LIVING WITH DIABETES

My Husband's Condition
By Amy
   
In April 2007, my husband of 10 years (a Type I diabetic since age 26), was diagnosed with Charcot foot. Initially, he went to our primary care physician who told him to take Advil and keep it elevated. I advised him to go to a podiatrist/specialist--and I am glad we did. 
   
His foot looked terribly swollen and the specialist diagnosed Charcot foot. His bones were crumbled, his arch was non-existent, and other bones basically popped out of place. The doctor said, "It looks like someone set off an explosion in his foot." I saw the x-rays and he was right.
   
He had to go on disability immediately and, once we got the health plans to cooperate; a date in May was set for his surgery. The surgeon reconstructed his foot, recreated his arch, and used a halo device to keep the bones in place while it healed. The road to recovery was a long one and one that continues. As of September, he is walking in an air-cast-type of boot--but he is walking. He will have to undergo several weeks of physical therapy  and wear orthopedic footwear in the future, but this is nothing compared to the possibility of losing your foot.
   
At the first sign of anything unusual, a diabetic (or anyone for that matter) should see a physician immediately. Even more important, should your symptoms change or worsen, you must contact your physician---and if you do not feel you are getting the right answers, find a doctor who will listen. (We have since changed our primary care physician.)