Taking Care of Mom

Left Leg Healed After Great Toe Amputation

2010-08-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on the video project to show the healing of my mother's left foot. She had the great toe amputated 2 years ago and this is our second bout with amputation. The first bout was with her right foot. ( See Video on right side bar)

She had an ingrown toenail, that led to an infection that got into the bone.

The great toe was removed.

She at first had a balloon stent placed in her leg. She noticed no difference in feeling in her leg shortly after the procedure. Your leg should feel warrmet or some form of increased circulation after a stent. If not it should be re-checked to make sure.

In our case they had to go higher up and do a femoral stent. It opened up the blood flow to the foot, thus allowing it to heal in good time.

Take care of your ingrown toe nails. This is a big lesson for those with diabetic feet.

We have a new nurse coordinator

2009-11-02T21:15:00.001-08:00

Since 2005 we have had many nurse coordinators at Mayo. We now have Mindy and Barbara.
I appreciate being able to call with a concern about mom's health and always know they have the best answer. Living with a kidney transplant is a challenge. They do not show everything on the news. they make life look so happy after transplant and it is not really. You suffer from medication side effects, mood changes and some days you dont know if you will have your strength. Mom is a trooper. We ride through health changes everyday.

AARP

2009-04-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

My mother's story was written in AARP Magazine.
I wish they had included the miracle of her having a kindey transplant at Mayo Clinic as well. Also Kudos to the Gonda 4 Cardiovascular Doctors and Team.
Dr. Sharonne Hayes is simply marvelous, so I am glad they mention her.

Viral Issue?

2008-12-08T00:10:00.000-08:00

We are trying to troubleshoot the source of a gastronintestinal issue. We were told with tyope II diabetes will come some stomach gastric pumping issues with age.
But she recently had the flu vaccine and noticed symptoms afterwards. Very few researhers admit to gastroenteritis after the flu vaccine but my personal observation makes me believe that there can be.

Moms foot doing well

2008-11-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

I am working on a video presentation to show you the newest healing in the left foot
We have saved another foot from below ankle amputation.

Toe Amputation Almost Healed !

2008-10-03T11:35:00.001-07:00

We made the decision to make weekly trips to Mayo, being there every Monday and Tuesday for boot therapy and celleration mist for my mothers toe site. Her toe amputation has almost completely healed. There is just a small pin sized area that needs to fill in. This is indeed a miracle. Another case for deciding not to do a below knee amputation. We make the trip over 750 miles round trip each week and it is worth it.

Dr. Ennis- St. James Hospital Olympia Fields, IL

2008-08-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Since last posting update, mom has had the great toe on her left foot amputated.
The lesson learned here was that she needed to be on IV antibiotics right away, IV enterprenim, early enough in order to have given the toe a chance to be saved. Combined with femoral artery stent to the leg. The MD, who I shall not name, (back home) gave oral antibiotic meds and it did not put a dent in the infection. I feel very bad, because hindsight is 20/20 here. With better resources and information fro the beginning, I feel we could have saved the toe.

Dr. Kavros and Dr. Turner and Mayo Hyperbaric did all they could. The toe left us the weekend prior to Memorial Day. Now, We have an area where the toe has been removed which had been slow to heal. My mother cannot have hyperbaric anymore because her TCP02's are at a level where it will not make difference. it is as good as it is going to get. The toe is going forward with healing by using the expertise of Dr. Kavros, circulator boot, and celleration mist therapy.

I fielded a call from the Celleration company, who pointed out to me that a potential customer/Doctor found out about them from my blog! They asked me if I heard of Dr. William J. Ennis. I had not. It took awhile to get in to see him. I called for the appointment at the beginning of August. He is in demand. We patiently waited until our appointment today.
Meeting Dr. Ennis was time well spent. He has the Celleration mist technology available at his Wound Care Clinic at St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields,Illinois.
phone ( 708) 747-4000. Mom will be going to his office for mist therapy once a week in conjunction with continuing her weekly visits at Mayo with Dr. Kavros to help healing of this area. It was comforting to mom to learn that he knew Dr. Kavros very well and they can communicate on helping her with the healing of this area.

