Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Way to go!! Good for you for having the patience and perseverance! Obviously it paid off!! Keep up the good work! That is a honey of a story! Smile! some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Podiatrists recommend that no diabetic ever go barefoot. Even at the bech, I wear Crocs, which are a rubber shoe tha fit your fee so that they won't come off in the water. They are thin, but sturdy. I have never gone barefotot so that at the bech I can't stand walking on the burning hot sand. Re: some good news! Hi all, what's the general consensus on bear foot or not. I hear on one hand, that diabetics shouldn't do it and on the other, that they should? When your feet are in shoos they sweat and can get calluses and blisters. on the other hand you are more likely to injure your feet barefoot but if barefoot your feet get a chance to breathe and I have heard it strengthens the skin on your feet. I usually go barefoot around the house. Out of curiosity, what are others opinions on this. Cheers, Brett. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 greetings all james in denver where can you get crocks some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Glad to hear that it all cleared. I hope it stays that way. Ruth From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 5:30 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Hi Becky, Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks. Ruth From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Harry The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year. Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using the wound vac. For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer, I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks, and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said there was no more ulcer. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM To: blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Re: some good news! Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more. How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of antibiotics were used to help you? Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress. Keep up the good stuff! some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Hi Becky, Don't be surprised if your blood sugars get better now that you can walk around and exercise more. That's what happened to me. Once I began exercising again after my foot was healed after my toe was amputated. Ruth From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:40 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! Thanks Harry. Yes, I've been trying to keep a closer eye on my sugars since this all started, but my A1C has not been as low as what you and the others on here recommend. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 8:33 PM To: blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Re: some good news! Wow!, what a story. I figured it was more complicated than it seemed at first. I am proud you got proper treatment to save your foot from amputation. How was you A1C during this time? Did you try to keep low or at least normal blood sugars? Keep a close watch on those feet, and I hope the ulcers never return. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection. Becky No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008 4:10 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Hi Ruth When I first found out that my insurance company would not pay for the wound vac or home nursing indefinitely I started getting worried. Then I read an article from the Los Angeles Times (I use Newsline for the Blind over the telephone) about a product called Medihoney. It talked about how Manuka honey had been used in European hospitals for 25 years or more. I printed out a copy of the article and showed it to my foot doctor. He was not the least bit impressed and told me that I should go back to using saline dressings when I was no longer using the wound vac. I did not like hearing this because I was really hooked on the idea of trying honey. The article emphasized honey's healing properties and it's ability to prevent and/or cure infections including MRSA infections. So I was determined to find a place to buy it. I figured if it didn't work, then I would do the saline dressings the doctor told me to use. I did an internet search for Medihoney and found out that the company had been sold but that individuals could buy it's main ingredient, Manuka honey. I found a wonderful site called www.manukahoneyusa.com that not only sells jars of Manuka honey but sells other products with honey. You can also read a lot of information about Manuka honey on this site as well as order from it. You can also sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter called Honey in the News. The Manuka honey didn't bring about complete closure of my wound as fast as I would have wanted, but in the more than 11 months I used it, I never once had to go back on antibiotics. The would stayed free of infection, and the doctor always said it looked clean and healthy. Of course, he thought I was using saline dressings, and I did not tell him the truth until the end. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 2:43 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Becky, Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks. Ruth From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Harry The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year. Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using the wound vac. For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer, I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks, and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said there was no more ulcer. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Re: some good news! Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more. How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of antibiotics were used to help you? Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress. Keep up the good stuff! some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2008 Report Share Posted November 1, 2008 Greg and Becky, I am willing to bet that I am more chronologically advanced than either of you subsequently I offer this sage advice: Slow it down to a medium crawl when traversing the house without shoes as the things which jump out and get in your way are *much* harder than they used to be. (LOL) When I was much younger I was also much more resilient than I am now. I have learned to walk with almost no momentum so when I do encounter strange things the force is minimal. This slow pace causes folks behind you to grumble and mutter but, oh well, they can just deal with it. (ROFLROFL) I dearly love to go barefoot but it just ain't practical anymore. Cy, The Anasazi. _____ From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Greg Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 5:34 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Becky, Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they were--setting up foot-damaging collisions. Greg Columbus, Ohio At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote: >My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been >getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up >dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot >indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my >feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection. > >Becky > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com>http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com >Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008 >4:10 PM > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Well, I don't go barefoot more because of possible breaks in the skin that could become infected than fear of hitting a toe on something. My furniture doesn't move, but my stupid cat does, and he hasn't picked up on the fact yet (after four years of living here) that I don't see him. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Cy Selfridge Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 6:58 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! Greg and Becky, I am willing to bet that I am more chronologically advanced than either of you subsequently I offer this sage advice: Slow it down to a medium crawl when traversing the house without shoes as the things which jump out and get in your way are *much* harder than they used to be. (LOL) When I was much younger I was also much more resilient than I am now. I have learned to walk with almost no momentum so when I do encounter strange things the force is minimal. This slow pace causes folks behind you to grumble and mutter but, oh well, they can just deal with it. (ROFLROFL) I dearly love to go barefoot but it just ain't practical anymore. Cy, The Anasazi. _____ From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Greg Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 5:34 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Becky, Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they were--setting up foot-damaging collisions. Greg Columbus, Ohio At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote: >My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been >getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up >dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot >indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my >feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection. > >Becky > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com> com>http://www.avg. <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com> com >Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008 >4:10 PM > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi Becky, Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they were--setting up foot-damaging collisions. Greg Columbus, Ohio At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote: >My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been >getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up >dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot >indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my >feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection. > >Becky > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg.com>http://www.avg.com >Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008 >4:10 PM > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 I got one pair of Crocs at macey's and another at Right Aid! Re: some good news! greetings all james in denver where can you get crocks some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 I hate shoes outside though I wear them now I used to dig quahogs (hard-shelled clams) with my toes. I mean, bushels. So now they say I will get cut and die? Oh my, I want to say I don't care, but I wear the shoes though sometimes in theocean not. Vicki Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. RE: some good news! Hi Becky, Your domestic arrangements really plays a huge part in going or not going barefoot--the more people who live together, the more chances that furniture and other items won't always be where you thought they were--setting up foot-damaging collisions. Greg Columbus, Ohio At 05:45 PM 11/1/08 -0400, you wrote: >My personal reason for no longer going barefoot is the ulcers I have been >getting over the past 8 years. Even a tiny crack in the skin can pick up >dirt and germs from the floor and cause an infection. I used to go barefoot >indoors all the time, but I don't anymore because, even though I examine my >feet every day now, there is still a fear of anotherinfection. > >Becky > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - <http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com>http://www.avg. <http://www.avg.com> com >Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.5/1759 - Release Date: 10/31/2008 >4:10 PM > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi Becky: Oh that is good news indeed. What is a wound vack? Can you explain? I am very lucky in that I haven't had many complications from my diabetes. I hope it won't happen. I am so glad for this list though as there is so much good information that comes this way. Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi all: I know that being bare foot is a nono but what can I do? I find that if I wear shoes or even slippers for a while my feet become unbearably hot. I just can't stand it. I have tried many times so I end up going bare foot in the house. Never outside the house but what can I do? Even when I go to the store or some place like that, I find that my feet swell and when I try to put my shoes on again it is hard to get them back on because of the swelling. Help please! Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Do you have congestive heart failure? some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Do you have congestive heart failure? some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 , Have you been to apodiatrist and asked him about your " hot feet " ? He might have some suggestions. Re: some good news! Hi all: I know that being bare foot is a nono but what can I do? I find that if I wear shoes or even slippers for a while my feet become unbearably hot. I just can't stand it. I have tried many times so I end up going bare foot in the house. Never outside the house but what can I do? Even when I go to the store or some place like that, I find that my feet swell and when I try to put my shoes on again it is hard to get them back on because of the swelling. Help please! Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 , Have you been to apodiatrist and asked him about your " hot feet " ? He might have some suggestions. Re: some good news! Hi all: I know that being bare foot is a nono but what can I do? I find that if I wear shoes or even slippers for a while my feet become unbearably hot. I just can't stand it. I have tried many times so I end up going bare foot in the house. Never outside the house but what can I do? Even when I go to the store or some place like that, I find that my feet swell and when I try to put my shoes on again it is hard to get them back on because of the swelling. Help please! Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi hary: My doctor has not mentioned anything about congestive heart failure. I certainly hope not. I imagine that would be one of the first things he looked for wouldn't it? That and kidney function. Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi hary: My doctor has not mentioned anything about congestive heart failure. I certainly hope not. I imagine that would be one of the first things he looked for wouldn't it? That and kidney function. Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi : No I haven't been to him lately but have been planning to make an appointment. He is hard to get in to because his practice covers such a wide area. He is the only pediatrist from here to Prince which is about five hundred miles from here. so you can imagine how long you wait for an appointment. It really sucks. Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Hi : No I haven't been to him lately but have been planning to make an appointment. He is hard to get in to because his practice covers such a wide area. He is the only pediatrist from here to Prince which is about five hundred miles from here. so you can imagine how long you wait for an appointment. It really sucks. Love and Hugs and the Furry ones. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be. some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 HiBecky, I bet his jaw dropped when you told him. Did you convert him or at least open up his way of thinking or was he a stick in the mud? Ruth From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 4:55 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Ruth When I first found out that my insurance company would not pay for the wound vac or home nursing indefinitely I started getting worried. Then I read an article from the Los Angeles Times (I use Newsline for the Blind over the telephone) about a product called Medihoney. It talked about how Manuka honey had been used in European hospitals for 25 years or more. I printed out a copy of the article and showed it to my foot doctor. He was not the least bit impressed and told me that I should go back to using saline dressings when I was no longer using the wound vac. I did not like hearing this because I was really hooked on the idea of trying honey. The article emphasized honey's healing properties and it's ability to prevent and/or cure infections including MRSA infections. So I was determined to find a place to buy it. I figured if it didn't work, then I would do the saline dressings the doctor told me to use. I did an internet search for Medihoney and found out that the company had been sold but that individuals could buy it's main ingredient, Manuka honey. I found a wonderful site called www.manukahoneyusa.com that not only sells jars of Manuka honey but sells other products with honey. You can also read a lot of information about Manuka honey on this site as well as order from it. You can also sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter called Honey in the News. The Manuka honey didn't bring about complete closure of my wound as fast as I would have wanted, but in the more than 11 months I used it, I never once had to go back on antibiotics. The would stayed free of infection, and the doctor always said it looked clean and healthy. Of course, he thought I was using saline dressings, and I did not tell him the truth until the end. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 2:43 PM To: blind-diabetics <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Becky, Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks. Ruth From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Harry The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year. Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using the wound vac. For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer, I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks, and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said there was no more ulcer. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Re: some good news! Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more. How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of antibiotics were used to help you? Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress. Keep up the good stuff! some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 Ruth His exact words were " Well, it apparently worked for you. " That was it. