Re: Karyn / Foot Surgery

[Guest guest]

Karyn wrote:

> I am so glad that you did identify the problem before serious

complications developed. Wow, what an ordeal. As a diabetic I am at

risk for many foot complications. I purchased a heavy duty flex and

extendable mirror so I can do a foot check every night (or morning).

(snip)I also wear special diabetic socks and rotate my shoes.

Being diabetic, also, I am aware of our risk of foot complications.

In fact, the podiatrist and I discussed this. He said that if I were

to delay the sugery, the big toe would continue to crowd toward the

other toes, to the point that it would be rubbing against the second

diget or overlapping it, causing additional problems, like blisters or

other sores, which would be serious for a diabetic. He said then the

procedure to correct the problem would be more extensive, involving

casts, etc., and more suseptibility for infections. He was well

educated with the diabetic complications.....being a FOOT doctor, he

should be! I was impressed with his knowledge and very comfortable

with his behavior and demeanor. He was open and quick to explain some

of the serious aspects of complications for a diabetic with foot

problems. I'm really relieved that I sought help as soon as it began

to bother me, since it's the type of thing I normally would have put

aside and kept going until it was worse. But in the back of my mind,

I did think about those diabetic concerns, and figured that I better

go ahead and have it looked at while we still had the insurance to

cover any treatment.

Fortunately, I'm still limber enough to bring my legs and feet up into

a position where I can see the bottom of my feet and toes without any

difficulty, so the need for a mirror isn't necessary at this time, but

I'll keep that in mind for the time when I'm not as

limber.....hopefully never!

Thanks for the advice about keeping records, too. I've been doing

this for four years now, I have a day planner that I buy each year,

and into it I log every doctor's appointment, lab work, CT-scan dates,

and anything revelent to my medical situation. Since several of my

doctors are an 80+ mile trip, this has also been helpful at the end of

the year when we add up all our medical expenses, etc. for our taxes.

It's become such a habit now for me to keep track of everything, sort

of like a daily diary. I'll continue to do this, so I will be

prepared for a review.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Bluffton, SC

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Note: All comments or advice are from personal experiences or opinion

only,and should not be a substitute for consultation with your medical

professional.