Charcot Foot

[livingwith]

Here it is April and I still can’t walk without pain. In October 2007 I wss told that I had “Charcot Foot” which I had never heard of in my life.
I am a diabetic and aware that all kinds of things can happen to my body. I do not take care of my self very well but have tried to do better since October. It really hit home when I was told that I could lose my foot. Before my mother died she lost a foot and I don’t want that to happen to me.
I was in six different cast, a bo...Read the full article

[cathie]

Rita,
Hang in there. I am not yet a success story but I hope to be. I am in the what I guess I would call the next phase - I found out I have charcot 1 year ago. i spent 5 months in a walking cast/boot with tendon damage - no fractures at that time. I have been a diabetic for about 25 years, possible longer, but did not start taking care of myself until 3 years ago and am now on insulin. My doctors consider my diabetes under control and are very pleased, but the consequences of diabetes are causing more problems. I have had laser surgery on my eyes 6 times for bleeding, I am in stage 3 kidney disease, severe peripheral neuropathy, and to top it all off I have lupus. I have continued working 45 hours a week, but it is getting tough. I found out on Tuesday that I have multiple fractures in my foot and am now back in a cast with crutches as well. I have done everything the doctors have asked and taken all the the medications I am told to, watch my diet carefully, exercise is a problem however, but I am very frustrated and depressed too.

I'm telling you all of this because you say you are not taking care of your diabetes. YOU MUST! I know the damage is already done but you want to stop it from getting worse and controlling your blood sugar will help you to heal if you must have surgery, and if you want to save that foot you probably will. I know if that is what it will take to save my foot I will do it.

I don't want you to think I am preaching at you, even though I am, but I am living proof of what happens if you don't take care of your diabetes. I am in pain from the first step I take in the morning and the pain keeps me up at night as well. I try not to take too many prescription pain meds because I don't want to get too used to them and I know I will need them later on. I am 43 years old, so I know I have to pace myselp for the long haul. I knew i had diabetes when I was 25 and pregnant, but did not do anything about it until I was 40 and had a big wake-up call with a trip to the ER and a long hospital stay.

You're lucky to have a job you can still do. My employer is wondering just how much longer I can last, and I work a desk job. I have to keep my job to keep my health insurance and this is becoming a big worry for my as I also have an austisttic son in 9th grade who is on my health insurance as well.

Hang in there and keep fighting - Cathie