She had a heart attack, and now they find out that all this time (several days in the nursing home) she has had a cracked femur, all the way down to the knee. The cardiologist says "there is nothing he can do", he can't do a heart cath because her cumadin is too high. They can't put a rod in to fix her leg because they are afraid she will die from the procedure. So their only advice is to put her in hospice. She is 82 years old. It's so sad because I'm sure they could save her.
You could always get a second opinion. But it sounds like your Mom's poor body just couldn't handle the surgery. Sometimes things just can't be fixed.
Hospice is good at helping their clients be as comfortable as possible for whatever time they have left - which sometimes can be a while. Hopefully whatever your decision your Mom can be comfortable and pain free.
The femur (big bone in the upper leg) is the largest and strongest bone in the body-strange IT is broken. More often, the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) break due to wheel chair accidents, etc.. I'm sure they can put her in an immobilizer but it may be rather bulky and uncomfortable.
Is your mom alert? Does she have dementia?
If I pushed for surgery and she did pass away I wouldn't blame myself because the alternative isn't much better.
That's a good idea maybe they could do a spinal block and set her leg. The thing is, it's not really broken, it's cracked I guess. I didn't see the x-rays.
She will bleed out if she has surgery on her leg. My ex had a spiral fracture of his tibia, it was a significant surgery to put in the steel rod. It sounds like the doctors told you Mum needs a steel rod. That is not just a matter of setting the bone.
My Dad was on blood thinners due to a heart condition. He did not like how he would bleed if he nicked himself shaving, plus he would get nose bleeds. So he stopped the blood thinners. Within 3 months he had a massive stroke. He was lucky to survive and go home after months of rehab. Now he takes his blood thinners.
I know it is terrible to think that something as simple as a broken bone can lead to the end of a life. My heart goes out to you.
( when my husband needs surgery, this is what is done).
Hospice may be what she needs right now, to rest and heal, out of pain. If her body and will to live are strong, she'll graduate from hospice and perhaps be a candidate for further treatment.
I agree that the crucial immediate thing is to get her stable and comfortable and hospice must be the best way to do that. Do not allow your mother to think she is being written off. The point is to let her body settle down and then see where we are.
It is very sad that what seems like a minor obstacle has tripped her up so dangerously, but it's the complexity of her conditions that's the real problem. Concentrate on her comfort and her morale and hope for the best. Please let us know how you're all doing.
There are medical professionals on this site. But even so, they cannot guess and advise what should be done with or to your mom. Each case is individual. If you want a definite diagnoses and prognosis, you need to call everyone who is personally involved in Mom’s case together and put your foot down, politely but firmly. Make sure you understand what is told to you. Take notes and write down questions you have.
Please keep us updated.
Any chance your Mom's leg could heal on it's own? I noticed doctors will use the word "break" even if it is hairline crack. I would think a hairline crack can heal itself. I had one in my upper arm, no cast, just a sling. Hurt like heck. The orthopedic doctor said it would take awhile to heal because of my age. Then I needed 3 months of Rehab 3 times a week.
Don't worry about the bone. Bone will heal back together, as evidenced by the poor street animals who have been hit by cars. The bone may not be straight nor would it be able to bear weight necessarily but that's not of tremendous importance. She could get around in a wheelchair.
You could get a second opinion from another cardiologist but they usually are of one thought on a subject such as this.
The Coumadin is keeping her blood thin to prevent clots. They can't scrape out her arteries, so pray that the blood thinner is enough.
Hospice will keep her pain free from the broken leg. Even if she doesn't fully wake up, talk to her anyway. Hearing is the last sense to go.
I'm sorry this is such a tough situation for you and your mom.
One other thing: so this all started when she had a cellulitis infection and went to the hospital. They gave her some pills and sent her home. Then she started falling down several times. So they ALMOST sent her home another time until a caring nurse thought to have the enzyme test done, and they found she had had a heart attack.
The hospital did X-rays of her whole body and didn't find any breaks.
Then she got sent to a nursing home, and a few days later she was complaining her knee hurt. So they brought in a mobile x-ray maching and found the break in her femur.
So it seems like it must have gotten broken in the nursing home somehow!
Anyway, medicare doesn't cover Hospice. They only cover "skilled nursing" which would mean she would have to go home, but now way my 82 year old dad can take care of her in that condition, even with nursing help. So we are at a loss what to do now.
Thanks everyone for your answers they have really helped a lot!