Gangrene as a result of Peripheral Artery Disease

My 86 yr-old father broke his hip several years ago, and as a consequence of the impeded blood flow, lost the use of one of his legs from the knee down. That along with peripheral artery disease and other serious health problems has left him bedridden.

He has now developed gangrene in that foot.  Because of his poor overall health, age and low quality of life he has chosen to not have it amputated, and intends to allow the gangrene to kill him.  And after years of seeing so many doctors, suffering through many, many hospitalizations and surgeries, he has refused to see any more doctors or be hospitalized.  He is ready to die and wants to do it at home.  He does have a hospice nurse who checks him regularly.

My question:  How long does this kind of gangrene take to kill someone ? (It is the"wet" kind, foul-smelling, and very painful.) And what is the progression of the disease?

My mom, who is his primary caregiver, is completely in the dark since he will not go to a doctor anymore.  I'm sure the answer depends on how strong the person is, but I am looking for a range.  Weeks, months?  And what can we expect as it progresses?

[tougy1010]

Hello!
I hope you get a reply for I am going through the same thing with my 70+ yr old Dad!   Told he won't live through amputation so he said don't bother but the gangrene in one area is spreading so quickly!  Other areas are dry but I am thinking this is wet!  It is getting worse everyday!  He has dry gangrene that hasn't changed at all!   Hospice is involved now....the Hospice nurse hasn't given you any idea?  I am told that sepsis is a possibility....I was told that losing their appetite is a big sign the end is near....sounds like we are going through same thing right now so please feel free to contact me!   ***@****

[tougy1010]

My Dad is younger but has also refused amputation!   Dr told him he probably wouldn't live through it anyway.   Gotta respect their choices!   My Dad's wet gangrene is changing daily!   I am not sure how we can email directly but it would be nice to communicate with someone going through what I am!   I am his primary caregiver.   I have ALOT of questions!   He was admitted into Hospice this week so I have not met the nurse he will be seeing yet - Monday - but I am compiling a list of questions!
I wish you and your family peace and dignity in this!

[Livva]

Thanks so much for your reply, tougy.  Sorry it took me so long to reply. At first I couldn't remember where I had posted this question!  

I really feel for you being the primary caregiver.  That's a heavy load to bear.  I am not; my mom is, and I know how hard it is on her.  At least she has daily help now.

As I am new here, I don't know exactly how these boards work, but I was hoping to get an answer from a medical professional.  Do they answer questions posted here?

And as for communicating directly, I'm not sure if I should post my email address. I do have one that isn't my main one so perhaps it would be ok.  (I already get a lot of spam on it.)  But I'll wait for your reply.  Maybe we can figure out a way to talk.  Is there a chat function on this site?

[PINKLADY43]

hi my dad is in his 70 and i am not sure what it is but his foot is all black and now he has now toes help i dont know what to do. pinklady

[123412344]

I am taking care of my sister, her foot is half black and the toes look like they are going to fall off. She is only 55 and chose not to get any treatment.She id a diabetic, renal failer, congestive heart and in alot of pain.
SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO WHY CAN'T ANYONE TELL US,  HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO SUFFER WATCHING OUR LOVED ONE DIE??????????   PLEASE SOMEONE GIVE US A  ANSWER!!!

[lisilooloo]

Hi Livva...I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I truly am! My Father who was only 65 passed away 4 weeks from Gangrene of his foot. He did go through a leg amputation which went surprisingly well considering all of his other complications. 1 week after the op. the Gangrene had spread to his intestines without us knowing and he was gone within days. Once the Gangrene has set in unfortunately the end is very near.

I actually cannot believe I am writing on a post about MY Dad! It all still feels so surreal...

If I can offer you a piece of advise then it is to live with no regrets. Spend as much time with your Dad as possible and be the very best daughter you can be to him. Tell him all the things you never could or did, cause you will never forgive yourself otherwise.

I wish you and your family nothing but strength through this very hard time. No one truly understands what you are going through except those that have been through the same ordeal.

Please feel free to write back to me. I am happy to help you in any way that I can.

Warm regards, Lisa X