We were told By Dr. Kavros that this would would be slow to heal. When you hear this, the idea is not to give up, but do whatever you can to help bring circulation to the area. We did stenting, which gave the opening for more circulation to go down to her foot. We did hyperbaric. We will continue to do celleration mist and boot therapy.
My thoughts are, boot therapy for mom would be good for maintenance long term even after this wound heals.

Did A Book Ever Come To You ?

2008-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

The past five years of my life has been quite turbulent. Along with being a mom and pursuing my profession, I have taken on the role of full- time caregiver to my mother.

She had an accident that led to End Stage Renal Disease. Her illness amplified her existing adult onset diabetes, a host of cardiac and cardiovascular issues and also she endured numerous hospitalizations after having a kidney transplant. I have spent all of this time practically living out of hospitals. Being a caregiver to your parent is no easy task. In many cases when things go wrong, and then a miracle happens to turn things around, it reinforces your faith in God many times over.

On her recent hospitalization at Mayo Clinic, She was being seen for a small infection in an ingrown toe nail on her left leg. No matter how diligent we were with care. The toe died and we were in the process of facing the amputation of a toe. Some may think it is just a toe. For those who have no idea, most hospitals when things start to happen, would rather take your entire leg below the knee to amputate instead of doing a small ray section amputation. We handpicked specialists who would be conservative with preserving life and limb. This was also her second amputation in a year period of time.

She was emotionally fearful and distraught having to go through this another time.

She was feeling sad and crying while she awaited her appointment in the nephrology department. I had momentarily left her to attend to my daughter and had returned to the waiting room to find a uniquely healthy and practically glowing couple talking to her.

Upon looking at this man and woman, they had such a spiritual presence. You could tell they walked their talk.

The man saw her waiting and offered to keep her company while she was waiting alone in her wheel chair. He quoted the book of John and referenced knowing that he needed to help his neighbor. They developed such a rapport, my mother asked the man to pray for her, that her leg may heal. His angelic wife walked forward and without hesitation, kneeled down in the crowded waiting room, and placed her hands on my mothers leg to pray for Gods healing and direction.

It was such a beautiful prayer, tears could not help but roll down from my eyes. I have often heard evangelists refer to the term of “being on holy ground”, the moment where Moses took of his slippers at the burning bush. You could feel the potency of her prayer as she spoke and I imagined the feeling was pretty close.

She stood and the couple confidently wished her well. They handed us a book

entitled, " One Hearbeat Away, Your Journey Into Eternity",

This book was written by Mark Cahill. I found this to be simply amazing because during my long drive from Illinois to Minnesota, I was listening to a religious broadcast where this very same book was being discussed. I listened to the broadcast intently.

The couple told us that they knew the author and upon reading the book we would receive a very special message that we needed to hear. Upon initially skimming the book, the title in itself you would think would tell the entire story.

We are after all, one heartbeat away between life and death. You would think by judging the cover alone, it is a book that encourages you to think about the fact that our life on this earth will end, and we need to think about after.

I have found this book to be a very interesting read. The author lives and breathes by what he states. He randomly walks up to strangers and asks them questions that get them to think about where we emanate from. He gets into intricate details on his thought process and cites specific sources of how he is not convinced of science’s explanation on how we came to be. He covers the entire spectrum from conventional thought to the King James Version of his path of discovery. The author encourages us to seek the truth as he generously shares how he came into his own light.

I believe this book found me for a reason. It was given as generous act of sharing

light and knowledge for those wishing to align a stronger connection to God.

Mark Cahill has an established track record of changing minds throughout the

world. I highly recommend this book to all, especially those who are indifferent

and confused about God . I hope this review finds you as the book found me.

still at Mayo Clinic

2008-04-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

We are back to look at an ischemia in the great toe on the left leg which has turned black ( gangrene). I have alos been very sick with pneumonia, with no relief in sight.
Wish us luck. Been here since 3/25/08

Tammie Johnson- Nurse Coordinator

2008-03-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

The settings on this blog do not allow me to go back and re-edit previous bog entries. Or I am just in need of computer literacy. I misspelled Tammie Johnsons name in a previous entry.
Her mother named her with this wonderful spelling. She is truly a great kidney transplant coordinator and all of her patients with the last name ending in " L" are lucky to have her.

