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Del’s Story

Site created on March 27, 2021

On March 22, Del complained of having pain in his Right ankle and leg through the day. By dinner time, he mentioned that he wanted Meghan to look at his foot and that Dorothy had noticed something on the bottom of the pad of his big toe. Dorothy brought him to Urgent Care Monday night and was diagnosed with Cellulitis of the right foot and lower extremity. He was sent home with instructions and antibiotics for care. We saw great improvement over the first few days of the redness and swelling. However, By Thursday morning, some of the redness was a bit more predominant along with the swelling in his foot. The wound continued to drain through the week. We contacted the VA nurse line with an update of symptoms and further concerns as his temperature was fluctuating. We were advised to keep doing what we were told unless something drastic should occur. Del had a primary care physician appointment Friday morning. On Friday morning, Del was significantly more lethargic and his foot had developed a considerable bubble and stench. Dorothy came over and brought him to the VA for his appointment where his blood pressure was drastically low. They called an ambulance and had him transported to St. Cloud Hospital Emergency Department. While there he was given IV antibiotics, and had his foot cultured and Xrayed. The results of his tests were that his body was septic and the bacteria in his foot was Gangrene. With the diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis, the only option for him was surgery to remove the affected limb. By 130pm, Del was being sent to Surgery for amputation on Friday, March 26, 2021. This was the first of two surgeries for the completion of the amputation. They removed a bit more than they initially expected, but the cultures from the surgery noted that they found no bacteria in the amputated part of the leg.

The surgeon did a dressing change on Saturday, March 27th, which she noted is still looking good. They have scheduled the second surgery for Sunday morning March 28th at 0730. This surgery will be to remove a few more inches of the bone and then to manipulate muscle and skin to form the end of his leg for a solid and protective barrier and pad for a prosthetic.

Updates will come as we can provide them. Thank you all for your continued love and support. From One Journey in this family to another.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Meghan Faundeen — Apr 8, 2021

Well, He is Home! We have adjusted a few things in the house to accommodate and get him comfortable. I have a feeling there will be more to come eventually, but for right now, things are good. Dad is tired, but he is doing so well. It's good to see him wheeling around. A friend of his, Ron, came up to help install a bar and help get a couple of things situated for him. It is so good to see him doing so well. We will have a home health nurse coming in and home PT. He has been contacted already by the VA in regards to the eventual prosthesis. There are quite a few appointments all set up for the upcoming weeks with physicians and even with Metro Bus to allow him a better opportunity to get around to appointments. He has an amazing support system in everyone. and an amazingly wonderful strength of character and spirit. So, we are one more step forward on this new life journey.

Read More of the journal titled "April 8, 2021"

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