Charcot Foot

[chefbryan]

My name is bryan. I am a 39 y/o male who has had diabetes since I was 20 or so. for at least 10 years, I lived my life like I wanted to. Never testing my sugars, eating what I want. Now, I am suffering from kidney failure, and now charcot foot. I have had gross amounts of pain and foot swelling growing up the leg since Labor Day. My last ct scan, the radiologist noticed it, and stated that due to severe infection, the leg should be amputated. 5 days and 5 doctors later, I found an orthopedic surgeon who really knew charcot foot and put me in bilateral boots. I am not to put any weight on my feet for the next 6-8 weeks, and then not really sure what to expext from there. My wife and kids are scared for me, not sure if I will ever actually loose the leg, or if we can save it. My faith in God is strong, and therefore I know who to rely on.
I write this as a notice to those who may be diabetic, and are non-compliant with treatment. I beg, please, take care of yourself. You never know how good you have it until all is taken away from you. Even though it has only been 1 week, I already would give anything to be able to walk again.

[5judge]

My doc told me that if he can get it to scar over that he possibly could fit me with custom made inserts and I could get around. I cut meat for a living and he told that my career doing that is pretty much over. It took a while for them to diagnois me but the nuclear injection found the hot spot and regular x-rays showed the deformity. I'm not diabetic but got neuropathy from all the alcohol consumption in my lifetime. Hang in there and hopefully they can get straightened around.

[alkiearkie]

I read you posting with interest & I'm new to this forum. I believe my fiance is suffering from Charcot foot. He has all the symptoms listed on the internet & has been repeatedly misdiagnosed by both m.d., vascular specialists & internal providers. You statement regarding alcohol consumption peaked my interest as he has been a heavy beer drinker for the majority of his life. He has been negatively tested for diabetes & his condition may be attributed to hereditary factors as he suffers from high blood pressure & vascular insufficiency, both hereditary. His profession is supervisory in bridge construction which includes regular exposure to fowl waters & continual walking on non-level surfaces. You mentioned the 'fire ant' feeling...he explains his as many knifes or needles poking into his skin & he is unable to sleep for any length of time or ambulate normally. He also has the ulcer which drains the infection and causes severe pain. His leg is swollen, blue, very high arched foot, deformed toes, varicose veins protruding and toenails which resemble a monster. Please tell me more about the alcohol effects & what type of alcohol affected your condition...I hope it's all right to ask this question...He has his first appt. with a podiatrist this Friday...I'm praying we will find some answers & help there. Wishing you all the best...Sincerely, Debbie

[flosemae]

you are so right .i am 55 and really did the same...by not taking care of my self..now i have charcot foot also..will be cast next week...you are so young and can help others , to let them know how horrible DM can be and to take care of it when first dx...there is so much can happen to you in years to come...i have lost a toe...been dx with kidney disease...now charcot feet and may loose my job which is very important to me...i know so little about charcot foot that it is scarry... what drs to have faith in...how to stop feeling sorry for myself...and how to look forward to at least a normal life...and by that i mean to just work for a living and to be able to walk on our own...I am also a christian and want so much to have faith but you know how hard that is ...I feel bad about even talking about myself and my problems when you are so young and have so many problems..I have 1 son he is 35 and is the blessing of my life...so i am glad you have children they are such a blessing...if i get any new info in these areas of illness i will be sure to reply....so keep on telling everyone with DM to please take care at once and maybe these things will not be their fate...