Special Thanks also to Dr. McPheil of Vascular Cardiology. Had a wonderful talk to him today and felt redeemed on some previous business.
Also thanks to Dr. Cosio, heading the transplant rounds at RMH this week.
her blood presure medication has been recently changed based upon his observation.
We will anticipate progress of being able to maintain consistent doses.

Been real busy, but will be back soon to update you

2007-12-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

We have a new nurse coordinator again, Tammy Johnson. A fine person, very understanding and thorough. We recently had an issue with my mom's prograf level. Tammy was very on the ball to make sure we were informed and our minds put to ease.
On another page, my research shows that
senna can possibly interfere with PTINR levels and may not be good for prolonged use by kidney transplant patients because it could cause dehydration.
Dehydration as you know, bumps up creatnine readings.
I am trying to research if Glucomann fiber is safe for kidney transplant patients to take. It is a good fiber for diabetic patients. I also learned that Omega 3 fish oil, Cinnamon, and Glucosamine and Condroitin is safe for kidney transplant patients. Mom has been on it for a month now. Although docs are not to verbal on what could be the potential benefit. Mom has noticed a reduction in osteo -arthritis symptoms. Kidneys like cinnamon. Cinnamon can drop your blood sugar so be careful.

We Need A Foot Pump

2007-05-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

The arterial flow pump now costs $4,000 seeking a way to get this neccesary piece of equipment for mom's survival and well being. Wish us luck. By the way we now have another new transplant nurse coordinator. Will give you details as soon as we know more.

Mom's Foot Continuing To Heal

2007-04-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

We had a little bout with her being allergic to a potential material in her special footware.
She developed some blisters. Thanks to Dr. Kavros, she is healing.
She is continuing to have routine boot therapy every 3-4 weeks for 2-3 days at a time at Mayo.
We decided to maintain her on on this therapy due to the overall benefit of the circulation.
Her creatnine clearance is 1.0 ! Amazing !
Prior to she was between 1.2 - 1.4 and had dramatic rises at times. Since boot therapy, her creatnine has remained stable between 1.0-1.2.
It is a pleasure talking to Barb, nurse coordinator and hearing the good news!

New Nurse Coordinator and a problem with PTINR test

2007-03-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well We have had a change of order and have a new transplant nurse coordinator, Barb Giles ( I hope I spelled her name right). She is the third coordinator we have had in one year. Mayo Clinic is very wonderful about following up on their transplant patients. One of the reasons why my mom selected to transfer her waiting points to Mayo is because they really have saved her life time and time over.I have a good friend that had a rejection episode and her Illinois transplant hospital did not help her, she was told to see her local nephrologist. By the time the rigamaroll all finished, her organ rejected and she was back on PD ( peritoneal dialysis again). Yes, it is hard staying in Minnesota for a long time, but every employee at Mayo Transplant that we have met has been extremely diligent about helping my mom with the illness epidodes she has had after transplant.
Mayo has a wonderful system of having a nurse coordinator watch your Prograf level and other blood test results and does a brief consult by phone each month. This is a wonderful privelege to have a nurse coordinator help us. it is comforting to know that we just starting talking to Barb and she has been so caring and helpful. We feel very lucky for mom to be watched over by such a wonderful person.

We went to Gonda 4 for a PTINR test and the machine was unable to register her result. Mary Ellen was so throrough about sending her down to the lab and she constantly watched the computer to give her a result. We were relieved to know she was on the safe side at 2.0

A new month and good news!

2007-01-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

My mothers foot has completely healed as of January 23rd,2007. We got the word at 9:43 am. a website is in the works to show off the before and after pictures. Many of the pictures of graphic at first but the healing is proof that amputation was not the correct alternative for her and circulation was the answer to my mother's prayers. She has a full foot to walk on and three beautiful toes left on her right foot.

