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What Causes Dark Fingers And Toes?
Question: My mom is 93 and in a nursing home. In January she had a procedure on her leg to open a vein because her toe was turning black. Even tho the doc said it was a success her middle toe did turn black and now the toe next to it is also black. She also has ulcers on both her shins which she has had on and off for the last 35 yrs. They have called hospice in because she does not want any more surgery. They give her so many pain meds that she sleeps most of the time thereby not being able to eat so it is a vicious circle. She is in her right mind when she is awake but they won t let her decide what and when to take the pain meds - just force her to take them. I guess my question is Is she going to die because of poor circulation in her legs?
Brief Answer:
This is due to poor circulation indeed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Black fingers mean that the tissues are dead. In other words there is no blood circulation in this black parts at all. Black toes should be removed (amputated) as are the potential source of infection and wont get back to normal for sure.
Her condition is caused by narrow or obstructed arteries in her legs. I assume she can not walk, and if she walks, has pain in her calf. As her age is pretty advanced, I am not sure if there us anything that can be done. But for sure vascular surgeon should consult her.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
This is due to poor circulation indeed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Black fingers mean that the tissues are dead. In other words there is no blood circulation in this black parts at all. Black toes should be removed (amputated) as are the potential source of infection and wont get back to normal for sure.
Her condition is caused by narrow or obstructed arteries in her legs. I assume she can not walk, and if she walks, has pain in her calf. As her age is pretty advanced, I am not sure if there us anything that can be done. But for sure vascular surgeon should consult her.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Are there any pain meds that will not make her sleep so much? Why would they put her on neurotin, an epileptic drug?
Brief Answer:
Strong painkillers always make you sleepy.
Detailed Answer:
Unfortunately most of the strong painkillers make you sleepy. Thats how it works. And there is not much you can do about it. Neurotin is used for pain treatment especially nerves related pain. So it is not only epileptic drug.
Strong painkillers always make you sleepy.
Detailed Answer:
Unfortunately most of the strong painkillers make you sleepy. Thats how it works. And there is not much you can do about it. Neurotin is used for pain treatment especially nerves related pain. So it is not only epileptic drug.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If she gets an infection, is hospice legally or morally supposed to use antibiotics to help her or do they just let it go, as they are in the business of helping one die?
Brief Answer:
Antibiotics should be given.
Detailed Answer:
Antibiotics are a standard treatment nowadays. So they should give it to her for sure. Not just let her die.
Antibiotics should be given.
Detailed Answer:
Antibiotics are a standard treatment nowadays. So they should give it to her for sure. Not just let her die.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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