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My dad is getting a double leg amputation on Thursday…
- Thread starter OverHeat
- Start date
chromhound
Member
keep your head up 
Richard Cranium
Member
Is it something that was sudden or a chronic condition where he finally made the call to do it? Hopefully it’s just below knee and not above knee.
There are a lot of support groups out there. A psychologist or psychiatrist can be helpful. Double amputations is going to be tough no matter what. I think the biggest issue right now is to get the wounds healed. Proper nutrition, tight sugar control, etc. He’s going to need the right mindset to heal properly. People who aren’t motivated after this surgery often never walk again.
I have a patient who lost both legs and 4 fingers on both hands. This was about 3 years ago. He was really depressed when it happened, and I didn’t see him for a long time afterwards. He’d just kind of stare out into space right after it happened, not really saying much. Can’t blame him for that shitty situation, but his daughter just happened to be on the same basketball team as one of my kids last year and he was doing great. He showed my kids his prosthetic hands and how he could open and close them and grab his cell phone. It was good to see him walking around, laughing and joking with the coaches and teaching his daughter how to play.
There are a lot of support groups out there. A psychologist or psychiatrist can be helpful. Double amputations is going to be tough no matter what. I think the biggest issue right now is to get the wounds healed. Proper nutrition, tight sugar control, etc. He’s going to need the right mindset to heal properly. People who aren’t motivated after this surgery often never walk again.
I have a patient who lost both legs and 4 fingers on both hands. This was about 3 years ago. He was really depressed when it happened, and I didn’t see him for a long time afterwards. He’d just kind of stare out into space right after it happened, not really saying much. Can’t blame him for that shitty situation, but his daughter just happened to be on the same basketball team as one of my kids last year and he was doing great. He showed my kids his prosthetic hands and how he could open and close them and grab his cell phone. It was good to see him walking around, laughing and joking with the coaches and teaching his daughter how to play.
MachRc
Member
Its your pops, you can tell him exactly what youre telling us. Its all new to both of you guys so be open to talk about it with him and him with you.
It will be a slow process for everyone to get used to his disability so by you just being there for him and helping improve his quality of life, it will make all the difference.
It will be a slow process for everyone to get used to his disability so by you just being there for him and helping improve his quality of life, it will make all the difference.
OverHeat
« generous god »
It’s over the knees for both leg…take care of your health guys my dad was smoking all is life and was overweight for a long time.
Richard Cranium
Member
I’m sorry but that is going to be a very difficult recovery. There is a massive increase in energy expenditure to walk for people with bilateral above knee amputations so you can’t expect too much right away. Just take it one step at a time. Wound healing, recovery, then therapy.
Sorry to hear this, does your father not like taking the medication? I have type 2 as well, but I take the medicine they give me and eat a lot less sugars and carbs than before and it has been manageable. I hope your father starts paying better attention after this happened to him.
OverHeat
« generous god »
Yeah is taking is med but don’t follow the guide line giving by is doctor for eating right.
The Cockatrice
I'm retarded?
I'll be honest with you, there's nothing you can say to make him feel better tbh. It's gonna get really tough moving forward but time does help and most people adjust with their handicap. He will need help, professional help, you won't be able to be there non-stop. All the best dude and remember to take care of yourself as well.
i mean, i definitely slip from time to time, but that's one of the most important things for type 2 diabetes. I'm very sorry to hear it. Not trying to sound condescending towards him or anything. I'm a fat dude myself, I know how hard it is to stop yourself when the cravings are strong. shit sucks. being addicted to food is probably the worst addiction just for the fact you can't actually quit it. Good luck to him in the future.
MachRc
Member
Its really tough for newly diagnosed diabetes 2 people to exercise more while taking for example, metformin, and eating a quarter of what theyre used to. My ex, could not cope, and swapped out doctors until some one gave her insulin so I understand Blade when he talk of pops knowing the consequences.
Overheat, I hope you have some brothers and sisters to spread out some of this recovery love for your dad man.
Overheat, I hope you have some brothers and sisters to spread out some of this recovery love for your dad man.
D
Deleted member 1159
Unconfirmed Member
Sorry to hear that man. It’s hard seeing your parents decline, mine are starting to see the consequences of decades of not taking care of themselves too. Also on my wife’s side, we’ve seen cancer take her step dad and cousin, one in his 30s and other in his late 40s…it’s been a big wake up call for me to start taking my health very seriously in my mid 30s, before anything progresses too far and I’m leaving my children behind too young. If there’s any good that can come of the situation, maybe it’s just a reminder that we all need to do so.
