A doctor recommended that my father get his leg amputated because an infection from diabetes has gone to his bone. He refuses and I cannot make him. What will happen to him?

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Hi--If this were my parent-I would get a 2nd opinion before such a drastic procedure---If both opinions do concur---then by all means amputation would be the way to go---to prevent t further complications down the line. If your dad is able to fully understand the pros and cons of the situation-then-after you do receive the opinions from both doc's---I would respect his opinion, knowing in full what the conseqence could be.
Best to you both with this difficult decision-
Hap

hapfra, yours is a voice I admire for respecting elders' opinions and voices. They already have so little by way of independence, it is great when we allow their opinions to count. Your sharing is refreshing.

Thank you for you comment---I strongly feel they deserve respects

Thank you for your replies. His doctor that recommended amputation had him see another doctor to see if there was anything different to recommend than amputation. The other doctor recommended amputation, too. I have brought up taking him to some type of specialist and he refuses to see anyone else. His doctor continues to do debridement and give him oral antibiotics. He will not give anyone access to his medical information nor tell anyone exactly what it is he has except to tell us the x-ray shows infection from his ulcer his gone into the bone. Based on the little I do know and have seen, I believe he has either fetid foot or chronic osteomyelitis.
My question is, if he chooses not to have the recommended amputation nor see another doctor for a possible alternate treatment what kind of life expectancy and quality of life can he expect?

I'd say only the doctor would have an idea on life expectancy; it would be hard for anyone to say without more information on the wound and the infection. As for quality of life, I would imagine it would be rather poor, unfortunately. If he's had two doctors suggest amputation, I would think they would have to have a good reason for suggesting amputation; it's not a decision that's made lightly.

Sadly, I agree that your Dad's quality of life would be poor due to any spreading infection. I would be surprised if any doctor recommends amputation lightly. It's a treatment of last resort. Gangrene is an undesirable path. Hope you are able to enlighten your Dad. If not, and he is of sound mind and knows what all may lie ahead, he has every right to make medical decisions for himself. 60's is so young these days. God bless him and help him - and you! Wishing you the best outcomes possible in his care. Either way, it sure is hard on you.

Hi:

I agree that your father's opinion is the one that matters most. Have you asked his doctor what will happen if he does not get the leg amputated? I believe that would be where to start. Make sure your father understands the implications of both quality and quantity of life without the operation. If he fully understands the risk to his life, you may eventually want to involve hospice.

I do beleive everyone has the right to make decisions. Recently, my mother was told she needed brain surgery. And while the issue didn't pose an immediate threat to her life, she would continue to deteriorate without it. It was extremely difficult, but I made her be the one to decide. I gave her guidance and support and even set up a conference call with my siblings. We went to great lengths to share both the pros and conns. And, even with limited cognition, I am comfortable that my mother ultimately made the decision she was comfortable with. By the way, this included a consult with hospice so she would know what treatment options were available if she chose not to have the surgery. Some of these conversations were difficult and sensitive and I felt it was important for my mother to have privacy with the doctors, so I did not attend. I did get a report from the doctors.

One thing I have learned: It is crucial that there is someone in your father's group of professional care givers who can mirror your role as quarterback. In a best case scenario, this would be a family physician. However, it might be a specialist or other professional. It is crtically important that you trust this person to keep you informed while understanding his/her commitment is to your father. Additionally, both of you must trust this person. Then, you can feel comfortable that you can be guided.

The mere fact that you are reaching out for support and guidance on such an important and life impacting decision makes me ask if you have such a person in your support network. If not, I would discuss this issue with your father before even beginning to debate the amputation.

You are in my thoughts; best wishes.

Aging-back to you once again--Sorry to hear the news is not good from any of the doctors-Not sure of the life expantancy may be however---however the poison he might develop may eventually travel thru his entire system--and cut short any quality of life-or life altogether. I would think this doctors would be the b est people to ask this question-on a time frame of life--and even with that it can be shorter or longer. Is their any information on the web about this--give it a try. I am sure that many others here in this forum would be interested in hearing your results
Best~
Hap

My mom had an infection in the bone of her heal. She was given a daily course of IV antibiotics. She was transported back and forth to the clinic daily. Vancomiacin and a number of other antibiotics were used.
Problem is that she ended up getting colitus difficultus (CDiff) from the month long couse. This can kill also. The infection went away, but because the clinic doc didn't bother to tell my mom to replace the "good" bacteria; the "bad" bacteria in the intestines which uses "spores" takes over.
If you choose this treatment: REPLACE the good bacteria...Lactobacilus (yogurt) and Sacromicies (health food stores) to avoid the CDiff.

If the infection continues untreated he may get gang-green or the infection may spread & kill him.

I'm praying for us.