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 6:21 PM To: blind-diabetics Subject: RE: some good news! HiBecky, I bet his jaw dropped when you told him. Did you convert him or at least open up his way of thinking or was he a stick in the mud? Ruth From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 4:55 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Ruth When I first found out that my insurance company would not pay for the wound vac or home nursing indefinitely I started getting worried. Then I read an article from the Los Angeles Times (I use Newsline for the Blind over the telephone) about a product called Medihoney. It talked about how Manuka honey had been used in European hospitals for 25 years or more. I printed out a copy of the article and showed it to my foot doctor. He was not the least bit impressed and told me that I should go back to using saline dressings when I was no longer using the wound vac. I did not like hearing this because I was really hooked on the idea of trying honey. The article emphasized honey's healing properties and it's ability to prevent and/or cure infections including MRSA infections. So I was determined to find a place to buy it. I figured if it didn't work, then I would do the saline dressings the doctor told me to use. I did an internet search for Medihoney and found out that the company had been sold but that individuals could buy it's main ingredient, Manuka honey. I found a wonderful site called www.manukahoneyusa.com that not only sells jars of Manuka honey but sells other products with honey. You can also read a lot of information about Manuka honey on this site as well as order from it. You can also sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter called Honey in the News. The Manuka honey didn't bring about complete closure of my wound as fast as I would have wanted, but in the more than 11 months I used it, I never once had to go back on antibiotics. The would stayed free of infection, and the doctor always said it looked clean and healthy. Of course, he thought I was using saline dressings, and I did not tell him the truth until the end. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of ruth hogue Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 2:43 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Becky, Can you tell me a little more about manuca honey? Where did you buy it, how much, and where did you hear about and what did you learn about it? Thanks. Ruth From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Becky Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:12 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: some good news! Hi Harry The swelling and pain started in April 2007. It wasn't until late May that my doctor discovered the two ulcers and put me right in the hospital. I had surgery to clean out the ulcers and was put on IV antibiotics. To tell you the truth, I don't remember the name of the antibiotics. I was sent home after a week but had to use the wound vac and have a nurse come out three times a week to change the wound vac tube and dressings. I was also still on IV antibiotics and had a port in my arm, and my brother learned how to use the port to hook me up to the IV bag for a half hour every day. The IV antibiotics continued for six weeks and then I was off for awhile. But my wounds became infected again, so I went on oral Leviquin, another antibiotic. One of the ulcers healed, and by September the wound vac only had to be used on the one on the bottom of my foot. I think I had to go on another few weeks of oral antibiotics in September or October last year. Then the insurance company stopped paying for the use of the wound vac, but luckily the company supplying the wound vac had a financial aid program for people who needed it. But then in November, the insurance company stopped paying for the home nursing care, and the wound vac can only be used if a medical professional is involved. So November 12 last year was my last day with the wound vac. I had been reading about the use of Manuka honey dressings for wound and burn care and decided to try it. It didn't bring about healing of the ulcer on the bottom of my foot as quickly as I had hoped, but I have never had to go back on antibiotics, so I considered it a success since I still had to go back on antibiotics a few times when using the wound vac. For the last two or three months, whenever anyone asked me about the ulcer, I would tell them it was almost healed. It truly was only about the size of a pin prick. But I kept visiting the foot doctor every two to three weeks, and he would debris it. As of today's doctor appointment, there was nothing left to need to be dibried. He scraped away some callused skin and said there was no more ulcer. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Harry/ Bates Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 7:53 PM To: blind-diabetics@ <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com <mailto:blind-diabetics%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: Re: some good news! Thanks Becky for sharing the good news. Tell me more. How long did it take for it to heal with proper treatment, and what kind of antibiotics were used to help you? Keep a close watch and let us know how you progress. Keep up the good stuff! some good news! Hi all, Those of you who have been on the list for awhile have heard me talk about my Charcot foot condition that started in the spring of 2007. This is something fairly rare that can happen to diabetics. Basically, my right foot and ankle were swollen to about twice their size, and I was in so much pain I often cried. I ended up in the hospital the last week of May and had surgery. I had two ulcers in my heel, one pretty close to the middle of my heel and the other on the inside edge. I am not quite sure if the ulcers were caused by the Charcot condition or not. Anyway, I had to be on IV antibiotics for a long time and used a contraption called a wound vac. The ulcer on the inside of the heel closed up after a few months, but the one on the bottom of my foot near the center of the heel did not close. My insurance stopped paying for the wound vac and for the home health nurses last November. Finally, after almost a year of just trying to stay off my foot as much as possible and using homemade dressings of Manuka honey, I am happy and relieved to report there is no more ulcer. I understand from talking to others that Charcot foot can recur and could even show up on the other foot at some point. But for now I'm ulcer free and very happy. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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