Hello, is this Theo Black on the line?
Yes, it is.
Please, you are needed at the hospital, right now, it's urgent, the nurse's voice crackled, a strained edge in her tone.
Theo's heart clenched. I will be there, right away. The line went dead, the abrupt silence a jarring echo of urgency he had just heard.
Minutes later, the sterile scent of antiseptic,sharp and metallic filled Theo's nostrils,mingling with the faint, cloying sweetness of disinfectant. The rhythmic beep of the monitors, a cold, mechanical pulses, echoed through the corridor, a counterpoint to the hushed whisper of worried family, the low hum of hospital machinery enveloped him.
Hello, I was called by the hospital. Is my dad okay? He asked the nurse at the desk, his voice tight with anxiety, a knot of dread twisting in his stomach.
Hello, the receptionist replied, her gazed shifting umcomfortably. Your dad is fine. You were called for your mother. She's in the waiting room, the nurse pointed.
Theo's stomach dropped. He found his mother, a shell of herself, slumped in a plastic chair.
Her eyes, usually bright and full of life, were swollen and dull, her face a roadmap of tears tracks. Her hands, gnarled with worry, twisted a crumpled tissue.
Mom? He whispered, his voice catching in his throat. Are you okay? What happened? Why are you like this? The questions clawed at his throat, but he struggle to keep his voice steady. As he kept watching her. Bracing himself for whatever news that was coming.
Her gaze lifted, a flicker of pain in the depths of her eyes. Theo, she breathed, her voice barely a rasp. They said... his leg... amputated. The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, each syllabus a hammer blow to his heart. A raw,broken sound escaped her,a sob that tore at Theo's own composure.
Theo's world seemed to tilt. The sterile hospital lights blurring. Amputated? The word echoed in his mind, a brutal, irreversible act. He had been so sure that the treatments were working. A surge of helpless rage, hot and sharp flared within him, followed by a wave of crushing sorrow. He forced himself to be strong, to be the anchor she desperately needed.
He knelt beside her, his hands gently covering hers.
'Mom, did you say amputate?'
She nodded, confirming the heart wrenching piece of information.
It's okay, he lied, his voice thick with unshed tears. It's all going to be fine. He said, pulIing her into a hug, feeling the fragile trembling of her body. I know that this is heart breaking.... painful, but it's all going to be fine. Mom, I'm here for you, okay? We are all here for you. He said. Dad is going to be fine, okay. Nothing will happen to him, okay.
She clung to him, her sob muffled against his shoulder. The weight of her grief pressed down on him, a crushing burden. He held her tighter, whispering reassuring words, a silent promise that he would carry this burden with her, no matter how heavy. It's all going to be fine, he repeated, the words a desperate mantra. She nodded as she cried on his arms while Theo continues to pat her gently. It will be fine.
An hour and a half dragged by, each minutes heavy with unspoken fear before Chloe finally began to calm down.
Mom, I think I should go talk with Doctor Eden.
Hmm,she responded.
As Theo made his way through the lobby to the doctor's office, the deverstating news his mother delivered replayed in his mind.
Good day. Doc.
Good day. Mr Theo, I see you are here. How is your mother?
Yes,I've been at the hospital for a while now, and she is a little better now. My mother said something about Dad's leg being amputated.
Yes. That's correct, according to what I've told Mrs Black. The treatment is not healing the leg that much, which will result to the ulcer increasing and causing other damage to the leg entirely and could lead to his death, if not treated soon. This is why it has to be amputated.
Are you saying that there are absolutely no other treatments that can help with his condition? Theo trying to understand the situation more fully.
No. Mr Theo, Doctor Eden replied, his tone firm. It seems you don't grasp the gravity of the issue.
I'm sorry, Doctor, Theo's voice trembling slightly. But I'm trying to. Please, explain it to me.
In very severe cases of venous leg ulcers, particularly with complications like severe infections - osteomyelitis - and Ischemia could develop and amputation could become a necessary intervention. if the infection spread or if blood flow is severely compromised, the tissues can die. That is gangrene caused by ischemia, necessitating amputation.
Unfortunately, the leg was already infected before he was admitted, which is why he was in such unbearable pain on that first day he was admitted.
Why weren't we informed of this severity then? Anger washing through him .
We had to prioritize pain management initially. But after conducting multiple test, we discovered the dire nature of his condition and urgent need for surgery. That's why I contacted your mother.
So,what are the benefits of the surgery? Theo inquired,his mind reeling.
In cases where chronic, severe pain from a non-healing ulcer or ischemia significantly reduces a person's quality life, amputation can provide a relief. By removing the diseased limb,the body can focus it resources on healing and recovering,potentially improving overall health and well being. And with proper rehabilitation and a well fitted prosthesis, he can regain a level of mobility and functionality, the doctor explained.
And if we don't do the surgery? Theo asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Then we focus on palliative care, maximizing comfort and preventing complications. This involves meticulous wound care to minimize pain, odor and drainage. Preventing and managing infection becomes paramount. Regular cleaning of the ulcer is essential,but healing becomes less of a focus and more of a management of symptoms and preventing infection.
Appropriate wound dressing will be used to protect the ulcer, absorb drainage and minimize discomfort. Removing dead or damaged tissue will be performed to facilitate comfort and minimize further complications. Treating the underlying venous insufficiently is vital to prevent further deterioration, though not necessarily healing. This may involve procedures to improve vein function. If an infection is present, antibiotics will be necessary. Pain reliever will be prescribed to manage his discomfort and leg elevation will help to reduce swelling.
Okay, how soon are we talking about?
The time frame is dependant on how quickly the funds for the surgery and the treatment expenses can be secured.
Theo paused, a wave of dizziness watching over him. Funds? I believe it's going to be expensive. How much are we talking about here? He manage to speak, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Yes. It's very expensive Doctor Eden said, his gaze compassionate. If you are ready I will write you a note to take to the business office for them to outline payment plans and address any billing inquiries.
Theo took a deep breath.Okay. But I have to discuss this with my family first and inform my father about all this.
Of course,get back to me when you all are prepared.