Feet rant

[Barb]

Some time ago I learnt that I was only entitled to three more podiatry appointments (1 down, 2 to go) at my local health centre before being discharged.

Northerner helpfully suggested that I write to my MP, many thanks, but the response I got suggests that little can be done. I was advised that:"patients with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or a significant long term condition leading to impaired sensation .... and who are unable to self care and are at risk of damage to their feet may be eligible for support with foot care". I was sent a form authorising access to my medical records if I thought I had been incorrectly assessed but hold out little hope of getting anywhere.

At my last appointment I was told that I was at the same risk of developing foot problems as the general population. As I've been Type 1 for over 34 years I somehow doubt this

I was also advised to invest in trainers to prevent hard skin build up. As I generally favour skirts or dresses over trousers I'm likely to be mistaken for the Diabetic Fairy's distant cousin in future

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

 

[ukjohn]

Barb.

It looks like a case of postcode lottery again, The NHS Podiatry Department are also in my local Health Centre, but I get checked every three months and have done since diagnosis 6 years ago, they also trim my toenails the same time. Maybe its because I'm an old man

John.

 

[cherrypie]

Barb.

It looks like a case of postcode lottery again, The NHS Podiatry Department are also in my local Health Centre, but I get checked every three months and have done since diagnosis 6 years ago, they also trim my toenails the same time. Maybe its because I'm an old man

John.

I don't think it is because of your age John I am the same age as you and pay to see a podiatrist. There is no help in my area unless you have existing problems.

 

[ukjohn]

I don't think it is because of your age John I am the same age as you and pay to see a podiatrist. There is no help in my area unless you have existing problems.

Hi Cherrypie, the age thing was a tongue in cheek comment 🙂

But I still think its a postcode lottery. Another thing that comes to mind is if there is nothing wrong with your feet why would you want to see a podiatrist, you wouldn't expect to go see the doctor if theres nothing wrong surely.

 

[Northerner]

Perhaps it's worth highlighting this to DUK, given their current 'Putting Feet First' campaign?

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved/Campaigning/Putting-feet-first/

Obviously it's unlikely to help in individual cases, but the more evidence that is built up of unsatisfactory care, the stronger the argument.

I also get good podiatry care and don't have to pay for it.

 

[cherrypie]

😉😉 But how would I know that my feet are perfect unless a professional looks at them??? I think you should be entitled to one visit for reassurance.

I did not know that I had diabetes until a professional took blood tests. How many years had I been ignorant of that? Can be up to 10 years before Type2 is accidentally discovered.

It was discovered by the podiatrist that I had a ligament problem on one foot which she treated successfully though. Not D related of course.

 

[Northerner]

😉😉 But how would I know that my feet are perfect unless a professional looks at them??? I think you should be entitled to one visit for reassurance.
...

This is the thing. The recent reports highlighted cases where a person's GP had dismissed a foot infection that then led to an amputation, costing the NHS many thousands and significant loss of quality of life for the patient. You should not have to self-diagnose or rely on a general practitioner. The podiatry service I have used told me that if I ever thought there might be a problem to contact them for an immediate appointment.

 

[Barb]

Thanks for everyone's feedback, I'll be following up the Putting feet first link.

I've had excellent care in the past and really appreciate that. It's the larger picture that scares me - there used to be 10 foot clinics in my area, there are now four and the three-monthly appointments I've been offered for years will now no longer be available. In theory, if I ask, I might get my feet checked at my annual hospital appointment but in practice these are often delayed and one "annual" check-up was 18 months later.

It seems a false economy to wait until problems arise before taking footcare for diabetics seriously. No matter how tight we try to keep our readings, things can spiral out of control very quickly (I'm just getting over a sickness bug and found it very difficult to get sugar levels back to normal). Surely preventative treatment makes more sense.

QUOTE=Northerner;348961]This is the thing. The recent reports highlighted cases where a person's GP had dismissed a foot infection that then led to an amputation, costing the NHS many thousands and significant loss of quality of life for the patient. You should not have to self-diagnose or rely on a general practitioner. The podiatry service I have used told me that if I ever thought there might be a problem to contact them for an immediate appointment.[/QUOTE]

 

[Dizzydi]

Definitely follow it up, feet checks are imperative and have to be at least every 12 month not when probs arise.

I get a regular reminder of what can happen if you don't get proper checks and care. One of my parents really close friends had a problem with his big toe and before he knew it he was told the leg goes or you will only have about 3 month to live. (he ended up with gangrene)

Not worth the risk xxx

 

[trophywench]

Well I'm panicking a bit about one of my tootsies at the moment, I've showed it my GP and now my consultant who said there was nothing he was concerned about. Well that's lovely Doc. Hope you sleep OK then - because I blooming well can't.

D for 40 years and half one big toe has suddenly gone dead - last October! And 'not worry' about it???

Flipping Muppets .....

Well, saw cons on Weds, so Thurs I found a (private) podiatrist and see him end of next week.

 

[Barb]

Definitely follow it up, feet checks are imperative and have to be at least every 12 month not when probs arise.

I get a regular reminder of what can happen if you don't get proper checks and care. One of my parents really close friends had a problem with his big toe and before he knew it he was told the leg goes or you will only have about 3 month to live. (he ended up with gangrene)

Not worth the risk xxx

So sorry to hear about your parents' friend. More and more work is being handed over to GPs who don't have specialist knowledge to deal with foot problems.

 

[Barb]

Well I'm panicking a bit about one of my tootsies at the moment, I've showed it my GP and now my consultant who said there was nothing he was concerned about. Well that's lovely Doc. Hope you sleep OK then - because I blooming well can't.

D for 40 years and half one big toe has suddenly gone dead - last October! And 'not worry' about it???

Flipping Muppets .....

Well, saw cons on Weds, so Thurs I found a (private) podiatrist and see him end of next week.

These problems should be a priority. Sadly, this government is squeezing more and more people into the private sector, whether patients can afford it or not. Really hope your problems improve soon.