And they wonder why people don't trust doctors

So, as I mentioned, Thursday afternoon my mother got some very bad news.  The surgeon on her case examined her foot, told her the MRI showed the infection was in the bone and spreading, and that he thought amputation was the only choice.

To say it was a bad and upsetting night in my family is putting it lightly. 

My sister N. is down there now and today, finally, FINALLY got the main doctor (not the surgeon) to talk to her on the phone.  It only took 3 days and about 6 or 8 phone calls.

And whaddya know?  Main Doctor doesn't think it's spreading.  He can say this because, as he revealed, the MRI has not yet been examined by an MRI specialist like it's supposed to be tomorrow, so the doctors are currently split on what should happen. 

Why Surgeon would say this to my mom, knowing not all the information was in and that his colleagues weren't in agreement?  Knowing that there was a chance she might not lose the leg?  Yeah, no one really has an answer for that.

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In other news, N. is there and in charge.  She brought her Lawyer Voice, too, and you do not want to mess with that.  I talked to my mom several times today and there was a noticeable improvement in her voice and responsiveness after N. got there.  She was less the weak voice on the phone and more my mom.  Boundless relief for all of us. 

Thanks to all for the lovely messages of support and encouragement.  I have told her about them, and she was deeply touched to hear about so many people pulling for her.

So now we wait.  But tonight is much easier than last night.

Comments

[Teri]

Way to go N.!!

It feels like every medical show on TV: the stereotypical surgeon who wants to cut (have scalpel, will travel). My mother had a similar experience with an orthopedic surgeon over problems with her shoulder. He was ready to make the appointment for surgery, and acted like it was her only option.

I'll bet he also had zero social skills.

[jima]

Holy effing ess! I hope you kick that surgeon in the butt. Best of luck to you on all this medical stuff.

[Steve]

My guess on this one is that the surgeon is being conservative, in his mind. Chopping off somebody's leg isn't exactly a conservative thing, but figured, better to do that than risk the infection spreading to a point that it couldn't be stopped.

Either that or he's looking to get the money from it to buy a new set of clubs.

[Reverend H.L. Spork]

Let's just say this has been a trying week. I'd give you all an update, but nothing is quite official yet, and Tori will let y'all know as soon as we do. In the meantime, wish her a happy birthday. Yeah, it was over five minutes ago, but wish her one anyway.

[AmyWOMAN]

1. Happy Birthday, belatedly.

2. I'm glad there seems to be a good chance amputation is not necessary.

3. Please don't tell your mom I said "shit" in my earlier comment. She's had a very rough week or so already.