My mom is in the hospital with an infected pressure ulcer. She was in excruciating pain on Saturday and had to go to the ER. The surgeon wants to perform a colostomy to heal the wound. My mom wouldn't consent to surgery, but now wants to leave it to us kids. The surgeon wanted to do the procedure, but my sister told him not without a cardiologist consultation and a second opinion. This is prudent, mom has arythmia, CHF, and her heart valves are shot. The surgeon gave my sister some attitude, but we don't care if we hurt his feelings. I've been doing some research and yes, a colostomy is indicated to aid the wound healing. The issue is with a heart rejection ratio of 30% (last time it was checked), surgery is very risky. Doing nothing is risky as well if septis sets in. The proverbial between a rock and a hard place. If they do the colostomy, what is the effect on quality of life? We can't change her depends without a struggle. There's a lot of studies that suggest it actually improves the quality of life. I'm terrified by this, anybody have any experience with this?
I have never cared for one but my MIL needed one for 8 months. She was about 70 at the time and was able to care for her own. So can't be too bad. I would think the hospital would show you what to do. Or a Nurse would stop wants she is home.
I think you need to talk to her Cardiologist and see what he says. I would say if he feels she would not survive it then you don't do it.
Was your Mom on hospice or homecare and the Nurse caring for the wound overlooked the infection?