And like was mentioned above, if you have siblings make sure to try to support each other as you support your dad, he’ll need it.
And like was mentioned above, if you have siblings make sure to try to support each other as you support your dad, he’ll need it.
GoldenEye Samurai
Gold Member
I’m really sorry to hear that. I wish you both the best of luck with this situation. I know it’ll be tough, but keep your spirits up no matter what.
BigBooper
Member
Ooof. Not much you can do except help him get around as he needs it. Sorry you have to deal with the future. It will be a strain.
I've seen many people who just do not care that they have diabetes and eat like they don't. Not much you can do if they don't want to change themselves, so hopefully you can accept that and not feel guilt. You can help him recover from his mistakes now.
I've seen many people who just do not care that they have diabetes and eat like they don't. Not much you can do if they don't want to change themselves, so hopefully you can accept that and not feel guilt. You can help him recover from his mistakes now.
Richard Cranium
Member
Excess sugar in the bloodstream leads to a combination of factors that destroy the smaller blood vessels. The damage is amplified the further you are from the heart, so the toes go first, followed by the feet, legs, and upwards. Combine this with nerve damage from the excess sugar and diabetics are prone to getting ulcers and sores on their feet because they don’t feel these wounds as they start to occur. The body can’t heal these very well because the blood vessels are already damaged so they’re unable to carry nutrients and the necessary cells to the wound or take the junk away. Combine this with nicotine, which also damages the blood vessels and you’re headed for a disaster at some point.
Being on insulin as a type 2 usually means you can’t or won’t control your glucose levels by diet and meds alone, which isn’t a good sign.
Jaybe
Member
My condolences. My dad went through the same thing, first one leg, then later the other. It’s rough. My mom took care of him, so I didn’t experience as nearly the amount of caretaker responsibility I suspect you will. That said, he still enjoyed life, watched what he liked, played cards, enjoyed chatting with people, liked pets and animals and parks, all for several more years. We should reflect on our purpose and anything we want to achieve with our time while we have it. The more you can make things easier with handles and ramps the better, and if he can keep his arm strength up it will help. Wish you both the best.
AlteredForms
Banned
Diabetes causes all kinds of nerve damage, my father has it and I surprisingly don't. Take care of them bodies whilst you can boys.
Catphish
Member
Real sorry to hear about this. I’ve been down a similar path, and it was excruciating.
Ultimately, all you can do is be a source of love for your dad for as long as he’s with you.
As shitty as it is, it’s important to remember that this is all part of the rules of the game. Nothing is permanent, and no one gets out alive. Surrender to that.
What will truly matter to you, and your dad, is how you spend your remaining time. He may be declining, but he’s not gone yet.
My deepest sympathy and empathy to you and yours.
Hang in there.
Ultimately, all you can do is be a source of love for your dad for as long as he’s with you.
As shitty as it is, it’s important to remember that this is all part of the rules of the game. Nothing is permanent, and no one gets out alive. Surrender to that.
What will truly matter to you, and your dad, is how you spend your remaining time. He may be declining, but he’s not gone yet.
My deepest sympathy and empathy to you and yours.
Hang in there.
Alter_Fridge
Member
Real sorry to hear about this. I’ve been down a similar path, and it was excruciating.
Ultimately, all you can do is be a source of love for your dad for as long as he’s with you.
As shitty as it is, it’s important to remember that this is all part of the rules of the game. Nothing is permanent, and no one gets out alive. Surrender to that.
What will truly matter to you, and your dad, is how you spend your remaining time. He may be declining, but he’s not gone yet.
My deepest sympathy and empathy to you and yours.
Hang in there.
Amputation seems to be fairly permanent
Fools idol
Banned
He'll be okay. You'll be okay.
Take your time, help your dad, and book plenty of time in your schedule to spend time doing what you enjoy to help cope.
Good luck.
Take your time, help your dad, and book plenty of time in your schedule to spend time doing what you enjoy to help cope.
Good luck.
Catphish
Member
I was referring to our bodies, and our time on this planet.
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RJMacready73
Banned
Fuck that sucks, you're in for a long road lad and all i can say is be there for him, he has a tough time ahead and he'll need his son to be strong for him and to keep his head above water