Mum would of loved little Reggie Firkin being there Mark. I was carer for my grandparents and it is a heart wrenching task, especially when there are things you cannot do for them. My 3 sisters and mother wanted nothing to do with the whole situation other than tell me what they expected me to do, which made the task harder than it should of been. Nan had Severe Dementia and Gramps had emphycemia and depression. I lost my grandfather on my birthday and Nan went after a hip operation not long after. They're both in a better place now and I can rest easy knowing I did all I could to make life a bit easier for them. I no longer have anything to do with my sisters.....
Bad news about your dad John. It's uncanny how many people get infections from bone related surgery, in particular below the knees. Must have something to do with lower blood circulation down below the knee or something. I had my fibula and ankle rebuilt in 2003 with part of my hip and the help of metal plates and 13 screws. The surgeon, Brendon Klar told me that I could die from the operation. That put the wind up me as I had to wait nearly 2 weeks for the swelling to go down or my leg would open up like a zipper when they made the first incision. The operation went well and I've gotten 12 years out of it when Brendon told me to expect 3-5 years before needing to get my ankle fused. It was suggested that I get the plates and screws removed but I canned that idea as I was worried about infections and another 6 months of learning to use my ankle again. My lower leg swells up painfully now and it does get hard to walk but after reading about Marks experience, your Dads, and many others on the net, I think I'll deal with the discomfort for as long as I can before signing up for the ankle fusion.
Hang in there gents and keep the happy memories with you.