2006-12-20T01:44:00.000-08:00

Attention Mayo Clinic Employee Administration/ Human Resources
Dated February 13,2006

From: Baidwatie Rita Lecoin

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Baidwatie Rita Lecoin. I have been a patient at Mayo Clinic since May of 2004. Previous to my coming to the clinic, I have had many traumatic experiences at many of the “top” Illinois hospitals. I am writing this letter to express gratitude to all of the excellent physicians and employees who have greatly contributed to my healing and recovery.
In 2005 I participated in the “Stories of The Heart Program”. I was honored to speak to all of the Mayo and St. Mary’s employees to show them that they were the reason why I was still alive and recovering. I was invited by Dr. Sharonne Hayes and Nurse Practitioner Dalene Bott-Kitslaar. Dr. Sharonne and Dalene were instrumental in helping my heart get better. My ejection fraction was first 15% when I came to Mayo and now it is a normal 65% ! Their efforts made it possible for me to be placed on the kidney transplant list. Her secretary Bonnie was always very welcoming in all of my visits to Mayo. At the “Stories of The Heart” I met two fantastic employees that really made me feel like family. Charlene Tri and Cathy Atwel pushed me around in my wheelchair and catered to my every need. They ran and conducted the program in such an outstanding manner, I felt privileged to take part in the event with them at my side.
They are an excellent asset to your cardiovascular team. Doug Parks , Dr. Phil ( host), Dr. David Hayes ( moderator), Phil McAteer and Traci Klein in communications were also very caring and did a magnificent job in the program.
As you read on in this letter you will see so many more people I wish to thank. I am asking that no one go unnoticed. I want to preframe you that I am not just writing down all of the names of the people who took care of me. Rather I am noting the genuine exceptional care given by all of the individuals named in this letter. Each person that I am about to list has gone above and beyond the call of their duty. They took every measure to execute the highest care I have ever seen in my entire life. I worked in healthcare as a certified nurses aid/ phlebotomist for over 25 years. I have seen many healthcare employees and physicians. All of the people named in this letter are simply the best.
They are an asset to your clinic. Through their efforts, they have enhanced the quality of my life and I am sure of many, many others who have met them.
I feel truly blessed to have met each of these individuals. I will never forget them.
They will always be held in my highest regard.

Eisenberg Nephrology:
Dr. Amy Williams
Charlene ( secretary)
Thank You for always taking the time to hear my concerns, for riding through my tests with me, and for explaining matters about my renal health so well.

Cardiovascular:
Dr. Raymond Shields
Thank You for saving my life.!

Page Two Continued

Vascular Radiology
Patty Engel RN/PE
Thank You for making me feel at ease and doing my test so well.

During my 7-week stay for kidney transplant as of 12/13/05

Kidney Transplant Surgeon
Dr. Mikel Prieto
Thank You for saving my life !

Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Jessica Stanley RN 12/14 nights
Heather Hoke RN, 12/14 days
Jean Wiersgalla – cath team
Katie Truman, RN - 12/14 days

Thank you for your timely care and attention to detail.

Infusion Therapy Center
Richard Allen RN
Ed Gick RN
Sheila Rudolph RN
Ruth Seaquist RN
Dr. Rick Nishimara

You went above and beyond the call of duty with my temp-cath care and iv treatments.
Thank you for making me feel like you were taking care of a cherished family member. This was more than I could ever hope for. Every day I met a warm wonderful face with kind supportive words. You made me feel so at ease with my treatments and care. Thank You !

ALL OF CHARLTON DESK LA BLOOD DRAW
I am a difficult stick. Every morning, You always got it right the first time and I never felt any pain. Thank you !

Kidney Tranplant Doctors Charlton Desk 10A
Dr. Timothy Larsen M.D.
Dr. Patrick Dean M.D
Dr. Burcin Tanser M.D.
Dr. Doerr
Thank You for saving my life ! Thank you for treating me so well as a patient during my emergency issues at Rochester Methodist Transplant 10-2.
Dr. Amer Hatem
Thank you for your going out of your way to lend an extra helping hand to me and for your prompt follow though with my results.
Dr. Gregory Merten
Thank you for taking the time and attention to answer my questions and concerns
thank you for your prompt follow through and care.
Dr. Latonya Hickson
Thank you for your meticulous evaluations and insightful appointments. A pleasure to have you partcipate in my care.

Physician Assistants
K. Francois, PA
T. Fettes, PA

Thank you for all of your time and hard work during my recovery.

