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Hi, I'm new to this part of C-D, so I don't know anything about the diabetes forum. I'm posting about my older brother. He's almost 72 and has been diabetic for years. I don't know how closely he controls his glucose. Not well, I'm afraid, as he's pretty stubborn. He has had some ulcers on his toes and recently had a middle toe amputated within the last 3 months. He's currently in the hospital having lost circulation to the same foot. They've re-established circulation, but he's having all the remaining toes on that foot amputated as well as some of the foot just beyond the toes because some of them have turned black and I guess are gangrenous.
So this leads to my question, has anyone here had to deal with partial foot amputation and how well did you manage afterwards? Are there special shoes for those without toes? Does it hamper your walking a lot after your re-hab? Do you use a cane or walker? Is this going to put him in a wheelchair for life? What do you find to be your best form of exercise, maybe a recumbent exercise bike?
Hi, I'm new to this part of C-D, so I don't know anything about the diabetes forum. I'm posting about my older brother. He's almost 72 and has been diabetic for years. I don't know how closely he controls his glucose. Not well, I'm afraid, as he's pretty stubborn. He has had some ulcers on his toes and recently had a middle toe amputated within the last 3 months. He's currently in the hospital having lost circulation to the same foot. They've re-established circulation, but he's having all the remaining toes on that foot amputated as well as some of the foot just beyond the toes because some of them have turned black and I guess are gangrenous.
So this leads to my question, has anyone here had to deal with partial foot amputation and how well did you manage afterwards? Are there special shoes for those without toes? Does it hamper your walking a lot after your re-hab? Do you use a cane or walker? Is this going to put him in a wheelchair for life? What do you find to be your best form of exercise, maybe a recumbent exercise bike?
I lost my big toe on my right foot last year due to gangrene/lack of circulation/ From the time I first noticed the toe was turning black,and to the time I rushed into emergency;the toe had to go...that was about a week. I also developed osteomyelesis;so they had to cut even further down the foot to prevent the infection from having my entire foot amputated.
I was already walking with a cane before the surgery...and was barely able to walk 1/2 a block before I had to stop due to the overwhelming pain of neuropathy/claudication.
They had to place 2 stents in each of my legs to facilitate circulation ;as the surgery wound would not heal.
I spent 4 1/2 months in 2 hospitals and 2 nursing homes...I was released on November 11th of 2022...and it took until April this year for the wound to totally close;after frequent out-patient debridement.
My quality of life keeps diminishing...even with the 2 stents I still can't walk more than a few steps without stopping;and can't keep my balance when I stand up(have to hold on to the walls or furniture constantly).
I had to stop exercising on a stationary bike because the pain in my knees was is unbearable...I also have a drop foot on the same foot. They had a special brace to use inside my shoe to keep the foot straight...but it caused ulcers on my calf and bleeding...Had to stop that also.
Sorry to sound so negative;but that's what I went through...20 years of treatment for diabetes 2 and other ailments...11 daily medications...I just don't see it getting any better and my mental health is suffering too.
My brother had part of his foot removed, along with a few toes, about four years ago. He now has to wear a special shoe and brace but is able to walk and function without using a cane or walker. He had to use a walker for several months until he learned how to compensate. I think though, the ability to function after an amputation like this is highly dependent on where the removal occurred, the person’s general health, and the attitude of person. This is one of those rare areas where stubbornness can be a virtue, as long as the person is determined to walk.
They were able to get my brother’s diabetes back under control, which has allowed him to do better with his circulation and diabetic nephropathy. The amputation was a monumental wake-up call for him and several of us siblings believe if he hadn’t had that happen he would be dead now instead.
My heart goes out to you, there is nothing more heartbreaking than watch someone you love engage in what you believe is self-sabotage by ignoring their health. Been there, done that - it sucks.
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I finally have been eating to control blood sugar since I am borderline diabetic. A nice side effect is I am losing weight as well.
This thread is a good reminder not to cheat on my no sugar/low carb eating regimen. When I cheat, the floodgates open. My nurse sister said if I really behave, I can back off my insulin resistance and avoid going to Type 2 diabetes.
Thanks for the thread, and Happy New Year!
Maybe this thread will finally get me to stick to riding the stationary bike at least 3 days a week. Wish me luck. Being scared straight works. Hearing about the hardships and suffering of diabetics is a good reminder that motivates me. I am sorry that it has to come at someone else's expense, but wise people learn from others mistakes instead of having to learn from their own.
51 year old son, did all that was required for a diabetic; excellent doctor, informed him his calf, below the knee would be removed. Modern technology, his prosthetic is blue with a wolf on it ! He's adapted quite well, just part of his journey. By CD ,
His paternal grandmother, in her 70's, had a leg amputated
Are there special shoes for those without toes? Does it hamper your walking a lot after your re-hab? Do you use a cane or walker? Is this going to put him in a wheelchair for life? What do you find to be your best form of exercise, maybe a recumbent exercise bike?
Well, I haven't posted here for a while. My brother got out of the nursing home rehab place and went home after 2 weeks. Unfortunately, he had to go back to the hospital as he had developed infection in the bones of two of the foot bones and they had to take off more of those 2 bones. So now he has a little less than half a foot left on that side. He didn't have to go to the rehab again, he refused, so they sent him home and he's got a wound care nurse who comes by every other day. He's using a wheelchair for the time being. I don't know if he'll be able to get around with a cane and a prosthetic shoe. It's definitely a wake-up call to any diabetic who doesn't stay on top of their foot care.
Thank you for all your wishes, and the info on how others progressed with similar injuries. Under the circumstances, he's amazingly positive and doesn't get too down.
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