you can use it regularly.

Based on your most recent post...re: the infection...it seems like they ended up doing what they had to do. It sounds like Necrosis, which is the name given to death of cells/living tissue.

Hindsight is 20/20. We all know that. You have to stop beating yourself up for not doing what the 1st doc suggested. If only we could only go back and change the past.

Based on the clarifications you made in your post...I personally do not see a definitive cause to pursue a claim. That's my opinion.

Good luck to you!!!