Diabetic neuropathy in feet?

[pippaandben]

At long last I have my first assessment appointment at the foot clinic on Thursday. Hopefully I can get regular visits. I do have lack of feeling on the front of my leg from knee to toes on the left and cannot feel anything on the filament test . This is due to the nerve damage caused by my spine op last year causing foot drop and which I now have to accept is permanent. However due to lack of feeling the first indications of having hurt myself is when OH says " What have you done to yourself now?". I am aware of pressure eventually but not immediately. My spine consultant initially tried to say it was 100% due to diabetes and not the op - this has now been largely disproved by various osteopaths and neurologists at both Kings and Queens hospitals in London although some element of diabetic neuropathy is probably also present.

Luckily I suppose as I have no/very little feeling I don't feel any pain!!

This has led to me wondering about the tremendous emphasis put on the annual foot check as personally I have found nurse now says no point as I have so little feeling anyway and also apart from giving yourself information to check feet - what else does it achieve? Is there any cure? Can you do anything to help alleviate the situation? Any exercises recommended?
Is there anything I should specifically ask at my appt?

 

[Pumper_Sue]

My spine consultant initially tried to say it was 100% due to diabetes and not the op - this has now been largely disproved by various osteopaths and neurologists at both Kings and Queens hospitals in London although some element of diabetic neuropathy is probably also present.

After I started getting pins and needles and one foot going numb I saw a neurologist who sent me for nerve conduction tests which proved categorically that I did not have diabetic neuropathy no idea how they distinguish what is what or even if the treatment is different. So well worth asking about this.

As you have no feeling it's a must that you are checked as any damage can be spotted and treated before infection/ulcers start.

 

[Kentoldlady]

I have had very little feeling in my feet since my teens, following a nasty encounter with measles. I have just got used to it. My dn has said that foot checks are essential for me.
I must admit, that because I have had this for over 40 years I have just ignored this side of t2. That is a very bad idea!!!
I have been booked in for an appointment with podiatry, even though I would not get one as a normal t2.
I think that checks should be more often, not less.