she also has cirosis of the liver, diabetis, CHF, hep c, and is still fighting. how long do you think it will take for rehab to get her to walk again. Right at xmas time. she has dinner plate size bruises on her. Im worried she might not be able to get better. Has anyone had parents that this has happend to? thankyou in advance
2006-12-14 13:24:17 · 2 answers · asked by ? 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Your mom is in a tough situation. Pelvic fractures in the elderly can be truly life threatening. Getting her to a rehab is a very good idea. The sooner that she can be back on her feet and walking the better. Especially given so many other medical problems that she has.
One of the most worrisome risks in patients after fractures is for deep venous thrombosis or blood clots in the deep veins of the legs and pelvis. These in and of themselves aren't dangerous, but they can dislodge and go to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. This is a life-threatening condition because you cannot oxygenate your blood. Make sure that she is receiving adequate DVT prophylaxis, usually in the form of heparin or Lovenox...medications that inhibit certain parts of the coagulation system in the blood. If she is non-weight bearing on her legs, she may benefit from an inferior vena cava filter, a device that can stop clots from going to the lungs.
Another big risk is for decubitus or pressure ulcers. Especially common in the elderly, these occur from lying in one position for too long. This is another reason why getting back on her feet is important.
It is also important that she maintain her nutrition level to help heal the fractures. Elderly patients rarely take in enough calories in the post-injury period. She might benefit from nutrition supplementation.
It is very important that she be encouraged to walk and work hard in rehab. If she doesn't, this could a slow spiral downward. I've seen it happen many times in elderly trauma patients I've taken care of.
Hope she's doing well and good luck.
2006-12-14 15:19:56 · answer #1 · answered by tiredsurgeon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get her some healing foods that will help her.
Fruits,apples, blueberries, oranges, and put magnets on her pain.
2006-12-14 13:41:39 · answer #2 · answered by sunflare63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