Transplant Nurse Coordinators
Charise Bauer RN, BAN
Deb Dicke-Henslen RN,BSN
Norma Sherwood RN,BSN

Thank You for always taking the time to speak to me and comfort me. You are all genuinely sweet and caring nurses.

All 10-2 Nurses involved in my patient care.
Thank you for helping me through my recovery. I genuinely appreciate all of you
Who assisted me during my stay 12/13 – 12/23 ( and most recently in February 2006). I was not able to get all of your names. For those who took care of me and I did not get your name, I am sorry.
These were the names that I could remember during my care and recovery. All of the nurses treated me very well and made me feel like I was being well taken care of. I was so weak and sick and all of you took care of me and did not hesitate to go the extra mile to help me.

Sarah Leisseter
Leah Haehn
Stacey Hecker
Jan Clark
Alexandra Amick
Lora Swank
Kaye Lindberg
Marylin
Tracey
Jasmin

. The story of my health challenges and recovery is in the makings for a case study book. My daughter is currently working with a publisher to get the publication ready for print and distribution. It has been a long and winding road. Mayo Clinic has been the destination of well being for all of my health concerns. Every individual that I meet who is ill or well I tell them to come to Mayo clinic. You will be treated like royalty.

With Eternal Gratitude,

Ms. Baidwatie Rita Lecoin

A Letter To Mayo Patient Affairs About

2006-12-20T01:37:00.000-08:00

To: Mayo Clinic Office of Patient AffairsFrom: Joanna Ammons- daughter of patient Baidwatie Lecoin
My Mother had been hospitalized for three weeks as of 6/13/06.She was facing the possibility of having a below knee amputation on her right foot.I was overcome with worry and seeking alternative resources to regain circulation in her feet to opt for a less drastic surgical alternative to preserve her leg and keep her ambulatory.To my suprise, I learned through, Dr. John Filip( Bryn Mawr Hospital, PA)That under my nose was the safe haven I had been so desperately seeking.Dr. Thom Rooke, Cardiovascular Chair ( Gonda 4 South), has state of the art resources available in the Circulator Boot Clinic. His wonderful nurse,Cindy Felty and his excellent staff Jim, Tanya, and Sandy took care of her needs immediately. This was most miraculous since my initial contact occured on a Sunday ( the holiday weekend) July, 2nd. Since my mother has been treated in this department, a marked improvement has been noticed in her right foot and healty tissue is observable.
My only wish is that this resource was made known to me directly by the residents/staff that had previously treated her at St. Mary's from the onset of her blue toe syndrome back in April of 2006. She had some boot therapy at St. Mary's in April but, this was no where on the eqivocal level of resources and education provided by Dr. Thom Rooke and his staff. I had to make phone calls practically around the world to find out about Dr. Thom Rooke. When in fact, my mother had been a patient here at Mayo and no one I spoke with here had been " in the know" about the remarkable happenings in the Circulator Boot Clinic. In fact, the more I asked, the more I was discouraged from investigating. I was even told, " You probably wouldn't get in any way, he is always full."Yes, Dr. Rooke is remarkably busy. We are fortunate that he made the time to work my mother into his department. His optimism and his ability to do whatever it takes to help her is most outstanding.
My goal is to utlize my resources as a writer to spread the word about this team.
I have several plans in motion which include a website journalizing her care and to write articles for print.
I will update you as to the progress of my endeavors in this area.You will find that I can be extremely tenacious in sharing my joy with the world, as to my mother's progress under the care of Dr. Thom Rooke and his terrific staff.
I would like to close this letter by stating. I have observed the amazing way that Dr. Thom Rooke, Cindy Felty, Jim, Tanya and Sandy have shown excellence in giving care in this department. They help so many people every day. I admire their devotion to this treatment. I can only hope that Mayo Clinic will give these individuals the special attention they deserve.
Respectfully,
J.M. Ammons

Transplant Work Up Went Well

2006-12-20T01:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had mom's transplant annual visit. It has been one year since she successfully received her kidney transplant. I remember lifting 40 pounds of dialysis fluid to hook her up to her at home peritoneal dialysis machine for over 3 years. Sometimes I still wake up to check on a dialysis machine that is no longer there. She is doing very well. Her Labs look good.
We are awaiting some more lab results and will update you on how the rest of her appointments go this week.